Rwanda Senate summons Prime Minister over livestock sector crisis

By The Inspirer writer.

The Rwandan Senate has summoned Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva to provide explanations on government strategies to address urgent challenges in the livestock sector, including skyrocketing animal feed prices.

The request follows a report compiled after senators visited districts across the country to assess the state of livestock development. The report highlighted delays in supplying cattle semen due to a shortage of nitrogen for storage and transport, as well as limited drone deliveries of improved pig semen to remote districts such as Rusizi and Nyamasheke.

Senators also raised concerns over poor compliance with on-farm livestock housing policies, with some animals still kept in open grazing areas. The lack of clear veterinary medicine pricing regulations and insufficient livestock insurance coverage were also highlighted. Poor feeder roads in rural areas further limit farmers’ access to markets.

High feed costs were attributed to low maize and raw material production, combined with weak quality control in feed processing, resulting in substandard products reaching the market.

Senator Marie-Rose Mureshyankwano noted that although livestock numbers and breeds are increasing, insurance practices remain inadequate, often leaving farmers uncompensated for livestock deaths. She called for an independent body to verify the true causes of animal deaths.

Senator Fulgence Nsengiyumva highlighted the persistently high cost of feed despite farmers’ efforts to produce it themselves. Senator Télesphore Ngarambe pointed to limited veterinary laboratory capacity, with only five labs nationwide—two in the Eastern Province and none in the Northern Province—leading to delays in disease diagnosis and treatment.

Senator Adrie Umuhire warned about the risks of low-quality veterinary medicines, including livestock illness and blindness. Some Kigali-based farmers are reportedly barred from repairing or improving livestock housing.

Senators Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu and Alvera Mukabaramba urged promotion of professional livestock farming and small livestock, such as rabbits, which provide high-quality protein with minimal feed. They also called for stricter regulation of veterinary medicine distribution.

Senator Cyprien Niyomugabo emphasized the importance of supporting small livestock production to improve food security and challenge misconceptions that small animals are not suitable for consumption.

The Senate’s move reflects growing concern over Rwanda’s livestock sector and signals an urgent need for policy action to support farmers, reduce costs, and strengthen veterinary and feed systems.