Johannesburg, South Africa is enhancing rural livelihoods and livestock health through a pioneering programme that equips veterinary paraprofessionals with clinical, business, and entrepreneurial skills. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with national partners, the initiative enables Animal Health Technicians to establish Primary Animal Healthcare businesses that deliver preventive animal health services, improve livestock productivity, and support sustainable rural development. The programme was recently highlighted at the 19th FAO Subregional Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting for Southern Africa, showcasing innovative approaches to veterinary service delivery and capacity-building.
Livestock remains a cornerstone of rural livelihoods in South Africa, particularly for smallholder farmers and women, yet access to veterinary services is limited due to workforce shortages and shifting public sector priorities. Veterinary paraprofessionals have the potential to bridge this gap but face barriers such as limited business training, mentorship, and regulatory support. To address these challenges, FAO partnered with national institutions to equip unemployed Animal Health Technicians with the skills, tools, and support needed to establish private practices and provide essential preventive services to underserved communities.
The initiative used a blended learning model combining online modules, in-person workshops, supervised field placements, and mentorship. Community-driven approaches, including dialogues and focus group discussions, ensured local needs were prioritized. Collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the South African Veterinary Council strengthened professional recognition, while public-private platforms brought together veterinarians, technicians, producer groups, and private sector actors to ensure business viability and expand access to animal healthcare services.
Since its inception, the programme has trained 110 veterinary paraprofessionals, with over 70 percent being women, supporting approximately 1,100 smallholder farmers. Fourteen Primary Animal Healthcare businesses have been established, providing preventive care, disease monitoring, and early detection support. Graduates have enhanced collaboration with government veterinary services and reinforced the role of Animal Health Technicians as essential service providers. The initiative highlights the impact of gender-responsive training, mentoring, and continuing professional development in building a sustainable animal health workforce that contributes to rural productivity and resilience.
For long-term sustainability, the programme is developing training-of-trainers systems and open-access learning materials to enable national partners to continue professional development for future cohorts. Expansion will depend on supportive policy frameworks, access to financing for start-ups, strong regulatory oversight, and strengthened public-private collaboration. By investing in veterinary entrepreneurship and local capacity, South Africa is advancing equitable livestock systems, improving rural livelihoods, and strengthening preventive animal healthcare as part of broader One Health and inclusive agrifood system objectives.
