Nyagatare district, Rwanda’s top livestock producer, today officially launched the farmers’ guiding manual at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Epic Hotel.
Developed in partnership with the ministry of agriculture and animal resources(MINAGRI), FAO Rwanda, Heifer Rwanda and other partners, the practical handbook equips farmers with clear guidance on improving dairy cattle management and animal nutrition to increase both the quantity and quality of milk.
Despite the district’s strong contribution to national milk and meat production and household incomes, farmers still face challenges including limited access to quality breeding services, climate pressures and gaps in practical management knowledge.
“This manual was prepared with the real obstacles that our farmers encounter every day firmly in mind,” organizers noted.
The event brought together MINAGRI Permanent Secretary Solange Uwituze, representatives from FAO Rwanda and Heifer Rwanda, district leaders and farmers from Nyagatare and Gatsibo.
It aimed to strengthen collaboration, promote better livestock practices and encourage youth participation in modern farming.
“This gathering creates the space we need to share innovations, confront challenges and identify concrete actions that will accelerate progress,” the district stated.
By placing reliable, farmer-focused information into producers’ hands, the manual and the renewed partnerships forged today are expected to raise productivity, improve livelihoods and support the sustainable growth of Rwanda’s livestock sector.
Naomi Irakoze Mugaragu