Evaluation of the effectiveness of environmental impact assessment in East Africa: The case of Rwanda

EIA is an important regulatory tool which can play a key role in achieving of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and it is defined as a tool used to predict the likely impact of a project or development on the environment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Rwanda. Data were collected using a descriptive survey design. A structured questionnaire was developed, pretested and administered to a sample of 110 respondents using purposive sampling technique. Of the 110 questionnaires administered 82 were retrieved and analyzed into frequencies and simple percentages using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel 2016 version. The study showed that 1188 EIA clearances were issued between 2011 and 2019 while 3085 EIA certificates were issued between 2006 and 2019. The survey revealed that EIA experts in Rwanda largely gain experience from the construction, water and sanitation, and agriculture sectors. Though the legislation covering EIA in Rwanda is very strong, the study showed that the only way to improve the effectiveness of EIA is to strengthen the quality of documentation and to offer electronic services as well as incorporating EIA results into decision-making mechanisms. The study also identified insufficient monitoring of environmental management plans (45% of respondents), poor follow-ups (30%), inexperienced practitioners in EIA implementation and auditing (30%), lack of professionalism by EIA practitioners (30%), and poor public participation (25%). This could potentially hinder EIA effectiveness. The study therefore recommends that quality documentation and electronic services as well as follow-up to review projects be enforced to improve EIA effectiveness.