"The Cows of Peace" was the December 2001 theme for the USA-based
Heifer Project International (HPI) marketing campaign in Rwanda, based
on a smallholder dairy farming activity. HPI has introduced zero-grazing
technology and imported improved breeds. The cows have become rallying
points of communal togetherness among different population groups working
together in "family-cow cooperatives" that foster understanding
of common challenges. One of the first cows to arrive was named "Peace"
by the owner. The same cow later gave birth to twins-both female calves,
a rare event which people took as a symbol of hope for the future. Exactly
five months later their hopes were reinforced with yet another rare
set of twins, again both female calves, from another project family
cow in the neighborhood. Community response to a rebel insurgency in
May 2001 shows that "people who have food, shelter, health and
hope, are not anxious to risk it all in violence."
Before May, 2001, Christine was a poor and lonely widow. Her household
of four (Christine, her daughter of 8, her old half-blind father, and
her very old mother) would shut themselves indoors from sunset to late
morning the following day, for lack of company or any worthwhile activity.
The story changed upon the arrival of their pregnant cow that they named
Royal Bride and who gave birth exactly two weeks later. Christine became
President of the farmers group Giramata (wishing milk). Immediately
the village homestead became a hub of activity with a stream of excited
visitors, inquisitive school children, HPI staff, and high ranking officials-national
and diplomatic. Hence the reason for the cow's royal name that signifies
the presence of a benevolent queen and mother, to whom many come for
solace, provision, sojourn, and shelter. There are additional benefits
too. Christine became self-employed which enables her to look after
her family. And through the sale of milk, she has also become an employer
of labor and can now afford leisure and pleasure, after attending to
her treasured cow. The family nutrition and income have changed along
with their social status and well being, as Christine shares her milk
with the needy neighbors and the sick in the community. Her daughter
is happy at school and in the evening the family gathers around the
herd of cows and calf to gratefully offer companionship. So the evening
passes with joys of fellowship in a peaceful neighborhood with hope
for a better tomorrow.
November 15, 2001 was a particularly good demonstration of Christine's
testimony, when ten vehicles and two motorcycles with a delegation of
Members of Parliament, officials of the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI),
Local Government representatives, HPI staff, and members of the Press
(National Rwanda Radio and Television) converged at her home and the
neighboring homes of the group members, on an anti-poverty fact-finding
mission. The farmers were interviewed by the MPs and their entourage.
The conversation and their faces radiating self-confidence were captivating
and astonished the visitors. The result has been a positive change of
attitude by the impressed MPs regarding MINAGRI's wisdom in promoting
small-holder dairy. The HPI model can offer an entry point for success
in social and economic development, as well as promote community cohesion
and renewed harmony in post-genocide Rwanda.
Heifer Project International-"Cows of Peace" Rwanda Campaign
