Rwanda Dairy Competitiveness Program II Quarterly Report January 1 – March 31, 2015

The program aims to achieve this by linking existing and new smallholder dairy producers to expanding market demand driven by improved quality, reduced transaction costs and increased investment all along the dairy value chain. The program's quarterly report for January 1 to March 31, 2015 highlights several key achievements. The Rwanda Agricultural Board and University of Rwanda co-hosted Rwanda's First National Mastitis Workshop in Kigali on February 24th-26th. The workshop focused on the role of public and private sector institutions in building a roadmap for mastitis control and prevention. The event brought together experts from the veterinary sector, public and private institutions, and academia to discuss the importance of mastitis control in the dairy sector. Best Practices materials were distributed across all 17 milksheds in Rwanda, providing a daily reminder to milk handlers on the best practices to follow. Posters on quality themes were also placed in the majority of Kigali's Milk Zones, making the information accessible to both the public and milk zone operators. The program underwent a mid-term performance evaluation in February and March, which received very positive feedback from the evaluation team and USAID staff. The evaluation highlighted the program's positive impact on the dairy industry in Rwanda, improving the availability and quality of milk, and the financial viability of dairy producing operations throughout the agricultural value chain. RDCP II also facilitated Rwanda's first butter making training in February, attended by three processors. The training provided an opportunity for Rwanda's dairy processors to replace expensive imported butter with locally produced butter. One processor has commenced daily delivery of butter to Kigali-based bakeries, supplying approximately 100 kg per week, while a second has purchased butter making equipment to commence production in the next quarter. Blessed Dairies recently received HACCP certification, which has opened up new marketing opportunities. The processor secured a supply contract with Rwanda Air, providing a significant boost to the company's sales and revenue. This achievement demonstrates the program's success in improving the competitiveness of Rwanda's dairy industry and increasing the income and employment opportunities for smallholder dairy producers.