Ivy feeds her livestock at her smallholding in Dowa District, Central Malawi. Clean water access is protecting the animals.
First, the milk yields declined, and then the animals began wasting away.
Just over two years ago, Ivy, a young mother from Dowa District in Central Malawi lost four of her six cattle to paratuberculosis, a contagious disease that they contracted from drinking contaminated water.
Recently, her remaining animals gave birth, with five new calves added to her small herd. 🐮
"For the first time in about twelve years of animal farming, my livestock’s health and performance has greatly improved.”
Ivy is grateful for her good fortune. And she’s thankful too that a new borehole constructed by United Purpose/Self Help Africa means that the threat from waterborne diseases has receded.
"I am very happy. Previously, I would have expected just a single calf from each of my cows, but because my animals are in better health they gave birth to two and three calves”, Ivy says, adding:"I was able to sell two and buy a piece of land and have also given one to my cousin."
Water quality and quantity are key for optimal animal performance. Unclean water can be responsible for a lack of health and overall productivity.
“We have many different uses for this borehole, including drinking, cooking and feeding livestock. We cannot do without - it's a crucial resource for our livelihoods."