Five years ago, Hashimamungu Deo, a resident of rural southern Rwanda, received two goats from a government-supported livestock program aimed at helping vulnerable families rebuild their livelihoods.
Today, those two goats have multiplied into 41 animals, transforming his economic situation and turning him from a beneficiary of social assistance into someone who now helps others escape poverty.
The story unfolds in the quiet village of Rugomero, located in Nyaruteja Cell, Nyanza Sector of Gisagara District, where agriculture and livestock remain the backbone of daily life.
Like many families in the region, Hashimamungu once struggled to meet basic needs.
But a small opportunity two goats provided through a development initiative became the foundation for an unexpected journey toward financial independence.
A Modest Beginning
Hashimamungu received the goats in 2021 through the PRISM Project, an initiative implemented by the Government of Rwanda with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
The project aims to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable rural households by providing livestock such as goats, pigs, sheep, and chickens.
At the time, Hashimamungu was among the poorest residents in his community and depended heavily on government support.
Under the program, each selected household received two goats typically one male and one female to begin a small-scale breeding project.
For many families, the animals serve as both an immediate source of manure for farming and a longer-term opportunity for income generation.
Hashimamungu still remembers the day the goats arrived.
“At that time, I had very little,” he said. “Receiving those goats gave me hope that my situation could change.”
Growing a Livestock Business
Instead of selling the goats early for quick cash, Hashimamungu made a deliberate decision: he would raise them carefully and allow the herd to grow.
Over the years, the animals reproduced steadily.
“I took good care of them,” he explained. “They provided manure for my farm while continuing to reproduce.”
With proper feeding and attention, the herd gradually expanded.
Within a few years, the number of goats had grown from two to 41.
In local markets, a single goat can sell for between 70,000 and 100,000 Rwandan francs, depending on its size and condition.
That means the herd now represents a significant asset for the family.
But Hashimamungu did not rely solely on livestock breeding to improve his finances.
He also joined a community savings and loan group, a common rural practice in Rwanda that allows members to pool savings and borrow small amounts for investment.
Through this group, he found another opportunity.
“I now keep a breeding male goat,” he said. “People bring their goats for breeding and pay about 1,000 francs each time.”
On busy days, several farmers visit his home with their animals.
“Sometimes two, three, even five people come in one day,” he added. “I save that money through the group.”
A Safety Net for His Family
The goats have also become an economic safety net.
Whenever unexpected expenses arise, Hashimamungu can sell one animal to cover the cost.
“If I face a problem, I can sell a goat and solve it,” he said.
The income has helped him pay health insurance contributions for his family and cover other household expenses.
“In the past I was counted among those who could not afford health insurance,” he explained. “Today I am no longer in that category.”
His livestock success has also allowed him to diversify.
He has invested in poultry farming, purchasing egg-laying chickens that provide both food and additional income.
“Our family eats eggs regularly now,” he said with a smile. “And we sell some as well.”
Helping Others Rise
Perhaps the most meaningful change in Hashimamungu’s life is his shift from being a recipient of aid to becoming someone who supports others.
Inspired by the help he once received, he has begun sharing opportunities with neighbors who are still struggling.
Some goats from his herd have been given to other families to raise, a practice that reflects Rwanda’s traditional culture of mutual assistance.
“I used to be the one receiving help,” he said. “Now I can help others start their own journey.”
The transformation has earned him respect within the community.
Neighbors often visit his home not only to seek breeding services for their animals but also to ask for advice on livestock management.
A Wider Impact in Gisagara
Local authorities say Hashimamungu’s story is not unique.
According to Jean Paul Habineza, Vice Mayor for Economic Development in Gisagara District, livestock distribution programs have produced many success stories across the district.
“We now have residents who started with only a few animals and today own more than forty goats or over a hundred chickens,” he said.
The benefits go beyond income generation.
Livestock farming also provides organic manure that improves soil fertility and increases agricultural productivity.
“When farmers use manure along with other fertilizers, crop yields increase,” Habineza explained. “When production increases, families have food for themselves and products to sell at the market.”
That combination food security and income plays a crucial role in reducing rural poverty.
Nutrition Gains for Children
Another impact has been improved nutrition for children.
Egg production from poultry farming has contributed to better diets in many households.
According to district officials, the number of children regularly consuming eggs has increased significantly since livestock distribution programs expanded.
“This has helped reduce malnutrition among children,” Habineza said.
Parents who once struggled to provide protein-rich foods now have easier access through their own small farms.
Thousands of Families Benefiting
The scale of the initiative extends far beyond a single village.
So far, about 23,000 households across five sectors in Gisagara Muganza, Nyanza, Kigembe, Gishubi, and Gikonko have received livestock through the PRISM project.
Animals distributed include goats, chickens, pigs, and sheep.
The goal is not only to provide immediate assistance but also to create sustainable sources of income for rural families.
By focusing on livestock that reproduce quickly and require relatively modest investment, the program allows beneficiaries to build assets over time.
For many farmers, these animals represent the first step toward financial independence.
A New Chapter
Standing near his goat enclosure on a sunny afternoon, Hashimamungu reflects on how much his life has changed.
The small herd grazing behind his home symbolizes more than economic progress it represents dignity and self-reliance.
Beyond livestock, he has used his earnings to purchase farmland, renovate his house, and expand his farming activities.
What began with two goats has evolved into a stable livelihood.
His story also highlights the power of targeted rural development programs when combined with determination and careful management.
“Life is very different now,” he said quietly. “Before, I depended on help. Today, I can stand on my own.”
For the families of Rugomero village, the goats wandering through the fields are more than livestock.
They are a sign that even the smallest opportunity, when nurtured patiently, can change the course of a life.
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