Developing the Livestock Project
Developing the ‘Livestock Project’ has always been high on our agenda at GC as we believe that giving people a way of being self-sufficient is the best way to help them out of poverty. The development of the project has been slow and steady. Below is the story of how this gained momentum.
Initially, funds were raised for 5 cows to be purchased and distributed to individual families in need, identified by Rockview church. Soon after, Upton Junior School got involved and more cows were bought.
Now there about 40 cows. 22 beef cattle have been purchased in Uganda by Global Challenge. Calves are passed to others and the number of beneficiaries is steadily increasing.
The local cows produce a half to one litre of milk a day. However, dairy cows, costing more, can produce up to 8 litres of milk a day, which produces a reasonable income. Bulls are used for ploughing and ‘fathering’ only. Cows take a few years to produce an income as the income comes from the crops that they generate and from their calves which can be sold- but cows are at least 3 years old before they become pregnant.
Cows can become sick from ticks and other diseases and some families find it hard to keep them in good health, especially the exotic breeds.
Pastor Orono Girifansio, our vet in Soroti, gives free advice when cows are purchased. Recipients have to come and collect them and As the number of cows, as well as the distances, has increased, there has been a need to provide transport in the form of a motorcycle for the vet, Pastor Orono Girifansio, which is shared with our Coordinator, Abraham.
One of the recipients, Alfred, cycled the 18km back to his village with the cow walking behind!
Most villagers walk them home- sometimes quite a distance, but they do not mind!
Pastor Girifansio also visits the cows in the villages when needed. His advice is free but medicines have to be paid for by the communities.
More mature heifers, capable of producing a calf within a shorter period, are bought.
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