As part of the Beef Value Chain project funded by TRADE programme. SPRODETA conducted a three-day awareness raising campaign (February 26-28) in Chitipa and Karonga districts.
The campaign aimed to inform farmers on good beef production practices, emphasizing on the importance of using beef related infrastructure such as Dip tanks, Cattle Markets, and Slaughter houses. The communities were sensitised on the importance of consuming beef slaughtered in the well designated slaughtering places where proper hygiene practices are adhered to and meat is tested by trained veterinary officer to avoid transmitting diseases such as Tuberculosis to human beings.
Beef farmers were encouraged to be patronising the existing dip tanks revamped through the project in the two districts as a key component of efficient cattle management, promoting improved productivity and reducing the prevalence of diseases. In Chitipa District: The sensitization campaign covered Lufita EPA, starting from Lufita Trading Centre to Ifumbo Trading Centre via Chinunkha. In Karonga District: The sensitization campaign covered two EPAs, namely Lupembe EPA (starting from Mlare Trading Centre to Mwenelondo Trading Centre) and In Mpata EPA (starting from Veterinary Office to Lusako Trading Centre via Karonga District Hospital and Bwiba).
Notably, SPRODETA team had an opportunity to visit Ngara Cattle Market, where the message was extended to farmers on the importance of utilising Ngara Market as one of the beef related infrastructure. By empowering farmers with knowledge and skills, SPRODETA seek to improve the livelihoods of rural communities and enhance the overall quality of beef value chain through increasing production and farmers access to profitable markets.