Rwanda to introduce dairy cattle breeds suited for tropical climates

RWANDA – According to the Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda is set to revolutionise its dairy industry by introducing new cattle breeds suited explicitly for tropical climates.

Announced during the IDF Regional Dairy Conference Africa, which took place in Kigali, this strategic move aims to enhance milk production and improve the sustainability of dairy farming in the country.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, responds to the challenges faced by traditional dairy breeds, such as Holstein cows, which struggle to adapt to Rwanda’s warm climate and often produce lower milk yields than expected.

Currently, Rwanda produces approximately 3 million litres of milk per day; however, the government has plans to triple this output to 10 million litres daily by 2029, under the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

The introduction of tropical-adapted breeds is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal. This dairy herd improvement focuses on breeding methods from countries like Brazil, India, and Kenya, which have demonstrated resilience in similar climates and are known for their ability to thrive in hot conditions while maintaining high milk yields.

One of the key challenges Rwanda has faced is the significant decline in milk production that occurs when imported dairy cows are introduced to the local environment.

While Holstein cows can produce over 40 litres of milk per day in their countries of origin, their output often drops to 20 litres or less once they are brought to Rwanda due to factors such as inadequate shelter, poor feeding practices, and difficulty adapting to the heat. By adjusting its breeding strategy, Rwanda aims to overcome these challenges and establish a more efficient dairy sector.

The IDF Regional Dairy Conference Africa, held from May 29 to June 1, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, provided a platform for Rwandan dairy farmers to gain insights into best practices for enhancing milk yields.

Under the theme “Sustainable Dairy for Prosperous Africa,” the conference focused on key areas, including climate-smart dairy production, breed improvement, animal health, processing, and market access.

With Africa’s dairy industry facing hurdles such as climate adaptation and limited access to formal training for smallholder farmers, the event served as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

IDF President Gilles Froment emphasised the importance of cutting-edge technology and global partnerships in ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.

“By working together, we can create benefits for producers, processors, suppliers, and everyone across the supply chain, as well as for consumers worldwide,” he stated.

Subscribe to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, Middle East and around the world. SUBSCRIBE HERE