QFFD and GiveDirectly signed a USD 5 million agreement to support extreme poverty families in Rwanda, distributing up to USD 1,100 to 3,979 families in Nyagisozi. This initiative is part of the ‘Habwa Wigire’ program, aiming to address poverty gaps nationally. Key figures from QFFD and GiveDirectly emphasized the importance and expected impact of this collaboration on improving livelihoods.
During the ECOSOC Partnership Forum, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and GiveDirectly finalized a grant agreement of approximately USD 5 million to assist families in extreme poverty in Rwanda for one year. This funding will allow GiveDirectly, in collaboration with the Rwandan government, to distribute cash grants of up to USD 1,100 to nearly 3,979 families in the impoverished Nyagisozi sector.
The initiative is part of the ‘Habwa Wigire’ program, aimed at bridging the poverty gap nationwide and establishing a model for both national and global poverty alleviation. The program emphasizes cooperation between GiveDirectly and the Rwandan Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC).
Fahad Al Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, remarked on the significance of the agreement, stating it reflects Qatar’s commitment to aiding vulnerable families in Rwanda. He noted Qatar’s historical role in humanitarian efforts aimed at supporting those affected by crises and poverty worldwide.
Nick Allardice, President and CEO of GiveDirectly, thanked QFFD and the Rwandan government for their role in this vital initiative. He insisted that direct cash transfers can greatly empower individuals, allowing them to decide how best to improve their circumstances based on substantial academic evidence confirming their effectiveness.
HE Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, described the partnership as crucial in combating poverty. He expressed optimism regarding the initiative’s impact and foreshadowed the potential for further fruitful collaboration between Rwanda and Qatar in future endeavors.
Despite significant economic growth of over 7 percent in the last decade, Rwanda continues to grapple with poverty challenges. Approximately 38.2 percent of its population still lives below the international poverty line, exacerbated by food insecurity and agricultural instability due to climate impacts.
This tripartite agreement is aligned with Rwanda’s National Strategic Plan for Vision 2050, with an emphasis on poverty eradication and agricultural support, crucial for the rural population who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. The agreement advances sustainable development goals in Rwanda, demonstrating QFFD and its partners’ commitment to aiding vulnerable groups.
The partnership between QFFD and GiveDirectly is designed to address extreme poverty in Rwanda through direct financial support. This agreement follows a significant trend among international organizations to provide cash grants as a method for empowerment and poverty alleviation. Rwanda faces pressing poverty challenges despite economic growth, making this collaboration essential for impactful and sustainable development initiatives.
The QFFD and GiveDirectly partnership marks a significant investment in alleviating poverty in Rwanda by providing direct cash assistance to vulnerable families. This initiative, undergirded by solid strategic objectives and collaboration with local authorities, aims to meet urgent needs while building a model for future poverty alleviation efforts both in Rwanda and internationally. The focus on empowerment through cash transfers highlights a growing understanding of effective poverty reduction strategies.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
