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A Strategic Investment for Climate-Resilient Dairy and Livelihood in Eastern Rwanda
A Strategic Investment for Climate-Resilient Dairy and Livelihood in Eastern Rwanda
October 14, 2025
This policy brief presents hydroponic fodder as a climate-smart solution to Rwanda’s growing dairy feed crisis, particularly in the drought-prone Eastern Province.
Based on a two-year UNDP pilot involving households and a cooperative-run milk collection centre, the study shows that hydroponics can increase milk yields by 42 per cent while using up to 90 per cent less water and minimal land.
The technology delivers year-round, high-quality feed and strong financial returns, especially through cooperative models with returns on investment above 200 per cent.
However, high upfront costs, seed price volatility, and skills gaps limit adoption. The brief recommends blended finance, stronger input supply chains, farmer training, and policy integration to scale hydroponics sustainably.
