Understanding the significance of balanced nutrition and sustainable development, Enabel and MINAGRI have set out on a mission to enlighten the populace on the nutritional merits of pig and poultry products.

The event drew an attendance of around 150 stakeholders from diverse sectors, including the Rwandan Poultry Industry Association (RPIA), the Rwandan Pig Farmers Association (RPFA), chefs, culinary instructors, and students from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.

The day was packed with activities geared towards encouraging the consumption of pork and chicken, such as live cooking demonstrations, recipe tastings, and networking opportunities. Gerrit Bosman, Project Manager of the PRISME-Enabel project, encapsulated the essence of the event, stating, "Let’s share tasty pig and poultry products, combining the rational aspect of animal protein for a healthy diet with the intuitive/emotional aspect of tasty meat products, as the proverb goes: the way to the heart is through the stomach."

The event also served as a platform for mini-exhibitions, allowing industry stakeholders to display their products, share knowledge, and establish valuable business connections.

One of the event’s attendees, Niyoyita Peace, a pig farmer from the Ntarama Pig Farm in Bugesera, expressed her enthusiasm and optimism in an exclusive interview, saying, "I started in 2017 with ten pigs, and now I have over 440. Pork is among the most consumed meats, and its consumption is widespread in bars, hotels, and beyond. There is hope that its consumability will increase after this event. I encourage Rwandans to embrace pork not only as an affordable and nutritious meat option but also to overcome societal norms and cultural myths surrounding its consumption."

Agnes Uwamahoro, who began their journey in 2017 and currently manages 3,000 chickens, half of which are broilers and the other half layers, addressed the misconception that poultry farming is only for the affluent.

"Our farms provide healthy meals to our chickens, keeping them free from diseases. It’s a myth that poultry and eggs are only for the rich. I believe that Rwandans already recognize the importance of chicken and eggs but need to be further encouraged. I have faith that this event will lead to an increased desire among our people to consume more poultry."

Providing further insights into the motivation behind the event, Jean Claude Ndorimana, the Director General of Animal Resources Development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources explained the idea for this event emerged from the realization that meat consumption in Rwanda is significantly low.

"In partnership with Enabel and IFAD, we want to raise awareness about meat consumption. Our strategy includes establishing meat stores across the country to facilitate easy access to meat, teaching people how simple and feasible it is to cook meat at home. We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy chicken and pork, regardless of their financial capabilities," he noted.

The Chicken and Pork Gastronomic Event 2024 represents a pivotal initiative in altering dietary habits in Rwanda, advocating for increased meat consumption through an engaging and educational culinary experience.

Feza, one of cooks at the event teaching participants how to make these meals.

The event also served as a platform for mini-exhibitions, allowing industry stakeholders to display their products, share knowledge, and establish valuable business connections.

The day was packed with activities geared towards encouraging the consumption of pork and chicken.

The event drew an attendance of around 150 stakeholders from diverse sectors.

Dr. Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director General at RAB thanked participants and organizers of the event.