In a significant move towards transforming Rwanda’s agriculture and livestock sector, the United Nations (UN) agencies operating in Rwanda (IFAD, FAO, UNDP, WFP, One UN Women, Unicef,etc.), in collaboration with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), are working hand in hand to support the government’s ambitious plans for food security and agricultural development. This partnership was highlighted during a recent visit by the UN agencies representatives to Semen Production Centre located in RAB/ Songa Station, where the progress of various initiatives was showcased.

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in partnership with those agencies, aims to improve dairy and beef cattle productivity through advanced breeding technologies and a stronger veterinary support network.

Mr. Dagmawi Habte Selassie, IFAD Country Director for Rwanda and Burundi, commended the country’s progress in livestock development. Speaking on behalf of UN agencies operating in Rwanda, he praised the government’s commitment to enhancing food security and improving livestock production.

He cited the Nyagatare Milk Powder Plant as an example of Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen the dairy industry and emphasized the importance of increasing the number of high-yield dairy breeds to sustain milk production for processing facilities. He added, “We will continue to collaborate with RAB through the IFAD grant in training and supporting veterinarians to ensure that low-income dairy farmers receive quality semen and veterinary medicines.”

In his address, Dr. Ndabamenye Télesphore, Director General of RAB, highlighted that after successfully establishing a modern Semen Production Centre, the next phase will focus on deploying veterinarians across the country to ensure timely artificial insemination services for farmers. He emphasized that this initiative is a key part of the Rwanda Dairy Development Project – Phase 2, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented under RAB.

To achieve widespread access to artificial insemination, RAB is increasing the number of veterinarians working closely with farmers, particularly in rural areas. The plan includes strengthening partnerships with veterinary clinics already operational in several districts and establishing agreements with veterinarians assigned to specific administrative cells. This will ensure that farmers receive quality services quickly and efficiently.

Dr. Ndabamenye stated, “We want the semen from here to reach farmers quickly, safely, and when they need it. We will collaborate with partners through veterinary clinics that have already been established and are now fully operational in some districts.” RAB aims to further expand this network in the next fiscal year, ensuring that trained veterinarians are available in every cell across the country.

As Rwanda continues to advance livestock breeding technologies, RAB is working on new solutions to give farmers greater control over their herds. One major innovation in the pipeline is the ability for farmers to select the sex of the calf before birth, rather than leaving it to chance. This technology will allow farmers to strategically plan their herds, focusing on milk production or beef farming as needed.

Currently, around 1,200 veterinarians have been trained in artificial insemination, and 30 high-quality bulls producing superior semen are already at Songa Station. However, RAB’s long-term goal is to increase the number of bulls to 60 as capacity expands.

With a strategic focus on innovation, accessibility, and sustainability, Rwanda is positioning itself as a leader in modern livestock farming. Through technological advancements, strengthened veterinary services, and continued partnerships with UN agencies, the country is set to transform its dairy and beef industry, ensuring higher productivity and improved food security for the future.

Odette Bakomerezaho's Inspiring Journey

PRISM, a partnership initiative implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and funded by IFAD and ENABEL, with Heifer International Rwanda as
the implementing partner and co-financer, is a five-year project with the overarching goal of
alleviating poverty by empowering marginalized rural men, women, and youth to
actively engage in the transformation of Rwanda's livestock sector and fortify their resilience. Nyaruguru District is one of the 15 project intervention districts. Odette Bakomerezaho, a resilient mother of three from Viro village, Gakoma village,Kibeho sector of Nyaruguru district, is a shining
example of how determination and the right support can transform lives. She is among the
beneficiaries of the PRISM project, which has given her not just chickens, but hope for a
brighter future.Initially receiving 10 chickens, Odette, with her hard work and dedication, has now expanded her flock to 24, including 8 laying hens. The eggs have become a source of nutrition for her
family, helping them combat malnutrition. The surplus is sold at the market, providing funds
for essentials like clothes, body lotion, and the like.Pictured above are some of Odette's chicken
But the benefits don't stop there. Odette also uses the chickens to obtain fertilizer for her
fields, ensuring a bountiful harvest. "Last season while growing beans, I used 100kg of
chicken manure that I had found. Odette sells some of the eggs to earn money
Now, I am positive that there will be an increased production," she shares, highlighting
the impact of this integrated approach to farming.Expressing her gratitude, Odette acknowledges
the pivotal role of the Government of Rwanda in implementing the PRISM project, which is
uplifting those in the first category of poverty.She has even expanded her ventures, recently
purchasing a pig with the proceeds from egg sales.Picture above is chicken manure that helps Odette
fertilize her fields Despite her success, Odette faces challenges,such as the cost and availability of chicken feed.However, she remains undeterred, aiming to further increase her poultry production and
eventually acquire a cow within five years.Odette's story is not just about chickens; it's about resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of sustainable agriculture. Her journey serves as an
inspiration, showing that with determination and support, anyone can break free from
poverty and build a better future. So far, the PRISM project has provided 6600 chickens to 672 families. The initial target of PRISM is 26,355 households: 23,400 poor rural households belonging to UBUDEHE Categories 1 and 2; 1,530 youth; and 1,425 farmers under productive alliances.

From Humble Beginnings to Bountiful Harvest: A Rwandan Woman's Rise from Poverty

In the heart of Rwanda's Gisagara district,nestled amidst verdant hills, livedNyiranzabaho Anne Maria. A year ago, her life was a constant struggle. With a young family to raise, Anne Maria relied on uncertain casual labor, the weight of providing for her loved ones a heavy burden on her shoulders.
Then came a beacon of hope - the PRISM project, a partnership programme implemented
by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), and jointly funded by IFAD and the Belgian Development Agency (ENABEL), with Heifer International as an implementing partner and co-financer, and Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgique (VSFB) as an implementing partner. This program aims to empower rural families like Anne Maria's, equipping them with the
tools and knowledge to rise above poverty. Through PRISM project interventions, Anne
Maria joined the Dukorerehamwe Mbogo selfhelp group, a cornerstone of the project's
success. Here, she wasn't alone. She found a community of support, a shared purpose - to
build a brighter future. The group provided not just camaraderie but also invaluable training,
instilling in Anne Maria the Heifer International 12 Cornerstones, principles that emphasized
responsible animal management and resource stewardship.Armed with this newfound knowledge, Anne Maria received a seemingly simple gift - a single pig. But in her hands, this pig became a
catalyst for change. With meticulous care and the guidance of theself-help group, Anne Maria nurtured her pig. It thrived, and soon, a litter of eight piglets arrived, a testament to her dedication.This wasn't just a heart-warming sight; it was an opportunity. Anne Maria, with a keen mind for business, saw the potential for growth. She sold some piglets, reinvesting the proceeds into her farm. She built a sturdy pigsty, ensuring the well-being of her animals. With the remaining income, she catered to her family's immediate needs while setting aside a portion for savings.Anne Maria's commitment was unwavering.
Her pig farrowed again, this time with seven piglets. This success allowed her to access a loan from the self-help group, a testament to the trust she had built within the community. With these funds, she diversified her livestock, acquiring a young cow and two goats. This wasn't just about acquiring more animals; it was a strategic move towards financial security and a richer harvest.The manure from her diversified livestock provided vital nutrients for her crops. The land, once yielding a meager 42 kilograms of beans per acre, flourished under Anne Maria's care.The harvest soared to a remarkable 120 kilograms, a testament to the interconnectedness of her efforts.Anne Maria's transformation was remarkable.She was no longer dependent on casual labor.She had secured health insurance for her family,a safety net that provided immense peace of mind. More importantly, she had instilled a
sense of self-reliance in her household.Anne Maria's story is a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of knowledge, hard work, and a supportive community. As she sets her sights on an even brighter future, aiming to expand her livestock farm to 10 pigs and 3 cows
within three years, one thing is certain - her journey from humble beginnings to a bountiful
harvest is an inspiration to all.ZABANYINSHI Gérard-PRISM Project District Coordinator/Gisagara District
 

Kayonza District-Empowering Farmers: KIIWP2 Trains Facilitators to Boost Rural Livelihoods

The goal of Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project (KIIWP)2's KIIWP is to
“contribute to poverty reduction in the droughtprone Eastern Province of Rwanda." The project development objective is to "improve
the food security and incomes of at least 40,000 rural households on a sustainable basis and build their climate resilience.
In a bid to transform rural livelihoods and combat poverty in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated
Watershed Management Project (KIIWP)2 implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)recently conducted a comprehensive training
session for 90 Facilitators of Farmer Field Schools (FFS).The two-day workshop, held from 12th to 13th March 2024, aimed to equip facilitators with crucial financial skills essential for effective
business development within the Farming as a Business (FaaB) concept under the KIIWP project.
The training focused on several key areas, including the demonstration of the farmers’ simulation game, planning and implementation
strategies, data recording techniques, and effective marketing practices. Participants were also engaged in developing training plans for on-site FaaB sessions with FFS group members
and were equipped with skills to generate competitive business ideas eligible for the KIIWP matching grant opportunity.Training of FFS facilitators on data recording went
smoothly One of the primary objectives of the workshop was to enhance participants' understanding of
farming as a business and equip them with tools to overcome challenges such as poor planning,climate variability, post-harvest losses, and market price fluctuations.
FFS facilitators followed the training intently Looking ahead, the project plans to conduct further in-depth training sessions after planting,
bringing together 30 FFS for each class to ensure a deeper understanding and practical application of the concepts learned. The training will continue in the following weeks,
involving a total of 180 FFS facilitators.The KIIWP2 project covers nine drought-prone sectors in Kayonza District, namely Gahini,Kabare, Kabarondo, Murama, Murundi, Mwiri,
Ndego, Ruramira, and Rwinkwavu. This initiative is part of KIIWP2's overarching goal to improve food security and incomes for at least 40,000 rural households in the region,
ultimately building their climate resilience and contributing to poverty reduction.
 

BURERA: DISTRICT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PRISM PROJECT LAUNCH POG CEREMONY

RISM is a partnership project implemented by RAB, and jointly supported by IFAD and ENABEL, with Heifer International as implementing partner and co-financer. The five-year project aims to reduce poverty by empowering poor rural women, women, and youth to participate in the Rwanda livestock sector's transformation and enhance their resilience. Burera district is among the 15 Districts of PRISM intervention.
Against that background, on 5th April 2023, the Passing on the Gift ceremony was launched in Gahunga sector of Burera district. The POG launch ceremony was presided over by Ms Uwanyirigira Marie Chantal, the Mayor of Burera District alongside Mr Nshokeyinka Joseph, the PRISM Project Operations Manager, security organs, NCDA representatives, committees in charge of small livestock from district to sector levels, farmers and many other officials. 
The event was also attended by journalists from 11 media outlets including the national broadcaster, many other print media and online news sites.
get out of poverty. The households are the PRISM beneficiaries that were selected taking into account the selection criteria that had been set out.  
On 6th April 2023, the activity continued in Rugengabali sector where 68 beneficiaries passed on 680 chickens to 68 other needy households.
In both sectors, each family received 10 chickens (4 cockerels and 6 pullets) and all the chickens distributed have one year's insurance.
Aside from the chickens, the recipients also received chicken feed amounting to 100 kgs each to help them cater for their chickens.
Passing on the Gift philosophy is a cornerstone in the PRISM Project aimed at creating a cycle of giving by transforming recipients into donors.
It is expected that this five-year project (PRISM) will provide over 330 thousand chickens to needy families, the main focus being on changing the people’s mindset. 

Samuel NSENGIMANA-PRISMField Coordinator/Burera District