The ManicaPost
Rufaro Chasinda in Rusape
SIXTY-EIGHT communal farmers in the Nyahukwe area of Makoni District last week graduated with certificates after successfully completing an intense training in livestock production.
The 68 farmers were handed over certificates by Finance and Economic Development Minister, Cde Patrick Chinamasa last Friday.
They will serve as para-vets, offering basic veterinary services and well as report outbreak of animal disease in their communities.
Cde Chinamasa hailed the initiative by the Department of Veterinary Services in Makoni, adding that livestock production was a critical step towards the attainment of the Zim-Asset goals.
Cde Chinamasa said income from livestock and their many products — milk, eggs, meat, wool and leather — can allow poor families to put food on the table, improve their nutrition, send their children to school and purchase medicine for themselves and their animals.
Animals play multiple functions, producing important food products and manure. They are a source of income, provide draught power and they also fulfil banking and insurance functions.
“Meat, milk and eggs are critical to the poor, both as food and income. This has alleviated extreme poverty, hunger and malnourishment, reduces child mortality, improve the health of mothers, and strengthen the immune system,” said Cde Chinamasa.
Cde Chinamasa, who also presented the trained farmers with an assortment of prizes, said the programmes would be extended to other rural wards of his Makoni Central constituency.
According to a senior animal health inspector, Mr Frederick Mhike, the major thrust of training was to re-conscientise farmers in rural communities that livestock production was a key component of sustainable rural livelihoods through which one can eke a decent life.
The training buttressed how the farmers can keep their domestic animals in good health and shape, thereby increasing household and community food security.
“This programme helps the people to seek assistance from the veterinary services nearer to them and also report cases of diseases spreading from animals to humans. It has also improved the livelihood of people in rural communities,” said Mr Mhike.
Mr Mhike said this was their second graduation.
The pioneer group had 40 farmers.
“At first the programme was being shunned, but now we are seeing an improvement. People now realise the benefits of being informed and knowledgeable,” he said.
One of the farmers rated as the best student, Mr Nelson Madziwa, said he was looking forward to the challenge to serve his community.
“I am happy and ready to serve and put what I have been taught into action,” he said.
Cattle must be regularly dipped, while other animals have parasites regularly combated to improve the health and the yields and simultaneously reduce transmission of parasites to humans.
Veterinary care, grazing lands, feed grain and reliable water sources are crtitical to livestock farmers.
