Partnership to Strengthen the Egg Value Chain in the Western Province of Rwanda

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is seeking a Rwanda-based organisation to implement an integrated dual-purpose poultry production model in Western Province. The partnership aims to strengthen egg production by improving access to day-old chicks, local feed systems, farmer training and smallholder market linkages. The initiative runs under the CMRFS programme (2025–2031) and targets improved nutrition and egg affordability across five districts.

Overview

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is inviting proposals from qualified organisations in Rwanda to implement an integrated poultry production model focused on dual-purpose birds and low-input systems.

The initiative aims to strengthen egg production capacity among smallholder farmers by building localised systems for reliable feed and day-old chick (DOC) supply, while improving farmer skills and last-mile input delivery. The intervention is designed for low-income, low-resource households in Rwanda’s Western Province.

Programme Context: CMRFS (2025–2031)

This opportunity sits within the CMRFS programme, which runs from 2025 to 2031 and focuses on addressing malnutrition in Rwanda’s Western Province.

Target Districts

• Rutsiro

• Nyamasheke

• Rusizi

• Karongi

• Nyabihu

Strategic Objectives of CMRFS

The programme is built around three core objectives:

1. Improving community consumption of nutritious foods

2. Supporting the enabling environment for better nutrition outcomes

3. Strengthening supply chains for nutritious foods

Eggs are a priority nutritious food alongside high-iron beans, fruits and fortified staples.

Partnership Focus and Model

The selected partner will implement a fully integrated smallholder poultry production model tailored to village and BoP (Base of the Pyramid) conditions.

Key elements of the model include:

• Use of dual-purpose poultry breeds suitable for semi-scavenging systems

• Establishment and strengthening of local brooder networks for reliable DOC supply

• Improved last-mile access to poultry feed

• Promotion of alternative feed resources

• Farmer training in low-input poultry management and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

• Professionalisation of small and medium poultry farms

• Development of value chain partnerships

• Monitoring and evaluation of implementation progress

Core Activities and Interventions

The partnership will focus on strengthening both production and market systems.

Farmer Capacity Building

• Training farmers in low-input, semi-scavenging poultry systems

• Supporting expansion of small dual-purpose flocks

• Improving flock management and productivity

Input Systems Strengthening

• Improving availability of day-old chicks through local brooders

• Strengthening local feed production and distribution

• Supporting local hatchery capacity where relevant

Market and Value Chain Development

• Building partnerships across the egg value chain

• Reducing inefficiencies that drive high egg price markups

• Increasing egg affordability and access for consumers

Why This Partnership Matters

An egg supply chain analysis across the five target districts identified critical gaps:

• Limited poultry production capacity

• Inefficient feed and DOC supply systems

• High egg prices driven by weak local production

• Constraints affecting approximately 25,000 egg producers

By addressing these bottlenecks, the partnership aims to improve both nutrition outcomes and smallholder livelihoods, while strengthening local food systems.

Expected Results by 31 December 2027

The partner is expected to deliver measurable outcomes, including:

• Number of farmers trained on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

• Number of households operating small dual-purpose poultry flocks

• Percentage increase in egg production among participating farmers

• Tons of locally produced poultry feed sold

• Increased consumer perception of egg availability

• Percentage of target households purchasing more eggs

Alignment with National Priorities

The initiative contributes directly to PSTA5 strategic pillars, including:

• Modernised crop and animal production

• Market linkages and post-production systems

• Food security and nutrition

• De-risking agricultural finance and insurance

• Strengthening public capacity for agricultural transformation

Who Is Eligible to Apply

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• NGOs or private sector organisations

• Registered in Rwanda

• Demonstrated experience in poultry, nutrition, agriculture or value chain development

Not Eligible

• Individuals

• Academic or research institutions

• Organisations registered outside Rwanda

How to Apply

Application Requirements

Proposals must be submitted in English by email and include:

• Technical proposal

• Financial proposal

• Detailed budget

• Evidence of eligibility and relevant experience

Key Dates

• Application deadline: 30 December 2025

• Planned contract signature: 13 February 2026

Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered.

Common Application Tips

• Clearly demonstrate experience with smallholder poultry systems

• Show understanding of low-input, semi-scavenging models

• Highlight capacity to manage local brooder and feed networks

• Align proposed activities with nutrition and market outcomes

• Include realistic targets and a strong monitoring framework

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main objective of this GAIN partnership?

To strengthen egg production and affordability in Western Province through an integrated dual-purpose poultry production model.

2. Which areas will the project cover?

The project targets Rutsiro, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Karongi and Nyabihu districts in Western Province, Rwanda.

3. Who can apply for this opportunity?

NGOs and private sector organisations registered in Rwanda with relevant experience.

4. Are individuals or research institutions eligible?

No. Individuals, academic institutions and organisations registered outside Rwanda are not eligible.

5. What poultry system is being promoted?

A low-input, semi-scavenging dual-purpose poultry system suitable for low-income households.

6. What are the expected results by 2027?

Results include increased egg production, trained farmers, improved feed availability and higher egg consumption among target households.

7. How should proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted by email in English, including technical and financial components and supporting documentation.

Conclusion

This GAIN partnership opportunity represents a strategic investment in nutrition-sensitive agriculture and smallholder poultry systems in Rwanda’s Western Province. By strengthening local feed and DOC supply, building farmer capacity and improving market linkages, the initiative aims to increase egg availability, affordability and consumption. For Rwanda-based organisations with relevant expertise, this call offers a chance to deliver scalable impact aligned with national nutrition and agricultural transformation goals.