Nyaruguru- Residents of Ngoma and Ngera sectors in Nyaruguru District have donated 150 cows to poor families in their sectors to support the cattle stocking programme, commonly known as Girinka.

According to local leaders, the community fundraised to purchase the cows.

During the handover, the benefactors undertook to contribute towards the development of the area and improve their neighbours’ welfare.

Vincent Rurangwa, a resident of Ngoma, said they would target poor families that had yet to benefit from the government-sponsored Girinka programme.

"You cannot be safe while your neighbours are suffering from hunger and malnutrition. That being the case, we thought it wise to support the poor by giving them cows,” Rurangwa said.

A beneficiary, Agathe Niyonteze, noted that the cow she received would enable her to generate manure and milk to boost her agricultural production.
 
"This shows real harmony amongst us. I will never forget this gesture and I will work towards supporting other needy neighbours,” said Niyonteze.

According to statistics from local authorities, over 4,300 families in the district have received cows under the programme.

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