Residents of Gisagara District are improving their livelihoods and combating malnutrition, thanks to the PRISM project implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). This initiative promotes small livestock rearing, marketing, processing in approved facilities, and consumption of animal products to enhance food security and economic resilience.
Manishimwe Alice, 29, and her husband Nteziryayo, 30, from Cyivugiza Village, Gabiro Cell, Gishubi Sector, received 10 chickens in August 2024 through PRISM. Alongside the livestock, they participated in training under the Gender Action Learning System (GALS), which focuses on gender equality and self-reliance.
Their journey has been remarkable.
These chickens have enabled them to acquire land worth over RWF 1 million, a cow, two pigs, two goats, and 15 additional chickens. They also improved their farming techniques, increasing their bean harvest from 70 kg to 300 kg and their maize yield to 400 kg, thanks to organic manure from their livestock.
Manishimwe explained that they initially received six male chicks and four female chicks. Once grown, they sold three roosters for RWF 15,000 each and used the money to buy a mature boar. This boar was then used for breeding, and in return, they received 35 piglets from neighbors whose pigs had given birth.
Each piglet was sold for at least RWF 30,000, which enabled them to buy a plot of land and a cow, as they continued poultry farming. The goats were received through the PRISM project.
Now, the couple is planning to build a fence around their home and venture into large-scale crop trading, leveraging the organic manure from their livestock.
Scaling Up poultry farming in the community
Inspired by the success of small livestock farming, 39 residents of Akasemabondi Village, Nyaruteja Cell, Nyanza Sector, have come together to establish a poultry house, stocking it with 450 chicks to ensure the sustainability of poultry farming in their community.
Nyirahabimana Jeannine, a member of the Nyaruteja group, noted that before PRISM, malnutrition was widespread, with 30 out of 100 children suffering from undernutrition.
Kayitesi Marie Grâce, Community Facilitator working with the PRISM project in Gikonko Sector, emphasized the financial advantages of small livestock over cattle.
“Small livestock grow quickly, require minimal space, and need less fodder. Unlike cows, which take longer to yield returns, pigs, goats, and chickens generate income in a short time,” she said.
She cited Narayisabye Sarah as an example of success starting with just one pig, she earned over RWF 1 million within six months by selling its offspring.
Integrating nutrition and sustainable farming
Beyond livestock distribution, PRISM provides support in animal shelter construction, kitchen gardens, and water storage to promote nutrition and sustainability.
Launched in 2021, PRISM is a collaboration between MINAGRI, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and other development partners, aiming to uplift vulnerable households.
According to the 2022 national census by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), 205,924 households were living in poverty at the time. In Gisagara District alone, 10,993 vulnerable residents are being considered for further livestock support, even after PRISM concludes.
A lasting impact
Nshokeyinka Joseph ni PRISM Project Manage highlighted the project’s achievements:
“Some families have grown their initial 10 chickens into flocks of 100, 200, or even 300. Weekly egg collection translates into significant income, enabling beneficiaries to invest in cattle farming or additional land for growing vegetables and fruits.”
Since its inception, PRISM has provided chickens to 15,984 households, pigs to 6,651 families, and goats or sheep to many others. Through the redistribution of livestock offspring, over 28,000 households have benefited, demonstrating the project’s ripple effect in lifting communities out of poverty.
With two years remaining until its completion in 2026, PRISM continues to transform lives, proving that small livestock can lead to big changes.
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