Aim:
To re-start the programme of training Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rwanda to enable the Government of Rwanda to expand the initiative to cross breed the indigenous Ankole cattle with pure Jersey semen, in order to increase milk yields thus assisting with meeting nutritional needs of the rural population and developing the dairy industry. The pure Ankole is able to produce an average of 1 litre of milk per day compared to the F1 Jersey/Ankole progeny which can produce an average of 10 litres of milk per day. The F2 Jersey/Ankole will produce up to 20 litres of milk per day.
Training achieved:
It might be pertinent at this point to give an idea of Rwanda’s geography and its vision regarding the training of inseminators. Rwanda is divided into five provinces (North, South, East, West & Kigali). Each of these provinces is sub-divided into districts and each district into sectors.
The 15 students (11 men and 4 women) were selected from all the five provinces of Rwanda. The training took place in Kigali for the first week with a mixture of theory and practice and the second week took place in Butare at ISAR (Institut de Science Agronomique du Rwanda) where 50 cows were made available to the course; the move was necessitated because of lack of suitable cattle to practice on in Kigali.
All, bar one student passed both practical and theory tests, some with very good results. The one remaining student will be followed up to enable him to complete his tests on his local farm. Those helping with the course were Dr Muhinda Otto Vianney and Beatrice, both employed by RARDA (Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority).
The conditions for training were very good, as it took place at Kigali showground. The students, as last time arrived over 2/3 days, and were selected by their local authorities. It was felt that some inappropriate student selections were made, that is some students were put forward who would probably not utilise the skills as envisaged in that they are already in employ or university students destined for other careers.
The condition of the cattle available for practice could have been better in Kigali, however this was much improved in Butare.The course was a success in that 14 of the 15 (93%) achieved a pass rate at the time.
Follow up on previous training session:
Students from the previous course (Dec ’05) were visited to see their progression and also make a formal presentation of their certificates. All the students are making full and beneficial use of the skills learnt from the first course. The opportunity was also taken at the same time to visit the calves born as a result of the students’ successful insemination. A visit was made to the AI centre in Masaka, just outside Kigali. This centre was used in the ‘90’s to collect and process bull semen but is now no longer used due to lack of experienced personnel. The machinery needs servicing and adjusting with appropriate training of personnel for the AI centre to function.
Recommendations/Conclusions
• Applicants should be screened over a three day period at the start of the course so that the training can be targeted at students working or going to work in the diary industry.
• The initial screening will enable all the students to commence the course at the same time.
• More time to be devoted to the practical side of artificial insemination – noted for next course.
• Cattle to be specifically purchased to enable practical training to take place (approx 50). This is in hand. • Importance of recording of insemination to be stressed and overseen.
• The next visit to include servicing AI Centre’s machinery (printing, filling machines) with a view to appropriate training, if possible, of personnel during the March visit.
Additional note on Jersey Overseas Aid Project 1989
As an interesting aside we happened to be passing the Overseas Aid Project undertaken in 1989 in Butare (on which I worked) consisting of a construction providing a dormitory (for school children), toilet block and guard accommodation. While there I spoke with the pastor and this is still being well used and appreciated.