How Rubengera’s Small Livestock Market Is Transforming Trade Practices in Karongi

For years, small livestock farmers and traders in Karongi District sold their animals wherever they could, on roadsides, in homesteads, or at informal meeting points, often at unfair prices and under constant threat of theft. Today, that reality is changing, with a purpose-built small livestock market in Bubazi Cell, Rubengera Sector, established under the Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets Programme (PRISM).

At the heart of this transformation is Marie Nyirabantu, 47, a poultry trader from Rulagwe Cell in Rubengera Sector. She says the market has not only improved her business but also changed her life.

“This market has helped us a lot. I used to trade here before, and now I have managed to build my own house. I trade chickens and supply them to Gisenyi,” she said.

Nyirabantu recalls that before the market was established, farmers and traders operated in unsafe and unregulated conditions.

“Before this market was built, we sold wherever we found buyers. We were cheated on prices, and theft was common. Now, all that has stopped,” she added.

Beyond trade organization, the market has also improved basic sanitation. Nyirabantu noted that toilets, which were previously non-existent, have restored dignity to traders and visitors.

“Before, there were no toilets. Anyone who needed one had to go to the bush. Now the facilities are there. We are grateful to the PRISM Project for building this market.”

However, she believes there is still room for improvement, particularly in services that support traders who spend long hours at the market.

“What we would like to see added is a restaurant. Many people come here and struggle to find food or drinks. They have to cross over to Kibirizi when they need something,” she said.

Improved Security and Fair Pricing

For Felicien Havugimana, a goat farmer from Rusebeya Sector, the market has addressed two long-standing challenges: insecurity and price exploitation.

“Before this market was built, livestock theft was a serious problem. Now the market is secure, fully fenced, and protected by DASSO officers. We can sell our animals without fear,” he said.

He added that the lack of a formal marketplace previously exposed farmers to unfair pricing.

“We used to be underpaid because there were no standard prices. Now, we get fair value for our animals.”

Similarly, Damascene Ntakabanyura, a poultry farmer from Mutuntu Sector, said the market has provided farmers with a reliable and safe selling point.

“This livestock market helps us earn a living. Before, we sold in unsafe places with many thieves. Now, the market is well-organized and secure, and we sell at better prices,” he said.

District Authorities Praise Market Impact

Karongi District leaders say the Rubengera market has brought order and transparency to the livestock trade, benefiting both farmers and local authorities.

Pascasie Umuhoza, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Karongi District, said the market has protected farmers from exploitation while improving district revenue collection.

“When buyers used to go directly to farmers’ homes, they often imposed low prices. At the market, livestock has known and standardized prices, enabling farmers to negotiate and sell with confidence,” she explained.

She added that selling through the market has reduced losses for farmers and improved tax collection for the district.

“The market has solved many problems for citizens and for the district, as it also helps us collect taxes more effectively,” Umuhoza said.

PRISM’s Broader Impact in Karongi

Beyond infrastructure, PRISM has made significant investments in livestock production and farmer capacity-building across Karongi District.

The project initially supplied 4,576 animals directly to farmers and an additional 5,528 animals through the Passing on Gifts (PoG) initiative, where beneficiaries share offspring with other community members. As a result, the number of animals has grown to 10,104, extending benefits far beyond the original recipients.

This approach has strengthened community solidarity while expanding livestock ownership and income-generating opportunities.

PRISM has also trained farmers in balanced nutrition, improved livestock management, job creation, and self-employment, enabling them to raise healthier animals and use livestock farming as a pathway to long-term economic independence.

To address broader challenges affecting productivity, the project supported farmers with 162 solar panels to improve access to electricity and 126 water tanks to enhance water availability for both livestock and household use.

In addition to the Rubengera small livestock market, PRISM also supported the construction of a pig slaughterhouse in Karongi District, providing farmers with safe and reliable market entry points.

A National Programme with Local Impact

Operating in 15 districts nationwide, the PRISM Project focuses on four small livestock value chains: pigs, poultry, goats, and sheep. Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the programme was launched in 2021 with an initial budget of USD 45 million.

PRISM aims to reduce poverty and food insecurity by strengthening livestock farming systems and improving market access in underserved communities.