How Kayonza Youth Turned Fodder Farming into a Multi-Million-Franc Business
In a region where livestock farming is a major source of livelihood, a youth-led company in Kayonza District is proving that fodder production can be both a profitable business and a solution to one of the dairy sector’s biggest challenges: access to quality animal feed.
Operating from Nyawera Cell in Mwiri Sector, Powers of Youth in Agriculture Modernization (PYAM), a private company led by young entrepreneurs, has generated Rwf16 million from its first fodder harvest while creating hundreds of jobs and supporting dairy farmers across the area.
The company, which started operations in early 2026 with support from the Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II (RDDP II), brings together 50 members engaged in commercial fodder production.
“We established this company to respond to the growing demand for quality fodder while creating employment opportunities for young people,” said Eric Murenzi, the company’s Managing Director.
“Our vision is to satisfy the increasing demand for livestock feed and contribute to higher milk production by ensuring dairy farmers have access to quality fodder at affordable prices,” he added.
The company cultivates improved forage varieties on 51 hectares of land, including Chloris gayana, Black Yalis, Mucuna and Desmodium, all known for their high nutritional value and contribution to livestock productivity.
The investment has already started paying off.
According to Murenzi, the company harvested approximately 8,000 bales of fodder during its first production season. Sold at Rwf2,000 per bale, the harvest generated about Rwf16 million in revenue.
“We earned around Rwf16 million from fodder sales during our first season alone. This demonstrates that agriculture can create real wealth when approached as a business,” he said.
Beyond hay production, PYAM has expanded into seed multiplication, opening another source of income.
“From Chloris gayana alone, we harvested about four tonnes of seed, which we are preparing to sell. We expect to generate an additional Rwf20 million from seed sales,” Murenzi explained.
The growing market for fodder reflects increasing adoption of improved dairy farming practices promoted under RDDP II, including better livestock feeding, improved breeds and modern production systems.
The enterprise is also emerging as a significant source of employment in the district.
During peak production periods, more than 300 workers are employed daily for activities such as planting, harvesting, transportation and field management.
“As production expands, we expect to employ more than 500 people per day,” Murenzi said.
He credits much of the company’s success to support received through RDDP II.
“The project provided seed capital, training and continuous technical support. Without that assistance, it would have been difficult to reach this stage,” he said.
Murenzi encouraged other young people to view agriculture as a business opportunity rather than a subsistence activity.
“We have already earned millions from our first harvest, and more revenue is expected from seed sales. Young people should embrace fodder farming because the opportunities are enormous,” he added.
Demand Still Exceeds Supply
Despite increasing production, experts say quality fodder remains in short supply due to rising demand from dairy farmers.
Jaqueline Murekatete, Livestock Farmer Field School Facilitator (L-FFS), working with RDDP II in Mwiri Sector, said the market for improved fodder continues to expand.
“Quality fodder is still insufficient compared to demand. There is significant income in fodder production, and even I would like to increase my capacity to cultivate fodder on a larger scale. Dairy farmers need nutritious forage and legumes to sustain milk production,” she said.
District Officials Applaud Initiative
Fred Hategekimana, Acting Mayor of Kayonza District, said RDDP II is playing an important role in strengthening livestock production by addressing feed shortages that often affect farmers during dry periods.
“Through the promotion of improved fodder and support to seed multipliers, the project is helping farmers secure reliable feed supplies for their animals,” he said.
He highlighted the youth-led enterprise in Nyawera as an example of how agricultural investments can generate economic opportunities.
“The company is demonstrating that agriculture can be a viable business. It is creating jobs, supporting dairy farmers and inspiring other young people to invest in the livestock value chain,” Hategekimana said.
Beyond fodder production, he noted that the project is also supporting dairy farmers through matching grants that enable them to invest in water harvesting infrastructure, including dam liners used to store water for livestock during dry seasons.
“Water contributes about 60 percent of the nutrients required by a cow. Without sufficient water, animals cannot achieve their full productive potential regardless of feed quality,” he explained.
RDDP II, a six-year initiative running from 2024 to 2030, is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Rwanda with a budget of $100.37 million (approximately Rwf127 billion).
Implemented through the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the project aims to improve the productivity, resilience and profitability of smallholder dairy farmers in 27 districts across the country. It is expected to benefit about 175,000 rural households, equivalent to nearly 700,000 people, with particular attention to women, youth and vulnerable groups.
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