GICUMBI - Rwanda Animal Resource Development Authority (RARDA), in partnership with God Blessing Enterprise, a non profit organisation, on Wednesday presented 40 Friesian cows to needy village leaders in Gicumbi District.

The cows were donated as part of the cattle stocking programme, commonly known as Girinka.

The beneficiaries, who were drawn from various sectors in the district, were identified after a thorough screening exercise.

Speaking to The New Times, one of the beneficiaries, Petronius Umuhire, said that the cow would help her obtain manure for her farm.

"I have a small plot on which I have been growing fruits, and this cow will enable my farm to produce more fruits,” said Umuhire, a mother of four.

Another beneficiary, Alfred Ruzindana, also shared his joy.

"I had lost hope of any improvement economically, but now that I have been given this cow, I am certain of a better life for me and my family,” Ruzindana said.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Alexandre Mvuyekure, Gicumbi Vice Mayor in charge of finance, said the donation was part of government’s effort to acknowledge the work done by the leaders in their communities.

"This is a token of government’s appreciation for your service, so, keep it up,” he said.

Mvuyekure urged the beneficiaries to take good care of cows and pass on the off-springs to other needy residents.

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