Veterinary Project Karamoja

Location: Karamoja Region, Northeastern Uganda
Duration: Biennial 2005, renewed in 2012; renewed 2013-2017. Currently ongoing.

Project Objective

To improve animal health and livestock productivity in the Karamoja region through diagnostic services, vaccinations, training, and technical assistance to farmers.

Main Activities

1. Diagnostic Activities

   • Performing serological, parasitological, and bacteriological tests for major diseases.
   • Prognosis and treatment of bovine and small ruminant infections.
   • Consulting and technical assistance services to farmers and veterinary authorities.

2. Training and Awareness

   • Training village animal health workers (Community Animal Health Workers).
   • Health education and awareness activities directed at the population and veterinary authorities.

3. Support and Provision of Services

   • Providing medicines, vaccines, and veterinary kits to farmers.
   • Supporting veterinary offices in the Karamoja Districts and the FAO.
   • Veterinary services and consulting for communities.

4. Water Sector Activities

   • Analyzing water samples from wells and cisterns for consumption and production.
   • Monitoring water quality in 42 new wells and 100 rehabilitated ones.

Achievements

• Vaccinations and Treatments (2015-2017)

  • Vaccinations of over 22,183 cattle against foot-and-mouth disease.
  • Treatment of 19,170 livestock against various diseases.
  • Training of 35 para-veterinarians and 88 students on animal health management techniques.

• Water Analysis and Community Support

  • Analyses conducted on 69 wells and 40 water collection structures.
  • Collaboration with UNICEF for support in poultry farming.

• Emergency Projects

  • Response activities to emergencies caused by droughts and livestock diseases.

Timeline

• 2014: Training of para-veterinarians and vaccination of 161,241 cattle against LSD and CBPP.
• 2013: Strategy signed for the development of the veterinary laboratory with the Ministry of Agriculture.
• 2012-2010: Focus on animal health and disaster risk reduction, with significant vaccinations and analyses.
• 2009-2005: Structuring of the laboratory, agreements with NGOs, and implementation of livestock projects.

Beneficiaries

• Direct beneficiaries: over 200,000 people in the Karamoja region.
• Indirect beneficiaries: local communities and regional populations.

This project has had a significant impact on animal health and the quality of life for communities in Karamoja, contributing to sustainable management of livestock resources.