Rwanda Red Cross (RRC) has just donated eighty-nine (89) sows to the people of the Rugendabali sector, Nsanga cell, Nyundo village, to help them improve their living conditions. Each beneficiary family received one healthy sow.
Rwanda Red Cross (RRC), as part of its mission to support vulnerable people, has just donated sows to selected families in the Rugendabali sector, Nsanga cell. Each beneficiary must meet two requirements: to look after the sow they have received properly in order to benefit from it; and, once the animal has farrowed, to think of a neighbour who is also in need.
“By distributing these livestock, the aim is to improve the living conditions of the beneficiaries and others who will be helped by the first group, and so on,” said Emmanuel Mazimpaka, Director of Communications and Humanitarian Diplomacy at the RRC.
Prisca Mukayibanda, executive secretary of the Rugendabali sector in Muhanga district, has promised to monitor their livestock farming to ensure the expected results are achieved.
A meticulously prepared project
The beneficiaries were selected by RRC volunteers in collaboration with the local authorities. They received training in agricultural techniques. They also learnt how to combine crop farming with livestock rearing to maximise the productivity of their plots of land, according to Prisca Mukayibanda, Executive Secretary of the Rugendabali sector.
These sows have been insured. If any of them were to fall ill within 15 days, they would be returned to the supplier. It should be noted that the beneficiaries have been organized into groups.
“The groups enable them to visit one another to share experiences. They also help them to save money and apply for small loans when needed,” explained Emmanuel Mazimpaka.
The young sows (gilts) donated to the community have reached sexual maturity. They will be able to breed quickly as the gestation period lasts only three months. They can give birth to up to fourteen (14) piglets at a time.
A project bringing hope
Rwanda Red Cross has targeted six hundred (600) families to assist in three districts across the country. These are Muhanga (Rugendabali), Nyagatare and Ngororero.
This humanitarian organisation has been supported by the Spanish Red Cross with funding from the European Union. Its Delegate, Daniel Rossello, stated that his mission in Rwanda is to support all the activities of the Rwandan Red Cross.
“Together, we are working to improve the living conditions of the Rwandan people. We hope that our intervention will make a difference, and we will continue to take action for as long as we can,” emphasised Daniel Rossello.
These sows have given the beneficiaries hope.
“This livestock will help us improve our living conditions. We have been taught how to farm using modern methods on a small plot of land.
“We have also learnt how to feed the livestock at the right time and house them in a clean place,” said Nyirabenda Alice from the Nsanga community in the village of Nyundo.
“It’s difficult to get a good harvest without manure. “The livestock I’ve received will enable me to produce manure. That way, I’ll be able to grow vegetables,” said Basengiyumva Laurien, from the same village.
Spanish Red Cross expects beneficiaries to develop new projects to improve the economic situation of their families and the community.
Gérard Rugambwa
