By Rose Mukagahizi
Cattle farmers in Matimba Sector, Nyagatare District, have welcomed a new valley dam worth over RWF 400 million, saying it will help address the long-standing challenge of water shortages for their animals, especially during the dry season.
The dam, which has a capacity of 28,396.53 cubic meters, is expected to provide a reliable source of water for cattle and reduce the difficulties farmers have faced for years when searching for water and pasture.
For many Rwandan families, cattle are more than just livestock. They are a source of income, pride, and dignity. However, during the dry season, many farmers in Matimba have struggled to find enough water for their animals, sometimes putting both the cattle and farmers under serious pressure.
The new dam is being constructed through the Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II (RDDP2), a project aimed at improving dairy farming in Rwanda. Farmers believe the facility will help improve cattle health, increase milk production, and support their livelihoods.
Local farmers say they are grateful for the project and are ready to use the dam responsibly and protect it.
Mutabazi James, a cattle farmer from Matimba Sector, said the lack of water had been a serious problem for farmers in the area.
“During the dry season, our cows used to suffer because of the lack of water. This dam will make a big difference. More than 3,000 cattle will be able to drink water here twice a day, which will help protect them from dying due to drought,” he said.
He added that farmers appreciate the government’s support, saying their cattle will no longer suffer the way they used to during the dry season.
Another farmer, Kimenyi Aimable, said the dam is a major relief for livestock farmers. He explained that, in the past, some farmers had no choice but to take their cattle to the Akagera River in search of water, which exposed the animals to risks such as tsetse flies and related diseases.
John Kayumba, the RAB Station Manager for Nyagatare and Gatsibo Districts, said the government saw the need to support cattle farmers by providing a reliable water source close to them.
He explained that the dam will reduce the long distances cattle used to travel in search of water, help prevent diseases, and make livestock farming easier and more productive.
The Vice Mayor of Nyagatare District in charge of Social Affairs, Juliet Murekatete, thanked RDDP2 for supporting efforts to solve water shortages faced by farmers during the dry season.
She said the dam will benefit 253 cattle farmers from different sectors and will contribute to increasing milk production in Nyagatare District, including milk supplied to Inyange Industries.
She also urged farmers to take good care of the dam, protect it from damage, and ensure that the water remains clean.
The Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II (RDDP2) is jointly implemented by the Government of Rwanda and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and implemented under the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board.
