Improving Livestock Production Through Tracking Devices in Northern Ghana

Finding the right partners and places to ask questions is paramount to understanding the drivers of agricultural transformation. To facilitate opportunities for researchers and partners to develop trust and scope early-stage evaluation questions, DAISI funds small Proposal Development grants to support very preliminary, exploratory research activities, including researcher travel. This Proposal Development grant explores research themes related to livestock security and management (livestock location and health) under the cross-cutting theme of gender.

In Ghana, many small ruminant farmers raise their livestock under an extensive management system and allow their livestock to roam outdoors, freely graze, and manage their own water consumption and access to shelter [1]. This system is associated with poor livestock health resulting from stress, dehydration, and exposure to disease as well as an increased risk of animal theft. However, more direct or hands-on tracking and monitoring of animals can be mobility intensive, which can favor youth and might exclude women from participation due to the need to remain close to the household. 

Recognizing these challenges, several companies are at the forefront of developing innovative services that leverage Radio-Frequency Identification technology (RFID) and mobile applications to digitally monitor the location and health of livestock. For this proposal development grant, researchers are surveying Ghanian livestock producers to understand their experiences with these technologies. Additionally, researchers are exploring partnerships with these technology companies, laying the groundwork for a future randomized evaluation. 

[1] USDA. 2023. “Ghana Livestock Voluntary.”