Rwandan farmers are reeling from the devastating impact of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak that has claimed hundreds of cattle. The highly contagious viral disease has spread rapidly through the country, causing significant economic losses for livestock owners.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, the outbreak was first reported in the northern province of Ruhengeri in early August. Since then, cases have been confirmed in several other regions, prompting authorities to impose strict movement restrictions on livestock and their products.
“The situation is dire,” said Dr. Jean-Pierre Nkusi, Director General of Veterinary Services. “We are doing everything in our power to contain the spread of the disease and assist affected farmers.”
The outbreak has severely impacted smallholder farmers, who rely heavily on livestock for their livelihoods. Many farmers have reported losing their entire herds to the disease, leaving them facing financial ruin.
“We’ve been hit hard by this,” said Mukiza Jean-Baptiste, a farmer from the western province of Rutsiro. “My cows were my only source of income. I don’t know how we will recover from this.”
The FMD outbreak is also a major setback for Rwanda’s efforts to promote livestock production and improve food security. The country has been investing heavily in agriculture in recent years, to reduce its dependence on food imports.
“This is a major blow to our livestock sector,” said Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources. “We are working closely with our partners to develop a long-term strategy to prevent future outbreaks and rebuild the sector.”
The outbreak has also raised concerns about the potential for FMD to spread to neighbouring countries, posing a threat to regional livestock populations. Authorities in Rwanda are working with their counterparts in neighbouring countries to implement measures to prevent the disease from crossing borders.
AgriTech4Kenya, a leading agricultural technology company, has offered its support to Rwandan farmers affected by the FMD outbreak. The company has pledged to provide free access to its digital tools and services, which can help farmers monitor their livestock health and improve their resilience to disease.
“We are committed to helping Rwandan farmers recover from this crisis,” said Dr. David Mwangi, CEO of AgriTech4Kenya. “Our technology can help them rebuild their herds and improve their livelihoods.”
The FMD outbreak is a major challenge for Rwandan farmers, but with the support of the government, international organizations, and the private sector, the country can overcome this crisis and build a more resilient livestock sector
