Njala University Partners With “Mama Afro” to Enhance Livestock Development in Koinadugu

Njala University is poised to strengthen its commitment to agricultural development by entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mama Afro U Turn Koinadugu District (K.D.) Livestock Co-operative SL Ltd.

According to report from their recent engagement, the collaboration aims to enhance livestock management and foster community engagement within the region.

The head of the delegation from Njala University, Professor J. Moiwo, praised the effort and confirmed the institution’s readiness to collaborate. “We are impressed by Mama Afro’s vision and impact. The MOU will be signed within one week, once all documentation is finalized,” he confirmed.

The Chief Executive Officer of Mama Afro, Madam Amie, revealed that the initiative was inspired by her attendance at a World Food Programme event in Koinadugu District last year. During that event, according to her, she noted that it became evident that there was a pressing need to bridge the gap between local farmers and cattle rearers.

Reportedly, Madam Amie founded the Mama Afro U Turn K.D. Livestock Co-operative to address the long-standing disputes between herders and farmers. She shared that she has already allocated over Le20,000 (Twenty Thousand Leones) to compensate farmers who had been affected by livestock conflicts.

As of now, it was confirmed that the cooperative has registered more than 400 cattle rearers across the Koinadugu District. Madam Amie emphasized the public health risks associated with unregulated animal treatment, stating that many individuals treat animals without adequate veterinary knowledge, which she said poses health risks for both humans and animals.

The meeting included key stakeholders such as the Town Chief, local farmers, and the Deputy Manager of Mama Afro, all of whom committed their support to the cooperative’s objectives.

The partnership is reportedly expected to facilitate sustainable livestock practices, reduce tensions between farmers and herders, and provide essential training and technical support to rural communities in Sierra Leone.