The establishment of the Rubengera small livestock market in Bubazi Cell marks a decisive shift from subsistence-based trading to a professionalized value chain in Karongi District. For a long time, the lack of a dedicated trading infrastructure forced farmers into a cycle of roadside sales and homestead transactions, which left them exposed to unregulated pricing and frequent livestock theft. Under the Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets (PRISM) programme, this new facility has effectively formalized the local economy, providing a secure and transparent environment for both producers and traders.
A primary driver of this transformation is the restoration of security and fairness in trade.
Felicien Havugimana and Damascene Ntakabanyura highlight that the presence of DASSO security officers and a fully fenced facility has eradicated the threat of theft that previously plagued informal meeting points. This security is matched by the introduction of standardized pricing, which prevents buyers from exploiting isolated farmers at their homes. By centralizing trade, the market empowers farmers to negotiate based on actual market value, ensuring that their labor translates into fair economic returns.
Beyond the financial transactions, the Rubengera market has elevated the operational standards for everyone involved. For poultry traders like Marie Nyirabantu, the market has provided the stability necessary to move beyond hand-to-mouth survival, enabling significant personal investments such as home ownership. Furthermore, the inclusion of basic sanitation facilities has addressed a long-standing gap in trade dignity, replacing the reliance on nearby bushes with proper toilets. While current users note the need for additional services like restaurants to support those spending long hours at the site, the existing infrastructure has already fundamentally improved the working conditions of the community.
Pascasie Umuhoza, the Karongi District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, notes that the market’s organized nature allows for more effective tax collection while protecting citizens from the predatory pricing of unregulated buyers. This institutional oversight is part of a broader PRISM strategy that has seen the livestock population in the district grow from an initial 4,576 to over 10,104 animals through the “Passing on Gifts” initiative. This growth is sustained by technical support, including the distribution of 162 solar panels and 126 water tanks to ensure that farmers have the resources needed to manage their livestock efficiently.
Ultimately, the Rubengera market serves as a local manifestation of a national mission. Funded by IFAD and implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the $45 million PRISM project is working across 15 districts to build resilient livestock systems. By integrating secure trading hubs with modern production tools and slaughterhouse infrastructure, the programme is turning small livestock farming into a reliable pathway toward long-term food security and economic independence for the people of Karongi and beyond.
