By Seif Shaggy Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali,Rwanda,
Rwandans are urged to increase the proportion of fats in their diets to at least 26%, up from the current 10%, in order to provide their bodies with the necessary nutrients to function properly.
Dr. Christine Mukantwari, the Nutrition Officer for FAO in Rwanda, states that an individual requires a diet consisting of 12 food groups. These include cereals, white-fleshed sweet potatoes, fruits rich in Vitamin A which aids vision and boosts immunity meat, fish, milk, eggs, pulses, and beverages.
Dr. Mukantwari noted that the essential beverages required by the body include water.
“Among the 12 food groups a person needs daily, if you eat meat, you do not need to rush to get eggs. Similarly, if you eat eggs, it is not necessary to add meat because you can choose between the two. Consuming 300 grams is sufficient. The most important thing is for everyone to eat cereals and complement them with proteins from eggs or animal-source foods to maintain good health,” she explained.
She further noted that after considering all these food groups, individuals must also remember to include fats in their meals, though not in excess.
“Generally, our bodies need fats, but in small amounts. It is not healthy to consume too much fat. You should cook with a small amount of oil because it helps the body extract nutrients from the food you eat, which then pass through the small intestines and into the bloodstream to help the body function properly,” she said.
She added that although excessive fat consumption is harmful to health, Rwandans currently consume it at a very low level.
“Too much fat is bad for the body. However, here in Rwanda, we consume fats at a rate of 10%, yet we are required to consume them at a level of 26%. Despite this, we grow avocados locally, which can provide the body with healthy fats. This means that even if someone does not put cooking oil on their plate, they can add half an avocado, allowing the body to obtain those fats when combined with the other foods consumed,” she noted.
Dr. Mukantwari pointed out that a research study conducted in 2024 reveals that only 5% of households are able to access meat, milk, eggs, and fish.
“95% of households do not get animal-source foods. This finding is derived from the survey when households were asked if they had consumed meat in the past seven days. It shows that Rwandans mostly consume starchy foods and pulses, including beans, cassava, and peas, which they complement with green vegetables. Due to the sensitization campaigns carried out regarding kitchen gardens, people consume these vegetables because they are available,” she stated.
She went on to state that milk availability is still low, just like meat, and therefore everyone needs to exert effort to increase animal-source products both at home and in the market.
“Eating large quantities is not the main priority because the body requires between 2,200 and 3,200 calories per day, derived generally from cereals, fruits, meat, fish, and eggs. Every Rwandan deserves this, as reports indicate we have reached an average of 2,329 calories per day. Generally, we are eating; we do not have a hunger problem, and people have the energy to perform their daily tasks. However, what remains is knowing all the body’s requirements so that a person can be strong, grow well, and think properly,” she explained.
A census conducted in 2022 indicates that 69% of Rwandans are employed in agriculture and livestock farming. Among them, 26.8% practice agriculture exclusively, 64.2% engage in both agriculture and livestock farming simultaneously, while 9% focus solely on livestock rearing.
The census also revealed that 1.7 million households rear at least one animal. Among these, 28% rear cattle, 19% rear goats, 15% rear pigs, 12% rear poultry, and 6% rear pigs, while the remaining households rear other animals including bees and sheep.
It is projected that beef production will increase from over 76,000 tons by 2028/2029. Goat meat production is expected to rise from over 36,000 tons to over 41,000 tons, while mutton production will increase from 10,000 tons to 11,000 tons.
Poultry meat production is expected to rise from 58,000 tons to 65,000 tons in 2028/2029, pork production will increase from over 26,000 tons to 29,000 tons, and fish production will rise from 59,000 tons to 77,000 tons.
