Transfer of technology II

Grant is provided under the Transfer of Technology project (6850281) to Africare to assist the Groupement d'Interet Economique (GIE), known as Bok Jom, in establishing a sheep and cattle fattening program in Tivouane, Senegal. Africare will establish an account in GIE's name at a local bank. GIE will then provide loans at current interest rates to its 50 members to purchase animals, feed, and veterinary services. Animal fattening activities will be carried out through a modified intensive feedlot system. The animals (50 cattle, with a 4-month fattening period, and 100 sheep with a 6-month fattening period) will be kept in pens, and all GIE members will be involved, on a rotational basis, in their care. At the end of each fattening cycle, animals will be sold directly to butchers, with proceeds used to finance the next cycle. Training of GIE members will mainly take the form of supervised farm activities. Instruction will cover: pen and paddock construction; animal purchasing; sanitation, hygiene, and disease control and treatment; feeds and feeding; watering; technical terms; and business tasks. The grant will also fund the construction of animal pens, a warehouse, etc.

Source: DEC abstract, PD-ABD-139 (1991). The source's own text.