In 2022 and 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the transformative HomeBiogas and Hydroponic Agriculture projects, respectively, in Rwanda's Eastern Province. These projects have changed lives by addressing critical challenges like clean energy adoption, limited land resources, and the growing demand for sustainable animal husbandry. The projects also provide big support to local households, many of whom depend heavily on farming for their livelihoods.
The hydroponic system offers an innovative approach to growing nutritious livestock fodder without soil, using a water-based mineral solution. This has empowered residents of Rwamagana, Ngoma, and Gatsibo to increase milk production on zero-grazing, both for home use and for sale, which has contributed to better incomes and improved standards of living.
In Gatsibo District, the Hydroponic Fodder Project at the Rwimbogo Milk Collection Centre provides farmers with affordable, high-quality fodder. By producing hydroponically-grown grass at just Rwf120 per kilogramme, this project has become a crucial resource for local farmers. The grass is harvested weekly, with each unit producing at least two tonnes, sufficient to feed 10 cows daily.
This initiative has helped increase milk yields and aims to support the milk supply chain across various milk collection centres, including the Milk Powder Plant in Nyagatare District, a facility capable of processing up to 650,000 litres of raw milk daily.
Read more at The New Times