By: Rose Mukagahizi
Residents of Karongi District have expressed satisfaction with a modern small livestock market built under the PRISM project, saying it has helped curb theft and provided a safe, organized place to buy and sell their animals.
Nyirabantu Mariya, a resident of Rubengera Sector in Karongi District, says the market has solved several long-standing challenges, including theft and poor sanitation. She explains that before the market was built, traders lacked basic facilities such as toilets, which contributed to unhygienic conditions.
She said: “Before this market was constructed, whenever it rained we would get soaked, but now we have shelter. This market has been very helpful to us. Personally, it helped me improve my livelihood. I buy small livestock here and sell them in Rubavu. Thanks to this business, I was able to build a good house.”
Nzabahimana Ezechiel from Bwishyura Sector in Karongi District notes that before the establishment of the market, livestock trading was done informally, with people selling wherever they could find buyers. This situation often led to theft or forced farmers to sell their animals at very low prices. Today, buyers are confident that the animals sold at the market are legitimate.
He said: “Thieves no longer have space to operate because there is security in this market.”
Traders also appreciate the opportunity to contribute to government revenue through taxes. “This market benefits our country because we pay taxes. When we used to sell in informal places, we did not pay any taxes,” he added.
The leadership of Karongi District has commended the PRISM project for constructing the small livestock market and a modern pig slaughterhouse, saying these facilities have greatly benefited local residents.
Umuhoza Pascasie, the Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of Social Affairs, praised the support provided through the PRISM project and assured that the district will play its role in protecting and sustaining the infrastructure.
Speaking about the small livestock market, PRISM representatives highlighted that it connects Karongi District with other districts, facilitating wider trade. “It is a modern and well-developed market that truly helps us. It enables residents to trade freely, and the profits earned benefit both project beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. In addition, the district collects taxes from this market. It is a very important initiative, and we are grateful to the PRISM project,” they said.
PRISM is a project 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).
