WOMEN APPEAL FOR VETERINARY SERVICES (PAGE 22)

THE Entaabe Women’s Association is a predominantly women group engaged in the rearing of pigs at Takpo in the Upper West Region.
Formed eight years ago, the aim of the 60-member group is to assist in improving businesses of their colleagues through “susu” contributions, promoting education, facilitating networking and collaboration, among others.
Being pig farmers, the association realised that they were losing their animals through diseases like swine fever.
The lack of veterinary services in their community is a major impediment to the growth of their business and serves as a disincentive for other women who are willing to engage in the business.
Pest and diseases affect and kill majority of their pigs, thereby increasing the cost of production and reducing the profit of the business.
As a result of this negative impact on their businesses, the association has held a dialogue with the Nadowli District Directorate of Food and Agriculture to make veterinary services available to its members.
The association is sponsored by the BUSAC Fund.The leader of the association, Madam Danaabuma Daluu, stated that the financial assistance was in line with its poverty reduction efforts and its responsibility in promoting the growth of productive activities within the area.
She gave the assurance that MOFA would extend its veterinary services to the community.
According to Madam Daluu, the timely delivery of such services was very important so that early signs of diseases could be detected and treated.
“We the members of the association also request that training be made part of the service delivery to enable members also to identify and report early signs and symptoms of pest and diseases to the Veterinary Services Department to take the necessary action,” she added
Responding, the Nadowli District Director of Food and Agriculture, Mr James Konogini, assured the members of the group that his outfit would extend veterinary services to the area.
He commended the association for their initiative and hoped that the dialogue session would be sustained.
“Never hesitate to contact my office for any assistance, which would improve upon your businesses,” he told members of the group.