Risky Business

I’ve mentioned before that small ruminants (aka goats and sheep) play a strong role in the livelihoods of many Sierra Leoneans providing income in times of need and an occasional meal. In my ignorance though, I figured farmers and rural villagers were most affected by health, growth and performance of these hoofed creatures. After visiting local livestock markets in Bo, I was proven WRONG.

Dr. Kanu, head of animal science at Njala University, took me on a day trip to Bo…just an hour’s drive east of Njala. (After 7 miles on typical African dirt road we hit highway, thankfully!) He said in extension style, we’ll introduce ourselves to the sellers, be friendly and ask questions. I assumed those selling the goats and sheep were the original owners, however they are in fact traders—the middle man between farmers and consumers. I didn’t prepare any specific ones, so I was a little nervous to let Dr. Kanu down with lack of conversation starters, but I need not worry. After introductions I asked a few basic questions, but soon somewhere in our conversation between me, Dr. Kanu serving as interpreter and the few traders, we moved on to the topic of risky business. The traders don’t make rash decisions or poor investments. These are men who have been in the livestock trading business from 10 to 50 years. Their major issue causing a loss in profit is due to health.

Most animals are purchased in Gbindi in the far north and shipped to Bo or Freetown, the two major cities. Animals purchased are seemingly healthy, but often once they make the long journey the small ruminants show signs of PPR, an endemic disease here. In addition to PPR, animals may become sick due to less serious causes; nonetheless, a sick animal will not sell. These traders continually lose an already small margin of profit. One man exclaimed that the farmers should be vaccinating against PPR and not passing on the animal for the traders to suffer losses. Another raised his voice in frustration saying he is trained in administering medications for livestock, but such medications are not available.

I thought back to all the times my dad would run to Farm & Home in Warrensburg to fetch the vaccine needed to work cattle the following weekend, or to pick up a bottle of LA-200 to treat a sick calf. If we are having serious calving problems or an ill animal beyond our treatment abilities, the vet is just a phone call away…though it will cost us. The point being, we in America have access to livestock health supplies. Sierra Leoneans do not. I cannot imagine watching an animal die (along with income) of an easily curable or preventable disease…just because the shelves are not stocked with medicine.

Dr. Kanu stepped up to the challenge and told the men he will work on establishing an animal health store in Bo.

Riding around in the car touring the rest of the city, I peppered Dr. Kanu with questions. I learned that PPR was not a problem in Sierra Leone before the war. The rebels nearly wiped out livestock from the country. Well-intended NGOs created restocking programs as the country was building…but didn’t seek guidance from Ministry of Agriculture officials and brought in diseases like PPR in goats and sheep. Currently, the Sierra Leonean government is providing PPR vaccine for small ruminants countrywide. I witnessed Njala University’s Animal Health Club students and some staff members vaccinate goats and sheep in Bonganema, a nearby village. Animals were brought to the administering site near a hut, vaccinated, marked and blood was drawn to test for PPR.

So for any American farmers out there, next time you go to your local farm store please be thankful for the livestock pharmaceuticals at your fingertips…there are many farmers world-wide wishing they could do the same thing.

Joyful Journeys,

Julie

The local goat and sheep market.

One of the long-time traders.

West African Dwarf sheep at the market.

A sick little West African Dwarf goat.

This one could contagious so it was isolated.

Vaccinating against PPR in Bonganema.

Enjoy some pics of these West African Dwarf cuties! It is rare to see them penned as most are reared by extensive management...meaning they fend for themselves to find food and water.