Authorities in Rwanda’s Western Province said they will spend 7.2 billion Rwandan francs ($5.4 million) in partnership with development organizations to tackle child stunting, after new data showed that several districts still record high rates despite nationwide progress.
The initiative, launched Wednesday under the CMR-FS project, will focus on reducing malnutrition and stunting in five districts: Karongi, Nyamasheke, Nyabihu, Rusizi and Rutsiro. Households in the program will receive five fruit trees each, chickens, and training on how to prepare balanced meals.
Stunting in the province has dropped sharply in recent years — from 40% in 2020 to 21.8% in 2024 — according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda. But Governor Jean Bosco Ntibitura said more effort is needed to meet national development goals.
“Figures remain high even though they are declining, and we still have a long journey ahead,” Ntibitura said. “Under the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation, our target is to bring stunting below 15% by 2029.”
Officials say poor access to animal-based foods is among the biggest contributors to chronic malnutrition. Assumpta Ingabire, director general of the National Child Development and Protection Agency, said fewer than 20% of households consume eggs regularly, while fewer than 10% consume meat.
“This project is expected to help pregnant women and mothers of young children access animal-sourced foods, which are critical in fighting stunting but often overlooked,” Ingabire said.
Other causes of stunting include poor dietary knowledge, lack of balanced meals even when food is available, and parents’ limited time for child care because of work obligations, health experts say.
