On May 29, 2023, all Senators, government officials, and key stakeholders convened for a consultative conference organized by the senatorial Economic Development and Finance Committee. The main focus of the discussion was to explore effective strategies for addressing the issues related to the insufficient animal food in Rwanda.
The panel discussion centred on the progress in developing crops for animal feed, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and building farmers' capacity to ensure adequate animal nutrition.
The President of the Senate, Dr Kalinda François Xavier emphasised the Senate's commitment to advocate for animal food issues in a way to develop the animal feed industry, increase farmers' knowledge, reinforce collaboration between key institutions and various stakeholders, and to set up a fund for establishing financial support mechanisms to boost the production of agricultural and livestock products.
President Kalinda stated, “The Senate will closely monitor the animal food situation, actively engaging with livestock farmers and animal food manufacturers to advocate effectively for necessary solutions”.
Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ildephonse Musafiri, reported on several initiatives already undertaken, including but not limited to planting renewed grass on 29,114 hectares countrywide, increasing the availability of improved forage and hydroponic fodder, research on soy and corn substitutes, and developing the animal food industry. He overtly added that eight large and several smaller animal food manufacturing enterprises are available.
Participants acknowledged significant achievements in animal food and pointed out the need for continued collaboration, research, and expanded activities to secure sufficient animal feed and boost the production of animal products to ensure a sustainable and resilient animal food supply, ultimately supporting both farmers and consumers.