By: Rose Mukagahizi
In Rulindo District, the impact of the PRISM Project is clearly reflected in the changing lives of smallholder farmers who are gradually moving out of poverty through small livestock farming. Among them is Nikuze Didacienne, a pig farmer from Burega Sector, Karengeri Cell, Mataba Village, whose story highlights resilience and sustainable recovery.
For many years, Nikuze lived in extreme poverty caused by a long-term illness that began in 2003. The sickness made access to healthcare difficult and expensive, forcing her to sell parts of her land to cover medical costs. As a result, her family’s economic situation continued to deteriorate.
“I reached a point where I could no longer afford health insurance,” Nikuze told IRIBA NEWS. “Whenever I needed treatment, I had to sell my property. Life became very hard.”
Her situation began to change after she was linked to the PRISM Project, which supported her with two pigs. Through training and regular follow-up, she was able to manage the livestock effectively. The pigs soon reproduced, with one giving birth to eight piglets and the other seven.
In line with the Passing on the Gift principle promoted by PRISM, Nikuze passed on two piglets to other farmers in her community. The remaining piglets became the foundation of her recovery. Today, she owns 20 pigs, a major transformation compared to her previous situation.
Income generated from pig farming has enabled her to renovate and cement her house, significantly improving living conditions for her family. She has also purchased one cow to strengthen household nutrition and income, as well as 12 chickens to diversify her sources of livelihood.
“I no longer depend on selling land to survive,” she said. “Pig farming has helped me rebuild my life and plan for the future.”
Rulindo District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Rugerinyange Theoneste, acknowledged PRISM’s contribution to the district’s development efforts. He said the project supports government priorities aimed at reducing poverty through income-generating activities.
“Our focus is to help citizens move out of poverty,” Rugerinyange said. “PRISM has played an important role by supporting small livestock farming, which is part of our district performance targets. Its contribution to improving household livelihoods is visible.”
District data show that PRISM has supported thousands of farmers in Rulindo with chickens, pigs and goats, both through direct support and Passing on the Gift, ensuring that benefits continue to spread within communities.
For farmers like Nikuze Didacienne, these achievements translate into restored dignity, economic stability and renewed hope for the future.
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 under the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
