The RDMS Water Technologies for Dairy: Market System Assessment and Strategy was conducted to inform Heifer International Rwanda’s Rwanda Dairy Market Systems Development (RDMS) project by identifying market‑based solutions to improve water access for smallholder dairy farmers. The assessment focused on climate‑smart water harvesting, storage, and distribution technologies at the dairy production level, with particular attention to women and youth dairy farmers. Implemented across targeted districts in Eastern Rwanda, the Gishwati area, and Kigali, the assessment applied a market systems development (MSD) approach to analyze supply, demand, enabling environment, and supporting functions related to water technologies for dairy. The study examined systemic constraints affecting water access, adoption of technologies, financing, and service delivery, while also assessing how gender norms, power dynamics, and youth inclusion shaped market participation. The findings informed a strategic roadmap and actionable interventions to improve water availability, increase milk production, strengthen livelihoods, and advance inclusive market growth. During data collection, MSA engaged key public sector stakeholders in Rwanda working at the intersection of agriculture, livestock, and water access. This included the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). This engagement generated strong interest in advancing a study that RAB had originally planned to undertake independently. MSA has since developed a joint proposal with Heifer and RAB and is in the final stages of being awarded an assessment to evaluate the economic, environmental, and social viability of different water technologies in Rwanda. MSA will leverage its network of experts and connections with local public and private sector stakeholders, as well as development partners, to identify and propose relevant water technologies being used in the region—providing Heifer and RAB with a package of solutions to implement with the private sector, CSOs, and communities.

MarketShare Associates (MSA) served as the lead technical consultant responsible for the design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of the market systems assessment and strategy. MSA: Led the overall assessment design and methodology, applying a market systems development lens tailored to water technologies for the dairy sector. Conducted secondary research and primary qualitative fieldwork, including key informant interviews and focus group discussions with dairy farmers, private sector actors, financial institutions, cooperatives, and government stakeholders. Mapped the water technologies market system, identifying core actors, supporting services, enabling environment constraints, and market relationships at local, regional, and national levels. Analyzed systemic barriers and incentives affecting adoption of climate‑smart water solutions, including financing constraints, private sector risk perceptions, infrastructure gaps, and behavioral and social norms. Integrated gender equality, youth, and social inclusion (GEYSI) considerations throughout the assessment, with a focus on women’s and youth’s access to water, decision‑making power, and economic opportunities. Developed evidence‑based recommendations and a strategic roadmap, including proposed inclusive business models and priority interventions to improve water access and dairy productivity. Produced all key deliverables, including the Inception Report, Draft Analysis Report, and Final Market Systems Assessment and Strategy, and supported stakeholder review and learning discussions