Climate change threatens the livelihoods of Sub-Saharan African farmers through increased droughts. Livestock donation programs offer a potential solution, but their effectiveness under climate stress remains unclear. This study assesses the economic viability of integrating climate-smart technologies (cowsheds and biogas plants) into these programs in Rwanda. Using a stochastic benefit–cost analysis from the beneficiary perspective, we evaluate the net gains for households receiving heifers compared to the current program. Our findings reveal that integrating climate-smart technologies significantly enhances economic viability. Households with cows and climate-smart technologies can possibly realise net benefits 3.5 times higher than the current program, with benefit–cost ratios reaching 5:1. Beyond economic benefits, adopting biogas reduces deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and respiratory illness risks. This study demonstrates that integrating climate-smart technologies into livestock donation programs can generate positive economic, environmental, and health benefits, leading to more resilient and sustainable smallholder systems. However, overcoming implementation challenges requires tailored policy packages addressing local barriers.

气候变化导致干旱加剧，威胁着撒哈拉以南非洲农民的生计。牲畜捐赠计划提供了一个潜在的解决方案，但其在气候压力下的有效性仍不清楚。本研究评估了卢旺达将气候智能型技术（牛棚和沼气厂）纳入这些计划的经济可行性。我们从受益人的角度使用随机效益-成本分析，评估了与当前计划相比接收小母牛的家庭的净收益。我们的研究结果表明，整合气候智能型技术可显着增强经济可行性。拥有奶牛和气候智能型技术的家庭可能实现比当前计划高 3.5 倍的净收益，效益成本比达到 5:1。除了经济效益之外，采用沼气还可以减少森林砍伐、温室气体排放和呼吸道疾病风险。这项研究表明，将气候智能型技术纳入牲畜捐赠计划可以产生积极的经济、环境和健康效益，从而形成更具弹性和可持续性的小农系统。然而，克服实施挑战需要量身定制的一揽子政策来解决当地障碍。