In Kayonza District Youth Reap Millions from Fodder Business as Demand for Dairy Feed Grows: RDDP2 Is Nurturing a New Generation of Fodder Entrepreneurs.
A youth-led fodder business is creating jobs, generating millions in revenue, and strengthening dairy production in Eastern Rwanda
In the rolling landscapes of Kayonza District, a group of young entrepreneurs is demonstrating how agriculture can be transformed from a subsistence activity into a thriving business capable of creating jobs, generating income, and supporting Rwanda's growing dairy sector.
What began as an ambitious idea among a group of young people has rapidly evolved into a promising fodder enterprise that is not only generating millions of francs in revenue but also helping address one of the biggest challenges facing dairy farmers in Eastern Province: access to quality livestock feed.
At the center of this transformation is Powers of Youth in Agriculture Modernization (PYAM), a youth-led company operating in Nyawera and supported through the Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II (RDDP2).
Representing the company, Eric Murenzi says the initiative was established with a clear mission: to increase the availability of quality fodder, support dairy farmers, and create employment opportunities for young people.
"Our vision is to satisfy the growing demand for fodder and contribute to increased milk production in this dairy farming zone by ensuring farmers can access quality feed at affordable prices," he explains.
The company currently brings together 50 members who collectively manage fodder production activities ranging from planting and monitoring to harvesting and marketing.
Although the enterprise only began operations in April 2026, its achievements have already attracted attention.
Spread across 51 hectares, the company cultivates improved fodder varieties including Chloris gayana, Black Yalis, Mucuna, and Desmodium, forage crops known for their nutritional value and contribution to livestock productivity.
The first harvest exceeded expectations.
According to Murenzi, the company produced approximately 8,000 bales of fodder during its inaugural season. Each bale was sold at Rwf 2,000, generating approximately Rwf 16 million in revenue.
In addition to hay production, the enterprise has diversified into seed multiplication, creating another promising source of income.
"From Chloris gayana alone, we harvested around four tonnes of seed, which we are preparing to sell. We expect this to generate additional revenue of approximately Rwf 20 million," Murenzi says.
For a business that started only months ago, the figures reflect not only commercial success but also the growing demand for quality livestock feed across Rwanda's dairy-producing regions.
The increasing demand comes as dairy farmers continue adopting improved livestock management practices promoted through RDDP2, including better animal nutrition, improved breeds, and modern feeding systems.
Beyond supporting livestock farmers, the enterprise is also making a significant contribution to youth employment and rural economic development.
During peak production periods, the company employs more than 300 workers per day to support planting, harvesting, transportation, and other field operations.
As production expands, management expects that number to rise substantially.
"We hope to create employment for more than 500 workers per day as the business continues to grow," says Murenzi.
Murenzi credits much of the company's early success to the support received through RDDP2, which provided essential seed capital, technical training, and ongoing mentorship.
"We are grateful to RDDP2 for the support they have given us. The project provided seed capital, training, and regular follow-up. Without that support, reaching this stage would have been much more difficult."
The success of the enterprise is already inspiring other young people to view agriculture as a viable business opportunity rather than merely a traditional livelihood activity.
"I encourage fellow young people to embrace fodder farming. We have already generated millions of francs from our first season, and there is still more revenue expected from seed sales. Agriculture can create real wealth when approached as a business."
@RwandaAgri@solangeuwituze@umflora@SRwamulangwa@T_Ndabamenye@GasanaNgabo@kayirangam52554@IFADEastAfrica@IFAD@MutangwaSarah@MRugamba
Uyu munsi @KMukarange habaye igikorwa cyo Kwibuka ku nshuro ya 32 Genocide yakorewe Abatutsi muri mata 1994; ku rwego rw'ibigo by'amashuri yose abarizwa mu murenge.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MASTER’S AND PHD PROGRAMMES IN CHINA (2026–2027)
The Higher Education Council (HEC) wishes to inform the public that, under the cooperation between the Government of Rwanda and the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has offered fully funded scholarships to the Government of Rwanda. These scholarships are available for Master’s and PhD programmes commencing in the 2026–2027 academic year and are specifically open to public servants. Please read the announcement and apply: https://t.co/1Xow6Ob3xR
None kuwa gatandatu, tariki ya 18/4/2026, abasore n’inkumi 42 baturuka mu Mitwe ya Politiki yemewe mu Rwanda, basoje icyiciro cya 22 cy’amasomo atangirwa mu Ishuri ry’Ihuriro ryigisha politiki n’imiyoborere (Youth Political Leadership Academy).
Muri iki gitondo,
Umuyobozi Mukuru Wungirije wa Polisi y’u Rwanda ushinzwe ibikorwa, CP Vincent Sano, yakiriye imodoka ya kizimyamwoto yatanzwe na Rusumo Power Company Limited (RPCL), mu muhango wabereye ku cyicaro gikuru cya Polisi y’u Rwanda ku Kacyiru.
CP Sano yashimiye RPCL, avuga ko iyi modoka igiye kunganira ubushobozi Polisi isanzwe yubaka mu kurwanya inkongi n’ibiza, no kurushaho kwihutisha ubutabazi mu kurinda ubuzima n’ibintu, bijyanye n’iterambere n’ubwiyongere bw’abaturage.
This morning,
CP Vincent Sano, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, received a firefighting truck donated by Rusumo Power Company Limited (RPCL), at the Rwanda National Police General Headquarters in Kacyiru, Kigali.
He noted that the truck will strengthen fire response capacity, helping protect lives, property, and improve public safety as the country continues to grow.
This evening, 10th March 2026, at the @NFPO_Rwanda Head Office, Youth Cadres from 11 registered Political Parties are learning Political Negotiations. Thanks to Mr. Kimanuka Oscar who is addressing these aspirant politicians.