Nyagatare dairy farmers sign matching grant deals to boost milk production

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Dairy farmers in Nyagatare District have signed matching grant agreements under the Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II (RDDP2), aimed at addressing water shortages and improving fodder management to boost milk production.

The agreements bring together farmers, government institutions and development partners, including KILIMO TRUST, in a joint effort to strengthen dairy value chains and improve productivity in one of Rwanda’s leading livestock-producing districts.

The initiative focuses on supporting farmers with dam sheets for water harvesting and chopper machines for fodder preparation, in response to persistent water scarcity challenges during the dry season.

Nyagatare District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Juliet Murekatete, said the project will play a key role in easing water shortages for livestock, particularly during the July and August dry period when pressure on water resources increases.

She said improved access to water and animal feed is expected to boost milk production, strengthen supply to milk collection centers and processors such as INYANGE Industries, and improve household nutrition and incomes.

Murekatete urged farmers to take responsibility for maintaining the infrastructure and ensuring proper hygiene, noting that the subsidy arrangement is designed to promote inclusive participation, including women and youth in dairy farming.

Farmers who signed the agreements said they expect increased productivity and healthier livestock as a result of improved access to fodder and water.

A farmer from Karangazi Sector said chopper machines will significantly improve feed preparation capacity, allowing fodder from large land areas to be efficiently processed, while calling for more affordable energy solutions to reduce reliance on diesel-powered equipment.

Another farmer from Rwimiyaga Sector welcomed the support for dam sheets, saying access to reliable water sources will reduce costs previously spent on purchasing water for livestock and improve overall production.

RAB Station Manager for Nyagatare and Gatsibo Districts, John Kayumba, said the initiative is part of broader efforts to improve dairy productivity by ensuring consistent access to feed and water, which are essential for milk production.

He said the programme includes expansion of fodder production, construction of valley dams, and strengthening of milk collection systems to improve quality and safety standards.

Kayumba added that Rwanda Energy Group is being engaged to extend three-phase electricity to farms, in a bid to reduce reliance on diesel-powered choppers, which remain costly to operate.

He noted that three valley dams are currently under construction in Nyagatare under RDDP2 and are expected to be completed by September, adding that they will provide reliable water storage for livestock during dry periods.

KILIMO TRUST Rwanda Team Leader Andrew Gashayija said the project is designed to benefit not only farmers signing agreements, but also others through matching grants and partnerships with milk collection centers.

He said the dam sheet component under RDDP2 will support improved water access and livestock productivity, with government and partners covering a significant share of the investment, while farmers contribute according to category, with special support arrangements for women and youth.

Nyagatare remains Rwanda’s leading district in cattle population, with more than 208,000 cows, making it a key hub for national dairy production and ongoing sector transformation efforts under RDDP2.