In an effort to alleviate the burden faced by livestock entrepreneurs in Rwanda, IITA–CGIAR has introduced the FeedCalculator app—a digital tool designed to improve animal feed formulation while addressing the growing challenges of feed affordability, availability, and accessibility.
In November 2025, Dr Okike Iheanacho, an IITA-CGIAR consultant, conducted a comprehensive three-day training for animal feed and livestock entrepreneurs. The training introduced participants to the FeedCalculator, a digital solution that enables effective feed formulation using cost-effective and locally available ingredients.
The FeedCalculator is designed to help small-scale livestock farmers optimize feed mixes by considering several critical factors. First, it identifies the nutritional requirements of specific animals. It then analyses available ingredients and their nutritional composition before determining the most efficient combination to meet animal needs. This app can formulate feed recipes for broilers, layers, pigs, catfish and tilapia. The tool also takes into account cost and availability, enabling farmers to produce affordable, nutritionally balanced feed. As a result, the free FeedCalculator generates the least-cost and high-quality feed recipes based on locally available ingredients.
A key focus of the training was the use of locally available resources, particularly cassava peels, as a major feed ingredient. Dr Iheanacho trained animal feed producers and livestock owners on the use of high-quality cassava peels (HQCP) in feed formulation as an important source of carbohydrates. Often discarded as waste, cassava peels are a cost-effective and sustainable resource that promotes both affordability and resource efficiency in livestock production.
For participants, the tool-FeedCalculator represents a shift from traditional, experience-based feed formulation to a more precise, data-driven approach that improves efficiency, feed quality, and business performance. Participants shared how the training is already influencing their practices and plans.
“I sell animal feed and work as a pig farmer. In addition, I produce animal feed using high-quality cassava peels (HQCP). Thanks to this training, from now onwards, we will use the FeedCalculator to better understand our clients’ needs and provide properly formulated rations that improve livestock growth and performance, ultimately benefiting farmers,” said Mutoni Noella, Manager of Livestock Solution Company Ltd.
Similarly, Mahoro Olivier from Cooperative Ruhango Young Innovators (CORYI), an animal feed production company, highlighted the impact of the training. “We used to formulate animal feed in a traditional way with limited skills. After being trained on the FeedCalculator, I can now automatically produce nutritious feed. It makes calculating rations much easier for us as livestock farmers,” he said.
However, participants also identified areas for improvement. Mahoro noted that some commonly used local ingredients are not yet included in the app. He suggested that developers engage directly with farmers in the field to collect data on locally used ingredients, thereby enhancing the tool’s relevance and effectiveness.
This initiative marks a significant step forward for Rwanda’s livestock sector. By equipping farmers and feed producers with practical digital tools and knowledge, IITA is supporting more efficient, affordable, and sustainable animal feed production, contributing to improved livelihoods and a more resilient agricultural future.
Contributed by Ritha Bumwe
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