Rwanda Dairy Competitiveness Program II Quarterly Report April 1 – June 30, 2016

The program achieves this by linking existing and new smallholder dairy producers to an expanding market demand driven by improved quality, reduced transaction costs and increased investment along the dairy value chain. During the reporting quarter, RDCP II focused on ensuring completion of district commitments through workplans ending the fiscal year. The program contributed successfully across the 17 districts of operation, with particular focus on upgrading dairy facilities, training of farmers, and empowering value chain actors to ensure sustainability. The last quarter also marked the completion of district activities towards a smooth close out of the project in line with GoR reporting period. RDCP II plans to transition leadership of activities to local partners who have demonstrated commitment to sustain these developments. Notably, RNDP has taken a central role as the dairy private sector advocacy lead as they prepare for the upcoming ESADA dairy conference and exhibition obtaining GoR support through MINAGRI and RAB. ESADA conference will provide RNDP an opportunity as a national body to position themselves and their various clusters while showcasing various opportunities in Rwanda's dairy sector. The program hosted the 3rd and final Cheese and Butter expo 2016 in collaboration with the Rwanda National Dairy Platform (RNDP). The expo showcased a wide range of cheese and butter products made in Rwanda, and was preceded by a competition of the products facilitated by International expert Kobus Mulder. This was also used as a platform to call on the cheese and butter processors to embrace the need for compliance to national standards as set out by the Standards Board of Rwanda as a critical next step for the industry. RDCP II also enrolled the services of a production expert to support focused training of model farmers at selected sites on dry season feeding and improved animal husbandry. The expert trainer, Mr. Kagabo Andrew, worked in collaboration with district facilitators and sector extension staff to demonstrate hay and silage preparation, and advised on fodder combinations that maximize yield during the dry season. In addition, RDCP II established a working partnership with 1000 Hills distillery to introduce distillery waste to the service provider network to enable farmers to access the waste as a potential source of food for their animals. The distillery waste was tested to establish the composition and determine proper feed combination before distribution to the service provider network. This was followed up with a training on the use of the waste conducted for service providers who expressed interest to supply the same to farmer cooperatives in their practice zones at a fee. The program's efforts during this period were focused on ensuring a smooth close out of the project in line with GoR reporting period. RDCP II plans to transition leadership of activities to local partners who have demonstrated commitment to sustain these developments. The program's achievements during this quarter demonstrate its commitment to improving the dairy sector in Rwanda and reducing poverty through expanded marketing of quality milk.