July 26, 2013 - Accra, Ghana: - Participants of the second continental Training of Trainers (ToT) on Policy, Advocacy and Communication (PAC) said the Training has provided them with the knowledge and skills they needed to conduct policy analysis and evidence-based advocacy to enhance the profile of livestock in national planning documents in their respective countries. In their final communiqué, participants have expressed their commitment to primarily embark on mapping of stakeholders in the livestock sector, examining the current budgeting process and allocation, identifying and establishing horizontal linkages with all national data sources, engaging CAADP country teams in policy dialogues, and developing an advocacy and communication strategy.
The five-day continental ToT, organised and delivered by AU-IBAR/VET-GOV Programme in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), was held from 22nd to 26th July 2013 in Accra, Ghana and drew more than 60 participants from 29 English speaking countries and pertinent institutions in Africa. The overall objective of the PAC ToT has been strengthening the capacity of Vet-Gov Regional Coordinators, National Livestock Policy Focal Points (NLPFP), National Communication Officers, REC Counterparts, and Regional Farmers Organizations in policy analysis and formulation, as well as in evidence-based advocacy and communication, to enable them engage in high level livestock policy dialogue with decision makers, who are influencing the livestock sector at national, regional and international levels.
© 2013 AU-IBAR. VET-GOV PAC Training.The ToT was officially opened by Honorable Dr. Ahmed Yakubu Alhassan, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture of the Republic of Ghana. In his speech, H.E. the Minister emphasized the fact that the "African food security agenda without livestock would remain a mirage". In his key note address, Professor Ahmed Elsawalhy, Director of African Union, Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), also expressed his reliance that the ToT would be instrumental for the development of policies and legislations that foster an enabling environment where effective, efficient and affordable animal health services can be realised in the Member States. Opening remarks were also made by Professor Cheikh Ly representing FAO and Dr Philip Salia, Chief Veterinary Officer of Ghana.
It was recalled that the first PAC ToT was conducted to participants drawn from 25 French speaking countries from 1st to 5th July, 2013 in Bujumbura, Burundi.