WESTERN PROVINCE

Rubavu district plans to donate over 700 cattle to various impoverished households by the end of the year, according the district officer for economic development.

Jerome Byukusenge said during an initial auction of cows to 65 families from both Rubavu and Rugerero sectors that the plan was in line with Vision 2020 and the government’s attempt to eradicate rural poverty.

"One of the government’s goals is to have each family being able to have at least nine hundred dollars in a period of a year.

These cows will therefore help by providing milk to fighting against malnutrition, which is currently affecting many families and manure to fertilize their gardens.”

Evariste Namahungu an officer from the national commission in charge of agricultural and animal husbandry development asked the beneficiaries to take good care of the cows given to them and to share their offspring with other poverty-affected families.

"This program is mainly meant to help poor families improve on their living stands especially in providing a balanced diet to children thus preventing malnutrition diseases,” Byukusenge said.

Over 40 per cent of infants in Rwanda are affected by malnutrition, one of the major incentives to the One Cow-One Family programme.

According to some beneficiary, the cow meant more than just meat.

"I thank our beloved president at the government in general for this wonderful gift. It is unbelievable. I have never thought of owning an exotic cow like this one.

This cow is a turning point in my life because it will help me get out of poverty that has affected me and my family for years,” he explained.

Rugere sector agricultural officer Théogene Ugirasebuja said that those who were given cows were chosen by the sector authority due to the fact that they had certified the requirements set for the people to receive those cows.

"The first requirement is being poor, having planted enough cow grass in the field as well as having a good kraal to provide shelter for the obtained cows,” he said.

Such requirements are put in place to ensure safety of these cows, which can be easily be attacked by diseases due to their exotic nature. None of the 65 beneficiaries had previously owned another cow.

Beneficiaries included 32 residents from Rugeroro and 33 from Rubavu sector.

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