Strategic Plan for the Pastoral and Socio-economic development of the Diocese of Butare .
Image1: Map of Butare Diocese Coverage.
This is a 3-year Strategic Plan for the Pastoral and Socio-economic development of the Diocese of Butare, which occupies one of the southern region of Rwanda. The population in Rwanda is steadily increasing with about 13.2 million people yet food security remains a threat to many locals. Butare diocese consists of people of concern, resettled citizens, and the highest number of institutions who barely have sizable land to cultivate their own food for consumption and commercial benefit. Even more, the available land given to the poor lies in the lowlands, a potential threat to adverse climate change effects like floods and prolonged drought. School Feeding also lingers where some primary schools fail to provide a day’ meal as evidenced at a random visit. However, It is important to note that nutritiously rich food is critical to a quality life, quality health and overly a right for every citizen.
The Diocese has been the dominant force in development outside the government, and has since its creation , implemented a variety of major development projects, which have made a significant contribution to the well-being of the people. Included in these, are the highly acclaimed peace efforts in an environment where there have periodically been difficulties with keeping the peace.
However, since its creation, the Church has grown only slowly though steadily. The provision of development goods, though very highly appreciated and commended by the population has in a way influenced a shift to the catholic faith.
Previous strategies for delivering health and education to poor people have proved expensive to the Church, and unhelpful government policies have also raised questions about the most efficient means of meeting the aspirations of the people in the diocese. Much of the progress achieved in the socio-economic area has been through external funding support which has almost dried up and can no longer be depended upon or sustained. The Church now needs to strategize about how it will generate income for its own growth and charity objectives.
1.2 Objectives
The main objectives of the Strategic Plan therefore are to realize greater evangelization results; improve the infrastructure and impact of church institutions, the well-being of the people of the diocese and make socio-economic initiatives more effective and sustainable. Ultimately, the diocese expects to become self-reliant, helping to create agricultural developments through the entire diocese.
1.3 The Process
The preparation of the Plan involved:
- PASTORAL CONSTRUCTION
- AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Integral farming system in the Diocese of Butare in Rwanda can be attributed to several factors, including the need for sustainable agricultural practices, food security, and poverty reduction in the region.
- FINACIAL MAGEMENT
Monitoring, controlling, protecting, and reporting on a diocesan’s financial resources.
- The diocesan finance team is responsible for managing finances, including all bank transactions, loans, debts, investments, and other sources of funding.
- INSTITUION CAPACITY STRENGTHENING
Enhance or develop the systems and structures needed to function effectively, work towards sustainability, and achieve goals.
- MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Establish a regular monitoring and evaluation mechanism to measure progress, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments.
This strategy, grounded in a holistic development approach, aims to position the Diocese as a key player in promoting the socio-economic well-being of the community while adhering to Christian principles.
1.4 The Strategic Framework and Key Recommendations of the Plan
The issues that drive this Plan are…evangelization, spiritual and human formation, self-reliance, peace and development. Within this framework, the Church will pursue 5 long-term objectives to constitute a 3 year pastoral and human development agenda. Through this Plan, the Church will renew and sustain itself as the ultimate moral and spiritual force for peace and development in the diocese. The Plan will seek to strengthen the institutions and improve their all-round capacity to deliver on the stated objectives.
Rev Fr. Emmanuel Rutangusa (IN CHARGE OF DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION UNIT BUTARE DIOCESE)