Factors Associated with Meat Export Performance in Rwanda: The Influence of Livestock Production Capacity, Quality and Sanitary Standards, Value Addition, Market Access and Trade Facilitation, 2017–2026
Mfitiryayo Jean de Dieu – Department of Development Studies and International Relations, School of Social Sciences
Kigali Independent University (ULK), Kigali, Rwanda
Mukabalisa Janet – Department of Development Studies and International Relations, School of Social Sciences
Kigali Independent University (ULK), Kigali, Rwanda
Fred K. Wamalwa – Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: mfitiryayo@gmail.com
Abstract: This study examines factors associated with Rwanda’s meat export performance over 2017–2026: livestock production capacity, quality and sanitary standards, value addition, market access and trade facilitation. Using a documentary design, it synthesises statistics from MINAGRI, NAEB, NISR, RAB, RICA, the World Bank and UN Comtrade-based databases, graded by a three-tier verification protocol, and applies descriptive, correlation, regression and chi-square analyses. Meat output rose from 152,029 MT to 207,097 MT (CAGR 5.3%) and was strongly associated with the cattle population (r = 0.992, p < 0.001), though not after detrending. Meat exports rose from US$8.87 million in 2021/22 to US$22.3 million in 2022/23 (+151.4%), yet represented only 1.4–2.6% of agricultural export earnings; live animals formed 54.3% of livestock exports versus 20.5% for meat. Customs-recorded meat exports (HS 02) were US$1.95–3.91 million in 2021–2022, below meat imports, while certified frozen beef to China earned US$4.52/kg versus an average of US$1.62/kg. Only 7 of 48 slaughterhouses exceeded 70% compliance, which varied by facility type (χ² = 9.25, p = 0.010). Logistics performance stagnated; over 90% of diversified exports went to neighbouring markets. The evidence is consistent with H2–H4, partially consistent with H1, and does not establish H5; results indicate associations, not causation. It recommends export-grade abattoirs and cold chains, processed meat instead of live-animal exports, stronger SPS compliance, AfCFTA market diversification, better cross-border logistics, and a consistent meat export series.
