Tropentag, September 17 - 19, 2018 in Ghent "Global food security and food safety: The role of universities"

One Health Approach: Key Function in Project Activities in Food Security and Safety in Somaliland

¹Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Germany, Germany
²Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Germany, Somalia
³Veterinaires Sans Frontieres / Tierärzte ohne Grenzen, Kenya

Abstract

Food security and safety are global priorities that need to be approached with a transdisciplinary One Health concept. Vétérinaires sans Frontières Germany has implemented various projects in collaboration with local private and public stakeholders in East Africa for 27 years by applying an approach that is now gaining recognition as One Health approach, bringing together multiple disciplines to achieve health for people, animals and environment.
In Somaliland, small amounts of animal source high-quality proteins and micronutrients are essential for growth and health of the population, whose demand is increasing. In this region, livestock related activities account for 60-70% of the gross domestic product, employ 80% of the workforce and contribute to the national economy and food security. Yet the market availability of local animal products is unreliable due to climate conditions, low production and quality, poor marketing conditions and inadequate regulatory systems in dairy and meat sector, among others.
The aim of this project is to improve food security and living conditions by enhancing access of consumers to local quality animal protein and stabilising the livelihood of all members of the milk and meat value chain including producers, processors, vendors and Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs).
To accomplish this, a holistic approach has been implemented to promote the collaboration between all stakeholders. One of the key components of the project is capacity-building, in which the members of the milk and meat value chain, especially women, CAHWs and private veterinary drug suppliers received technical trainings and equipment. Another component covers construction and rehabilitation of basic infrastructures like markets. In addition, a capacity assessment and training of relevant stakeholders in the public sector was conducted, to identify deficits in the public health regulation frameworks and contribute to policy development and implementation.
As a result of these activities, the quality of local animal source products has improved, hence increasing the income of producers, vendors and processors and the access of the population to hygienically improved animal protein. Moreover, the capacity to regulate and provide services by governmental institutions in the milk and meat sectors is enhanced ensuring quality and safety of food products.

Keywords: Food safety, food security, milk and meat value chain, One Health, women empowerment

Contact Address: Maria Victoria Larrateguy, Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Germany, Marienstr 19/20, 10117 Berlin, Germany, e-mail: victoria.larrateguytogev.de