On May 26, an important workshop took place in Kigali, Rwanda, to launch the process of developing a framework for the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) of adaptation actions in the agriculture sector.
Led by the Ministry of Environment (MoE) with technical and financial support from the NAP Global Network, this workshop brought together stakeholders from relevant ministries and government institutions, as well as development partners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector. The group reviewed the objectives and needs of a MEL framework, indicators and data sources, and options to address gaps in data. They also agreed on key recommendations to guide the development and testing of Rwanda’s adaptation MEL system in the agriculture sector.
would serve as a reference for other sectors.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Beatrice Cyiza, Director General, Environment and Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, noted that the work program supported by the NAP Global Network offers an opportunity to operationalize a MEL system in the agriculture sector, which, if successful, would serve as a reference for other sectors. Of importance is tracking indicators and identifying if targets have been met, as well as understanding if adaptation interventions are really working on the ground.
Cyiza also highlighted the importance of close collaboration and partnership between the various stakeholders working on agriculture indicators, and how this collaboration will enable reporting on the actions and expected outcomes of adaptation in the agriculture sector as set out in Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Some participants pointed out that several agriculture adaptation activities and projects—including irrigation, agroforestry, and the development of resilient crop varieties— are currently being implemented in the different regions of the country but are not properly recorded. Among the recommendations for operationalizing the MEL framework were engaging the private sector and NGOs to ensure regular reporting of adaptation activities; mapping out actors per indicator; creating an integrated information system; and developing mechanisms and tools for data collection at the farm level.
enable reporting on the actions and expected outcomes of adaptation in the agriculture sector.
The National Consultant, Aimé Tsinda, noted that participants provided valuable insights on expectations of the MEL system, information and data sources, and adaptation activities. He remarked that the learning gained through the pilot phase of adaptation MEL in the agriculture sector will help Rwanda understand how a large-scale MEL system that combines all sectors might work in practice in the future.
To learn more about the NAP Global Network’s support for NAP processes around the world, visit our Country Support Hub. More about our work on the MEL of national adaptation is available on our MEL theme page.