Batoni Florence, a dedicated poultry farmer from Gasenga II, Nyamata Sector in Bugesera District, stands as a shining example of how strategic support and personal determination can transform farming into a thriving and inclusive enterprise. As a beneficiary of the Commercialization and De-Risking for Agricultural Transformation (CDAT) Project’s Matching Grant Scheme, Florence has grown her poultry business from a modest operation into a flourishing agribusiness that is making a tangible impact on her community.

Before CDAT’s support, Florence had a clear ambition to produce high-quality eggs, create jobs, and empower women and youth in her business. However, she faced major challenges, including limited infrastructure and high operating costs, which constrained the growth of her farm.

Her turning point came when she was selected for the CDAT Matching Grant Scheme. With a total grant of RWF 200 million—of which she contributed 50%—Florence invested in building modern poultry houses and expanding her operations.

With the new infrastructure in place, Florence expanded her poultry stock from 30,000 to 50,000 chickens. As a result, daily egg production increased significantly, now reaching 22,000 to 24,000 eggs per day. These eggs are not only high in quality but are produced in a safe, insured, and sustainable environment.

One of the most impactful uses of the CDAT grant was the purchase of her own transport truck, which eliminated an annual rental cost of nearly RWF 25 million. This investment significantly reduced the operating expenses and improved delivery efficiency.

The support Florence received through CDAT directly addressed her biggest challenges—especially high transportation costs and limited production infrastructure. Today, her poultry business is more sustainable, profitable, and efficient.

Beyond profitability, Florence is proud of the social impact of her work. She currently employs 17 permanent staff, 40 casual workers, and 10 additional farm workers—the majority of whom are women and youth. Additionally, many of her customers also come from these groups, making her enterprise both economically viable and socially inclusive.

The success of Florence’s poultry business has enabled her to diversify her operations. She has now ventured into fertilizer trading, providing local farmers with affordable, high-quality farm inputs. This expansion not only creates an additional revenue stream but also strengthens the broader agricultural ecosystem in Bugesera and beyond.

All chickens on Florence’s farm are insured under the “Tekana Urushingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi agricultural insurance scheme. This proved to be invaluable when she lost 2,000 chickens and was compensated and  her operations continued without disruption. Now, Florence encourages fellow farmers to insure their crops and livestock to safeguard their businesses against unexpected losses.

Florence remains committed to further expand her business, creating more employment opportunities, and contributing meaningfully to Rwanda’s agricultural transformation.