Improving Lives Through Pig-Rearing in Gishamvu Village, Rwanda
Jeanne Masengesho is a 47-year-old mother of six residing in the Gishamvu village in the Southern Province of Rwanda. Jeanne, like her neighbors, has relied on farming activities as her primary source of income but has struggled to harvest enough crops for her and her family due to poor soil conditions. Animal manure is commonly used to increase crop yields, however, Jeanne did not own any animals and faced difficulties in obtaining the funds to purchase manure.
When Spark partnered with Gishamvu village, Jeanne joined the Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP), a village cash plus inclusive facilitation model. Through the process, the village decided to implement a pig-rearing project. When Jeanne received a pig, her spirits were immediately lifted.
"Before Spark, I didn't have an animal, so I had to walk around with a basket looking for places to buy manure, which was hard because earning money for that as well as caring for the family, was difficult. But since I got this pig with Spark's help, a lot has changed, not just in terms of manure but also in terms of financial matters because pigs may boost income in just a short period of time if they are well cared for," Jeanne said.
Jeanne explained that she not only gets manure from the pigs but has also increased her income, which enabled her to resolve some of her household needs while contributing to the village.
''When I got this pig, I worked hard to care for it by feeding it and consulting veterinarians for medication and advice, and so far, the pig has produced two times. The first time, it gave birth to six piglets, which I sold and returned the funds to the village to help others get livestock. I also paid for health insurance for my entire family and purchased some other home essentials,'' Jeanne stated. "The pig gave birth to 7 piglets for the second time, and after they grew up, I sold them and bought some clothes and other home equipment. I am planning to sell this pig after giving birth for the sixth time. By then, it will be very old, and I will then replace it with young ones."
She praised Spark for improving the lives of citizens. She concluded by appreciating everything she had achieved so far: ''I am thankful because I gained project development skills. I participate in savings groups, which help me get home necessities. I now have manure, and my crop yields have increased. I can sell piglets and obtain money for health insurance, my children's school supplies, and other essential home needs.''
Jeanne’s story is one of many. As a result of the FCAP, households in Spark villages experience immediate gains that persist over the long term, a testament to the program's sustainability. Median household asset values increase by more than 500% after one year and maintain at 354% greater than baseline four or more years after the launch of the FCAP. Household savings increase sevenfold after one year and persist at ten times above baseline at year four. Dietary diversity and nutritional intake increase by up to 27% in year one and maintain at up to 20% above baseline by year four. Moreover, 89% of villages continue to host monthly FCAP meetings after graduation, and 90% of FCAP projects are still running, affirming the sustainability of the program.
