Western province commits over Rwf 7 billion to fight child stunting

The Inspirer writer. 

Western Province authorities have announced plans to invest Rwf 7.2 billion, in partnership with various stakeholders, to combat child stunting. The initiative comes after data showed that despite significant progress, some districts in the province continue to record high stunting rates.

The announcement was made on August 27, 2025, at the official launch of the CMR-FS project, designed to tackle malnutrition and stunting among children.

Figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) show that child stunting in Western Province dropped to 21.8% in 2024, down from 40% in 2020. Despite this achievement, certain districts—Karongi, Nyamasheke, Nyabihu, Rusizi, and Rutsiro—still face above-average rates.

The project will target these districts by distributing five fruit tree seedlings per household, providing chickens, and training parents in preparing nutritious, balanced meals.

Western Province Governor Jean Bosco Ntibitura stressed that while progress has been made, more work lies ahead.

“The numbers remain high even though they are declining. Our goal under the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) is to reduce child stunting to below 15% by 2029,” he said.

Assumpta Ingabire, Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), highlighted that households with stunted children often lack access to animal-sourced foods.

“We expect this project to support pregnant women and mothers of young children by improving access to animal-based foods. These are vital in the fight against stunting, yet often neglected. Fewer than 20% of households consume eggs, and less than 10% include meat in their diets,” she noted.

Experts cite poor access to balanced diets, limited knowledge on food preparation, and parents’ busy schedules that leave little time for childcare as major contributors to stunting.