Rwanda’s Agriculture and Animal Resources Minister, Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, has expressed optimism that meat prices will gradually decline as livestock vaccination and disease-control measures restore the supply of animals to the market.
The assurance comes amid complaints from consumers across the country, particularly in Kigali, over rising beef prices in recent weeks.
Ndabamenye said the government has intensified vaccination of cattle, goats and sheep to protect livestock from disease outbreaks and prepare the sector for risks linked to climate change.
He explained that changing weather patterns, including heavy rainfall, can increase the spread of livestock diseases and disrupt animal production, temporarily reducing the number of animals available on the market.
“We have put in place a livestock vaccination programme, particularly for cattle, goats and sheep, while also preparing for challenges associated with climate change,” Ndabamenye said.
The minister said measures implemented since June and July have improved confidence in livestock health and the prospects of restoring the supply of animals to markets.
“What we have done since June and July gives us confidence that livestock are being vaccinated and that the programme to increase the supply of animals to the market so that people can access meat will continue,” he said.
Ndabamenye said livestock that meet health and market requirements will continue to be supplied to markets as the vaccination programme progresses.
He expressed hope that increased availability of livestock would ease pressure on meat prices.
“I think people can be assured that meat prices will gradually come down as livestock recover through the vaccination programme, return to normal conditions and animals that meet the requirements are taken to markets as before,” he said.
The government is also working to increase meat production from both large and small livestock so that alternative sources can help maintain supplies when some animals are affected by disease-control measures.
The vaccination campaign is part of broader efforts to protect Rwanda’s livestock sector from disease outbreaks and climate-related risks while maintaining a stable supply of animal products.
Ndabamenye’s comments come as authorities seek to restore normal livestock market activity and ease pressure on consumers facing higher meat prices.
