By Ameen K. Yassar
Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project, KSADP with funding from the Islamic Development Bank and Lives and Livelihood Funds, LLF, has conducted training for 220 Community Animal Health Workers, engaged by the project to render veterinary services across the state.
During the commencement of the training, conducted in collaboration with Smartex Global Resources Ltd., KSADP’s Livestock Specialist, Dr. Garba Saleh, explained that the training is aimed at equipping the new Community Animal Health Workers with veterinary techniques in line with international best practices.
“The expected outcomes from the training include improvement of animal health and maximizing animal products, growth of income generation from livestock, better access to markets and eventually, securing the livelihoods of pastoralists and rural dwellers”.
Addressing the trainees, the State Project Coordinator, KSADP, Malam Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, said they were engaged to make veterinary services available to all communities since efficient extension delivery requires private sector involvement.
He stated that they were also expected to link breeders to animal insemination services, and connect pastoralists to vet clinics even as they would be mentored and guided by professionals, employed by the State Ministry of Agriculture.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Balarabe Hassan Karaye emphasized that the trainees would be supervised by veterinarians and would assist in periodic livestock vaccination campaigns.
For quality assurance of their services, he announced that KSADP will register them with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria to enable them to get a professional practice license.
The training participants were given a Starter kit each, containing protective clothing, toolboxes, cold boxes, assorted drugs, and equipment as well as branded handbags.
They are expected to offer services for a fee in their communities, thus, enabling them to get some income and restock.
Yassar is KSADP Communication Specialist
