Five months after the distribution of rabbits to the best-performing VSLAs, SaCoDé Mentors made a follow-up visit to the beneficiaries to assess the impact of this initiative. As a reminder, by May 2024, three VSLAs in each SaCoDé intervention province had received 30 rabbits (15 males and 15 females), with the aim of strengthening the income-generating activities (IGAs) of these associations.

During the visit, the results were very encouraging. Most of the beneficiaries had successfully raised their rabbits, and several families had already made the first transfer of young rabbits to other members of their VSLA. This transfer of knowledge and resources has strengthened solidarity and the spirit of sharing within the groups. Beneficiary members emphasized the importance of the awareness-raising sessions organized before distribution, which played a key role in the proper management of the farms.

What's more, the initiative has not only empowered the beneficiaries but also fostered social cohesion within the VSLA groups. By sharing their breeding experience, members continue to help each other, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity that characterizes these groups. What's more, the income generated by rabbit farming has enabled some families to invest in other local economic activities, strengthening their resilience in the face of economic challenges.

With the support of the Livelyhood Impact Fund, this development is fully in line with SaCoDé's mission: to accompany communities towards sustainable economic empowerment through concrete actions adapted to local realities. Ongoing monitoring of this initiative will enable us to measure its impact over the long term.

Testimony

Butoyi Victoire, member of VSLA DUFASHANYE located on Gasaka hill, commune Makamba, province Makamba, talks about her experience after receiving a couple of rabbits:

In May 2024, I was lucky enough to receive a pair of rabbits thanks to SaCoDé's initiative. Since then, my rabbits have given birth to five bunnies. On July 26, 2024, I passed on a pair of rabbits to IRANKUNDA Jacqueline, another member of our group, to ensure the continuity of this chain of solidarity. These rabbits have become a source of income for me, particularly thanks to the manure that has improved my crops. They also provide food security for my family. This project has enabled me to strengthen my breeding skills and become more independent. I am now more committed than ever to supporting the cohesion between the members of our VSLA.