Nelly Bassily | November 12, 2012
For many Africans, keeping cattle is as much a tradition as it is a livelihood. Cattle farming has both cultural and economic value. But as the farmers from this week’s story learned, enhancing their knowledge of cattle management practices – even when it challenges traditional customs – has its benefits. The same could be said for pig, goat, chicken, rabbit or any other sort of livestock management.
You might wish to produce a program that looks at best practices for managing livestock. You could look at management practices for livestock that are traditionally kept by farmers or pastoralists in your area, or you could look at practices that relate to a new or “trendy” animal.
Your program could provide an overview of management practices, or it could focus on one aspect, such as the treatment or prevention of an important disease. Here are some ideas for getting started:
-Talk to livestock farmers in your area. What challenges do they face in keeping their animals healthy and productive (for example, diseases, cost of animal feed, access to veterinarians, etc.)? What practices do they use to manage these challenges? Have they recently learned a new, effective practice?
-Talk to leaders in agricultural co-operatives or farmer groups. What livestock management practices do they promote among their members? Do they notice any trends that other farmers should be aware of (such as diseases that spread seasonally, threats to grazing land, etc.)? Can they refer you to particular farmers who have had success in managing common challenges?
-Talk to extension workers or NGOs that work with livestock farmers in your area: What practices do they promote? Have these practices been tried by local farmers and, if so, can they refer you to one or more of these farmers? Where can you go for more information on livestock management practices that are relevant to farmers in your broadcast area?
To browse Farm Radio International scripts on livestock, including many that discuss animal health issues, go to: http://www.farmradio.org/archived-radio-scripts/?scriptcat=livestock