Paper short abstract:

This study examines decentralization’s role in natural resources management in Rwanda. It examines decentralization, by taking the qualitative case study of two districts of Nyabihu and Kayonza from the Western and Eastern Provinces of Rwanda respectively.

Paper long abstract:

Decentralization process is considered as a way that can facilitate natural resources management in Rwanda's transition to a sustainable peaceful development process. This paper explores the role of decentralization in natural resources management in Rwanda through the case study of Nyabihu and Kayonza districts in the Western and Eastern provinces of Rwanda respectively. Different scholars because of its local initiatives and political commitment have praised the policy of decentralization in Rwanda. This policy however, in natural resource management lens, still has challenges related to devolution of powers over resources at the local levels. The study revealed that, Nyabihu and Kayonza districts' local leaders and communities have limited natural resources management skills coupled with shortage of local staff and financial means to effectively manage natural resources. There are conflicting interests over natural resource use among the actors. This study suggests that, there is need for the central government devolved more natural resource management powers to the local government units to enable them manage the natural resources effectively. District's and sectors' officials and their development partners need to intensify the sensitization of communities including the cell and village officials on natural resources related policies and laws and their role in the implementation of the policy for the effective natural resources management. The study concludes that Rwanda's natural resources management decentralization process is still at its early phases. Decentralization has laid a foundation on which, local government units and communities can contribute to effective natural resources management in Rwanda.