Strengthening the Water Management Information System for a Water Resilient Rwanda
Context
Water resources in Rwanda face increasing challenges from rapidly shifting demographic patterns, rising demands of socio-economic development, degradation caused by unsustainable land use practices, and uncertainties driven by climate change. These pressures threaten water security and call for improved anticipatory and adaptive capacity to manage water resources sustainably.
Climate change has severely affected water security, with climate-related risks impacting communities differently across social and economic lines. The poorest households are more vulnerable to landslides, floods, droughts, water shortages, and pollution spikes due to lower asset levels and limited livelihood options to cope with these impacts. Multiple reports indicate that the disparity also exists between genders and between households led by men and women.
Women and marginalised communities are especially vulnerable to water-related climate shocks because of unequal access to resources and information. Improved data access and availability boost resilience to these shocks, while participatory monitoring raises awareness of the risks linked to poor water resources management.
The technical assistance addresses barriers to climate-resilient water management through integrated, gender-responsive strategies. In 2024, the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) developed a conceptual framework to build adaptive capacity through the Hydro Management Information System (Hydro-MIS) and Gender Mainstream Governance Instrument. Enhanced hydrological data systems and capacity building will ensure that adaptation plans address the needs of women and marginalised communities while promoting participatory monitoring. This aligns with Rwanda’s NST2 (National Strategy for Transformation 2024-2029) and NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution 2020-2030), which aim to reduce people affected by natural hazards and increase landscape protection against soil erosion.
Goal
To enhance the anticipatory and adaptive capacity of water resources in Rwanda through gender-responsive tools that strengthen the Hydro Management Information System (Hydro-MIS) and capacity building that addresses gender equality.
CAA Technical Assistance
The technical assistance will deliver:
- Updated hydro-database management system (Aquarius) to the latest version, enhancing capacity for hydrological data collection, management, and analysis.
- User training programs on hydro-database (Aquarius) management, hydrometric workflow, and time-series administration and deployment, with documentation and capacity-building materials.
- Updated mapping services for citizen soil erosion control monitoring were deployed as a standalone USSD app and dashboard in the production environment.
- Training programs for social and development officers at the cell level, as well as youth volunteers, on the use of citizen soil erosion control (SEC) monitoring services (USSD apps).
