The Effects Of Rwanda Dairy Development Project On Dairy Value Chain Improvement In Nyanza District, Rwanda

Rwanda dairy sector has helped out to solve some challenges in the country although remarkable progress in development of the dairy sector in the country, significant challenge still remain like weak dairy value chain system which is as a result of the following (i) low milk productivity attributed to the still low number of improved dairy cattle and compounded by inadequate forage base, animal feeding practices and seasonal fluctuations in water availability; (ii) limited support services (vet, extension, inputs) and an inadequate knowledge to manage dairy cattle; (iii) limited organization of farmers for effective collective action in marketing of milk and access to inputs/services; (iv) inadequate development and management of milk collection, processing and marketing infrastructure for supply of good quality milk to the domestic and regional markets; (v) limited access to finance for dairy value chain actors, especially women and youth; and (vi) a nascent policy and institutional framework, with the need for specific laws, regulations and capacity development of key institutions to encourage the growth of the industry (RDDP detailed report 2016).