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More than 200,000 Rwandan farmers have received free cows under the Rwandan Governments' one cow per poor family programme since it was introduced in 2006. Stephanie Malyon reports.
The move has kick-started small scale milk production, bringing new income streams for cash-strapped farmers, as well as providing manure to fertilise crops, and meat and milk for improved nutrition and food security.
But milk, meat and manure are only as plentiful as the fodder cattle eat. With land under severe pressure to feed a rapidly growing population and traditional fodder sources failing during times of drought, farmers are struggling to feed their livestock. A research proj ect investigating high quality grasses is giving hope to millions of small farmers in the country and across the region.
Rwanda has hardly any unused land. The average farm size is among the smallest in sub-Saharan Africa at just over half a hectare, from which farmers must grow their household food, cash crops and livestock feed. As a result, planted forages are scarce year round and land is overexploited, increasing land degradation and reducing soil fertility. The problem is exacerbated in the dry season.
Farmers receive around 220Rfr (GBp£0.20 or USDS0.32) for one litre of milk, depending on the season. The money is paid into their bank account every month. Most of the milk from Kigabiro is sold to Inyange Industries, a local milk processor.
Napier grass is the fodder of choice for most Rwandan smallholders, but it does not...