Residents and local authorities in Gisagara District affirm that the PRISM project (Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets) has accelerated progress in agriculture and livestock farming while significantly contributing to the fight against malnutrition and stunting in children.
Gisagara is one of 15 districts where PRISM is implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). The project has transformed lives by improving food security, boosting incomes, and fostering resilience among vulnerable households.
Transforming Lives Through Livestock Farming
Darie Iryitangiye, a 63-year-old resident of Rwintare Village, Mbogo Cell, Gikonko Sector, is one of PRISM’s success stories. On February 10, 2025, she shared how the project changed her life and those of her neighbors.
“In 2022, I received a pig, which became a turning point for me. It gave birth to eight piglets. I shared two with fellow beneficiaries and sold the rest, keeping two for further breeding. Later, one of them gave birth to 12 piglets, which transformed my financial situation. I was able to renovate my house and install electricity,” she recounted.
Jean Bosco Ntambara, another beneficiary from Gikonko, also testifies to the project’s impact.
“Before PRISM, I struggled with extreme poverty, and my children suffered from malnutrition. In 2023, I received two pigs, though one died. The remaining one gave birth to 14 piglets, and that’s when my life began to change,” he explained.
Now a successful livestock farmer and entrepreneur, Ntambara used his earnings to diversify his income.
“I didn’t keep all the pigs. I shared two with neighbors and sold some to start a business. I bought a large TV and opened a small cinema—the only one in our area—earning RWF 1,500 daily. I also buy unripe avocados and sell them when ripe. With my profits, I renovated my house with cement,” he said.
Ntambara added that before PRISM, his family was constantly struggling.
“My wife and I often argued due to financial stress, and our children were malnourished. But this project changed everything. Now, we live in peace, and our children are healthy.”
A Community-Wide Transformation
Denise Dusabe, Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Gisagara, commended PRISM’s role in transforming lives.
“Many families received livestock, including pigs, chickens, and goats, which has significantly reduced poverty. We’ve also seen a decline in family conflicts, as financial stability has brought peace to many homes,” she noted.
PRISM operates in five sectors of Gisagara, benefiting 417 families with pigs, 1,011 with chickens, and 500 with goats.
Scaling Impact Across Rwanda
Joseph Nshokeyinka, PRISM’s project coordinator, highlighted the initiative’s broader reach.
“PRISM operates in 15 districts across Rwanda, aiming to support 26,355 vulnerable households. We provide beneficiaries with training in modern farming techniques, mindset transformation, and livestock management while also equipping them with essential tools to enhance productivity,” he said.
Since its launch on March 10, 2021, PRISM has distributed chickens to 15,984 households and pigs to 6,651 families. Additionally, 50 high-quality sheep were introduced at a RAB station, which has since grown to 163 and is now being allocated to farmers.
PRISM is a five-year project set to conclude on September 30, 2026. It is a collaborative effort between the Government of Rwanda, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and other partners, implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and RAB.
A Brighter Future Ahead
As PRISM continues to uplift communities, its impact is evident in the lives of beneficiaries like Iryitangiye and Ntambara. From poverty to prosperity, their stories reflect the power of sustainable development in transforming households, strengthening communities, and building a more resilient future for Rwanda.
