Rwanda’s Eastern Cattle Farmers Demand Urgent Action to Combat Tsetse Fly Threat
Cattle farmers in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, particularly those living near the Akagera National Park, are calling on livestock authorities to enhance access to medicine and traps to combat the tsetse fly, which continues to threaten their cattle.
The farmers have expressed deep concern over the fly that bites their cattle, causing diseases that often result in death. They state that, despite their efforts to apply insecticides, the problem persists and shows no signs of abating.
Jean-Claude NDORIMANA, the Director General in charge of livestock development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), has indicated that measures have been put in place to control and prevent the tsetse fly.
According to a 2022 survey conducted by the MINAGRI, over 81% of cattle in Nyagatare District are dairy cows, while Rubavu District follows with 82%. Kayonza District has the lowest percentage of dairy cows at 51%, as a significant part of the district is occupied by the Akagera National Park, where farmers tend to raise beef cattle.
The Ministry encourages farmers to adopt modern practices such as keeping their cattle in enclosures to prevent diseases.
The districts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, and Kirehe are reported to have the highest presence of the dangerous fly.
