Development Benefits of Shifting from Pastoralism to Sedentary Cattle Keeping in Rural Areas: "Policy Framework and Practice in Rwanda"

Abstract

The research sought to assess development benefits of shifting from Pastoralism to Sedentary Cattle keeping in rural areas: “Policy framework and Practice in Rwanda”. The rationale was that the development benefits on the side of farmers as well as animal resources sub-sector have not been assessed and appropriately documented during the process of implementation of the National Agricultural Policy led to shift from Pastoral System to Sedentary cattle keeping. The present study, therefore, sought to generate baseline data that can be used to evaluate the success of the National Agricultural Policy. In addition, the Policy was accompanied by Ministerial Order on stray cattle and other domestic animals. The research areas were covered 2 Districts of Eastern Province which are dominant by Pastoralism in last years, such as Nyagatare and Gatsibo Districts with help of three objectives, namely: 1) To investigate the implementation pathways of National Agricultural Policy, aspect of animal resources, in Eastern Province, Rwanda; 2) To assess the challenges of the implementation of the policy in the Eastern Province while transforming pastoral system to sedentary cattle keeping; 3) And to identify the development benefits resulting from sedentary cattle keeping practice in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. In this context 399 persons were interviewed, whereby 388 Farmers/Breeders from Milk Collection centers, 2 District‟s Executive committee members, 2 Sector Executive Secretaries, 6 Officials under Agricultural departments (2 Districts‟ agronomists, 2 Districts‟ Veterinaries and 1 Sector Agronomist & 1 Sector Veterinary) and 1 Official from RAB. However, during field research, I considered a Focus group discussion of 1 to more than 1 participants because I considered interviewing MCC or Local Leaders and Government Officials stands alone, as they were not in the same location and Responsibilities as well the composition was not so big. Data were collected through two primary data collection methods: (i) focus groups constituted by farmers/breeders from committee members of MCCs, (ii) Local Leaders and Government Officials and (iii) individual interviews constituted by 1 Official of RAB. The focus group interviews were conducted in the open-air at the Milk Collection Centers physical places of iv production, District and Sector headquarters. Secondary data sources in the form of annual reports of the animal resources aspect like milk production, minutes of the meetings and useful administrative documents provided written information which was used to verify accuracy of data collected through interviews and policy effects. However, in transitional of Pastoralism to sedentary cattle keeping some challenges raised. There was a challenge based on resistance to change of moving from pastoralism to sedentary cattle keeping and not very easy to integrate in individual pastures with a big number of cows. There was an issue of lack of water for livestock since there was a limited infrastructure like valley dams as well valley tanks could help farmers to find water easily and in reasonable distance. There was no cattle market for milk produced and cows. The veterinary services were very poor and difficult to afford while sedentary cattle keeping need improved and ensured veterinary services. After the Policy development and dissemination, the individual pastures distributed and the owner requested to develop them by clearing bushes, fencing and introducing the new forages species. The Government constructed valley dams and valley tanks, the government subsidies on dam sheets and motor pumps have been introduced. In addition, milk collection centers have been constructed and equipped. The Local Government through the Districts‟ councils voted a resolution prohibiting any movement of cattle into the reserved areas like the Gabiro Combat Training center, with tough sanctions supporting the Ministerial order on stray cattle. The control and prevention of animal diseases enhanced and the frequencies reduced.