Rwanda Seeks Investment to Close Animal Feed Supply Gap

The Rwandan government is exploring new investments to address a major shortage of animal feed that continues to affect livestock production across the country.

Rwanda requires about 15.9 million metric tonnes of animal feed each year but currently produces only 163,000 tonnes. The shortage has increased production costs and reduced output in the poultry, pig, dairy and aquaculture sectors.

Officials say limited local production of key raw materials, especially maize, remains a major challenge. The maize deficit has pushed up feed prices, forcing many livestock farmers to mix their own feed, often resulting in poor-quality nutrition for their animals.

The shortage has also affected feed manufacturers, who face difficulties sourcing maize, soybean and sunflower. Fish farmers are also struggling with the high cost and limited supply of specialised broodstock feed needed for healthy fish production.

In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources is developing new regulations to improve the quality and safety of commercial animal feed. The ministry is also working to increase local maize and soybean production while promoting alternative feed sources such as Black Soldier Fly larvae and processed cassava peels to strengthen feed supply and support livestock growth.