From one cow to thriving enterprises: Agrishow exhibitors showcase Rwanda’s agricultural transformation

Elias Hakizimana Jul 28, 2026 0 Comments

By Boris Prince Cyubahiro & Elias Hakizimana.

A single cow, 10 chickens or a few pigs may seem like modest beginnings, but for exhibitors at the 19th Rwanda Agricultural Show, these investments have grown into thriving businesses that are transforming livelihoods, improving nutrition and creating new market opportunities.

Beneficiaries of three International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-supported projects—the Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II (RDDP II), the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project Phase II (KIIWP II), and the Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets (PRISM)—used this year’s Agrishow to demonstrate how innovation, training and value addition are reshaping Rwanda’s agriculture and livestock sectors.

For Jacqueline Murekatete from Kayonza District, the journey began in 2018 after receiving training through RDDP II. Starting with one cow from the Girinka programme, she has built a successful business producing forage seeds, hay and mineral supplements for livestock farmers.

**Murekatete Jacqueline showcases forage seeds and livestock products at the 19th Rwanda Agricultural Show**

“The knowledge and support I received have transformed my livelihood,” she says. “I started with a single cow, and today I own a house worth around RWF 40 million.” She now uses hay baling and silage preservation technologies to ensure livestock have feed throughout the dry season while supporting other dairy farmers.

In neighbouring Gicumbi District, Eudes Uwayezu, a member of the Kijyambere Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative, says quality is the foundation of the dairy business. The cooperative operates nine milk collection centres serving farmers across 16 sectors, where milk is tested before reaching consumers.

“Our presence at the Expo is an opportunity to educate the public about their right to safe, quality milk,” he says. Besides collecting milk, the cooperative processes pasteurised milk and yoghurt while training farmers on animal health, feeding and hygiene.

**Eudes Uwayezu explains the role of milk collection centres in ensuring quality control and promoting safe dairy products through the Kijyambere Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative.**

PRISM beneficiaries from Huye District shared similar stories of transformation. Juvenal Hakizimana, once among the most vulnerable members of his community, now owns 37 pigs after receiving livestock and training in pig husbandry.

“I was living in extreme poverty. Today I even own a motorcycle,” he says. “Pig farming is not only livestock production—it is also a strong business opportunity.”

Fellow beneficiary Eugénie Niragire started with just 10 chickens. Through training, cooperative support and access to loans, she expanded her flock to 70 chickens while improving her family’s nutrition.

“Today, my children regularly eat eggs, and my own nutrition has improved as well,” she says, adding that increased egg production has also helped reduce child stunting within her cooperative.

**Niragire Eugénie explains to visitors her poultry farming journey**

Value addition is also creating new opportunities. In Kayonza District, Lower Company Ltd., supported by KIIWP II, processes chilli for domestic and export markets.

“We want to create more opportunities for farmers, improve their incomes, and contribute to the growth of Rwanda’s agro-processing sector,” says Cooperative Manager Emmanuel Bizimana.

Nearby, dairy processor Kayitesi Odette Sehene has expanded a traditional butter-making business into an enterprise supplying culinary and cosmetic butter to markets beyond Rwanda.

“Because customers appreciate the quality of our products, we have started supplying markets outside the country,” she says. “With the support we have received, we believe our business has the potential to reach even bigger markets.”

***Kayitesi Odette Sehene showcases value-added dairy products, explaining how improved processing skills and market opportunities have supported the expansion of her butter production business.***

Transformation is also visible in agricultural value addition. Through KIIWP II, Lower Company Ltd. in Kayonza has strengthened chilli production and processing by linking smallholder farmers to markets. Manager Emmanuel Bizimana says new technologies, specialized training and Agrishow connections are helping expand products and opportunities.

Speaking at the opening of the show, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, said agriculture remains the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, contributing about 19 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, while supplying raw materials to nearly 70 percent of manufacturing industries.

He called for greater investment in innovation, mechanization and climate-smart agriculture, stressing that stronger partnerships among government, farmers, the private sector and development partners are essential to building a resilient agricultural sector.

**Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye delivers remarks during the official opening of the 19th Rwanda Agricultural Show.**

He also highlighted initiatives such as the Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi agricultural insurance programme to help farmers manage climate-related risks and commended exhibitors for showcasing technologies that are driving agricultural transformation.

The experiences of exhibitors at this year’s Agrishow demonstrate that vision in practice. From dairy and livestock to poultry and agro-processing, IFAD-supported investments are helping farmers move beyond subsistence to resilient, market-oriented enterprises that improve incomes, nutrition and food security.