Resilient Livestock Farming: How PRISM is Shaping the Future of Gisagara’s Rural Communities

In Gisagara District, the Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets (PRISM) is making a pivotal role in enhancing the livelihoods of local farmers. Operating across 15 districts that were selected due to high poverty and malnutrition rates—including Gisagara—the initiative is focused on providing small-scale livestock farmers with critical support.

Launched in 2021, PRISM aims to combat poverty and food insecurity by strengthening livestock farming and improving the value chains in these underserved regions.

With a budget of $45.64 million (RWF 41.07 billion), PRISM seeks to empower rural communities by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources to transform livestock farming into a sustainable business. Through this approach, the project offers technical support, market access, and financial connections, helping farmers to improve productivity and secure stable income. By strengthening small livestock value chains, PRISM is addressing key challenges, including malnutrition and food insecurity, while also promoting economic growth in the region.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Government of Rwanda, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and other partners. It is being implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), working together to ensure long-term resilience and inclusive development in rural areas like Gisagara.

Sarah NARAYISABYE, a pig farmer from Gikonko Sector in Gisagara District, is a testament to PRISM’s transformative impact. She noted that before joining the program, she had never considered pig farming as a viable business.

In 2023, she received two piglets through PRISM’s offspring-sharing model. With training in best practices, she raised and sold them for RWF 450,000, reinvesting in more piglets and expanding her farm.

“In the last six months, my third batch of five pigs generated RWF 1,000,000, allowing me to scale up production,” NARAYISABYE shared.

“By the end of this year, I plan to raise over 20 pigs, focusing on meat production,” she added.

Beyond livestock, PRISM’s financial literacy training enabled her to join SACCO and Community-Based Savings Groups (CBSGs), helping her save and invest in a restaurant alongside her farming activities.

“I initially believed I couldn’t raise pigs, but PRISM changed my perception. Their training helped me understand the benefits and make the experience more rewarding,” she added.

Daria IRYITANGIYE, a 73-year-old pig farmer from Mbogo Cell, Gikonko Sector, faced difficulties managing her farm before joining PRISM in 2022. She received training on livestock management, pig housing, proper feeding, and artificial insemination. PRISM also provided her with an improved breed sow, which initially gave birth to eight piglets. She raised them and shared two with a fellow farmer, contributing to community development.

“Before receiving these pigs, I never imagined myself as a pig farmer,” IRYITANGIYE recalled.

“I thank PRISM, which thought of us and gave us this opportunity.”

During subsequent gestation cycles, her sow delivered 12 piglets each time. Selling some of them helped her improve her household’s well-being. As she awaits the fourth litter, she plans to expand her farm, increase profits, and boost her savings in CBSGs.

“The manure from my pigs has also improved my crop yields, allowing me to supply food to local markets and ensure my household has a nutritious diet,” she noted. “It has even helped me cover health insurance costs.”

Pascal NTEZIRYAYO, a resident of Gishubi Sector, Gisagara District, received ten chickens (five hens and five roosters) through PRISM in 2023. With proper care, his flock grew to 25. As they multiplied, he sold five chickens and used the proceeds to buy pigs, eventually acquiring cows and goats.

“PRISM gave me 10 chickens. After they grew, I sold five for RWF 15,000 each and bought pigs and a cow, which significantly improved my life,” NTEZIRYAYO said.

His wife, Alice MANISHIMWE, credited their success to the training received from PRISM.

“We took good care of the hens, and later PRISM provided us with goats. We are very proud because it has changed our lives,” MANISHIMWE said.

NTEZIRYAYO reflected on their journey, recalling how they once worked on other people’s farms for RWF 1,200 a day. Today, they own land worth over RWF 3 million and provide a better future for their two children, thanks to PRISM’s role in fighting malnutrition and promoting egg consumption.

Denise DUSABE, Gisagara District’s Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, emphasized the importance of PRISM in uplifting vulnerable families.

“PRISM has provided small livestock to various families as part of the graduation program aimed at lifting people out of poverty,” she said.

“Pigs, chickens, and goats have played a crucial role in this effort, leading to significant changes.”

She also highlighted the project’s role in reducing family conflicts caused by financial hardships.

“The support provided by PRISM has helped meet families’ basic needs, reducing the financial strain that often leads to conflicts,” she added.

PRISM currently operates in five sectors of Gisagara District, benefiting 417 families with pigs, 1111 with chickens, and 500 with goats. As the program continues, its impact on community development is expected to grow, bringing lasting improvements to livelihoods and food security.