In most smallholder dairy programmes, farmers are not fully benefitting from the genetic potential of their dairy cows. This is in part due to the mismatch between the available genotypes and the environment, including management, in which the animals perform. With sparse performance and pedigree records in smallholder dairy farms, the true degree of baseline genetic variability and breed composition is not known and hence rendering any genetic improvement initiative difficult to implement. Using the Girinka programme of Rwanda as an exemplar, the current study was aimed at better understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of dairy cattle in the smallholder dairy farm set up. Further, the association between farmer self-reported cow genotypes and genetically determined genotypes was investigated. The average heterozygosity estimates were highest (0.38 ± 0.13) for Rwandan dairy cattle and lowest for Gir and N’Dama (0.18 ± 0.19 and 0.25 ± 0.20, respectively). Systematic characterization of the genetic variation and diversity available may inform the formulation of sustainable improvement strategies such as targeting and matching the genotype of cows to productivity goals and farmer profile and hence reducing the negative impact of genotype by environment interaction.

Abstract Objective: To explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the factors influencing child feeding practices among rural caregivers in Rwanda. Design: In-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded. Data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. Setting: Rutsiro District, Western Province, Rwanda. Participants: Participants included twenty-four mothers (median age 32 years) with children 6–23 months old. Results: We identified five key themes: (i) breast-feeding practices and role in food supply; (ii) family v. children’s food preparations; (iii) food classification systems and their influence on child feeding decisions; (iv) child feeding during diarrhoeal episodes and (v) influence of poverty on child feeding practices and child care. Conclusions: Mothers’ infant and young child feeding decisions are informed by information both from health workers and from traditional/own knowledge. Navigating through this information sometimes creates conflicts which results in less than optimal child feeding. A nutrition educational approach that is cognisant of maternal perceptions should be employed to improve child feeding practices. Efforts to improve child feeding practices must be complemented by programmes that enhance household economic opportunities and access to foods.

In Rutsiro district, the unavailability of multiple micronutrients powder (MNP) was mentioned as a major barrier to accessing it. Factors that appeared to limit the use of MNP included perceived side effects and the perceptions that MNP is designed for undernourished children, coupled with inappropriate child feeding practices, particularly feeding thin/watery complementary foods.n Mothers of older children (aged 12-23 months) had about 4 times higher odds of using MNP than mothers of younger children (aged 6-11 months), while mothers whose children participated in the supplementary food program had about 3 times higher odds of using MNP than mothers whose children have never participated in the program. Food insecurity, as indicated by increasing household hunger score, was significantly associated with reduced odds of using MNP.