Zalingei, Central Darfur (December 18, 2013) — An Near East Foundation early recovery effort in Darfur has trained 25 paraveterinarians – including Zahara Eltreih Adam, one of only 4 women “paravets” in all of Sudan.
Since mid-2013, these paravets have treated more than 3,000 animals in 9 village clusters. Their services have benefitted over 950 people as they return to rebuild their livelihoods.
The effort, made possible with funding from the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Asssistance, is contributing to successful early recovery in an area where agriculture is the main source of employment.
Through her new career, Zahara – a mother of 5 – has found a new way to earn an income and help fellow returnees get back to work in her Central Darfur village.
The lack of access to veterinarian services during recent conflict resulted in large-scale animal mortality and in many cases eliminated income from livestock such as goats, sheep, and cattle.
Through the project-led trainings, “paravet’s” develop the skills to treat livestock diseases and tickborne illnesses, as well as the ability to provide preventative services such as vaccinations, meat inspection, and guidance in good animal husbandry practices. Participating paravet’s also receive medicines at no cost to use in treating animals.
Immediately after receiving the three-week training, Zahara began diagnosing and treating the animals of her neighbors. Over time she is growing more confident in her abilities, and she has started to charge a small fee for treatment. With this per animal fee, she expects to earn an income from her services into the future – and be able to support her family without outside assistance.
“I am very happy to receive this training and gain skills that no women have received in my area,” said Zahara in expressing appreciation for her newfound skills.
Paravet’s like Zahara are helping livestock producers throughout their area get back to business by providing services animals need.
Unlike private veterinarian clinics, which are expensive and located a distance away in large towns, the paraveterinarians offer more affordable prices and have flexibility to travel to tend to animals in the field.
Most of the paravet’s have a nomadic background, and all have certificates of a secondary education. They receive coaching in skills to manage their finances and operate veterinary businesses, so they can achieve self-sufficiency while helping rebuild their communities.
Learn more about NEF’s work in Sudan
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The Near East Foundation is a U.S.-based international development NGO leading innovative social and economic change in the Middle East and Africa for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1915, NEF helps build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities through education, governance, and economic development initiatives. NEF field staff – all of them from the countries in which they work – partner with local organizations to implement grassroots solutions and to empower citizens through “knowledge, voice, and enterprise.” To learn more visit www.neareast.org.
