60 livestock experts equipped to support 300 rural communities in Ghana

A collaborative effort between GIZ’s Agri-Business Facility for Africa (ABF) and its partner, Farming in Africa (FIA) is strengthening the skills of livestock extension and veterinary officers to deliver improved animal health services to more than 300 communities across Ghana.

In Ghana’s livestock sector, extension officers and veterinarians are key to ensuring healthy animals, informed farmers, and resilient rural livelihoods. To strengthen their impact, Farming In Africa (FIA), with support from GIZ through the Agribusiness Facility for Africa (ABF), organized a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on Small Ruminant Livestock from June 5 to 6, 2025. Held at the Semenhyia Learning and Development Farm in Nankese, Eastern Region, the two-day training equipped 60 livestock professionals with practical knowledge to improve animal health, farm management, and climate resilience, while promoting knowledge sharing across rural communities.

The training opened with remarks from Mr. Frederick Benneh, CEO of FIA, who emphasized the long-term, community-centered nature of the initiative and addressed a widespread perception that livestock farming is difficult, expensive, and unprofitable. “This training was designed to change that narrative,” he said.

“By exposing officers to good farm management practices and new technologies, such as artificial insemination to improve local breeds, we aim to make livestock farming a more sustainable and profitable venture” - Mr. Frimpong

Farm management and gender inclusion
On the first day, participants received hands-on guidance in effective farm management from South African livestock expert Weiner Lingenfelder. He introduced practical strategies to enhance daily routines, manage farm infrastructure, and improve pasture use. The goal was to give extension officers tangible tools they could apply in their communities.

Livestock expert, Weiner Lingenfelder delivers a technical session on goat farming to participants

The afternoon session focused on gender inclusion in agriculture, led by Dr. Esther Fobi Donkor (University of Energy and Natural Resources). Dr. Donkor highlighted the significant role of women in livestock farming and how empowering women can contribute to stronger, more sustainable farming operations.

Animal health and climate resilience
The second day shifted the focus to animal health. Johan Barkhuizen, a South African veterinarian, led a practical session on disease prevention and management, helping participants to better identify and respond to common livestock diseases. These skills are essential for improving animal health and productivity in Ghana’s rural areas.

South African Veterinarian Johan Barkhuizen leads practical livestock injection session

The final session introduced participants to the Agribusiness e-Academy; a digital platform designed to provide ongoing learning opportunities for agricultural professionals. Participants also learned how to approach farming from a business perspective, with practical strategies to adapt to climate change and ensure the long-term sustainability of livestock farming.

A ripple effect across rural communities
Each trained officer has committed to sharing their knowledge with at least five rural communities, setting the stage for over 300 communities to benefit from the training.

“This is a fantastic initiative,” said Issah Abukari, of the Northern Regional Department of Agriculture. “Government and individuals cannot do it all, this collaboration by FIA and GIZ-ABF effort is key to transforming Ghana’s livestock sector.”

Nadya Akua Akufo, from the Bwakwa South Department of Agriculture, shared her own reflections on the training: “I learned that farming is a business. Livestock production isn’t widespread in Ghana, but it’s something we can change. Even starting with just one or five animals, you can build a business if you take it seriously.”

Madam Tharzia Numako Akwetey, Director of Agriculture for New Juaben South Municipality, applauded the collaboration between FIA and GIZ/ABF and urged more agribusinesses to seek meaningful partnerships with international development institutions. She also encouraged participants to apply what they learned.

“My word to the participants is that they should take advantage of this opportunity and learn as much as possible and spread the good news so that the whole of Ghana can benefit.”

Looking ahead: scaling and sustainability
Looking ahead, FIA remains committed to engaging with trained officers beyond the training, expanding its network of demonstration farms, and scaling up knowledge transfer efforts across the country. This ensures the long-term success of the initiative and sustained improvements in Ghana’s livestock sector.

Funding support
This initiative is financially supported by the European Union (EU), the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the Matching Grant Fund (MGF) under the “Business Support Facility for Resilient Agricultural Value Chains” program, implemented by the GIZ project, Agribusiness Facility for Africa (ABF).