ASBA Resources Advances Provision of Rural Hubs For Livestock farmers
Chiparamba livestock group comprises of smallholder farmers who are working with European Union grant recipient ASBA Resources on the importance of good herd management and grazing practices.
ASBA Resources is working with partner- Solidaridad to increase the capacity of smallholder livestock farmers by setting up rural hubs to provide a range of services such as community water reservoirs and grazing.
Chiparamba group Chairperson, Cosmas Tembo explained that ASBA Resources is helping the local community in improving the health of cattle through trainings in good feeding practices and animal husbandry.
“We have learnt how to take care of our cattle and the provision of the dip tank which has an important role in treatment of livestock has reduced the animal ticks on our cattle”, he added.
In addition, Cosmas Tembo also explained that although livestock feeding can be considered a challenge for smallholder farmers, the group has learnt the importance of self-made manure which farmers can access from available resources within the community.
Chiparamba livestock group has learnt that rearing healthy cattle offers several benefits to the farmers such as help in the field during planting season and increased household income when they sell healthy cows.
Cosmas elaborated on how keeping healthy cattle has helped him, “I am happy because I have managed to buy a plot from the sale of some cattle, this will help me build a better house for my family.”
Cosmas Tembo has since encouraged other farmers to regularly take their cattle for dipping adding that there are more benefits for the owner as it prevents the transmission of diseases to other healthy cattle.