Rwanda is seeking to have its iconic Inyambo cattle recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of efforts to preserve the indigenous breed.

The move hinges on the adoption of a draft law governing animal husbandry, animal health, and fisheries, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (Minagri) have said.

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Jean Claude Ndorimana, Director General for Animal Resources Development at Minagri, told the Parliamentary Committee on Governance Affairs and Gender on Tuesday, March 17, that the legal framework is the final requirement before submitting the application.

He was responding to concerns raised by MP Etienne Mvano Nsabimana regarding measures to conserve indigenous livestock breeds.

Ndorimana said Rwanda has already met most of the requirements for international recognition, including establishing breeders’ associations, conducting research, and setting up conservation mechanisms.

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"There are national associations for different breeds, including those dedicated to traditional breeds such as Inyambo,” he said, noting that some farmers have demonstrated the breed’s productivity.

"One farmer has Inyambo cows producing up to 10 litres of milk, challenging the perception that they are low-yield. They are also highly resistant to diseases,” he added.

He highlighted ongoing conservation efforts led by Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, including breeding programmes at Karama station in Nyagatare District and Songa station, as well as a gene bank that preserves pure genetic material.

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According to Ndorimana, UNESCO requirements included proof that the breed is uniquely Rwandan, the existence of an institutional framework to oversee it, and clear conservation strategies, all of which Rwanda has fulfilled.

"What remains is the enactment of the law governing animal husbandry, which will complete the process,” he said.

Recognition would help safeguard the identity of Inyambo cattle globally, ensuring they are formally acknowledged as originating from Rwanda.

Ndorimana warned that similar-looking breeds exist in countries such as the United States, Poland, South Africa, and Uganda, where the Ankole breed is sometimes confused with Inyambo, raising concerns about misidentification.