Cattle farmers in Kodok and Fashoda can feel more at ease about the well-being of their livestock thanks to the construction of a brand new veterinary clinic and the capacity building of 20 animal health workers in the area.
“I am grateful for the training we have received from the Indian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. It will make it possible for us to keep our bovines in good shape and to treat those who may be a bit under the weather,” says a jubilant Yoanis Ajak, one of the locals equipped with new and vital skills in animal healthcare.
The clinic will benefit herders from the Shilluk community in particular. They depend on livestock as their main source of income and use them in key cultural practices, including to pay dowry for marriages.With improved food security and livelihood, it is hoped that the conflict-affected communities in the area can focus on achieving peaceful co-existence.“The essence of this project is to promote community interaction,” said Cosmas Ba-Ana Itenebe, a Relief, Reintegration, and Protection Officer serving with the peacekeeping mission. “Individuals who have been displaced from their villages will also feel more encouraged to come back knowing that they will be able to treat and vaccinate their animals.”
Both the construction of the clinic and the training of residents were made possible by funding through a Quick Impact Project sponsored by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Also known as QIPs, these projects are small-scale, low-cost interventions designed to contribute to the welfare of town or village residents within a short timeframe. The selection of ventures to fund is made based on the outcome of extensive and intensive consultations with local communities.