Beneficiaries of the one-cow-per-family programme, commonly known as Girinka, from Burera District have said they will champion the fight against malnutrition in their communities, by sharing milk with their neighbours.

They made the pledge on Wednesday at the conclusion of Girinka Week in Gitovu Sector in Burera DistrictThe event attracted officials from the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI), Rwanda Agriculture Board, among others.

Anne Marie Ntibatekereza, a widow who is among those that received cows at the event, said that, she would now get fertilisers for her kitchen garden where she has grown vegetables.

"Before it was not easy to get balanced diet because I did not have milk and my vegetable garden lacked

fertilisers. All this is going to change because of this cow. More so, soon it will be producing milk,” she said.

Jean Bosco Nshimiyimana, another recipient of a cow, made a commitment of taking good care of his animal and promised to pass on the heifer to his neighbours when it produces one.

"With milk and fertilisers, my family is guaranteed a better life. Malnutrition will be history and I want to take this fight beyond my family, to the community I live in,” he said.

Jean Claude Izaduhaye, the RAB representative in Northern Province, said that all residents should make milk consumption a habit as it helps people fight malnutrition and increase life expectancy.

"Milk itself is balanced diet, all beneficiaries of Girinka programme should ensure that their family members take milk and if a neighbour does not have milk please share with them before you take the surplus to the market.

Only this solidarity will ensure we have healthy communities,” said Izaduhanye.

On the other hand, Joseph Zaraduhaye, the vice mayor in charge of economic affairs in Burera District, said farmers should ensure that the market is supplied after satisfying members of the family.

Zaraduhaye further warmed local leaders who engage in corruption or nepotism in choosing beneficiaries telling them that the government is watching and ready to punish whoever sabotages the programme.

"It is embarrassing that some people ask for bribes during the selection of beneficiaries. The guidelines on who benefits first in every community are clear; the cows are meant for the most vulnerable and any leader that does otherwise will be punished,” he warned.

During the ceremony, children were given milk as a sign of fighting malnutrition.

Burera District has so far distributed over 7, 700 cows and the target is 13,000 by 2017, according to RAB officials.

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