My Nonprofit Reviews

I am an animal scientist at Iowa State University and have been working in Africa, especially Uganda with small farmers for over 15 years. Upon the invitation of Self Help International (SHI) I agreed to come to Kumasi, Ghana with the intention of reviewing the possibility of further developing a poultry/livestock program for mothers in the Growing Healthy Children and Food Programs and other farmers.

The visit consisted of several days of visits to the training center, meeting clients and others involved in poultry and other livestock activities. I was impressed with the overall effort and success of SHI .During my visit we met with two groups of women and their children in two different locations. These groups are similar to those women we see in our Uganda work. I was extremely pleased to see the healthy children and their mothers. It is clear that this program is succeeding.

Many of the women we met with also expressed interest in possible raising poultry or other livestock or expanding what they have. The review of several of these women’s poultry operations suggest they need some training and that expanding the program could be very beneficial To do this additional financial support from donors will be helpful. This could then lead to advance training and help from SHI and will improve the farmer's food and economic security.

I also received a tour of the training center. It is certainly impressive with the crop and animal operations. I am sure it is a good place to demonstrate proper production approaches. The discussions with staff and students was also quite useful.

My final comment relates to personnel. Your staff, especially the director and country supervisor, are very good. As the program expands added training will be useful. I am happy to help in this regard.
Max Rothschild
Ames, Iowa