Report on basic husbandry practices training for agriculture extension agents and project facilitators

This conference paper reports on agricultural extension training sessions that introduce breeding and breed selection for chicken and goats. Extension worker participants in the project were taken through steps towards improved productivity in feeding of chicken and goats. Topics emphasized the importance of providing good feeds, the components of good feeds, and the formulation of good feed. The training strengthened relationships between the project team and the district department of agriculture for smooth implementation of activities and sustainability of the project

Training guide on basic husbandry practices for chicken and goats production

The guide provides an outline of the training for project facilitators, women agricultural extension workers and veterinary agents. Trained field officers will carry out step-down training sessions for women livestock keepers and other farmers at the community level in two districts in Ghana. The outline provides information on proposed training, and modules for facilitating training in extension topics related to chicken and goat’s livestock production, husbandry, good practices, and animal health

FFBS livestock toolkit : adapted farmer field and business school – livestock tools

Even though women play vital roles in livestock value chains, they are rarely recognized as livestock keepers and farmers, and veterinary services are less likely to reach them. This toolkit provides detailed training material for facilitators and extension workers who are introducing and implementing the farmer field and business school (FFBS). The material features animal husbandry, maintenance, and livestock rearing techniques, while including modules related to: role playing; case study stories; and scenario presentations that include aspects of gender discrimination and women’s (lack of) access to knowledge

Project start-up workshop report : women rear project, dates : 22nd April 2021, venue : Bawku municipality

The report outlines project objectives, and the inception presentation to 30 participants regarding institutional requirements towards a vaccine delivery system responsive to women farmers and animal health providers. The project started in March 2019, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Particulars of the baseline study were reviewed, which so far involves 500 women livestock keepers and 100 men. Participant questions provided new insight into project and participant needs, capacity building, and community partnerships

Exploring social media adoption by nurses for nursing practice in rural Volta, Ghana

Abstract Aim The purpose of the study was to inquire into social media adoption by nurses for nursing practice. Design An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed in understanding social media adoption for nursing care among nurses. Method A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 12 participants for the study. A semi‐structured interview guide was used to conduct in‐depth interviews which were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data with NVivo 12. Results The findings revealed nurses found social media to be useful for the dissemination, and reception of information, professional development and enhanced referral networks. Apart from its usefulness, participants believe that it is easy to navigate its apps, clear and understandable to use and does not involve much mental effort hence their favourable attitude towards use. Some participants also believe that inaccurate information, privacy and confidentiality concerns, distraction and addiction were some potential risks that are associated with its usage in nursing practice. Due to this, some participants developed a negative attitude towards its usage. Patient or Public Contribution Twelve nurses actively participated in the study

Promoting responsive care and early learning practices in Northern Ghana: results from a counselling intervention within nutrition and health services

Abstract Objective: This study assesses change in caregiver practices after integrating responsive care and early learning (RCEL) in nutrition and health services and community platforms in northern Ghana. Design: We trained health facility workers and community health volunteers to deliver RCEL counselling to caregivers of children under 2 years of age through existing health facilities and community groups. We assessed changes in caregivers’ RCEL practices before and after the intervention with a household questionnaire and caregiver–child observations. Setting: The study took place in Sagnarigu, Gushegu, Wa East and Mamprugu-Moagduri districts from April 2022 to March 2023. Study sites included seventy-nine child welfare clinics (CWC) at Ghana Health Service facilities and eighty village savings and loan association (VSLA) groups. Participants: We enrolled 211 adult caregivers in the study sites who had children 0–23 months at baseline and were enrolled in a CWC or a VSLA. Results: We observed improvements in RCEL and infant and young child feeding practices, opportunities for early learning (e.g. access to books and playthings) in the home environment and reductions in parental stress. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating RCEL content into existing nutrition and health services. The findings can be used to develop, enhance and advocate for policies integrating RCEL into existing services and platforms in Ghana. Future research may explore the relationship between positive changes in caregiver behaviour and improvements in child development outcomes as well as strategies for enhancing paternal engagement in care practices, improving child supervision and ensuring an enabling environment