Dr. Claire d’André Hirwa is a Senior Research Fellow in animal breeding, genetics, and reproduction at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), where she leads the national Monogastrics Programme. She holds an MSc and a PhD in Animal Breeding, Genetics, and Reproduction from South China Agricultural University.With more than 14 years of experience in applied and collaborative research, Dr. Hirwa works to improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods through the genetic improvement of cattle, pigs, and indigenous chickens. Her technical expertise spans artificial insemination (AI), multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET), and the genetic characterization and conservation of animal genetic resources.
She has contributed to Rwanda’s Strategic Plans for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA4 and PSTA5), as well as to national animal breeding policies, agricultural policies, and extension materials. She has led and managed large, multi-partner research and development projects funded by USAID, NCST, IFAD, ENABEL/PRISM, FONERWA, UNESCO/TWAS, the World Bank, and NORAD.
Dr. Hirwa has published more than 54 peer-reviewed scientific articles and produced over 50 extension outputs, including curricula, Farmer Field School (FFS) modules, guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), posters, and training manuals. She is an active mentor to young scientists, a member of several national and international scientific committees, and the recipient of multiple professional honors. She serves on the Editorial Board of the International Conference of Applied and Pure Sciences (ICAPS) and is President of the Rwanda Branch of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA).
Her current research focuses on applied animal genetics and the genetic improvement of poultry, pigs, cattle, and rabbits.
