Scotland-Visit from African Farmers.

SCOTLAND-VIST FROM AFRICAN FARMERS.

TWO Maasai from Northern Tanzania are to visit farms in Ecclefechan and Cummertrees and will tour the Lockerbie Auction Market on a fact-finding mission today.

The pair will view modern farming methods and share experiences.

They have been invited to visit the farms as guests of Scottish-based charity, GALVmed and are on a week-long tour of Scottish farms to highlight and promote the importance of cattle farming as a lifeline for millions of people in developing countries.

As part of their visit, the Maasai have already met HRH Princess Anne to discuss the necessity of research in livestock health, and the central role cattle play in the survival of their communities.

GALVmed (Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines) is a non-profit organisation working with private and public partners to develop a range of vaccines, treatments and diagnostic products for livestock keepers throughout Africa and South Asia.

Preventable diseases kill millions of cattle every year, including thousands belonging to the Maasai community, pushing these communities deeper into poverty.

It is hoped that the Maasai’s visit will help raise awareness of the challenges faced by communities such as the Maasai, and the importance of adequate access to veterinary medicines can play securing their future.