By Seif Gracien Hasingizwimana
Residents who were once living in extreme poverty, some reliant on casual labour or begging, have transformed into entrepreneurs and business owners thanks to the Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets (PRISM) project, which distributed small livestock to communities.
The project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) through its Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), focuses on empowering poor rural households, youth, and women to actively participate in and benefit from the transformation of the livestock sub-sector.
In Rambura Sector, Nyabihu District, the project supported 200 people, with each beneficiary receiving one pig and ten chickens.
Operating across 15 districts in Rwanda’s Northern, Southern, and Western Provinces, PRISM aims to improve food and nutrition security while increasing household incomes through enhanced performance of small livestock value chains, including goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry.
The programme prioritises vulnerable groups, targeting over 26,000 households, primarily those classified under Ubudehe Categories 1 and 2, alongside youth and farmers engaged in productive alliances.
Louise Hagenimana, a 54-year-old woman from Nyabihu District, shares her story after receiving a pig and ten chickens:
“I was extremely poor and struggled to feed my children. I worked as a casual labourer, and people would give me food out of pity,” Louise recalls.
When project leaders approached her community, she was selected as a beneficiary.
“Before the PRISM project reached our community, women in Rambura were truly struggling. Let me use myself as an example,” she says.
“We used to work in our neighbours’ fields instead of earning proper wages that could improve our lives; they paid us with food because hunger was our greatest challenge. Development wasn’t even a consideration. How can you move forward when you’re hungry?”
Louise explains that she and other women were selected because they were the most vulnerable in the village:
“The idea that I could eat until I was full, and that my children could do the same, seemed like a distant dream. I couldn’t even afford to raise small livestock. I was a farmer, yes, but I saw no real harvest. I spent my time working in other people’s fields just to get something to eat, and by the time I returned to cultivate my own land, the planting season was over. My crops never had a chance to grow.”
Today, Louise is part of a group of 50 farmers, 38 women and 12 men, who raise livestock and sell produce.
Farmers are supported to access reliable and structured markets, with contracts often signed before production begins, reducing uncertainty and improving income stability.
This has contributed significantly to stronger and more efficient livestock market systems.
“We used to farm poorly, but PRISM taught us climate-smart agriculture, including irrigation and financial management,” she says. The project has empowered Louise to make decisions and contribute to her household income:
“I can now generate income without relying on my husband, and we have improved our food security. This shift has also helped reduce conflicts at home, as I am now able to contribute financially. Gender equity enabled us to access finance.”
Mukankusi Brigitte, a mother of four from Rambura, Nyabihu, who received one pig and ten chickens, says PRISM has also taught her about environmental conservation and sustainable farming practices:
“We plant trees, use organic fertiliser, and harvest rainwater to reduce soil erosion,” she explains. Brigitte’s family has seen significant improvements in food security and income:
“We harvest up to two tonnes of potatoes per season, generating around 400,000 Rwandan francs. We also use Azolla, a protein-rich aquatic plant, to feed our animals. We grow Azolla in a small pond and use it to supplement animal feed, reducing costs and increasing productivity,” she adds.
Nyiransengiyumva Charlotte, from Gisesero, Muhororo, Nyamasheke, also raises pigs and grows crops:
“PRISM taught us to use organic waste to produce animal feed, including Azolla, which is rich in protein. We mix Azolla with other ingredients to create nutritious feed for our animals, helping us reduce costs and increase income.”
PRISM further promotes responsibility, entrepreneurship, and solidarity through initiatives such as “Passing on the Gift,” which encourages farmers to share livestock and knowledge within their communities, fostering mutual support and sustainable growth. Beneficiaries, in turn, assist poorer families to lift themselves out of poverty.
In addition to market access, the project has invested in critical infrastructure and services, including veterinary clinics, livestock markets, and a modern pig slaughterhouse.
It has also supported the formation and strengthening of goat, sheep, and pig farmers’ associations.
These interventions have improved animal health services, product quality, and collective bargaining power among farmers.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges remains the high cost of animal feed:
“Even though we grow Azolla, our animals cannot survive on it alone. We still have to mix it with other feeds, which are expensive. If feed prices were lower, it would be much easier to expand livestock farming,” Louise explains.
She also highlights the difficulty of finding a reliable market for their animals:
“There is no well-established place to sell pigs. If we could access a proper butchery facility, we could sell the meat ourselves and make a fair profit. At present, we are forced to sell to middlemen who pay very little.”
Dr. Abias Maniragaba, a researcher, stresses the importance of empowering women in agriculture:
“Women are key to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. They are more likely to invest in their families and communities, yet they are more vulnerable to climate change.”
Women in the project have learned to adapt to climate change through sustainable farming practices, such as planting drought-resistant crops and using organic fertiliser. They are also using Azolla to reduce reliance on commercial animal feed and improve productivity.
The project’s focus on women has had a ripple effect, enhancing their confidence and influence within communities. Women are making decisions, contributing to household income, and improving food security.
Vedaste Mugiraneza, from Rambura, Nyundo, reports that PRISM has helped him improve farming practices and increase income:
“I now use organic fertiliser and have increased my crop yields. I also feed my animals with Azolla. It is a game-changer: free, protein-rich, and cost-effective. Our productivity has increased while costs have decreased,” he explains.
Beatha Dusabirema, Chairperson of Duterimbere Bugabe I, notes the project’s impact:
“We have reduced expenses on animal feed and increased income. Azolla has been a key factor in this success; it provides a sustainable, cost-effective solution.”
Fulgence Umuhire, Agriculture and Livestock Officer in Nyange, Ngororero, adds:
“The number of pigs in the area has increased from 75 to 4,800, with farmers using sustainable practices, including Azolla, to improve productivity and income.”
Joseph Nshokeyinka, Project Manager, confirms that PRISM supports farmers in adopting climate-smart agriculture practices:
“We are promoting sustainable agriculture and livestock practices, including the use of Azolla, to improve food security and incomes.”
The PRISM project is a government initiative supported by IFAD, aiming to reduce poverty and enhance food security in 15 districts.
By empowering women and promoting sustainable agriculture practices, the project is strengthening climate resilience and improving livelihoods.
Raymond Kamwe, the Community Development Gender and Youth Specialist in the project, said 15,165 women were given livestock including those given 11,811 chickens and 3,354 given pigs in 15 districts.
A gender action learning system was developed.
The Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets (PRISM), a five-year project introduced GALS in 2023.
“Targeting poultry, pig, goat, and sheep value chains, PRISM emphasizes poverty reduction, improved nutrition, social and gender inclusion, and market potential while minimizing environmental impact,” he said.
He said the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) was used to advance gender equality and enable poor rural men, women, and youth to transform the livestock sector in Rwanda and have greater access to resilient, productive economic resources.
As climate change continues to challenge agriculture and food security, initiatives such as PRISM offer valuable lessons in adaptation and resilience.
By investing in women and sustainable farming, Rwanda is building a more resilient and sustainable food system.
The success of PRISM highlights the importance of gender-sensitive approaches to climate adaptation.
Women are not merely beneficiaries—they are agents of change, critical to building climate resilience.
Through PRISM, Rwanda demonstrates the potential of climate-smart agriculture to transform lives and livelihoods.
As the country continues to face the impacts of climate change, initiatives like PRISM will be vital in fostering a sustainable and resilient future.
Farmers are using sustainable practices, including Azolla, to improve their productivity and income
Promoting sustainable agriculture and livestock practices, including the use of Azolla, to improve food security and income
Women are not just beneficiaries, but also agents of change, and their empowerment is critical to building climate resilience
She says that mix Azolla with other ingredients to create a nutritious feed for our animals, and it’s helped us reduce our costs and increase our income
Even though we grow azolla, our animals can’t survive on it alone. We still have to mix it with other varieties of feed, and those are expensive
It reduced our costs and increased our productivity
By Seif Gracien Hasingizwimana
Email: hasingizwimanashaggy@gmail.com
