Rwanda’s poultry sector is currently grappling with a noticeable shortage of broiler chicken meat, a situation that has pushed prices upward and reduced availability in both urban and rural markets. Broiler chicken, which is widely consumed because of its affordability and quick preparation, has long been a key source of animal protein for many Rwandan households. However, a combination of rising production costs, reduced farmer participation, and structural challenges within the poultry value chain has disrupted supply and strained the market.
One of the main drivers behind the shortage is the high cost of poultry feed, which represents the largest expense in broiler production. In Rwanda, feed accounts for an estimated 60 to 70 percent of total production costs. Key feed ingredients such as maize and soybean meal are either produced in limited quantities locally or imported, making prices vulnerable to seasonal shortages, climate-related crop losses, and regional market fluctuations. Over the past year, feed prices have risen steadily, increasing the cost of raising broiler chickens and significantly reducing farmers’ profit margins.
As a result of these high costs, many broiler farmers in Rwanda experienced financial losses during much of the previous production cycle. In several cases, chickens were sold at prices below the actual cost of production. When farmgate prices failed to cover expenses such as feed, chicks, veterinary care, and labor, farmers were left with little incentive to continue broiler production. Consequently, many producers reduced flock sizes, delayed restocking, or abandoned broiler farming altogether in favor of egg-laying chickens, which provide more stable and predictable income.
The decline in production has directly affected market supply. With fewer broiler chickens being raised, butcheries and poultry vendors across Rwanda have struggled to secure enough stock to meet consumer demand. This imbalance between supply and demand has led to sharp price increases, particularly during high-consumption periods such as festive seasons and public holidays. In some markets, the retail price of broiler meat has risen by more than half compared to earlier periods, placing additional pressure on household food budgets.
Beyond feed costs and pricing challenges, structural limitations within Rwanda’s poultry industry have further worsened the situation. Limited hatchery capacity has constrained the availability of quality day-old broiler chicks, making it difficult for farmers to restart or expand production quickly. Access to affordable financing remains a challenge for small and medium-scale producers, while gaps in technical support and disease management increase production risks.
Experts argue that addressing the broiler meat shortage in Rwanda will require coordinated interventions across the value chain. These include expanding local production of feed ingredients, strengthening hatchery infrastructure, stabilizing farmgate prices, and improving farmer access to credit and technical training. Without such measures, broiler meat is likely to remain scarce and expensive, limiting access to a vital source of protein for many Rwandan consumers.
