Rwandan poultry sector draws international focus

Sub-Saharan-focused poultry event highlights opportunities for development in Rwandan poultry sector.

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Rwanda Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources Jean Claude Kayisinga believes that the poultry industry can satisfy immediate and long-term demand internally and also supply demand beyond the country’s borders. | Mark Clements
Rwanda Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources Jean Claude Kayisinga believes that the poultry industry can satisfy immediate and long-term demand internally and also supply demand beyond the country’s borders. | Mark Clements

The poultry industry should take advantage of Rwanda’s favorable economic climate and geographical position, urged the country’s permanent secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Jean Claude Kayisinga, guest of honor of the opening ceremony of Poultry Africa, the first edition of a new trade show aimed at Sub-Saharan Africa organized by VNU Exhibitions.

The Rwandan government has identified poultry as not only a way of increasing the country’s food security, but also of raising income on small farms throughout the industry. While poultry production has been growing in the country, still only 1 percent of total output comes from commercial farms.

The country does have 27 large egg producers, with flocks ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 birds, and in the broiler sector there are three private commercial slaughterhouse facilities. However, there is the need for further commercial investment, Kaysinga continued.

Among government aims is the introduction of high-yielding birds and among strategies is the removal of duties on imports of value to the poultry industry. It is hoped that these, and similar actions, will not only help to boost local production and meet rising demand, but will help the poultry industry to also meet rising demand for animal protein from the country’s neighbors.

Ruwan Berculo, manager VIV worldwide at VNU Exhibitions, said that while this first event was concentrating on poultry, for the longer-term he hoped that the event would grow to include other sectors including dairy and aquaculture.

Rising incomes, growing opportunities

In parallel to the trade show, Poultry Africa and also hosting technical seminars and a leadership conference, Speaking at the latter, Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior analyst with Rabobank, noted that the population of sub-Saharan Africa will double by 2050, and that while incomes still vary greatly from country to country, the trend in income is upwards. He forecast that poultry meat production across Africa is set to grow by 5-6 percent per annum over the coming years.

Africa is already moving to a new stage of development, and there are many small but fast growing markets in the sub-Saharan region, he said, adding that, while the challenges in Africa remain significant, the rewards can be big, he said.

 

 

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