VETAID’s work in Africa 

VETAID currently works in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. Please click on the links to find out more about our work in these countries.

The areas we work in are mainly arid or semi-arid land, meaning that there is very little water for agricultural or domestic purposes. Also, the soil is often of very poor quality, making it difficult to grow crops successfully.

Drought and flooding is a significant threat to the region’s agricultural population. In recent years, droughts have been occurring in shorter cycles in the east and Horn of Africa. These recurring disasters create huge problems for farming communities who face problems ranging from animal disease epidemics such as Rift Valley Fever to irrigation and erosion issues .

Given that the majority of people in the countries we work with live in rural areas and work in agriculture, they usually live in remote locations. This means that getting access to basic facilities, such as veterinary care when their animals are sick, can be extremely difficult or even impossible. The lack of transport and the poor condition of the roads in many areas means that some people have no access whatsoever to such services. It is also very difficult for them to get to markets where they can sell any surplus crops or animal produce.

Our projects are designed to meet the needs of people living in rural areas in those countries to improve their food security. Working with the poorest and most disadvantaged communities, our aim is to improve the well-being of those who depend on livestock for their food and income.

Our projects are designed to have an impact that lasts beyond the duration of the project and therefore always involve local people in planning and implementing project activities. Training is a major aspect of our work and ensures that local people develop the skills and knowledge they need to continue work when VETAID no longer works there.

VETAID also works closely with government departments at all levels in the countries where we work. We support communities and local organisations in their efforts to lobby government to ensure that livestock, land and agriculture policy and practices meet the needs of the most vulnerable.

Please click on the links on the left-hand menu to find out more about our projects.