Virtual KnoWat mission to Rwanda assesses project progress
From 26 October until 3 November, in collaboration with the national partners, the KnoWat project fielded a virtual backstopping mission in Rwanda. The mission assessed the progress of the project and planned future activities on water resources and tenure assessment in Rwanda. It also strengthened ties with local partners involved in the project.
The third meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee was marked by a fruitful exchange and an exercise on the concept of water tenure in the Rwandan context.
During a virtual field visit to the Yanze catchment, the KnoWat project’s pilot area, the mission met with local farmers and members of the Horticulture Production Cooperative (YAHOPROC). The Chair of the Cooperative presented preliminary results of the KnoWat activities, including installation of solar irrigation pumps for improved water use as well as aquaculture and pig-rearing for income diversification. The activities help farmers cope with the economic impact of the CoVID pandemic as revenue from vegetable sales have decreased. Also, progress on the formation of the Yanze Water User’s Association was highlighted to improve water governance in the catchment.