RUBAVU — On December 6, 2025, over 50 households in Rubavu District received cows as part of the Volcanoes Community Resilience Project, a move designed to bolster both household livelihoods and long-term climate resilience.

The distribution marks the second phase of the initiative within the district, benefiting families across the Nyakiriba, Mudende, and Cyanzarwe sectors. While the project addresses environmental stability, the immediate impact is being felt most deeply by local residents.

For Uwineza Solange, one of the beneficiaries, the donation was an emotional moment. She expressed deep gratitude to the country’s leadership, highlighting the immediate nutritional benefits the livestock will bring to her household.

“I want to thank President Kagame for giving me this cow,” Uwineza said. “My children will now have milk to drink. I am so happy and grateful.”

Bigirimana Pierre, another recipient, focused on the agricultural advantages. He explained that the cows will provide a sustainable source of fertilizer, which is crucial for crop yields and fighting malnutrition in the community.

“We will use manure from these cows to fertilize our land and grow vegetables,” Bigirimana stated. “This will help us ensure our children grow up healthy and do not suffer from malnutrition.”

Pamela Ruzigana, the Division Manager for Catchment Restoration and Erosion Control, emphasized that these donations are part of a larger strategy to protect the environment. She noted that the livestock plays a critical role in the fight against soil erosion.

“We provide cows to vulnerable families to improve their livelihoods and nutrition, but we also aim to prevent soil erosion,” Ruzigana explained. “Farmers need organic manure to improve soil fertility and stability. That is why we implement this project in an integrated way.”

In total, 90 households in Rubavu District have now received cows. The project aims to eventually reach 10,000 households across all eight target districts.