GWP Eastern Africa’s Communication Office presented and discussed with media actors from Rwanda and Burundi on key issues they need to be included in the Water, Climate Change Development Program (WACDEP) Communication Strategy.
The consultative discussions held June 2013 in Bujumbura, (Burundi) and Kigali, (Rwanda) aimed at sharing with nationals of the two countries about draft of the WACDEP Communication Strategy: objectives and outcomes, targeted audiences, proposed tools/channels, feedback mechanisms and the implementation plan.
One of the core outcomes of WACDEP is useful knowledge and information on climate resilience and water security generated, shared and disseminated among stakeholders in Eastern Africa.
- The process of consultation identified the following strengths:
- Uniformity in languages between countries(Rwanda and Burundi) where WACDEP will be implemented;
- Increasing understanding of the importance of applying the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in both countries;
- cultural closeness, similarities and linkages facilitating mutual understanding at strategic and local levels;
- Existing institutional and structural framework: Ministries, Committees enable exchange of information
Participants lauded GWP Eastern Africa’s efforts of developing the WACDEP Communication strategy and called for using best-suited communication tools such as radios and meetings to communicate messages to different audiences.
“Communicating messages that are responsive to local contexts and needs would speed GWP Eastern Africa’s efforts of realizing the objectives of WACDEP,” one participant emphasized.
Willy Mugenzi, GWP Eastern Africa’s Communication Officer pledged further cooperation and partnership with the media in implementing and showcasing WACDEP success stories.
GWP Eastern Africa “consider the media as our best strategic ally in creating awareness, and changing unfriendly water practices,” Willy Mugenzi said.
The overall objective of WACDEP is to support integration of water security and climate resilience in development planning and decision making processes.
In Eastern Africa, WACDEP is implemented in River Kagera Basin, specifically around Lake Cyohoha—a trans-boundary lake between Rwanda and Burundi.