Rwanda

Increasing incomes and nutrition

We support farmers to set up their own cooperatives, where they share knowledge, pool resources, as well as access financing to invest and grow their farms.

Detailed map highlighting the geographic locations of past and active projects in Rwanda.

Location: Rwanda
Products: Dairy, Goats, Swine, Poultry
Active Since: 2000

Background:

Agriculture is a dominant force in Rwanda’s economy, with largely small farms serving as the main livelihood source for 67% of the population. Many farmers face low yields and limited access to markets and financial services.

Heifer International started work in Rwanda in 2000, implementing a small scale dairy development project with a grant awarded by UNDP through USAID.

In the years since, we have expanded our operations throughout the country, working together with the government and with support from donor partners including USAID, UNDP, the African Development Bank, IFAD and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

1,400,000 families supported
by our work.

Our work focuses on improving farmers’ income and families’ nutrition through quality livestock, agricultural and business training, and stronger connections to the dairy value chain along with secondary goat, swine, and poultry markets.

We work with rural women and youth to build farming families’ resilience through sustainable agricultural practices. Our gender training helps local women build their confidence and get their voices heard, so they can become community leaders and share decision-making power.

We support farmers to organize into cooperatives, where they share knowledge and pool resources, as well as access financing to invest and grow their farms. Farmers buy shares in a hub through which they sell a dependable, quality supply of milk to dairy processors, increasing their incomes.

Increased milk consumption along with fresh fruit and vegetables from kitchen gardens is also strengthening food security and nutrition.

Living Income

Heifer works with farmers to secure a living income so they can lead dignified and prosperous lives. Learn more about what achieving a living income entails.