Prism Stakeholders gather in Gicumbi to launch rwamiko vision cooperative

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Heifer Rwanda Country Director Verena Ruzibuka and the Mayor of Gicumbi District, Mr. Nzabonimpa Emmanuel, joined residents of Rwamiko in celebrations

GICUMBI, Rwanda – Stakeholders of the PRISM Project convened in Gicumbi District for the official launch of the Rwamiko Vision Cooperative, a model initiative under the PRISM project. Held alongside the Enhanced Extended Passing on the Gift (EEe-PoG) ceremony, the event served as both a learning platform and a testament to the transformative potential of cooperative-led livestock and agribusiness development.

The field visit brought together key figures, including the Mayor of Gicumbi District, the PRISM Project Manager from RAB/SPIU, and the Country Director of Heifer International Rwanda, among others.

Organized as part of PRISM’s broader strategy to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the event aimed to spotlight the achievements of project beneficiaries, strengthen public-private partnerships, and inspire continued innovation in Rwanda’s livestock sector.

The inauguration of the Rwamiko Vision Cooperative marks a major milestone for poultry farmers in Gicumbi. In a short time, the cooperative has grown into a promising agribusiness, currently managing over 2,400 chickens and investing more than RWF 15 million in modern infrastructure.

In addition to its strong production capacity, the cooperative has built valuable market linkages with UZIMA Ltd. for both poultry product sales and access to animal feed. Plans are also underway to establish a veterinary pharmacy to improve livestock healthcare services for both members and the broader community.

830 Chickens Passed On to Expand Impact

The ceremony also featured the latest phase of the Enhanced Extended Passing on the Gift (EEe-PoG) initiative, with 830 chickens passed on to 83 new farmers in Rwamiko Sector. This community-driven model ensures sustainability by empowering initial beneficiaries to extend support to others, deepening the project’s reach.

Since PRISM introduced the PoG approach in Gicumbi, the number of poultry farmers has tripled, from 500 to 1,500, who now manage a combined total of 15,000 chickens. The project aims to reach 2,000 poultry farmers by April 2025.

Speaking during the event, Verena Ruediger, Country Director of Heifer International Rwanda, emphasized the importance of strong partnerships and visionary leadership:

“Heifer International has long maintained a close partnership with the Government of Rwanda, particularly through our work in Gicumbi District. Our joint efforts have significantly improved livelihoods, and today, we were inspired to hear the Chairman of Rwamiko Cooperative share the vision of scaling poultry production from 2,500 to 10,000 chickens. That kind of ambition is what drives real, lasting change. Heifer is here to walk this journey with you, and you can count on our continued support.”

Local Leaders Commend Impact on Livelihoods

The Mayor of Gicumbi District, Mr. Nzabonimpa Emmanuel, praised Heifer International for its pivotal role in reducing poverty and transforming rural lives:

“We are here today to witness the remarkable impact of small livestock interventions in our communities. But even more importantly, I want to thank Heifer for providing cows to our most vulnerable families. These cows are not just animals—they are life-changing assets. As district leaders, we can see the positive changes they are bringing.”

Throughout the event, several project beneficiaries shared testimonies about how the initiative has transformed their lives, boosting household income, improving nutrition, and creating employment opportunities, especially for women and youth.

The launch of the Rwamiko Vision Cooperative and the success of the EEe-PoG model stand as compelling evidence of what can be achieved through inclusive, community-centered development, anchored in collaboration, vision, and resilience.