Participatory Livestock Farmer Training for improvement of animal health in rural and peri-urban smallholder dairy herds in Jinja,Uganda |
| |
Authors: | M Vaarst D K Byarugaba J Nakavuma C Laker |
| |
Institution: | (1) Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Aarhus, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark;(2) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda;(3) Northern Uganda Social and Action Fund, Office of the Prime Minister, Kampala, Uganda |
| |
Abstract: | Within the framework of a research project investigating methods to decrease mastitis incidence, farmer groups for participatory
training in a modified Farmer Field School approach were initiated in order to improve animal health and farmer knowledge
in mastitis control technologies in smallholder dairy farms in the Jinja district of Uganda. Two peri-urban groups and one
rural group met for common learning and training two hours per fortnight during a 12-month period, facilitated by two local
extension agents together with one or two scientists from Makerere University. Farmers rotated each time between farms owned
by group participants, which demanded mutual trust, openness and respect. From their own assessment the farmers felt they
had improved their milk production and reduced mastitis incidence on their farms. In an evaluation workshop, they articulated
how they had built up common knowledge and experience from training in systematic clinical examination of animals, evaluation
of the farm environments, and identification of improvements. Much of the acquired new knowledge was about basic dairy cow
management and husbandry practices. In addition, they gave examples of how they were now used as resource persons in their
local communities. Principles of learning and empowerment are discussed. |
| |
Keywords: | Farmer field school approach Mastitis Participatory methods Smallholder dairy farming |
本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|