Some cattle farmers in Ngororero District say that poor roads linking them to markets are causing them to lose up to 150 Rwandan francs per liter of milk. This is because some of the milk they deliver to collection centers loses quality and is downgraded to second grade, which sells at a lower price.
This issue was highlighted by several farmers in Muhanda Sector, who explained that the poor roads delay the delivery of milk to collection centers. As a result, instead of receiving 400 Rwf per liter for first-grade milk, they are paid only 250 Rwf per liter for second-grade milk, leading to a loss of 150 Rwf per liter.
Munyampundu Emmanuel, a farmer from Gishwati, said that delivering milk to the Milk Collection Centers is challenging. It often requires hiring staff to transport the milk, and even then, it sometimes arrives spoiled. He explained:
“When milk reaches the center as first-grade, it sells at 400 Rwf per liter. If it arrives as second-grade, it sells for 250 Rwf, which means we lose 150 Rwf. For example, I produce about 40 liters per day. In a month, delays and road issues can cost me up to 30,000 Rwf because the roads are in poor condition. During the rainy season, transporters struggle and milk often downgrades to grade two.”
He added that they hope the government can construct proper roads and feeder roads, as well as additional collection centers in other areas.
Nkundimana Daniel, from Bugarura Cell in Muhanda Sector, said that they hope the road will be constructed, which would make it easier to transport their produce to the market. He added, “Here, cows produce milk, and we are able to get it. If the roads were improved, it would greatly benefit us and make it easier to achieve development.”
The District Mayor of Ngororero said that the local government is putting effort into road construction to benefit farmers and livestock keepers.
He stated:”Currently, about 95% of Ngororero’s population live in rural areas and are engaged in farming and livestock activities. There is a road under construction from Kabaya to Gishwati to address the milk transport issue, ensuring that farmers can deliver their products to the market and benefit from their labor.”
Ngororero District has set a goal to rehabilitate roads and bridges that were damaged by heavy rains. Among the most affected is the Kazabe-Kavumu-Mashya-Runombe-Rubaya road, which stretches 45 kilometers and requires an estimated 9.9 billion Rwandan francs for rehabilitation.
The Kabaya-Muhanda-Rutagara-Mutake-Kagano road, currently under repair and measuring 32 kilometers, also suffered significant damage, with restoration costs estimated at 6.4 billion Rwandan francs. Additionally, the roads and bridges connecting Gishwati, covering 28 kilometers, were heavily damaged and are expected to need 5.6 billion Rwandan francs for full restoration. The district is committed to ensuring that these key transport routes are quickly restored to improve mobility and support local development.
