We had a great day today. In the morning we started with meeting the paravets. We met with the original seven whom we trained in 2012. They updated us on the progress in the areas in which they work. We heard many great updates. They say they are very busy and get called on by lots of farmers to help with numerous things including general animal husbandry, treating sick animals and helping the local veterinarians with vaccinations against some of the more common diseases in the area. They say that the incidence in disease has decreased considerably and the milk production of the cows has increased as a result.
One of the main issues still lies with the ability to get enough bulls in the area or trained people to perform artificial insemination (AI). To be able to perform AI, you need a certificate in order to get needed supplies from the government. So, we are looking into costs per person to take the course.
Overall, there were many positive reports from the paravets. They are receiving attention from local government officials and the paravet program of the Food Security Program is something that the local government wants to adopt in different areas.
We will see more of the paravets when we travel to the different Food Security Sites
One of the main issues still lies with the ability to get enough bulls in the area or trained people to perform artificial insemination (AI). To be able to perform AI, you need a certificate in order to get needed supplies from the government. So, we are looking into costs per person to take the course.
Overall, there were many positive reports from the paravets. They are receiving attention from local government officials and the paravet program of the Food Security Program is something that the local government wants to adopt in different areas.
We will see more of the paravets when we travel to the different Food Security Sites
In the afternoon we met with the farming group APAP who we have been meeting with since 2006. They have had a rocky year in regards to some conflict amongst members but, they are strong and determined to persevere. They have enlisted some new members and they are seeing some good increases in the milk production of their cows.
Tomorrow we are off to see some selling points for the Milk Collection Centre. We are also going to travel a bit into Nyungwe Forest to check out some beautiful scenery and possibly see some monkeys!!
Tomorrow we are off to see some selling points for the Milk Collection Centre. We are also going to travel a bit into Nyungwe Forest to check out some beautiful scenery and possibly see some monkeys!!