Evangelische Bank eG
IBAN: DE85 5206 0410 0000 0001 24
BIC: GENODEF1EK1
Ghana: Rearing Small Animals
Ghana: Women Rearing Small Animals
Women in Ghana were given equal rights by law in 1992. However, they are still at a disadvantage compared with men when it comes to education and the labour market. An animal rearing project developed by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana now strengthens the role of women.
Ghanaian women are superwomen who fulfil several roles in society and in the family. Most Ghanaian women have a regular job besides being mothers and wives and they contribute to the upkeep of their families. They also do the housework, play the central role in their families and also work in the society and in church. As a result, they make an enormous contribution to the socio-economic growth of Ghana.
Despite their important role, women in Ghana suffer more than men from poverty. They earn a lower wage for the same job and are exposed to violence and discrimination. The Upper East church district of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) therefore developed a project to strengthen women in congregations.
Rearing animals as a way out of poverty
Women can earn a livelihood and become more independent by rearing small animals. The project’s aim is to provide women with a sustainable basis for living and to increase their income. There is often a lack of affordable, high-protein food in villages and communities in Ghana to allow people to eat a healthy diet. By rearing sheep, goats or pigs, the women achieve a better nutritional basis in their region and help their families and neighbours eat more healthily. At the same time, their small businesses improve their social standing in their communities.
Ghana
28.3 million inhabitants, of which over half are affected by poverty
By women for women
Many women from the women’s groups of the PCG were directly involved in developing the programme. Together with experts, they searched for new practical ways to generate income, help their communities grow economically and improve their own roles.
A total of 100 women will take part in this two-year programme which will start in six Ghanaian villages in 2017 and 2018. Every woman selected to take part will receive two animals to rear. At the start of the project, training courses will teach them how to handle the animals. They will work together with local veterinarians and discuss their problems and difficulties with each other. Help for self-help is the project’s slogan. The PCG workers in charge of the project will supervise and support the participants for two years. The women will then be able to continue their small business on their own.
Project goals
Women in Ghana are more often affected by poverty than men. They receive a lower wage for doing the same job and are exposed to violence and discrimination. Most Ghanaian women have a regular job besides their role as mother and wife and support their family’s income. The Presbyterian Church in Ghana (PCG) intends to improve women’s livelihood and income by introducing an animal rearing project. By rearing sheep, goats or pigs the women will not only secure a source of food for their family, it will also help the entire region.
Project work
The animal rearing project of the Presbyterian Church in Ghana (PCG) intends to strengthen the role of women in Ghanaian society. A total of 100 women are taking part in the programme. Every woman receives two animals to rear. They learn how to handle the animals in training courses where they can also talk about their problems and difficulties with each other. Local veterinarians will also provide the participants with their advice. The PCG will supervise and support the project throughout the duration of the project. At the end of the project, the women will then continue rearing the animals independently.
Project partner
The Presbyterian Church in Ghana (PCG) is the oldest Christian church in Ghana. It originated in 1828 from the world of the Basel Mission. In 1926, it became independent and adopted its present name. It has about 870,000 members. The PCG runs educational institutions from kindergartens and primary schools through to secondary schools and vocational schools and it sponsors four hospitals, several regional clinics and mobile basic health care services. The EMS supports the PCG mainly development programmes in education and health care.
We are pleased to hear that you are interested in this project. If you have any general questions, please use the contact form below. We are also happy to help you personally if you have any questions or require further information – by phone or by E-mail.
More Projects
