Livestock farmer inspires Rulindo residents to shape own destiny

Jean marie Vianney Ngiruwonsangas farming journey spans over ten years. He started out rearing chicken with 50 layers. Today, his home is a beehive activity of livestock business. The father of four resident of Rusiga Sector in Rulindo District says he never imagined his business would grow so astronomically in such a short time. Clad in white attire, one could mistake him for a medical doctor. No. He is a chicken breeder. He also keeps cattle and pig farms. “Breeding requires patience because it comes with many challenges. I started out with only 50 chickens, but the number kept growing steadily. Four years after I ventured into poultry keeping, my stock had hit 3,000 chickens. I realised that the business would be successful and that motivated me a lot,” he says He says when he first ventured into poultry keeping he used to buy chicks from local breeders, but, in 2006, he started importing them from neighbouring countries, which he says was cheaper. “I reached a level where the various local breeders I went to with big orders could not match my demands, so I decided to import them; besides, it was even cheaper than buying them in Rwanda,” he says. By 2010, Ngiruwonsanga had over 10,000 chickens, 95 per cent of which lay eggs daily depending on how they were fed. “I used to collect between 9,000 and 9,500 eggs per day and I would earn over Rwf600,000. Although I spent a lot on taking care of the chickens, the profit I made was still very good,” he says. Ngiruwonsanga’s major clients were supermarkets and hotels across the country. He explains that every two years, he sells off the old stock and restocks chicks to ensure that his egg production remained high. He sells each off-layer at between Rwf4,000 and Rwf5,000. Ngiruwonsangas poultry pen. (Jean dAmour Mbonyinshuti) Other projects Ngiruwonsanga also has over 100 pigs. He has also partenered with Rwanda Agriculture Board to venture into seed multiplication. “I multiply seeds of beans and Irish potatoes for RAB. This fetches me more income,” he says. “This business has improved the standard of living of my family and the community here. I have managed to educate my children and I employ a number of people who directly benefit from my business.” Achievements Other than taking care of his family and educate his children, Ngiruwonsanga has managed to build himself a modern house worth Rwf25 million. He has also managed to build modern chicken coop for his chickens and a store for eggs worth Rwf50 million. Ngiruwonsanga has acquired five hectares of land using proceeds from his livestock business. He also owns a car which he uses in his business. Ngiruwonsanga has built a farming training facility with support from the district and Ministry of Agriculture. He says he will keep acquiring skills from other breeders in the region and in turn train local farmers. Ngiruwonsanga also wants to train his children in livestock keeping so that in the future they can manage the family business or venture into their own business. Praises for Ngiruwonsanga Ngiruwonsanga’s neighbours describe him as “a field teacher” who has helped many acquire modern farming skills as well as employment. “He has helped us to acquire skills on how to do modern farming and he employs some of us. He also helps us with livestock to rear and some of us are now breeders. We are optimistic our future is bright, thanks to his selflessness,” says Venuste Ndayishimiye, a resident of Rusiga. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Livestock farmer inspires Rulindo residents to shape own destiny