USDA calls for support towards sustainable livestock systems

The Chief of Party of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Ghana Poultry Project (GPP), Carianne de Boer, has called on all stakeholders to support farmers to develop a sustainable livestock sector.

She made this call during the launch of the third edition of the Livestock, Poultry and Fisheries (LiPF) Tradeshow.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief of Party said livestock, poultry, and fisheries can play a key role in preventing people from falling into poverty. Therefore, there is the need to provide the sector with the deserved attention.

“The challenges of the industry must not face the farmers alone. When we move, we move together – policymakers, financial institutions, investors, and even consumers. We all must play a part in developing a sustainable animal agricultural sector.”

She explained that livestock products are important to human livelihood for quality nutrition, human health and well-being. However, animals and their products also pose risks to human health. Therefore, the sector interlinks with others. Thus, there is the need for collaborative efforts to harness the potentials in contributing to the larger national economy.

Furthermore, the Chief of Party reflected on some success stories of the GPP project across some regions of Ghana. She intimated that the GPP moved women from unemployment to owning their own productive ventures, and from poverty to prosperity.

“These are powerful examples of the progress we wish to see in our society. Farmers had to overcome new sets of interconnected value chain challenges at every stage of the growth of their businesses.”
Carianne de Boer, Chief of Party.

About the LiPF Tradeshow

The LiPF Tradeshow brings together hundreds of individuals, groups, and businesses within the animal value chain. These entities showcase and promote their products and services during the event. The event also trains and builds the capacity of individuals who want to venture into the livestock business.

The main event is a two-day training and exhibition event slated to happen on May 21 – May 22, 2021. Agrihouse foundation are the main organizers. They partnered with MoFA and the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winner’s Association of Ghana (NFFAWAG) for the LiPF.

According to Agrihouse Foundation, the opening day of the LiPF Tradeshow would include training sessions in livestock, poultry, and fisheries. On the same day, exhibitors would advertise their agro-products during the exhibition moment. Training on poultry management and production would continue on the second day. Fish farmers would also be trained on the best types of fish to grow for the Ghanaian market.

“There would be a breakout business session on piggery, cattle, rabbit, fish, grasscutters, and poultry. Farmers and interested persons would interact with experts and their mentors.”
Alberta Akosa, The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation.

The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Akosa then called on the general public to help move the animal sector forward as this year’s theme: “We Move” suggests.