TERMS OF REFERENCE
Topic: Assessment of Key Factors Hindering Youth Participation in Local Planning and Budgeting Processes in Rwanda.
- Background
The Government of Rwanda has made significant progress in promoting inclusive governance, decentralization, and citizen participation in planning and budgeting processes through the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and local government structures. Various policies and frameworks, including the National Decentralization Policy and the National Youth Policy, emphasize the importance of youth engagement in governance and development processes.
Despite these efforts, evidence suggests that youth participation in local planning and budgeting processes remains limited in practice. Many young people are underrepresented in community meetings, budget consultations, and local decision-making forums such as Umuganda planning sessions, Joint Action Development Forums (JADF), Sector Councils, and District Council consultations.
Youth (aged 16–30) constitute a significant proportion of Rwanda’s population and are critical stakeholders in achieving Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1 & NST2). However, barriers such as limited awareness, lack of civic education, socio-economic constraints, and institutional bottlenecks may be limiting their meaningful participation.
In this context, Citizen Rights and Development (CRD) in partnership with Never Again Rwanda is implementing a project titled “Strengthening Youth Voice in Local Planning and Budgeting Process (Ijwi Ryange) that aims to strengthen youth voice in local planning and budgeting processes and increase their level of knowledge on performance contracts (Imihigo) formulation for their active engagement, participation and accountability. It is from this perspective, CRD seeks to engage a qualified consultant or research institution to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the key factors hindering youth participation in local planning and budgeting processes in Rwanda and propose actionable recommendations.
- Purpose of the Assignment
The main purpose of this assignment is to identify, analyze, and document the key factors that hinder youth active participation in local planning and budgeting processes in Rwanda, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening inclusive participation.
- Objectives of the Assignment
The specific objectives are to:
- Assess the current level and forms of youth participation in local planning and budgeting processes at district, sector, and cell levels.
- Identify social, economic, institutional, cultural, and technological barriers affecting youth engagement.
- Examine the effectiveness of existing policies, programs, and platforms intended to promote youth participation.
- Analyze perceptions of youth, local leaders, and other stakeholders on youth inclusion in decision-making processes.
- Provide actionable recommendations to improve youth participation in local governance and budgeting processes.
- Scope of the Study
The study will cover: seven districts of Eastern Province namely; Rwamagana, Kayonza, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Ngoma, Kirehe and Bugesera.
4.1 Geographic Scope
The assessment will be conducted in selected districts representing:
- Urban settings (e.g., Kigali City districts)
- Semi-urban districts
- Rural districts across provinces
4.2 Thematic Scope
The study will focus on:
- Youth participation in planning and budgeting forums
- Awareness of local governance structures
- Access to information on budgeting processes
- Institutional responsiveness to youth inputs
- Use of digital platforms for civic engagement
- Gender dimensions of youth participation
4.3 Target Groups
- Youth (male and female, aged 16–30)
- Local government officials (District, Sector, Cell levels)
- Youth councils and youth representatives
- Civil society organizations working with youth
- Community leaders and opinion leaders
- Methodology
