National Planning Support Systems Appropriation in Secondary Cities in Rwanda

105 Pages·2017·6 MB·English

National Planning Support Systems

Appropriation in Secondary Cities in

Rwanda
BENSON MUTINDA MUTUKU
SUPERVISORS:
Dr.Ir. L.G.J. Boerboom (1st Supervisor)
Dr. M. Madureira (2nd Supervisor)
February, 2017
National Planning Support Systems
Appropriation in Secondary Cities in
Rwanda
BENSON MUTINDA MUTUKU

Enschede, The Netherlands, February, 2017
Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth
Observation of the University of Twente in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geo-Information
Science and Earth Observation.
Specialization: Urban Planning and Management
SUPERVISORS:
Dr. Ir. L.G.J. Boerboom (1st Supervisor)
Dr. M. Madureira (2nd Supervisor)

THESIS ASSESSMENT BOARD
Dr. R.V. Sliuzas (Chairperson)
Prof. Dr. S. Geertman (External examiner)

DISCLAIMER
This document describes work undertaken as part of a programme of study at the Faculty of Geo-
Information Science and Earth Observation of the University of Twente. All views and opinions expressed
therein remain the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Faculty.

ABSTRACT
Planning support systems (PSS) are a set of computer-based geo-information tools which consist of special
features that stakeholders within a planning process can utilise for tasks such as analysis, communication
and handling information. These tools have captured the attention of many researchers who have shown
that PSS can be used in various domains such as transport, water management and policy implementation.
Many of the PSS studies have focused on the application at one administrative level (national, regional and
local levels) but little on how PSS can link the different administrative levels. Therefore this study sought to
understand how local governments might appropriate national level PSS tools and outcomes in the local
planning processes. The study used special PSS (SDF’s PSS tools and outcomes) that are part of the Spatial
Development Framework of Rwanda (SDF), a methodology developed to guide spatial development in
Rwanda and help in the implementation of the Rwanda National Urbanisation Policy (NUP). To understand
how PSS can be used in linking national and local levels, the study operationalises the concept of
appropriation. Appropriation is the process by which people make constructive use of an object, in this
study, how people in the districts appropriate SDF’s PSS tools and outcomes within the districts’ planning
processes.

The study was conducted in Rubavu and Musanze districts. The data sources were primarily interviews with
key informants and research workshops with potential PSS users. In total, 10 people were interviewed and 21
staff members participated in the research workshops. Mixed methods (QUAL+quan) were used for data
collection. Data analysis was done using Atlas.ti and SPSS software for qualitative and quantitative data
respectively. The results revealed that existing social-institutional structures and users’ characteristics are likely to
influence PSS appropriation- first, there is a strong institutional framework in the districts with a clear definition
of roles and tasks of the stakeholders involved in the planning processes:- second, bottom-up planning
processes, involving multiple stakeholders at the different administration levels: - and third, a top-down
approach for the plans and policy implementation were directives are established at the top level and passed to
lower levels. The results suggest that the appropriation of SDF’s PSS tools and outcomes can promote better
spatial understanding, and communicate the planning needs in an analytical manner. This can serve to strengthen
regional competition and economic development among the districts in line with national goals and policies (in this
case, NUP). The challenges that may impede the SDF’s PSS appropriation in the districts include issues related
to trust of the SDF tools data and the preparedness of the potential users (in terms of finances, skilled
personnel in PSS application and knowledge of the NUP and the Rwanda SDF).

This study concludes that the appropriation of SDF’s PSS tools and outcomes, which were originally
developed for national use, can be used for policy transfer by the national government and for policy translation
by the districts. The Rwanda SDF implementation may help the national government in planning,
monitoring, and evaluating the transfer of the Rwanda National Urbanisation Policy to the districts. On the
other hand, the districts may appropriate the SDF’s PSS tools and outcomes in translating the Rwanda
National Urbanisation Policy and other local plans within the districts’ planning contexts. The SDF’s PSS
appropriation in the districts can happen in two ways. First, the vertical appropriation where the national
government transfers the SDF’S PSS tools and outcomes to early adopters in the districts and second,
horizontal appropriation were early adopters in the districts translate the PSS to the late adopters in the
districts. The study recommends an appropriation of the Rwanda SDF’s PSS tools and outcomes both in
national and district governments.

Key words: Appropriation, PSS, EAST, Planning processes, Policy translation, SDF, NUP, Districts,
Rwanda.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My gratitude to God Almighty for the strength and grace to undertake this study successfully. To the believer
and followers of Jesus Christ, relatives and friends who prayed for me faithfully, may God bless you richly
reward you. I wish to sincerely thank the Netherland Fellowship Program for giving me the scholarship and
a chance to actualise my dream. My heartfelt appreciation to my supervisors Dr. Luc Boerboom and Dr.
Mafalda Madureira whose experience in planning support systems, regional planning, governance and
human geography have shaped this study. You advised me, reviewed my work and held my hand all along -
I say, thank you. To the rest of ITC staff and UPM teaching staff, I appreciate the yearlong preparation and
training that qualified me to be a researcher. I say, thank you.

I wish to convey my appreciation to Director General, Rwanda Housing Authority, Ir. Didier Sagashya for
allowing your staff to help me in organising my research workshops and providing necessary support during
my data collection. I highly acknowledge your support. My sincere thanks to Catherine Kalisa of UN-Habitat
Rwanda, Theophile Mutaganda of Rwanda Housing Authority, Directors Human Resource, Planning and
One Stop Centre Units, and the staff in Rubavu and Musanze districts for the support during my data
collection period.

To my ITC comrades, I wish to acknowledge your support too. The ITC-UPM class of 2017 who gave me
a chance to serve them as class representative. We had a nice time throughout the MSc course and you all
shaped me to be a good listener and leader. My friends Chuks Otioma, Jacob Onyimbi, Grachen Oneko,
Ebrima Manneh and Dorothy Kaaya, you have been an inspiration throughout this thesis period. I say
thank you. Special thanks to Rwandan community at ITC for support in my post-fieldwork analysis. Mr.
Oscar Gasuku and Emmanuel Nyandwi, thank you for your unmeasurable support. Finally, to the Kenyan
community in ITC, you have been a family away from home. Your unity and support have been a strength
throughout my studies. I wish to express my gratitude to all of you fellow Kenyans.
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DEDICATION
I dedicate this thesis to my beloved family:
Mbaa Kilele Mwai
Your love has kept me strong.

And

The people of the Republic of Rwanda:
Your hardworking spirit and hospitality have inspired me to write this thesis.
Abanyarwanda, Murakoze!
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