The Government of Rwanda has set aside about Rwf100 million to help young people produce animal feed and support dairy farmers who struggle to find enough food for their cows during dry seasons.
The money will initially support 10 animal-feed production sites in Gatsibo and Rwamagana districts.
The project is being led by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and will support youth cooperatives and companies involved in producing feed for livestock.
One of the technologies being promoted is called hydroponic fodder. It involves growing seeds such as maize and wheat in trays using water instead of soil. The seeds can grow into fresh green animal feed in about seven days.
The technology is being promoted because farmers can produce fresh feed using less land and water than some traditional methods.
This can be important during dry seasons when grass and other animal feed become difficult to find. A lack of enough quality feed can affect the health of cows and reduce the amount of milk they produce.
The new programme will establish some of the production units at milk collection centres. This is expected to make it easier for dairy farmers in nearby areas to access fresh animal feed.
The government plans to first work with youth groups, cooperatives and companies rather than individual young people. The initiative is also expected to create business opportunities for young people who want to work in livestock farming and animal-feed production.
Research supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has shown that hydroponic fodder can help farmers during periods when water and pasture are limited.
A two-year pilot project involving farmers in Rwanda’s Eastern Province found that participating farmers recorded an average 42 per cent increase in daily milk production. The study also found that hydroponic fodder could use up to 90 per cent less water than conventional fodder production.
However, the results can vary from one farmer to another. The cost of seeds, access to water, proper management and the type of feed given to cows can all affect the results.
Some farmers in Rwanda are already using the technology. They say it has helped them provide fresh feed to their cows even when traditional pasture is limited.
Despite its benefits, setting up a hydroponic fodder system can be expensive, and farmers need training to use the technology properly. The cost and availability of seeds can also affect the business.
The Rwf100 million programme is therefore expected to help young people establish feed-production businesses while giving dairy farmers another way to keep their cows fed throughout the year.
Rwanda is also working to increase the amount of land used to grow traditional animal feed as part of wider efforts to improve livestock production and increase milk supply.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10