By Mustapha Jallow
The Gam United Breeders Association (GUBA) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Livestock under the Ministry of Agriculture that seeks to promote the welfare of livestocks.
The signing ceremony, which took place at the Livestock Department office in Abuko, brought together government staff, GUBA leaders and other members. According to the organizers, the MoU is meant to enhance animal welfare and wellbeing by both parties.
Speaking before signing the MoU, Dr Abdou Ceesay, the director of livestock department welcomed the department’s collaboration with GUBA, saying for the two parties to work in a productive manner – it is important to create a platform that will enable them to achieve their common goals.
“We all know that ministry of agriculture is in the forefront promoting development of livestock in the country. We want to work and give the necessary support to each and every stakeholder who is into livestock production,’’ he added.
Dr Ceesay went on to highlight some of the challenges in the department, which includes lack of human resources. He assured that necessary support through the ministry will be given to the association.
For his part, Mustapha John, president of GUBA stated that both livestock and GUBA aim to promote animal health care and ruminant production. He appealed to the government to come to their aid in terms of implementing some of their initiatives.
He disclosed that the association is in high gear to provide much needed domestic animals for the “Tobaski’’, calling for assistance, especially on the issue of animal feeding, health and others. He went further to explain how animal breeding attracted the youth, particularly young women, saying that must of their members are actually backway returnees – who are breaking the barriers in the sector.
John therefore encouraged both young men and women to venture into small ruminant business.
In the same vein, the association gave three {3} motorbikes to four veterinarians to help them attend to GUBA members whenever their animals feel sick or need medication or medical checkup.
