Rwanda is embracing modern livestock farming, with farmers soon able to choose a calf’s sex—part of a bold strategy to modernize agriculture, backed by key UN agencies.
At the heart of this transformation is the modernised Songa Semen Production Centre in Huye District, a facility now poised to become a national hub for advanced cattle breeding.
The Centre will support semen and embryo production, in vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination, and even embryo transfer — all aimed at improving cattle productivity and securing Rwanda’s food future.
The initiative is part of the Rwanda Dairy Development Project – Phase 2 (RDDP 2), a five-year, Rwf166 billion plan funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
It targets 175,000 dairy farmers and intends to make Rwanda a leader in sustainable dairy farming across Africa.
During a recent visit to the Songa Centre, representatives from various UN agencies — including FAO, IFAD, UNDP, WFP, UN Women, and Unicef — commended the government’s direction.
Mr. Dagmawi Habte Selassie, IFAD Country Director for Rwanda and Burundi, lauded Rwanda’s ambition to strengthen food security through modern livestock development, referencing the Nyagatare Milk Powder Plant as a notable example of value chain improvement.
“We will continue to collaborate with RAB through the IFAD grant to train and support veterinarians, ensuring that low-income dairy farmers have access to quality semen and veterinary medicine,” Mr. Selassie said.
Expanding access to artificial insemination is a central component of this strategy. Dr. Télesphore Ndabamenye, Director General of RAB, said the focus is now on expanding the network of trained veterinarians, especially in rural areas, to ensure timely services to farmers.
“We want the semen from here to reach farmers quickly, safely, and when they need it,” he said. “We will collaborate with partners through veterinary clinics already established in districts and assign vets to every administrative cell.”
So far, 1,200 veterinarians have been trained in artificial insemination, and the Songa station already houses 30 high-quality bulls, with plans to double that number to 60 in the coming years.
RAB is also investing in forage production, including irrigation, hydroponics, and postharvest conservation, to improve animal nutrition.
These steps are critical in building a resilient dairy industry that can consistently meet growing demands.
The Songa Centre will also offer training programs for dairy farmers, introduce performance tracking systems, and facilitate the formation of breeders’ and dairy farmers’ associations.
The project also aims to preserve indigenous breeds, such as Inyambo and Inkungu cattle, by producing semen and embryos for conservation purposes.
By Prince Ruzigana / The Kaminuza Star