The project was launched on October 29, 2026, at Nyarupfubire School in Rwimiyaga Sector, Nyagatare District, where 530 fruit trees, including avocado, mango, and orange trees, were planted. The event was attended by Dr. Uwituze Solange, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Mohamed Aw-Dahir, FAO Representative in Rwanda, and Gonzague Matsiko, Deputy Mayor of Nyagatare District in charge of Economic Development.
Dr. Uwituze Solange urged the students to take care of the trees and protect them from damage, emphasizing that the fruit trees will help improve nutrition and provide shade for the school. She also encouraged the students to encourage their families to plant more trees and care for them. The students expressed their excitement about planting the trees and promised to take care of them.
A total of 25 schools in Nyagatare District have been selected to benefit from the project, with over 10,000 fruit trees to be planted over three days. The project aims to provide schools with fruit trees to supplement students' meals and promote environmental conservation. Deputy Mayor Matsiko explained that the project was launched in schools because students can easily adopt the culture of planting and caring for trees.
In addition to planting fruit trees, 2 million Juncao grass seedlings were distributed in Nyagatare District to increase milk production. The Juncao grass, which is known for its high nutritional value and ability to thrive in areas with limited rainfall, will be used to feed livestock. Dr. Uwituze Solange highlighted the benefits of Juncao grass, including its ability to withstand drought and provide high-quality protein for livestock.
The project is being implemented in all districts of the country through the Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP). A total of 15 million Juncao grass seedlings are expected to be distributed nationwide to address the shortage of animal feed and increase milk production. The initiative is part of the preparations for the World Food Day celebrations in Rwanda, which will take place on October 30, 2026.
Local farmers in Nyagatare District have welcomed the project, citing the challenges they face in accessing animal feed. Rwangabwoba Edgar, a local farmer, expressed his appreciation for the Juncao grass seedlings, saying they will help him to improve the health and productivity of his livestock. The project is expected to improve nutrition and increase milk production in Rwanda.
The World Food Day celebrations in Rwanda will take place under the theme "Let's make a difference today, for a better tomorrow." The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of food security and nutrition, and to promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Key points
- The project aims to improve nutrition and increase milk production in Rwanda by planting fruit trees and distributing Juncao grass seedlings.
- A total of 530 fruit trees were planted in Nyagatare District, and 2 million Juncao grass seedlings were distributed to local farmers.
- The project is being implemented nationwide through the Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP) to address the shortage of animal feed and increase milk production.
