The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced a grant worth more than $4.97 million to help at least 10,000 farmers in eastern Rwanda prepare for drought.
The funding was approved by the Adaptation Fund Board on October 23, UNDP said in a statement issued on October 28, 2026.
The four-year project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, with UNDP support, targeting farmers in Kayonza, Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts in Eastern Province.
According to the project proposal, approximately 8,000 crop farmers and 2,000 livestock farmers will receive targeted support, while another 25,000 farmers are expected to benefit indirectly through improved agricultural advisory services.
For crop farmers, the initiative will provide locally tailored weather forecasts and practical advice on planting schedules, drought-resistant crops and farming practices that can help reduce losses during dry periods.
The information will be delivered in Kinyarwanda through mobile phone messages, radio broadcasts and cooperative meetings, allowing farmers to make better decisions based on expected weather conditions.
Livestock farmers will benefit from planned investments in animal-feed production, including at least 10 hydroponic fodder units at selected milk collection centres.
The technology allows farmers to grow animal feed without soil, providing an alternative when drought reduces access to pasture.
The project also includes 10 planned fodder storage facilities to help farmers preserve feed for periods when fresh supplies become scarce.
These measures are intended to protect livestock production and reduce losses associated with seasonal feed shortages.
Farmer cooperatives will receive training to operate and maintain the facilities, including developing arrangements for sharing operating costs. The proposal does not establish a fixed charge for individual farmers, leaving those arrangements to be developed locally.
Beyond agricultural production, the initiative will support farmers with business management skills, including budgeting, record-keeping and financial planning.
It also proposes stronger links between farming cooperatives, savings and credit cooperatives and other financial service providers.
The project will involve local authorities and farmer cooperatives in selecting activities and identifying community needs, with particular attention to women and young farmers.
Implementation is expected to begin in May 2027 and continue through April 2031, according to the project’s proposed timetable.
The locations of the livestock-feed facilities will be determined through local assessments before installation.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10