The livestock sector contributes about 8.8 % of GDP. The major animals raised in Rwanda are cows (991,697) goats (1.270,973), sheep (371,766), pigs (211,918), chicken (2,482,124) and rabbits (498,401). The three provinces having the largest number of cattle are Umutara, Gitarama and Kigali. The first province in characterised by the extensive type of animal husbandry, whereas the other two are more or less oriented towards milk production. Raising of goats is more concentrated in the provinces of Kigali, Byumba and Kibuye. Pigs are raised mainly in the provinces of Gitarama and Butare.

The current policy is to improve cattle stock through importation of superior breeds Jersey, Friesian, and Guernsey and also through intensified use of Artificial Insemination (AI). Concurrently, it is intended to gradually lower cattle stock numbers to about 400 000 heads of high yielding capability. The improvement of livestock sector is on the rise through intensification of husbandry practices.
The local breeds are less productive than their exotic counterparts. Data from the National Hatchery shows that a local chicken produces 60 eggs per year while the production of the imported chicken is between 250 and 300 eggs.

This goes for all animals (goats, pigs, shep, fish,…). That is why animal import is very important for Rwanda and animal production will be low until there is an effort to improve the local breeds by introducing exotic blood into the country.

RARDA with the help of VSU is regulating animal import and is itself importing cows, pigs, rabbits, goats and other animal to improve animal resources in the country. It is also helping the private sector to be import animals.

The institution has also hired experts to deal exactly with animal import, look for opportunities and provide assistanc