On March 14, 2025, the third exponential passing on the gift (EEe-PoG) ceremony was held in Rwamiko Sector, Gicumbi District, marking another significant milestone in the community’s journey toward self-reliance and economic empowerment. During the event, 830 chickens were distributed to 83 farmers, contributing to the initiative’s goal of reaching 2,000 poultry farmers by April 2025.
The event highlighted the success of the PRISM project, which has been transformative for farmers in Gicumbi District. The project focuses on livestock distribution, cooperative development, and the Passing on the Gift (PoG) model, which encourages participants to share their livestock with others after a set period. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has successfully completed five rounds of livestock distribution, creating a ripple effect of support across the district.
The ceremony also served as a reminder of the importance of nutrition in combating malnutrition. Children present at the event were given Vitamin A-rich foods, further supporting efforts to reduce stunting and improve health outcomes in the community.
Rwamiko Vision Cooperative: A model for transformation
A key partner in the PRISM project since 2022, the Rwamiko Vision Cooperative has become a beacon of success in animal feed production, poultry farming, agribusiness, and community development. Stephanie Mukandayisenga, a representative of the cooperative, shared the group’s remarkable transformation story.
“Thanks to PRISM, we have gone from renting premises to owning our workspace, valued at 16 million RWF. Our membership has grown from 145 members in 2022 to 292 today, including 198 women and 92 men. We’ve also built homes for four vulnerable families, and every cooperative member now owns a kitchen garden, thanks to the vegetable seeds provided by PRISM,” Mukandayisenga said.
Beyond economic growth, the cooperative has also fostered social progress. All members are now enrolled in the EjoHeza savings program, have access to health insurance, and 64 couples who were previously in informal unions are now legally married.
A Vision for the Future
With these successes in mind, the Rwamiko Vision Cooperative is setting ambitious goals for the future. Members plan to:
• Establish livestock feed stores in every village in Rwamiko Sector, as the only existing store is located in Cyeru village.
• Purchase a vehicle to facilitate transportation needs.
• Construct water storage tanks to improve access to water.
• Receive advanced training on cooperative management to strengthen their operations.
PRISM’s ongoing impact and expansion
Joseph Nshokeyinka, the PRISM Project Manager, commended the cooperative’s achievements and emphasized the project’s potential for further expansion.
“Initially, the project was set to conclude in September 2026. However, due to its success, the Government of Rwanda is working with its partners to secure additional funding, which will enable PRISM to expand into other sectors,” he said.
Nshokeyinka reassured cooperative members that PRISM will continue to collaborate with the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) to provide specialized training in cooperative management, ensuring the sustainable growth of these initiatives.
Government’s support and call for sustainability
Gicumbi District Mayor, Emmanuel Nzabonimpa, praised the PRISM project and its partners for their role in transforming the lives of local farmers. He encouraged all beneficiaries to continue building on their progress.
“At the start, farmers received 10 chickens each along with materials for poultry shelters. Today, their progress is truly remarkable,” Mayor Nzabonimpa said. “I urge everyone to sustain their efforts and adopt best cooperative practices for long-term success.”
PRISM’s impact on rural communities
Since its inception, PRISM has provided chickens to 15,984 households, pigs to 6,651 families, and goats or sheep to others. Through the redistribution of livestock offspring, more than 28,000 households have benefited, showcasing the far-reaching impact of the initiative.
The project’s positive effects on nutrition have been particularly evident. Three years ago, Gicumbi District had a stunting rate of 42.2%. Thanks to livestock distribution and improved nutrition, this rate has now dropped to 19.1%, aligning with Rwanda’s NST1 goal of reducing stunting to 19% by 2024.
The Rwamiko Vision Cooperative, which comprises 16 self-help groups and 292 members, has also expanded into a chick brooding business, currently managing 2,100 chicks. This growth, alongside the cooperative’s other ventures, is a testament to the transformative power of the PRISM initiative.
Through fostering self-reliance and economic stability, PRISM continues to empower farmers in Gicumbi District, supporting them in building sustainable livelihoods and driving lasting change in the region.
PRISM is an IFAD-funded project implemented under the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
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