Celebrating World Egg Day 2024: RAWO and Rwanda Poultry Industry Association join forces to promote chicken welfare and production in Rwanda

On October 11, 2024, as the world celebrated World Egg Day, a significant meeting took place in Rwanda between the Rwanda Animal Welfare Organization (RAWO) and the Rwanda Poultry Industry Association (R.P.I.A.). This timely gathering underscored the importance of eggs as a vital source of protein and vitamins while emphasizing the need to improve chicken welfare and production. The meeting was held at the R.P.I.A. office in Kigali.

The Rwanda Poultry Industry Association (R.P.I.A.) is a non-profit organization representing all actors in the poultry value chain in Rwanda. As a member of the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock (RCAL) under the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF), R.P.I.A. encompasses various clusters such as layer and broiler producers, hatcheries, poultry feed processors, dealers in day-old chicks and vaccines, traders in poultry products (eggs and meat), and more. The association’s broad reach provides a platform to enhance poultry practices across Rwanda.

To mark World Egg Day 2024, a RAWO delegation—comprising Dr. Jean Claude Masengesho, Dr. Ruth Uwamahoro, and Bahati Jackson—visited the R.P.I.A. headquarters, where they were warmly welcomed by the six-member Board of Directors, led by Mr. Andrew Butare, President of R.P.I.A.

A Shared Vision for Poultry Welfare and Nutrition

The visit began with an introduction to R.P.I.A. by Mr. Butare, who expressed appreciation for the partnership with RAWO and acknowledged the increasing importance of improving chicken welfare in Rwanda. Dr. Jean Claude Masengesho followed with a detailed presentation on chicken welfare, highlighting the need to ensure chickens are healthy and well cared for to produce high-quality eggs.

The discussion soon shifted to the critical role of eggs in combating malnutrition and improving food security in Rwanda. Both organizations recognized that eggs are not only a nutritious food source but also a powerful tool for transforming the livelihoods of many Rwandans. Eggs, packed with essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, are an ideal food to improve public health and fight hunger.

Formal Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to explore formal collaboration between RAWO and R.P.I.A. Both institutions expressed a strong commitment to work together to raise awareness about chicken welfare and promote sustainable egg production. This partnership will focus on improving care standards for chickens, ensuring they are kept in environments that support their health and productivity.

Mr. Butare stressed that a chicken’s ability to lay eggs is directly linked to its overall welfare. “For chickens to produce eggs adequately, they must be in good welfare conditions,” he said, calling for a nationwide effort to enhance poultry practices.

Looking Ahead

RAWO’s dedication to promoting animal welfare, combined with R.P.I.A.’s extensive network of poultry stakeholders, sets the stage for a future where sustainable and humane poultry practices lead to increased egg production. Through joint efforts, Rwanda can continue to celebrate the significance of the humble egg—not just on World Egg Day but every day—as a symbol of improved livelihoods and nutrition for all.

This collaboration between RAWO and R.P.I.A. represents a crucial step toward building a healthier and more sustainable poultry industry in Rwanda. By improving both chicken welfare and access to eggs, the two organizations aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of Rwandan families nationwide. RAWO encourages R.P.I.A. to promote farming systems that are humane and support the health and welfare of chickens, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for the poultry industry.

 DN