Diane, 23, and Augustin, 20, stand as examples within their refugee community through the impactful practice of rabbit rearing, finding a way to support themselves and their families, and demonstrating how turning a modest business can bring about a profound change. Both are members of a rabbit farming cooperative based in a refugee camp in Rwanda.
Generating a livelihood through rabbit rearing
Diane, a young mother of 1, has been engaged in rabbit farming for 2 years. Initially, she saw rabbit rearing as a simple task but soon realised its benefits.
“I started with just 2 rabbits and now I have 28. Rabbit rearing has become vital for my family, especially for my child and me. When we need meat to eat nutritious meal, we don’t have to go to the market. We simply take one from our own hatch,” Diane shares.
Augustin, who currently owns 16 rabbits in his care, commends the rabbit rearing initiatives for its transformative impact on refugee families.
He explains that rabbit rearing has supported him, easing the burden on his parents who have to provide for his 7 siblings.
“Rearing rabbits has been a game changer for me, enabling me to stand on my own. I no longer depend on my parents for life basic needs, such as clothes, shoes and many more,” Augustin remarks.
Using rabbit rearing to develop financial independence
Diane and Augustin both testify that rabbit farming does more than provide food. They attest to its broader benefits for their cooperative members, helping them financially and offering a source of income.
For Diane, it has been a shield against vulnerabilities that many girls and young women face due to poverty, particularly the dangers of exploitation.
“Rearing rabbits is crucial, especially for young women, like myself. When I face a financial challenge, I don’t have to turn to risky alternatives, Instead, I can sell one of my rabbits for Rwf 4,000, which helps me make ends meet,” Diane asserts.
Augustin highlights the importance of expanding support for refugee youth to engage in small-scale livestock farming, calling for increased efforts to empower them in such businesses, which help them provide financial support for their families.
“The rabbit rearing has not only helped me, but it has also been a financial back up for my family. I have been able to support my siblings and take pressure off my parents. My dream is to expand this business in case I have further support to make that happen.”
Plan International’s support
The cooperative of Diane and Augustin started operating in 2018 in a refugee camp. Today, the cooperative has 12 members, with 5 males and 7 females, all who have 40 rabbit cages.
This initiative, is part of the Social Behavioral Change and Communication for Nutrition Project, that aims to support project participants to run small livestock businesses, whilst enabling access to diversified food support within the refugee camps.
This project is a joint initiative by Plan International Rwanda and the World Food Programme in Rwanda across 5 refugee camps, including Kiziba, Mugombwa, Kigeme, Nyabiheke, and Mahama, and their host communities.
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