Livestock Industry Foundation for Africa (LIFA) extended its highly impactful seminar series to Sierra Leone, where it was met with great enthusiasm by the local poultry community. The event, supported by the Zoetis Foundation, took place in two key locations: Freetown and Waterloo, attracting a diverse audience of poultry farmers, veterinarians, feed millers, and animal science students eager to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Freetown – Buxton Hall, April 30, 2024
The seminar kicked off at Buxton Hall on Charles Street, located in the heart of Freetown. This venue, strategically chosen for its accessibility, ensured a large and engaged turnout. Attendees included industry professionals and students, all eager to learn the latest practices in poultry management. The atmosphere was lively, with participants actively engaging in discussions, case studies, and focus group activities designed to provide hands-on, practical knowledge that could be applied immediately in their poultry operations.
Frandy Hall, May 2, 2024
Following the success in Freetown, the seminar series moved to Waterloo on May 2, 2024, at Frandy Hall, Action Street. This location provided an opportunity to reach a different part of Sierra Leone, ensuring that farmers and professionals from less central areas could also benefit from the program. As in Freetown, the seminar in Waterloo was marked by high levels of interaction and engagement, with participants expressing appreciation for the real-world applicability of the information shared.
Interactive Learning and Professional Development
In both Freetown and Waterloo, the seminar’s interactive format proved to be highly effective. Attendees participated in case studies, discussions, and focus groups, which allowed for an in-depth exploration of the topics presented. This hands-on approach facilitated the transfer of knowledge in a way that was practical and directly relevant to the challenges faced by local poultry farmers.
Each participant was provided with technical bulletins and certification, further enhancing the value of the seminar. These resources were designed to support ongoing learning and application, ensuring that the impact of the seminar would be felt long after the sessions concluded.
Impactful Sessions by Experts
Among the highlights of the seminar was the session led by Dr. Stephen Adejoro on mixed portfolio practices. Dr. Adejoro emphasized the importance of diversifying livestock enterprises such as combining poultry with cattle farming to reduce risks and optimize returns. His advice on maintaining accurate farm records and consulting experts for long-term sustainability resonated with many participants, who left the session feeling more equipped to manage their operations effectively.
Dr. Mohammed Bah, another expert presenter, delivered an in-depth session on best practices in poultry management. He provided a detailed vaccination schedule for layers and broilers, alongside critical biosafety measures. Dr. Bah’s focus on restricting access to poultry houses and using antibiotics responsibly to prevent antibiotic resistance was particularly well-received. The audience, many of whom were keen to improve their poultry health systems, found his insights both practical and timely.
A Free and Accessible Seminar for All
Thanks to the generous support of the Zoetis Foundation, the seminar remained free of charge, making it accessible to a broad audience across the poultry industry. This inclusivity ensured that farmers and professionals from all economic backgrounds could attend, contributing to the overall development of the sector in Sierra Leone.
A Strong Turnout and Promising Future for Poultry Farming
In total, the seminars in Freetown and Waterloo attracted over 549 participants, demonstrating the strong demand for professional development in poultry management across Sierra Leone. With a focus on knowledge-sharing, skills development, and practical solutions, these seminars have laid the groundwork for long-term improvements in poultry farming practices.
As LIFA continues its mission to promote sustainable livestock development across Africa, the Sierra Leone seminars stand as a testament to the organization’s impact in empowering local communities and enhancing the poultry industry through education and collaboration.
