DR Congo NDF appeals to Youth to Fight against Gender-Based Violence
The DR Congo National Discourse Forum (DRCNDF) members and partners are on course fighting Gender based violence in the country. The call for prevention was made on 1st September 2017 during a one day meeting that attracted 210 participants most of them being Senior five and Senior six students, and youth drawn from Butembo.
Coaching Women and Youth on Climate Change Adaptation in Beni, DR Congo
Effects of climate change are real worldwide and communities are learning how to adapt to new styles of life. In Beni Territory, the Solidarity of Organizations of Women and Young Agricultural Producers (SOFEJEP) are coaching the local women and youth on adaptation to the climate change effect through handcraft making
The legacy of the Late Prof. WANGARI MAATHAI stimulates tree planting in DR Congo
Prof. WANGARI MAATHAI was an icon whose legacy left prints in the minds of environmentalists and tree lovers worldwide. The quote of the internationally renown Kenyan environmental political activist and Nobel laureate, Wangari Maathai was the base of the campaign for tree planting in the City of Butembo, DR Congo in October 2017.
Understanding Women’s Health across their Lifespan in Uganda
This was the theme of first Women’s Health Summit that took place from 11th to 12th October, 2017 at Silver Springs Hotel Bugolobi, Kampala Uganda. The Summit attracted 260 participants drawn from individuals, groups, Health experts, community leaders, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs),
Mitigating Human-Elephants Conflicts to Improve Food Security in MARA River sub-basin, TANZANIA
Human-elephant conflicts mostly exist where human populations and wild life share resources outside protected areas. The negative impacts of these conflicts affect both humankind and wild life. The Mara river basin has been the key link between Serengeti Ecosystem in Tanzania and Massai-Mara ecosystem in Kenya connected through annual wildlife migration. However, for a long time the communities bordering
Kenyan National Discourse Forum adds voice to support the ban on Plastic Bags
The newly elected Kenya National Discourse Forum (KNDF) Executive Board members have vowed to extend support to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) initiative of banning the use and manufacture of polythene bags.
In their inaugural meeting held at Perch Hotel in Kisumu, presided over by the chairperson, Rev Joe Asila, and attended by the Vice-chairperson, Ms Anne Ombewa, KNDF Secretary General Mr Laban Korelach among others. The members resolved to support the authority’s ban on polythene bag. Reading the meeting’s resolutions, Mr Korelach noted that majority of Kenyans are for the total ban. “The few who have not understood the reason behind the ban will soon catch up with the rest of the country through awareness creation”, he said.
The need for balancing Environmental Protection, Natural Resources use and Human well-being
The National Discourse Forum - Rwanda (NDF- Rwanda) is a pioneer member to the regional Population Health Environment Network (PHE) that is jointly supported by Lake Victoria Basin Commission and the East African Community secretariat.
PHE was conceived as a mechanism to bring a positive influence on population growth, health and environmental conservation patterns by enhancing resilience of communities, helping balance environmental protection, natural resource use and human well-being.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in changing climate: Experience from Rwanda
The Rwanda National Discourse Forum (RNDF) has benefitted from a 30 months funding programme from the Nordic Climate Facility to implement the project entitled: “Promoting sustainable Agriculture in Changing Climate in Bugesera District.” The project is expected to reach 8000 community members as beneficiaries in 7 sectors of Bugesera District.
The project is jointly implemented by RNDF in the Sectors of Juru, Rilima, Rweru and Kamabuye of Bugesera District and Rwanda Environmental Conservation Organization (RECOR) which is member of Rwanda in the sectors of Ngeruka, Mareba, Ruhuha and Nyarugenge.
Promoting Tourism in Ssese Islands in Uganda
Ssese Islands consists of 84 islands in the north-western section of Lake Victoria. Many of the islands are uninhabited except for a few fishermen so their forests and swamps are ideal habitats for birds. The wildlife on the islands includes hippos, crocodile, waterbuck, sitatunga antelope, chimpanzees and monkeys.
Distant at a nine-hour steamer trip from Port Bell or a 45-minute ferry trip from Bukakata is one of the richest areas for flora in Eastern Africa. The forest is also sanctuary for Columbus monkeys, chimpanzees and many bird types including some endangered species.
Engaging Youth in maintaining Green Environment and Waste Management, experience from Kampala District, Uganda
Two organizations, which are members of the Uganda National Discourse Forum (UNDF), have joined the Ndejje University in the campaign for School Based Awareness on Environment & Solid Waste Management among Children & Youth in Kampala District, Uganda. The campaign is called “Green Youths Initiative (GYI)”. The overall goal of the project is to promote youth’s engagement in maintaining green environment and waste management in Kampala District.
Kenya National Discourse Forum Partner provides schools Roof Water Harvesting for improving learning environment in Schools
Lake Victoria Management Program in Kenya (LVEMP II Kenya) has undertaken Roof Water Harvesting in 20 Government institutions, the exercise of which could be described as completed and functional. This includes complete guttering of the roof surface area and installation of 10 thousand liters capacity plastic tanks in each of the 20 institutions. The Project has plans to add more institutions in the beneficiary list. Aldai Girls Secondary School located in Ibanja Sub location, Kaptumo North location, Nandi County is one of the institutions that have benefited from the programme.
Burundi National Discourse Forum addresses the challenges of irrational water use in Burundi
It is almost a year now that the “Forum Burundais de la société civile du bassin du Nil” (FCBN) joined other national stakeholders to establish the National Water and Sanitation Observatory platform (OBEA). The aim to join OBEA (Observatoire Burundais Aau et Assainissement) was to address the challenges on irrational water use in the country. FCBN joined with its huge membership of 40 Civil Society Organizations and one of its members, AVEDEC (Association Villageoise d'Entraide et de Développement Communautaire) was elected to chair the platform through its chairman Mr. Nestor Mburente.
The FCBN contribution towards the success of OBEA was commended by the representative of the Ministry of Environment with the support of GIZ Cooperation. This event gathered these institutions together with the media practitioners in July 2017.
Protection of Water Resources and Environment: A No Regret Move in Burundi
The world has set up targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be reached by 2030 and water resources protection is among many of the targets of the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2015.
Target 9 of Goal 3, (Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-being for all at all Ages) set 2030 as the year when the substantial reduction of the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination will be attained.
Synergizing commitments for Climate Resilience in Burundi
The National Discourse forum Burundi (BNDF) joined other in-country environmental protection stakeholders in training for improving climate change resilience of their communities by protecting the environment and reducing Climate change impacts.
The five day training of national stakeholders on climate resilience was organized by World Vision Burundi from 22nd - 26th May, 2017. The training assessed the situation of climate change and environment protection in the country.
Institutional Drivers for Accelerating new Climate Economies in Sub Saharan Africa
From 8-18 May 2017 leading scholars, leading experts, and policy makers met in Bonny Germany to discuss on how to build bridges between sustainable development and climate change in the Interconnections Conference.
In this conference the Chairperson of Tanzania National Discourse Forum, who is also the Executive Director of Governance Links - Tanzania, Mr. Donald Kasongi, underlined key institutional drivers that may bring support to the acceleration of new climate economies at sub-national level in Sub Saharan Africa
The Theme of the conference was “Between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement - Exploring the role of the state, non-state and sub national actors. “
Water Hyacinth: A Blessing or a Curse?
To some, the water hyacinth weed (Eichhornia crassipes) is a blessing. But to others, the weed is loathed and it’s a menace. The weed is one of the most sensitive environmental issues currently affecting Lake Victoria Basin and its surroundings. Lake Victoria has been the habitat of a large variety of fish species and diverse variety of medicinal plants, according to Prof. Raphael Achola Kapiyo, an Environmental Scientist at UHAI Lake Forum.
To a section of fisher-folk, water hyacinth weed is a blessing because it creates a naturally protected fish breeding ground, and many lost fish species have reappeared. At the initial arrival of the weed, fishermen used to make appeals to the government to speed up its removal but later realized that it has immense economic potential.
Enhanced partnership for impactful advocacy in Environmental Conservation and Natural resources Management in the Horn of Africa
The Sudan National Discourse Forum joined the Horn of Africa Regional Environment Network (HoA-REC&N) to strengthen and advocate for initiatives related to environmental conservation and natural resource management.
The HoA-REC&N was established in 2006 through the support from the government of the Kingdom of the Royal Netherlands. The HoA-REN focuses on environmental concerns and sustainable development options within the Horn of Africa. The Network promotes more than 40 higher learning institutions and research centres, endogenous civil society and community-based organizations in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.
Promoting Nile Domestic Tourism: Experience from Uganda
Centre for participatory research and development (CEPARD) and Miss Tourism Uganda are jointly campaigning for the promotion of Nile Domestic Tourism. The month of June saw the two companies campaigning in the Greater Masaka Region beginning with Kalangala District, Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria.
CEPARD is an active member of Uganda Nile Discourse Forum (UNDF) and UNDF is membership organization that forms part of the Nile Country level institutions that form the Nile Basin Discourse (NBD).
Protecting River Nile from pollution: Efforts from Egypt
The representative of the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources recently declared that the Nile will be free of pollutants in the near future. This was declared in a meeting of the Committee on Energy and Environment in the Parliament while the MPs and committee were to discuss on the request for briefing submitted by one of the MPs on some companies and factories that get rid of theirs Industrial and Domestic waste in the River Nile from southern Aswan to the North Delta, and the impact on health.
Transforming Mediterranean Sea and Nile delta data into valuable Innovative Information Services
Egypt is among 14 countries in the North Africa and Mediterranean benefitting from an EU funded project titled “ODYSSEA - transforming Mediterranean Sea data into valuable innovative information services.” 28 partners from all over the basin are involved in the project implementation.
Despite the project is keen about the Mediterranean in Egypt, River Nile is taken as main target to set an observatory system for data collection and this part will be conducted by Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED), a sister organization of Egypt National Discourse Forum (EgNDF) and its secretariat is hosted in the same place.
Advancing Engagement of Non-state Actors in Climate Finance
The National Discourse of Rwanda (NDF Rwanda) joined the Stakeholders Advisory Network Committee (SAN) established to engage non-state actors in climate finance at national regional and global levels.
The NDF Rwanda participated in World Bank’s Stakeholders Advisory Network, (SAN) meeting that focused on advancing engagement of non-state actors in climate finance at the national, regional and global levels. The workshop took place in May 13 – 14, 2017 - Bonn, Germany.
Mr. John Gakumba, the Coordinator, represented NDF Rwanda at the workshop.
The NDF Rwanda participated in World Bank’s Stakeholders Advisory Network, (SAN) meeting that focused on advancing engagement of non-state actors in climate finance at the national, regional and global levels. The workshop took place in May 13 – 14, 2017 - Bonn, Germany.
Mr. John Gakumba, the Coordinator, represented NDF Rwanda at the workshop.
Agro ecosystems and Sustainable Land Management in Kagera sub-basin
The Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CEPARD) is partnering with Kakuuto Community Development project (KACODEP) to sustain the post Kagera Trans-boundary Agro ecosystems Management Project (Kagera TAMP-FAO) outcomes.
The Kagera Trans-boundary Agro ecosystems Management Project (Kagera TAMP-FAO was a 4 year (2011-2014) project, funded by Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through FAO Uganda. The project was implemented in 4 East African countries i.e. Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.
The Kagera Trans-boundary Agro ecosystems Management Project (Kagera TAMP-FAO was a 4 year (2011-2014) project, funded by Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through FAO Uganda. The project was implemented in 4 East African countries i.e. Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate in Bugesera District: Republic of Rwanda
The National Discourse Forum Rwanda conducted baseline survey in eight sectors of Bugesera District to provide information at the sector community level about some basic indicators of improved fruit tree coverage, buffer zone management, irrigation practices, land management, pest management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management, climate change awareness, information networks for weather and agricultural information which can be compared across target sectors and monitored over time.
The baseline survey was also, intended to map information that will assist in designing the project’s monitoring and evaluation plan, for developing ToTs training modules and capacity building interventions, and Information that will assist in identifying relevant policies, guidelines and frameworks for supporting project implementation, advocacy and sustainability and Identify sites for setting up of project infrastructure, solar systems, nursery beds, etc.
The baseline survey was also, intended to map information that will assist in designing the project’s monitoring and evaluation plan, for developing ToTs training modules and capacity building interventions, and Information that will assist in identifying relevant policies, guidelines and frameworks for supporting project implementation, advocacy and sustainability and Identify sites for setting up of project infrastructure, solar systems, nursery beds, etc.
The Need for Participative Evaluation of Climate Change risks: perspectives from Democratic Republic of Congo
The DR Congo National Discourse Forum (DRCNDF) has, in April and May 2017, trained 55 representatives of members from Butembo and Beni on how to elaborate community development projects and social development activities s considering the Climate Change Risks. The workshops were organized by DRC NDF under sponsorship of World Wild Fund.
With the support of Mr. Kasolene Jean Claude Kyungu the NBD in-country Climate Change Expert, participants learnt how to use the participative evaluation of risks connected to the Climate change and catastrophes.
With the support of Mr. Kasolene Jean Claude Kyungu the NBD in-country Climate Change Expert, participants learnt how to use the participative evaluation of risks connected to the Climate change and catastrophes.
Protecting and Restoring Water-Related Ecosystems: Facts and Challenges from Democratic Republic of Congo
The Nile Water resources Atlas classifies the Albert Nile Sub-basin is one of the sub basins that form the main Nile basin. The Lakes Edward and George make the DR Congo the major contributor of the Albert Nile sub basin mainly due to the fact that Semuliki River, which originates from DR Congo is the largest contributor to these Lakes.
Most of the tributaries of the above lakes originate from hills and swamps of Butembo and Virunga National Park. The area is rich in ecosystem resources but also faces stressful resources management that affects the basin resources including water and forests.
The Democratic Republic of Congo National Discourse Forum (DRCNDF), a chapter of The Nile Basin Discourse, is one of the active CSOs network in the Nile basin that continues to engage local communities and grassroots leaders to embrace best practices to both restore and protect the damaged ecosystem in the area.
Changing lives of Communities in Busia Fishing Villages of Majanji and Maduwa
Majanji and Maduwa fishing villages are one of the remotest fishing villages in Busia District located within Lake Victoria Basin at the eastern border of Uganda and Kenya, which is also considered as a trans-boundary area where Sio - Malaba - Malakisi River flows into Lake Victoria. In this area where women represent over 50% of total inhabitants of the district, lack of ecological and sanitation facilities have been challenging the community, most especially women who are involved in fishing related activities.
The Uganda based Rural Development Media and Communication (RUDMEC), which is a member of Uganda National Discourse Forum (Uganda-NDF), noted this challenge when it was assigned to replicate the Ecological Sanitation Project in the rural community of Busia fishing village. According to Ms Sarah Kisolo, the RUDMEC coordinator, the organization has been implementing the same project in the urban slum area of Katwe in Kampala District. One of the local residents, Mrs Zaina Aramathan recalls the worst conditions they live in due to scarcity of latrines: "It has never been easy for us to keep going even in the communities we call home, living in shame due to lack of latrines; we need toilets for improved health" Mrs. Zaina explained.
Cultural beliefs are big hindrances towards the sanitation-related campaign because local communities associate the latrine concept with the cause for many misfortunes such as barrenness among the women and impotence for men. The representation and role of women in the community, prompted RUDMEC to make remarkable efforts of wiping out the cultural related beliefs through empowering women to enhance their roles and responsibilities and also to enable them demand for their rights. It was through this initiative that the environmentally friendly ECOSAN toilets were, for the first time, introduced in Busia district for demonstration on use and maintenance.
Women took lead and developed interest to acquire one for their families, through a cost-sharing mechanism. Ecological sanitation is an approach of human excreta disposal that aims at recycling nutrients back into the environment and turning them into more productive systems without destruction. The project, therefore, aimed at empowering local communities to take charge of the sustainable use of the natural resources around Lake Victoria so as to improve on their living conditions.
The objective of the project was to popularize best practices to improve the ecological sanitation and hygiene for good health among the beneficiaries as well as increase the vegetation cover to address the soil erosion occurrences and its accruing problems to enhance soil productivity for food security and energy needs in the targeted areas.
RUDMEC facilitated communities to attain the right attitudes, values and aspirations, to participate in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes of the project and other development programs.
As a result, the Public Health Educator testified that there is a remarkable improvement in sanitation in Busia District. Latrine coverage in Busia has also increased tremendously if compared to the time before RUDMEC intervention; the rate of infections like dysentery, trachoma, bilharzia and cholera has greatly reduced because of the awareness campaign on human waste management that the people living in Busia district have been involved in.
In Busia district, household health standards are measured by hygienic practices of using a pit latrine or eco-san latrine with a door, the latrine cover and a hand washing facility with soap. Other sanitation practices include: washing hands before eating, washing hands before breast feeding and serving food and maintenance of water hygiene from point of collection to point of use and garbage disposal sites.
So far, RUDMEC has facilitated construction of 42 eco san toilets in Busia districts at household and institutional levels which yielded a community response of constructing 10 ECOSAN toilets without assistance from RUDMEC. 80 land lords and their families have been trained in ecological sanitation and the management of ECOSAN toilets.
Village Environment Committees, consisting of nine people have been formed in each parish and have been trained to manage the project as overseers. 20 ECOSAN masons have been trained in the basic skills of construction of ECOSAN toilets.
ECOSAN technology is now being adopted on a wider scale as a better alternative to the traditional pit latrines. 50,000 tree seedlings have been provided to the communities and institutions for planting and the district authority offered seven acres for a woodlot along the lake banks. The by-products of ECOSAN are being used as fertilizers. Information, Educational and Communication (IEC) materials on general conservation and for promotion of ECOSAN technology have also been developed. These include 5 documentaries and posters. Radio drama skits and 340 radio programs in local languages ( Luganda and Samia) have also been broadcast.
Various technological modifications have been incorporated in original ECOSAN design with additional bathroom facilities. The district authority has made a commitment to give a percentage of the development fund towards the continuation of the project work and the youth have taken up the management of the tree nurseries as the women manage the charcoal briquettes for sustainable energy project.
For more information about the work of Rural Development Media and Communication (RUDMEC), please contact Ms Sarah Kisolo onThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Uganda based Rural Development Media and Communication (RUDMEC), which is a member of Uganda National Discourse Forum (Uganda-NDF), noted this challenge when it was assigned to replicate the Ecological Sanitation Project in the rural community of Busia fishing village. According to Ms Sarah Kisolo, the RUDMEC coordinator, the organization has been implementing the same project in the urban slum area of Katwe in Kampala District. One of the local residents, Mrs Zaina Aramathan recalls the worst conditions they live in due to scarcity of latrines: "It has never been easy for us to keep going even in the communities we call home, living in shame due to lack of latrines; we need toilets for improved health" Mrs. Zaina explained.
Cultural beliefs are big hindrances towards the sanitation-related campaign because local communities associate the latrine concept with the cause for many misfortunes such as barrenness among the women and impotence for men. The representation and role of women in the community, prompted RUDMEC to make remarkable efforts of wiping out the cultural related beliefs through empowering women to enhance their roles and responsibilities and also to enable them demand for their rights. It was through this initiative that the environmentally friendly ECOSAN toilets were, for the first time, introduced in Busia district for demonstration on use and maintenance.
Women took lead and developed interest to acquire one for their families, through a cost-sharing mechanism. Ecological sanitation is an approach of human excreta disposal that aims at recycling nutrients back into the environment and turning them into more productive systems without destruction. The project, therefore, aimed at empowering local communities to take charge of the sustainable use of the natural resources around Lake Victoria so as to improve on their living conditions.
The objective of the project was to popularize best practices to improve the ecological sanitation and hygiene for good health among the beneficiaries as well as increase the vegetation cover to address the soil erosion occurrences and its accruing problems to enhance soil productivity for food security and energy needs in the targeted areas.
RUDMEC facilitated communities to attain the right attitudes, values and aspirations, to participate in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes of the project and other development programs.
As a result, the Public Health Educator testified that there is a remarkable improvement in sanitation in Busia District. Latrine coverage in Busia has also increased tremendously if compared to the time before RUDMEC intervention; the rate of infections like dysentery, trachoma, bilharzia and cholera has greatly reduced because of the awareness campaign on human waste management that the people living in Busia district have been involved in.
In Busia district, household health standards are measured by hygienic practices of using a pit latrine or eco-san latrine with a door, the latrine cover and a hand washing facility with soap. Other sanitation practices include: washing hands before eating, washing hands before breast feeding and serving food and maintenance of water hygiene from point of collection to point of use and garbage disposal sites.
So far, RUDMEC has facilitated construction of 42 eco san toilets in Busia districts at household and institutional levels which yielded a community response of constructing 10 ECOSAN toilets without assistance from RUDMEC. 80 land lords and their families have been trained in ecological sanitation and the management of ECOSAN toilets.
Village Environment Committees, consisting of nine people have been formed in each parish and have been trained to manage the project as overseers. 20 ECOSAN masons have been trained in the basic skills of construction of ECOSAN toilets.
ECOSAN technology is now being adopted on a wider scale as a better alternative to the traditional pit latrines. 50,000 tree seedlings have been provided to the communities and institutions for planting and the district authority offered seven acres for a woodlot along the lake banks. The by-products of ECOSAN are being used as fertilizers. Information, Educational and Communication (IEC) materials on general conservation and for promotion of ECOSAN technology have also been developed. These include 5 documentaries and posters. Radio drama skits and 340 radio programs in local languages ( Luganda and Samia) have also been broadcast.
Various technological modifications have been incorporated in original ECOSAN design with additional bathroom facilities. The district authority has made a commitment to give a percentage of the development fund towards the continuation of the project work and the youth have taken up the management of the tree nurseries as the women manage the charcoal briquettes for sustainable energy project.
For more information about the work of Rural Development Media and Communication (RUDMEC), please contact Ms Sarah Kisolo on
Population Pressure on Water Resources Instigates Tanzania National Discourse Forum's attention
Population pressure on water and resources management has become the interlocking issue on Lake Victoria. During the consultations carried out by Tanzania National Doscourse Forum (TNDF) with communities around Lake Victoria, it was evident that growth of population will cause depletion of natural resources, non communicable disease, and degradation of environment.
The consultations were conducted in 2016 by TNDF in partnership with Institute of Resource Assessment of University of Dar- es- Salaam in five districts of Biharamulo, Kagera, Nyamagana, Geita and Remera.
According to Mr. Donald Malambo Kasongi, the TNDF Board Chairperson, these challenges attracted their attention and instigated their intervention to address the challenge jointly with other stakeholders. In April 2016, TNDF engaged consultation meetings with different sectors including health sectors and discussed on family planning and other matters that are linked with the usage of Lake Victoria.
He advised that priority must be mainly to address community needs that are putting Lake Victoria’s water and other resources under stress. “There is need for joint and harmonized plans on resources management with different players like Private sector fully involved” he said.
Five focal persons were sent to five districts to collect information and conduct community awareness around Lake Victoria. Community engagement on climate change was among major focus of the consultation. Mr. Kasongi said that different sectors that were involved included government institutions, communities, and private sector at District level.
TNDF Board Chairperson said that currently the community faces challenges such as trade and investments (mining), population growth and uncontrolled fishing activities.
Location in Mwanza Town, Headquarter of Tanzania National Discourse Forum
The headquarters of TNDF is located in Mwanza. This town presents a progressive population growth due to the business, investment and other commercial activities. As one of big town around Lake Victoria shores, Mwanza is not an exception.
Being the most important port on Lake Victoria, and home to the terminal of a branch of the central railway line from Dar es Salaam, Mwanza is very important transit point for business, people and travellers from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the other towns of Bukoba, Musoma and Shinyanga.
The majority of Mwanza inhabitants are self-employed and most of them are employed people working in the service sector, while self-employed are involved in petty trade, cultivating land, micro-fishing activities, and so forth.
For details about the Tanzania NDF, please visit the TNDF window HERE
The consultations were conducted in 2016 by TNDF in partnership with Institute of Resource Assessment of University of Dar- es- Salaam in five districts of Biharamulo, Kagera, Nyamagana, Geita and Remera.
According to Mr. Donald Malambo Kasongi, the TNDF Board Chairperson, these challenges attracted their attention and instigated their intervention to address the challenge jointly with other stakeholders. In April 2016, TNDF engaged consultation meetings with different sectors including health sectors and discussed on family planning and other matters that are linked with the usage of Lake Victoria.
He advised that priority must be mainly to address community needs that are putting Lake Victoria’s water and other resources under stress. “There is need for joint and harmonized plans on resources management with different players like Private sector fully involved” he said.
Five focal persons were sent to five districts to collect information and conduct community awareness around Lake Victoria. Community engagement on climate change was among major focus of the consultation. Mr. Kasongi said that different sectors that were involved included government institutions, communities, and private sector at District level.
TNDF Board Chairperson said that currently the community faces challenges such as trade and investments (mining), population growth and uncontrolled fishing activities.
Location in Mwanza Town, Headquarter of Tanzania National Discourse Forum
The headquarters of TNDF is located in Mwanza. This town presents a progressive population growth due to the business, investment and other commercial activities. As one of big town around Lake Victoria shores, Mwanza is not an exception.
Being the most important port on Lake Victoria, and home to the terminal of a branch of the central railway line from Dar es Salaam, Mwanza is very important transit point for business, people and travellers from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the other towns of Bukoba, Musoma and Shinyanga.
The majority of Mwanza inhabitants are self-employed and most of them are employed people working in the service sector, while self-employed are involved in petty trade, cultivating land, micro-fishing activities, and so forth.
For details about the Tanzania NDF, please visit the TNDF window HERE
Positive Attitude Yields Success on Nile - Sudan
The Chairperson of Sudan National Discourse Forum (SNDF), Dr. Nadir Mohamed AWAD confirmed the positive perception of Sudanese community on the Nile and encouraged Local Discourse Forums for better success in future. SNDF has greatly achieved community mobilization and awareness creation in collaboration with its members.
He said that the unique geographical structure of Local Discourse Forums justifies the need of empowerment of their manpower to achieve SNDF goals. “They need capacity development including trainings because they are close to communities and involvement in environment conservation” Dr. Nadir suggests.
SNDF works closely with communities along the Nile and they have strong positive perception on SNDF intervention in the area.
Dr. Nadir said that the SNDF opted to focus of creation on awareness in the community, stakeholders and decision makers to take water resources management and environment conservation practices the next level of discussion.
This is to ensure the practicability of its goal which is to provide Nile civil society communities with the knowledge, capacities, capabilities and access needed to improve their lives, better their communities and influence their own destinies.
Some of their recorded contribution included protection of the River Nile against bank erosion by planting natural flora that is typically environmentally friendly. With involvement of 10 Local Discourse Forums, the Sudan National Discourse Forum established the recreation area along the White Nile at Kosti area and put canals for irrigation.
SNDF has fully participated in discussion related to the Nile such as sub-regional workshop on Nile tributaries which brought together three countries: Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia and diplomats from these respective countries. Also SNDF participated in regional workshop that discussed on building dams on the Nile and as a civil society they produced a statement displaying their views on the matter.
More information about SNDF is found at the Sudan NDF window HERE
He said that the unique geographical structure of Local Discourse Forums justifies the need of empowerment of their manpower to achieve SNDF goals. “They need capacity development including trainings because they are close to communities and involvement in environment conservation” Dr. Nadir suggests.
SNDF works closely with communities along the Nile and they have strong positive perception on SNDF intervention in the area.
Dr. Nadir said that the SNDF opted to focus of creation on awareness in the community, stakeholders and decision makers to take water resources management and environment conservation practices the next level of discussion.
This is to ensure the practicability of its goal which is to provide Nile civil society communities with the knowledge, capacities, capabilities and access needed to improve their lives, better their communities and influence their own destinies.
Some of their recorded contribution included protection of the River Nile against bank erosion by planting natural flora that is typically environmentally friendly. With involvement of 10 Local Discourse Forums, the Sudan National Discourse Forum established the recreation area along the White Nile at Kosti area and put canals for irrigation.
SNDF has fully participated in discussion related to the Nile such as sub-regional workshop on Nile tributaries which brought together three countries: Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia and diplomats from these respective countries. Also SNDF participated in regional workshop that discussed on building dams on the Nile and as a civil society they produced a statement displaying their views on the matter.
More information about SNDF is found at the Sudan NDF window HERE
Burundi NDF’s Activities Shape Visibility in the Community
The Burundi National Discourse Forum (BNDF)’s visibility continues to generate outcome due to its closeness and advocacy for the community and projects in the country. The national forum which is member of the Nile Basin Discourse recorded major achievements in favor of the community as said Mr. Edimond Dieudonné HAKIZIMANA, the National Board Chairperson.
Most activities include the project on the protection of the Natural Forest reserve of Bururi. The IUCN financed project saw Burundi NDF playing a key role in sensitization and mobilization of local communities on the reduction of tree consumption. The Bururi Natural Reserve forest is located in Bururi, in the northwest of the capital of the Bururi Province, a vast mountain overlooking the urban center of Bururi.
It is the most southern part of the Congo-Nile ridge forest system overlooking the City of Bururi. It is an area of 3,300 Hectares, including 2,300 hectares of natural forest and 1,000 hectares of artificial plantation.
Burundi NDF in partnership with Burundi Association for Nature “Association Burundaise pour la Nature” (ABN) and Association for the Protection of Natural Resources for the Welfare of the Population of Burundi (APRN / BEPB), initiated a project entitled “Integrated Management of Bururi natural Forest Reserve “. Through this project, Burundi NDF commissioned the study on the conservation of nature in general and the natural reserve of the Bururi forest in particular.
The objective of this study was to develop a document that could facilitate consistency interventions, harmonization of approaches, collaboration and coordination associations and / or partners to achieve a rationale and integrated management of the reserve.
Burundi NDF in collaboration with two member organizations namely ABN, APRN trained and sensitized communities in the use of alternative energies such as improved cooking stoves. The project started in 2014 and has been running to date.
BNDF in 2015 also conducted advocacy on exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in Lake Tanganyika. The study financed by Pole institute resulted in fruitful outcome and recommendations were made including the pre-research, evaluation and analysis of impact of that project to avoid trans-boundary conflict since the lake is shared by many countries.
Committing to conduct that advocacy, Burundi NDF wanted to ensure that the human environment composed of ecosystems offered by the Lake Tanganyika basin is protected. And that any danger for the current generation and future generations are separated by the involvement of everyone.
BNDF highlighted that these studies of Hydrocarbon take into account not only economic but also social and environmental aspects. Mr. Hakizimana said that the sensitization which involved government authorities at all levels and lake users such as the fishing community.
He affirmed that all success is due to their closeness to the community and working hand in hand with other stakeholders including the government most especially in advocating for the community. He said that despite their efforts they still need capacity development for both their members and themselves to advocate for their members at decision-making level as they have established good relationship with the government especially the Ministry of Water, Environment, of the Interior Territory and Urban Development.
For more information Visit the Burundi NDF window HERE.
Most activities include the project on the protection of the Natural Forest reserve of Bururi. The IUCN financed project saw Burundi NDF playing a key role in sensitization and mobilization of local communities on the reduction of tree consumption. The Bururi Natural Reserve forest is located in Bururi, in the northwest of the capital of the Bururi Province, a vast mountain overlooking the urban center of Bururi.
It is the most southern part of the Congo-Nile ridge forest system overlooking the City of Bururi. It is an area of 3,300 Hectares, including 2,300 hectares of natural forest and 1,000 hectares of artificial plantation.
Burundi NDF in partnership with Burundi Association for Nature “Association Burundaise pour la Nature” (ABN) and Association for the Protection of Natural Resources for the Welfare of the Population of Burundi (APRN / BEPB), initiated a project entitled “Integrated Management of Bururi natural Forest Reserve “. Through this project, Burundi NDF commissioned the study on the conservation of nature in general and the natural reserve of the Bururi forest in particular.
The objective of this study was to develop a document that could facilitate consistency interventions, harmonization of approaches, collaboration and coordination associations and / or partners to achieve a rationale and integrated management of the reserve.
Burundi NDF in collaboration with two member organizations namely ABN, APRN trained and sensitized communities in the use of alternative energies such as improved cooking stoves. The project started in 2014 and has been running to date.
BNDF in 2015 also conducted advocacy on exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in Lake Tanganyika. The study financed by Pole institute resulted in fruitful outcome and recommendations were made including the pre-research, evaluation and analysis of impact of that project to avoid trans-boundary conflict since the lake is shared by many countries.
Committing to conduct that advocacy, Burundi NDF wanted to ensure that the human environment composed of ecosystems offered by the Lake Tanganyika basin is protected. And that any danger for the current generation and future generations are separated by the involvement of everyone.
BNDF highlighted that these studies of Hydrocarbon take into account not only economic but also social and environmental aspects. Mr. Hakizimana said that the sensitization which involved government authorities at all levels and lake users such as the fishing community.
He affirmed that all success is due to their closeness to the community and working hand in hand with other stakeholders including the government most especially in advocating for the community. He said that despite their efforts they still need capacity development for both their members and themselves to advocate for their members at decision-making level as they have established good relationship with the government especially the Ministry of Water, Environment, of the Interior Territory and Urban Development.
For more information Visit the Burundi NDF window HERE.
Visibility of Rwanda NDF Structure Leads to Success
The Rwanda National Discourse Forum (RNDF) with its diverse community based activities and its large scale network of members across the country led to visibility in the country.
The Chairperson of RNDF, Mr.Jean Baptiste HABIYAREMYE stresses that RNDF structure and advocacy for member organizations increased their visibility in the country. In 2015, RNDF in collaboration with its member, Rwanda Environmental Conservation Organization (RECOR), implemented the Community Based Climate Change Adaptation project (CBCCA) in Kagera Basin which benefitted 3500 individuals in four districts across the country namely: Bugesera, Gatsibo, Kirehe, and Nyagatare.
RNDF Chairperson of RNDF says that communities acquired skills related to climate change adaptation such as: kitchen garden, fabrication of improved cooking stoves, and use of renewable energy. Communities also received domestic animals as source of household income generation.
The activities of RNDF and its large scale membership in the country, led to the recognition of French government through its embassy in Rwanda to access views from communities, academicians and other non state actors. The views were sent and shared as recommendations during COP21 that held end of 2015 in Paris, France.
“We gathered more than 100 participants from various field including governments, private sector, academia and communities whose views were shared during COP 21”, he says.
RNDF continuously helps member organizations to secure small grants through advocating and recommendation role. This year 2016 has already seen three member organizations mainly: RHEP, ARDE-KUBAHO and EDESEN secure funds for community livelihood projects under RNDF support.
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK ON RNDF AFTER IT IMPLEMENTED THE CBCCA PROJECT
Mukabutera/ Bugesera District: “Previously a bunch of firewood would last one day but now it can be used for three days.”
Nirere Jacqueline/ Kirehe District/: After trainings by NBDF/RECOR in making kitchen garden, Nirere says “We try to implement it even if the project stops we shall continue to do it for ourselves.”
For more information visit: Rwanda NDF window HERE
The Chairperson of RNDF, Mr.Jean Baptiste HABIYAREMYE stresses that RNDF structure and advocacy for member organizations increased their visibility in the country. In 2015, RNDF in collaboration with its member, Rwanda Environmental Conservation Organization (RECOR), implemented the Community Based Climate Change Adaptation project (CBCCA) in Kagera Basin which benefitted 3500 individuals in four districts across the country namely: Bugesera, Gatsibo, Kirehe, and Nyagatare.
RNDF Chairperson of RNDF says that communities acquired skills related to climate change adaptation such as: kitchen garden, fabrication of improved cooking stoves, and use of renewable energy. Communities also received domestic animals as source of household income generation.
The activities of RNDF and its large scale membership in the country, led to the recognition of French government through its embassy in Rwanda to access views from communities, academicians and other non state actors. The views were sent and shared as recommendations during COP21 that held end of 2015 in Paris, France.
“We gathered more than 100 participants from various field including governments, private sector, academia and communities whose views were shared during COP 21”, he says.
RNDF continuously helps member organizations to secure small grants through advocating and recommendation role. This year 2016 has already seen three member organizations mainly: RHEP, ARDE-KUBAHO and EDESEN secure funds for community livelihood projects under RNDF support.
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK ON RNDF AFTER IT IMPLEMENTED THE CBCCA PROJECT
Mukabutera/ Bugesera District: “Previously a bunch of firewood would last one day but now it can be used for three days.”
Nirere Jacqueline/ Kirehe District/: After trainings by NBDF/RECOR in making kitchen garden, Nirere says “We try to implement it even if the project stops we shall continue to do it for ourselves.”
For more information visit: Rwanda NDF window HERE
Kenya NDF Participates in the Fight against Poverty
Kenya National Discourse Forum (KNDF)’s presence at grassroots community level in Kisumu continues to help the community in alleviating poverty by initiating projects and initiatives that improve community livelihoods.
Two community organizations that are members of KNDF in Kisumu took the lead in helping the community to venture into money generating projects such as beekeeping and water and sanitation.
In Vihiga County, the Vihiga Community Development Organization (VCDO), promotes activities to improve community livelihoods. According to Edward Alitsi, the VCDO Executive Director, the last 5 years VCDO decided to focus on beekeeping to encourage the Vihiga Community to venture into beekeeping as business harmless to environment.
He said that they are practically keen on involving youth and women because beekeeping has a tremendous potential for job creation and income generation.
“We promote environmental conservation by involving schools and individual farmers to plant trees especially indigenous trees as bees depend on pollen from their flowers. So we are able to enhance the biodiversity to conserve water in the soil and we are contributing environmental protection in the Nile Basin” He said.
Similarly, Kakamega County, located at 21 kilometers from Vihiga County, formed the Maragoli Hills Water Resource Users Association (MAHIWRUA) which focuses on activities to the improvement of access to clean water by the community surrounding Maragoli hills. Maragoli is located in Western, Kenya with an estmate of terrain elevation of 1808 meters above sea level.
Caleb Malongo, the Chairperson of MAHIWRUA, emphasized the need for accessibility to clean water in the surrounding communities.
He said that it is important to manage water resources and that more projects are needed in the area to help people accessing enough clean water facilities. So far, MAHIWRUA has established 14 fish ponds for the community and protected 4 springs together with three schools which got water harvesting tanks each in 2013. However, Malongo said that community appreciation on environmental management is still low as evidenced by overgrazing in Maragoli Hills that has caused soil erosion.
KNDF which has multi-stakeholder membership across the country, has its headquarters are located in Kisumu. KNDF is mandated to address issues that include environment, agriculture, land use, water & sanitation and energy among others. They operate in the Lake Victoria basin on activities lead to socio-economic development.
For more information about KNDF please visit the Kenya NDF Window HERE
Two community organizations that are members of KNDF in Kisumu took the lead in helping the community to venture into money generating projects such as beekeeping and water and sanitation.
In Vihiga County, the Vihiga Community Development Organization (VCDO), promotes activities to improve community livelihoods. According to Edward Alitsi, the VCDO Executive Director, the last 5 years VCDO decided to focus on beekeeping to encourage the Vihiga Community to venture into beekeeping as business harmless to environment.
He said that they are practically keen on involving youth and women because beekeeping has a tremendous potential for job creation and income generation.
“We promote environmental conservation by involving schools and individual farmers to plant trees especially indigenous trees as bees depend on pollen from their flowers. So we are able to enhance the biodiversity to conserve water in the soil and we are contributing environmental protection in the Nile Basin” He said.
Similarly, Kakamega County, located at 21 kilometers from Vihiga County, formed the Maragoli Hills Water Resource Users Association (MAHIWRUA) which focuses on activities to the improvement of access to clean water by the community surrounding Maragoli hills. Maragoli is located in Western, Kenya with an estmate of terrain elevation of 1808 meters above sea level.
Caleb Malongo, the Chairperson of MAHIWRUA, emphasized the need for accessibility to clean water in the surrounding communities.
He said that it is important to manage water resources and that more projects are needed in the area to help people accessing enough clean water facilities. So far, MAHIWRUA has established 14 fish ponds for the community and protected 4 springs together with three schools which got water harvesting tanks each in 2013. However, Malongo said that community appreciation on environmental management is still low as evidenced by overgrazing in Maragoli Hills that has caused soil erosion.
KNDF which has multi-stakeholder membership across the country, has its headquarters are located in Kisumu. KNDF is mandated to address issues that include environment, agriculture, land use, water & sanitation and energy among others. They operate in the Lake Victoria basin on activities lead to socio-economic development.
For more information about KNDF please visit the Kenya NDF Window HERE
International Forum for Nile Basin countries demanding Joint projects between the basin countries for the development of water resources
Water experts and representatives of civil society in Nile Basin countries stressed the need for cooperation among the basin countries to develop and raise the efficiency of workers in the field of River Nile protection through to engage in casual joint ventures of the border through which to communicate and exchange information and experiences to achieve sustainable development of water resources in all the Nile Basin countries.