Rwanda Fodder Scheme Is Small Money Against a Big Dry-Season Milk Gap

The Rwanda fodder scheme, a youth-enterprise earmark, allocates approximately 100 million francs (US$68,000) for hydroponic livestock fodder production. This measure addresses a larger milk gap caused by a drought that has left Kigali's milk shelves empty. Hydroponic fodder, grown without soil, takes about a week to produce and requires less land and water than traditional pasture.

The scheme targets young entrepreneurs and is a support measure for a specific group of businesses. While it is a small sum, it aims to test the commercial viability of hydroponic fodder units, which could lead to larger investments if successful. The problem at the farm level is exacerbated by water shortages, causing milk production to decline and retailers to ration what arrives.

Other funding sources for the dairy sector include a matching grant from dairy farmers in Nyagatare, US$21 million from the International Fund for Agricultural Development and Bank of Kigali, and US$21 million from the UNDP. The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board plans to expand land under improved fodder, targeting 87,000 hectares, while the ministry reports 47,000 hectares currently under improved forage.

Cooling systems for milk are also crucial, as unchilled milk cannot reach processors in usable condition. For Kigali households, the drought's impact is already evident, and a fodder scheme alone will not alleviate the situation. The state's investment in feed technology at a small scale signals direction rather than significant scale. The scheme does not address water shortages, which are a significant issue.