In 2022 and 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the transformative HomeBiogas and Hydroponic Agriculture projects, respectively, in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. These projects have changed lives by addressing critical challenges like clean energy adoption, limited land resources, and the growing demand for sustainable animal husbandry. The projects also provide big support to local households, many of whom depend heavily on farming for their livelihoods.

The HomeBiogas system, a small-scale biogas production unit, allows rural households to generate their own cooking fuel by processing animal waste. This has reduced the reliance on traditional biomass fuels like firewood for the 500 beneficiaries in Rwamagana and Ngoma districts, helping to preserve Rwanda’s forests and mitigate the negative environmental impact of wood fuel use.

The Hydroponic system, on the other hand, offers an innovative approach to growing nutritious livestock fodder without soil, using a water-based mineral solution. This has empowered residents of Rwamagana, Ngoma, and Gatsibo to increase milk production on zero-grazing, both for home use and for sale, which has contributed to better incomes and improved standards of living.

These among many more were highlighted during the special tour by the UNDP Regional Director Ahunna Eziakonwa, along with officials from the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, the Governor of Eastern Province, and district mayors. The delegation visited the project sites to assess the impact of these initiatives.

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During the visit, Eziakonwa highlighted the importance of these innovations in transforming rural life and empowering women in agriculture, describing the lives of many rural women as being in "survival mode”.

After travelling across Africa, she shared the pain she felt seeing the hardships women endure, especially in domestic work. However, she expressed optimism that initiatives like these will ease their burdens, as they have already brought noticeable relief to many.

She noted: "We’re living in times of climate change, which is depriving communities of livelihood. The vast majority of the population is living in rural areas, yet the main source of livelihood and income is agriculture. In a country like Rwanda where the population is growing, but the land is not growing. How do you continue to provide food for this growing population, but at the same time, manage the limited land resources that you have?”

Eziakonwa emphasised that "agriculture can be professionalised”, much as the field struggles to attract young people because it’s seen as "dirty work” and regarded as "where people who are not educated go” and yet it’s the future for most of our populations.

"One message for me out of this is that we have to go full force to make sure that this is skilled because the environment is conducive for it, the community wants to work. They’re not looking for handouts, they’re just looking for a little support,” she added.

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The impact of these projects is especially evident in the lives of residents like Xavelina Nyiranturo, a widow and mother-of-five from Rwamagana District.

Nyiranturo has adapted the hydroponic fodder system, which allows her to grow fodder in her backyard for her zero-grazing cow [she has two cows]. This system has not only boosted her cow’s milk production but also enabled her to use the cow’s waste in the HomeBiogas system, providing a reliable source of cooking fuel.

"Before, I struggled to find enough food for my cow and had to rely on firewood for cooking. Now, I can provide better nutrition for my cow, which gives me more milk [from six to 12 litres], and I have gas for cooking. It has lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders and allowed me to focus on raising my children well. I look good and clean,” she said.

In Gatsibo District, the Hydroponic Fodder Project at the Rwimbogo Milk Collection Centre provides farmers with affordable, high-quality fodder. By producing hydroponically-grown grass at just Rwf120 per kilogramme, this project has become a crucial resource for local farmers. The grass is harvested weekly, with each unit producing at least two tonnes, sufficient to feed 10 cows daily.

This initiative has helped increase milk yields and aims to support the milk supply chain across various milk collection centres, including the Milk Powder Plant in Nyagatare District, a facility capable of processing up to 650,000 litres of raw milk daily.

Geoffrey Rwamuganga, a veterinarian at the Rwimbogo Dairy Milk Cooperative, noted that farmers began to see the benefits of hydroponics training in June. The training provided them with in-depth knowledge of hydroponics and enhanced their understanding of modern livestock practices, particularly zero-grazing husbandry.

"Among our cooperative members, five have consistently used hydroponics, and we’ve seen positive results. Last year during the dry season, we collected about 1,200 litres of milk per day. This year, despite an extended dry season, we haven’t dropped below 1,500 litres. If all farmers adopt this system, it could boost overall milk production. It’s a long journey, but we’ll get there,” he said.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Eric Rwigamba, praised the projects and urged residents to fully seize the opportunity.

"We couldn’t be prouder if we come back here and find more hydroponics hubs. What is so exciting is that Rwandans are doing it. Ten more hubs are planned for establishment. The more you use this, the more reason we have to expand it further. Let’s also teach others,” he said.