Sibomana’s family is one of the 48 families resettled in Munini Model Village. They previously lived in poor conditions and in hazardous areas.

"Before, I lived in a dilapidated house that leaked, sharing space with cows and goats. Here, it’s different. I live in a place that doesn’t leak; I’m not drenched by rain," he said.

In addition to modern houses, Munini Model Village introduced a unique initiative: each family received a gestating sow to help them sustain themselves after being resettled.

These houses, pigs, and other amenities were gifted by the government to uplift impoverished citizens. Unlike other villages built previously, this was the first time pigs were distributed as livestock. Initially, 48 pigs were given out, which multiplied to 226 in nine months.

Dieudonné Dusabimana, a veterinarian in Munini Sector, told IGIHE that this project is special because its benefits are already evident in the residents’ lives.

"Living conditions have improved, and you can see that the children are healthier. The village is thriving compared to the time when they were scattered across the hills, suffering from hunger," he said.

Residents of Munini Model Village have formed a pig farming cooperative. When a resident’s pig farrows, the piglets are placed in a designated pen and cared for collectively.

The cooperative provides food, medicine, and other necessities for these pigs and pays the caretakers. Every six months, the pigs are sold at a market price set by the authorities, and the owner receives 50% of the sale proceeds. The rest is deposited into the cooperative’s account to cover ongoing expenses.

Placidia Mukanyarwaya, who has benefited from this pig farming initiative, shared that within one year, she has sold two pigs.

"I’ve sold two pigs and still have nine that will be six months old soon, ready for sale in October. I expect to make around Rwf900,000 from the sale, half of which will stay in the cooperative’s account, and the rest will be mine," she said.

Mukanyarwaya plans to buy a cow for Rwf300,000 to provide manure for her farming.

Sibomana also dreams of buying a cow, having already earned Rwf180,000 from selling his first pigs. He used this money to buy potato seeds and is preparing to buy a cow once his remaining pigs mature.

Dusabimana emphasized that the pig farming in Munini Village is unique due to its strict hygiene, disease control, and care practices. Before entering the pig pens, individuals must step into a disinfectant to prevent infections. The pigs are also insured, so in case of death, the insurance company compensates the owner.

"We encourage farmers to invest in livestock insurance because it provides peace of mind and prevents financial loss from any cause of death. If a pig worth Rwf500,000 dies, it would be challenging for the farmer to afford another one. With insurance, there’s no worry about feed as funds are available. Initially, we started with medicine provided by the government, but now we can sustain ourselves with the 50% savings," Dusabimana said.

So far, pigs sold in Munini Village have generated Rwf17 million. Emmanuel Murwanashyaka, the Mayor of Nyaruguru District, stated that Munini Model Village has shown many that decent living conditions are achievable.

"This village has shown that good living conditions are possible. It’s equipped with all necessary services, including a school, an Early Childhood Development Center, a workshop, advanced pig farming, and a market," he said.

Mukanyarwaya hopes this living and farming model can be extended to others. "I urge the government to help others who are still living in poor conditions. If they lack housing, they should be provided with homes and support, just as we have received," she said.

The Rwanda Housing Authority reports that 253 IDP Model Villages have been built across the country to improve living conditions. These villages are home to nearly 30,000 families.

Sibomana’s family is one of the 48 families resettled in Munini Model Village.

Dieudonné Dusabimana, a veterinarian in Munini Sector, told IGIHE that this project is special because its benefits are already evident in the residents' lives.

Dusabimana emphasized that the pig farming in Munini Village is unique due to its strict hygiene, disease control, and care practices.