Shangi Veterinary Clinic Brings Lifeline to Livestock Farmers in Nyamasheke

Access to timely veterinary care has long been one of the biggest challenges facing livestock farmers in Nyamasheke District when their animals fell sick. Farmers often had to travel long distances in search of a veterinarian or watch their livestock die as help arrived too late. With the establishment of the Shangi Veterinary Clinic, that challenge is easing, as farmers are now able to receive professional animal treatment within their communities, reducing losses and improving productivity.

Operated under Nyamasheke Veterinarians Company Ltd (NVC), the clinic was established with support from the Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets Programme (PRISM) to bring professional veterinary services closer to farming communities.

Belliane Mukankusi, a livestock farmer from Shangi Sector, recalls the challenges she faced.

“Before this clinic existed, our animals died because we had to walk long distances looking for a veterinarian,” she said. “Sometimes you would travel only to find that the veterinarian was not available, or you didn’t even know where to find one.”

Mukankusi says she personally lost two cows due to delayed veterinary care.

“My cows fell sick, and I spent the whole day searching for help. By the time I found someone, it was too late. But now, having a clinic nearby, you look for a veterinarian and find them immediately. It has brought us great relief.”

Jean Uzayisenga, a livestock farmer from Impala Cell in Bushenge Sector, says access to veterinary services has become more reliable since the clinic opened.

“In the past, getting veterinary help was a serious challenge,” he explained. “Farmers had to travel long distances, and during emergencies, especially when cows had complications during birth, help would arrive too late.”

He added that many families lost animals they depended on for food and income due to delayed treatment.

“Today, the situation is very different. Services are close to us. Animals are examined on time, treatment starts early, and farmers now feel confident investing in cows, goats, and pigs because help is nearby.”

From traditional practice to professional care

According to Festus Niyonsenga, Managing Director of Nyamasheke Veterinarians Company Ltd, the clinic provides essential services including animal treatment and artificial insemination.

“Before the clinic was established, many farmers lost animals because veterinary services were either delayed or unavailable,” he said. “Our work was also very challenging. We had limited tools and often treated animals without proper diagnosis.”

Niyonsenga explained that veterinarians were previously forced to treat symptoms rather than diseases due to lack of diagnostic equipment.

“Animals can show similar symptoms but suffer from different diseases. Today, we take blood samples and analyze them in the laboratory before treatment. This ensures accurate diagnosis, reduces unnecessary medication, and saves farmers money.”

The clinic, constructed with PRISM support in 2024, is equipped with basic laboratory tools that have significantly improved service quality.

The Shangi Veterinary Clinic officially began operations on February 24, 2024, while Nyamasheke Veterinarians Company Ltd was established earlier on August 4, 2023. The company is composed of 194 professional veterinarians, including women and youth, reflecting an inclusive and skilled workforce.

The clinic especially operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays, aligning with nearby market days.

“Because the clinic is close to the market, farmers often bring their animals directly for examination after selling or buying,” Niyonsenga said. “On these days, we receive between 40 and 50 farmers.”

On average, the clinic treats 230 to 260 animals per month, including about 15 cows and 150 to 180 pigs, alongside goats and poultry. The facility was constructed at a cost of 37.11 million Rwandan francs, including equipment.

Part of a broader livestock transformation

Beyond Shangi Veterinary Clinic, PRISM has made significant investments across Nyamasheke District to strengthen livestock production and farmer capacity. The project has supplied 19,160 chickens to 1,779 households, 1,585 goats to 893 households, and 842 pigs to 600 households, operating across five sectors in the district.

According to Joseph Nshokeyinka, PRISM Project Manager, nationwide, PRISM has reached over 33,000 residents and constructed 15 veterinary clinics, 15 small livestock markets, and modern pig slaughter facilities to reduce the consumption of uninspected pork.

Implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), PRISM operates in 15 districts and focuses on pigs, poultry, goats, and sheep. Launched in 2021 with a USD 45 million budget, the programme aims to reduce poverty and food insecurity by improving livestock systems and market access in underserved communities.