Project News

While Japanese experts are restricted from traveling to Rwanda due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, we continue the project activities using online conference software, messaging and calling applications, in collaboration with our counterpart personnel (C/P) and national staff in Rwanda.

On 10th July 2020, the 5th Task Force (TF) meeting was held online as the first attempt to connect Rwanda (4 places) and Japan (1 place) remotely. In this meeting, the followings were suggested and discussed:

• Review of Phase 1 (2019.4 - 2020.3) and explanation of the draft Work Plan (W/P) of Phase 2 (2020.4 - 2022.3) started in this April;
• Detailed explanation and group discussion of Improvement Plan / Training Plan for each output; and
• Proposal and discussion of Indicators for the Project Purpose

Although there were some difficulties for online conference, such as adjusting the equipment and poor internet connection, it was a great time to discuss with TF members in each District face-to-face for the first time in a while.

On 13th August 2020, the 3rd Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting was held connecting Rwanda (1 place) and Japan (2 places). In this meeting, based on the results of the 5th TF meeting, there were lively discussions about the followings:

• Review of Phase 1 and approval of the W/P of Phase 2;
• Proposal and discussion of Improvement Plan / Training Plan for each output; and
• Proposal and discussion of Indicators for the Project Purpose

Besides, various training activities of each output are progressing while checking the local situation in cooperation with distant members, such as C/P, national staff and Japanese experts. Regarding Output 2: the organizational management of Irrigation Water Users Organization (IWUO), establishment / reorganization are proceeding step by step at model sites in the Eastern Province based on the pre-training conducted in Phase 1. Regarding Output 3: Operation and Maintenance (O&M), and Output 4: Water Management, basic civil work training has been started in Ngoma model site by utilizing local human resources. Regarding Output 5: Farm Management, the Project conducted compost training using rice straw in each model site, and a study tour to a good practice scheme where contract farming is well introduced. This study tour targeted the agricultural cooperatives and IWUO members in Ngoma model site, where private companies are significantly expanding. From now on, according to the W/P of Phase 2 and Improvement Plan / Training Plan approved at the 3rd JCC meeting, the Project will begin supporting the establishment / reorganization of IWUOs in Gisagara District in the Southern Province, while conducting training in advance in Rwamagana and Ngoma Districts in the Eastern Provinces.

The 5th TF online meeting

Basic Civil Work Training at Ngoma model site

WAMCAB Intern:Haruka Mishima (Kyushu University 1st grade of master course)