Introduction

You are interested to offer some of your time and expertise for the benefit of the projects of VSF Belgium: this is very much appreciated! This paper aims to explain the opportunities we can offer and issues that need to be considered.

On the VSF website you can read that VSF is active in various regions in Africa, from very insecure and even regions at war, to fairly secure areas. Because of this insecurity the possibilities to receive volunteers at our projects are limited. It is also important to realize that our field activities mainly focus on training of local livestock owners. This can range from basic trainings on animal health to more advanced support and training on for example processing of animal products. Institutional development and livestock marketing also play an important role. Provision of animal health care in itself is not the role of our field staff because in our projects we aim to assist people in doing it themselves.

If you are looking for practical veterinary experience we will not be able to help you further. At the bottom of this document however you can find a few links to websites that possibly can. However if you are interested in the importance of livestock for disadvantaged peoples in the South, the role of livestock in development cooperation and the more general North - South relations and international solidarity then you are very welcome to contact us to share your ideas.