Huye: Uwamwiza’s journey in transforming life through small livestock farming

By Elias Hakizimana.

Uwamwiza Beatha’s life took a remarkable turn when she became a beneficiary of the Project for Inclusive Small Livestock Markets (PRISM), a transformative initiative by Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Board (RAB) in collaboration with international partners.

Her story serves as a powerful example of how the project is changing lives and combating malnutrition in Rwanda.

Living in Giseke Village, Sazange Cell, Kinazi Sector in Huye District, the mother of four, is struggling to make ends meet. However, her fortunes changed when she was selected to receive support from the PRISM project. In 2022, she received 10 chickens, marking the beginning of a journey towards self-sufficiency and prosperity.

With the support of the project, Uwamwiza not only received chickens but also invaluable training and resources to expand her livestock holdings. Selling chickens and piglets provided her with the means to invest in a cow, significantly enhancing her agricultural productivity and economic prospects.

“After being selected as one of the beneficiaries of the PRISM project, I underwent training that instilled in me the principles of sustainable development and encouraged me to dream big. With an initial support package of 10 chickens and 25 kilograms of feed, I embarked on a transformation journey. As the chickens grew, I sold four cockerels and utilized loan from our project savings scheme to purchase a pig.” Uwamwiza narrates.

“With each successful transaction, I reinvested in my livestock enterprise, eventually acquiring a cow worth Rwf250,000. Today, the value of my cow has soared to Rwf400,000. This remarkable journey has lifted me from a life of hardship, where I once resided in a modest single-house, to a newfound sense of stability and prosperity. I have constructed a second, more comfortable shelter, equipped with essential amenities such as a toilet and sheds for my cow, goats, pigs, and chickens. The PRISM project has not only empowered me economically but has also provided me with the means to improve my living conditions and secure a brighter future for myself and my family,” Uwamwiza shares.

Today, Uwamwiza’s household is thriving. From an empty household, she now boasts a variety of livestock, including cows, pigs, goats, and chickens, providing not only sustenance but also economic opportunities. Her success demonstrates the transformative impact of the PRISM project on individual lives and communities.

Uwamwiza’s journey is a testament to the effectiveness of strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives in uplifting vulnerable populations and fostering sustainable development.

Through projects like PRISM, Rwanda is making significant strides towards achieving food security and combating malnutrition.

More about the project

The PRISM project, led by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB) in partnership with respected international collaborators, stands as a crucial effort to support small-scale livestock farming and tackle Rwanda’s need for meat to fight malnutrition.

Spanning from 2021 to 2026, this transformative five-year endeavor has received a substantial loan totaling 45.64 million US dollars (over 65 billion Rwandan francs). At its core, the project focuses on the acquisition of chickens, pigs, goats, or sheep, which are then distributed to individuals facing resource constraints. Beneficiaries, in turn, are empowered to breed and multiply the livestock, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and economic self-reliance.

Crucial to the project’s success are its esteemed partners, whose generous contributions have fueled its implementation. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has allocated 14.9 million US dollars, while the Belgian Agency for International Development (Enabel) has pledged 17.43 million US dollars. Additionally, Heifer International has made a significant contribution of 4.68 million US dollars, with other partners collectively adding over 8.63 million US dollars to the project’s coffers.

Implemented under the auspices of the Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Board (RAB), the PRISM project aims to initially uplift 26,355 impoverished families across 12 regions in the Western, North, and South Provinces. With a steadfast commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, the project is poised to expand its reach and impact, offering hope and opportunity to communities across Rwanda.

Dr. Fabrice Ndayisenga-Head of Department /Animal Resources Research and Technology Transfer at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), emphasizes the project’s goal of significantly increasing meat production, targeting a rise from the current average consumption of 8 kilograms per capita per year to 45 kilograms annually.

In alignment with Rwanda’s national development objectives, RAB aimed to double meat production to 150,000 tons annually within the 2017-2024 period. Dr. Ndayisenga reports significant progress, with current production reaching 130,000 tons annually.

To further support small-scale animal husbandry, RAB has established 15 livestock markets and 10 pig farms nationwide, facilitating market access and enhancing livestock breeding practices.

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