Policy Brief: Technology Tools for Building Resilience of Dairy Farms and Improving Dairy Production in Rwanda

It is expected to reach 1,250,000 metric tons by 2024. Despite this growth, the cattle production systems face several challenges, particularly in terms of feed and reproduction management, which limit their full potential. A one-year research project was conducted in Rwanda to address these challenges. The project had two specific objectives: to develop a mobile-based application for dairy professionals intended for farm assessment and ration formulation, and to shorten the calving interval using low-cost kits available on markets and improve dairy production. As a result, the nutritional value of local feedstuffs and all associated animal husbandry teaching and farm management materials were uploaded into a mobile-based application, "Zirakamwa". The application is freely available on Google Play in English and Kinyarwanda to assist livestock professionals and farmers in improving dairy management. The project also developed and tested an artificial insemination (AI) protocol to shorten the calving interval. The protocol combined close monitoring of inseminated cows and early diagnosis of pregnancy using rapid test kits for over 2-3 months. The protocol resulted in a pregnancy success rate of 75% compared to a 30% success rate in the group without intervention. The findings of the project demonstrate the feasibility and implementation of customized technology tools in enhancing dairy production and transitioning the dairy sector from being subsistence-based to more business-oriented. The dairy sector significantly contributes to food security in Rwanda. Feed and reproduction management are major challenges faced by the cattle production systems. Technology tools were developed, customized, and tested in the field conditions. The simple application of the developed tools can improve the pregnancy success rate more than two folds in a period of 2-3 months. The project's findings highlight the importance of collaboration and technology in improving dairy production and achieving sustainable development and food security improvement. The project recommends the revision and adaptation of the current artificial insemination protocol used in the field based on the findings of this study. Intense training of dairy professionals, especially inseminators, on the developed products, their implementation, and monitoring is also recommended to improve the pregnancy success rate. Making early pregnancy tests tax-free to increase their accessibility by many farmers and professionals is also suggested. The project's findings and recommendations aim to improve dairy production and contribute to the country's food security goals.