By Rose Mukagahizi
Some residents of Gahunga Sector in Burera District have praised the PRISM Project for its significant role in helping them overcome long-standing challenges of child stunting and malnutrition.
In Nyangezi Village, mothers and fathers now speak with confidence about the health of their children. Among them is Niyonsenga Immacule, President of the Dufatanye Twiyubaka group. She recalls how PRISM introduced practical solutions that went beyond aid and focused on long-term change.
“PRISM did not just give us animals,” she says. “They trained us, walked with us, and showed us how to improve our lives.”
Through the project, each member of the 28-person group received chickens, construction materials for poultry shelters, and animal feed. As the chickens multiplied, families began sharing with neighbors who were not part of the group. Soon, eggs became available in every household. With time, beneficiaries were also able to acquire goats, sheep, and pigs, strengthening household income and nutrition.
Beyond livestock, PRISM invested in knowledge. Community members were trained in proper animal care, saving habits, and how to prepare balanced meals for their families. Kitchen gardens became common, supported by vegetable seeds and avocado seedlings provided by the project.
The impact on children has been remarkable.
“Today, you will not find a child suffering from malnutrition in this village,” Niyonsenga says with pride.
Nzabonimpa Emmanuel, the village leader of Nyangezi, confirms the change. He remembers a time when health workers frequently called him about malnourished children.
“I used to leave my work to follow up on those cases,” he recalls. “But since PRISM came, those calls stopped. Parents are informed, food is available, and children are healthier.”
Local authorities also acknowledge the transformation. Butoyi Louis, Executive Secretary of Gahunga Sector, says Nyangezi has become a model village.
“The collaboration with PRISM brought innovation and real results,” he notes. “Nyangezi now leads in the fight against stunting and in early childhood development programs.”
Residents say working in groups, with PRISM’s support, helped them overcome challenges that once seemed impossible. Their hope is that the same model will be expanded to other villages across the district.
PRISM is a project jointly implemented by the Government of Rwanda in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), and implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
