Inka Nziza Zimkamwa - phase II

Through Inka Nziza Zikamwa II, farmers join practical training in climate-smart agriculture, integrated crop-livestock farming and improved animal husbandry, in which they develop the skills to improve farm productivity while protecting the environment. They learn how to provide balanced nutrition for their dairy cows, improve animal health and reproduction, grow high-yielding fodder crops, and conserve feed for the dry season. Families also learn to grow vegetables and fruit, plant fodder, fruit and agroforestry trees, and improve soil fertility through composting and the use of organic manure. 

Sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and natural pest management help protect the environment while making farms more resilient to climate change. Community tree nurseries, fodder multiplication plots and rehabilitated water sources provide lasting resources that benefit both livestock and households. Community animal health workers and peer farmer trainers provide ongoing technical support, helping more local families adopt and sustain improved farming practices, spreading change throughout communities.

Farmers take part in training on hygiene and sanitation, enabling them to adopt healthy practices such as regular handwashing, safe waste disposal and clean cooking. Various facilities are set up, such as private latrines, tip-taps for hand washing, and soap bottles using local materials. They will also learn how to build nutritious diets with the diverse range of crops they produce, building healthy households.

Water sources play a critical role in dairy farming in ensuring the well-being and productivity of dairy cattle including proper hydration, milk production, and overall animal health. Through the project, farmers learn to protect and rehabilitate community water sources, ensuring reliable access to clean water for both households and livestock, improving animal health, milk production and resilience during dry periods.

Genetic improvements through selective breeding help dairy cows produce more milk, remain healthy for longer and make more efficient use of available feed. Crossbreeding local cattle with high-yielding breeds such as Jersey cows creates animals that are well adapted to Rwanda's climate and smallholder farming systems, while improving fertility, disease resilience and milk yield and quality.

For farming families, healthier and more productive cows mean greater milk supplies for household nutrition and more surplus to sell for reliable incomes. Through Inka Nziza Zikamwa II, dairy farmers gain access to artificial insemination services using Jersey genetics. Local inseminators and veterinary technicians receive training and essential supplies to deliver reliable breeding services within their communities. Farmers also learn about breeding management, record keeping and calf identification, helping them improve herd performance over time. Many farmers go on to sell or gift their Jersey hybrid calves to neighbours, further rippling the benefits throughout the community.

Farmers take part in practical training on milk hygiene, handling and processing, enabling them to produce higher-value dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese while reducing spoilage and post-harvest losses. Through local cooperatives and milk collection centres, they combine their milk for sale in bulk, improving milk quality and securing fairer prices through better storage, quality testing and transportation.

They also strengthen links with processors, transporters, veterinary services, agrovet suppliers and financial institutions, creating a more efficient and resilient dairy value chain. Community animal health workers, farmer trainers and private veterinary providers develop sustainable enterprises that ensure essential livestock services remain available within rural communities, supporting dairy farmers long after the project ends.

Through savings groups and financial training, farming families build the confidence and resources to invest in their farms and improve their long-term financial security. In groups, farmers take part in training on savings, financial management and record keeping, equipping them with the skills to manage household finances and invest in profitable farm enterprises. They establish and manage self-governed Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), providing safe and accessible opportunities to save and borrow within their communities.

Through farmer groups and cooperatives, they strengthen links with financial institutions and private sector partners, improving access to financial services, business opportunities and enterprise development. Training on gender equality and social inclusion helps ensure that women and men make decisions together, share the benefits of increased incomes and strengthen the resilience and wellbeing of their households.