253 Nyagatare dairy farmers sign matching grant deals to boost milk production under RDDP2

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

A total of 253 dairy farmers in Nyagatare District have signed contracts to benefit from matching grants under the Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II (RDDP2), aimed at tackling persistent water shortages and improving dairy productivity during the dry season.

The dairy development initiatives are supported through RDDP2, a joint programme between the Government of Rwanda and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

The agreements were signed during a signing ceremony bringing together farmers and key stakeholders aimed at strengthening livestock resilience in drought-prone areas of Eastern Province. The initiative focuses on improving access to water and livestock feed through dam sheets, valley tanks, and chopper machines used for fodder preparation.

Nyagatare District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Juliet Murekatete, said water scarcity remains a major challenge for livestock farmers during the dry season, particularly in July and August, but noted that the intervention will help address the gap.

She said improved water availability is expected to increase milk production, enabling farmers to supply milk collection centres (MCCs) and processors such as INYANGE Industries, while also improving household nutrition and incomes.

Murekatete urged farmers to take ownership of the infrastructure and ensure proper hygiene, noting that the subsidy arrangement includes farmers’ contributions, including 30 percent for youth and women and 50 percent for men.

She also highlighted the role of farmer facilitators and sector agronomists in supporting implementation and monitoring progress at the grassroots level.

For dairy farmer Peter Twahirwa from Karangazi Sector, the support is expected to significantly boost productivity. He said he had applied for a chopper machine capable of processing fodder from up to 50 hectares, which he expects will improve herd health and milk output.

However, he noted that reliance on diesel-powered machines remains costly and called for access to electricity on farms to reduce operational expenses.

Another beneficiary, Birungi Theopista Mupende from Rwimiyaga Sector, said she previously struggled with limited water access and depended on costly water purchases for her cattle. She said the dam sheets will help stabilize water supply and increase milk production.

RAB Station Manager for Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts, John Kayumba, said the initiative is part of broader efforts to improve livestock productivity by ensuring adequate feed and water availability.

He noted that large-scale crop production in the region, including maize and beans, will be better utilized through chopper machines, while dam sheets will help reduce long-distance cattle movement and prevent diseases linked to unsafe water sources.

Kayumba added that discussions are ongoing with the Rwanda Energy Group to provide three-phase electricity to farms, while alternative energy and fuel solutions are being explored to reduce dependence on diesel.

He further revealed that three valley dams under construction in Nyagatare are expected to be completed by September, providing backup water reservoirs for farmers during dry periods.

The RDDP2 project has also supported capacity building, with 47 facilitators and 95 farmers already trained in improved livestock management practices.

Andrew Gashayija, Team Leader at KILIMO TRUST Rwanda, said the programme will extend benefits beyond the 253 farmers who signed agreements, as more farmers will be able to access matching grants.

He noted that the dam sheet component in Nyagatare is valued at Rwf 516 million, with government contributing over Rwf 311 million, while farmers co-finance the remaining portion under the matching grant arrangement.

Nyagatare remains Rwanda’s leading cattle district, with more than 208,000 cows, making it a key focus area for dairy sector transformation.

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