Four hundred (400) people from five (5) districts in the Upper West Region have benefited from the Rearing for Food and Jobs
program.
The program's beneficiaries have received sheep from the government through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Mr Francis Kamara, the Upper West Regional Animals and Reproduction Officer, revealed to Info Radio that the program has been successful in the region.
So far, 4,759 sheep have been distributed to the beneficiaries in the Jirapa, Nandom, and Wa municipalities, as well as in the Sissala East and Wa West Districts.
Many farmers in the region have shown an interest in the program, but the animals are insufficient, and not everyone can be reached.
Despite these challenges, Mr Kamara said that the program has not only provided much-needed food, but it also created job opportunities for many residents.
He mentioned that “the project gave some animals to Babile since it is a breeding farm. Initially they were into pigs, now they are doing multi-species breeding. The project gave them 400 sheep and then 200 goats. Farmers can go there and get good breeds.”
Moreover, the initiative has proven to be a great support for local communities and is making a positive impact on the region.
However, Mr Kamara lamented that mortality and stealing continue to be significant obstacles to the project's success.