RWAMAGANA - Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (RARDA) has revealed that the population of cows in the country has reached a record of 1.4 million.

Speaking to The New Times, in Rwamagana yesterday, RARDA’s Director, Dr. Theogene Rutagwenda, said that there has been steady increase of livestock in the country, following the introduction of the cattle stocking programme of Girinka.

Dr. Rutagwenda who also handed 40 Friesian cows, to needy families in Rwamagana district, said that the program is now been owned by Rwandans, hence speeding up the donation of cows.

He said that out of the 257,000 needy families, earmarked to benefit from the program, 92,000 of them have so far received the cows.

"It is important to note that the cows we have been given to the needy who were mobilised by Rwandans emulating the president’s initiative,” he said.

"For sustainability, too, we train potential beneficiaries so that they are able to manage the cows upon reception. We give them start up essential drugs and food.”

Jean Claude Cuma, the Rwamagana district vice Mayor in charge of Economic affairs, added that the cows have remarkably changed people’s livelihood.

Elina Mujejimana, 53, one of those who benefited from yesterday’s donation, said that every family has virtually got at least one cow.

Girinka program was started in 2006 and has since benefited many families across the country.

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