Farming in Africa at the Livestock Workshop in Germany: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Livestock Farming

From May 12–16, 2025, our Founder and CEO, Mr. Fredrick Benneh Frimpong, proudly represented FIA at the Livestock Workshop held at the prestigious GIZ Training Centre in Feldafing, Germany.

This transformative week-long program brought together leading players and thought leaders in the global livestock industry to explore new solutions, build partnerships, and chart a path toward a more resilient and climate-smart livestock sector — with a special focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.

A Week of Learning, Collaboration, and Innovation

The workshop provided a rich platform to:

• Explore cutting-edge approaches in breeding, fodder production, and animal husbandry

• Engage in expert sessions on livestock health, climate-smart solutions, and business opportunities

• Visit leading livestock markets, cheese dairies, and traditional Bavarian dairy farms to gain practical insights

• Participate in interactive workshops, B2B exchanges, and partnership-building activities

For Farming in Africa, the workshop was not only an opportunity to learn — it was a chance to actively contribute to the global conversation on shaping the future of livestock farming in Africa.

 

Highlights from the Field: Day 2 Insights

Field Visit to Achselschwang: A Vision for Semanhyia Learning and Development Farm

One of the most impactful moments of the workshop came during Day 2, when participants visited the Agricultural Research and Training Centre in Achselschwang.

Here, participants explored practical innovations in:

• Breeding

• Fodder production

• Sustainable animal husbandry

This visit strongly resonated with us at Farming in Africa, as we envision our own Semanhyia Learning and Development Farm evolving into a similar centre of excellence — a space where:

• Education

• Innovation

• Research

• Technology

come together to drive sustainable livestock practices and empower the next generation of African livestock professionals.

 

Expert Insights and Climate-Smart Solutions

The afternoon sessions of Day 2 featured powerful insights from a range of experts:

• Dr. Abel S. Biguezoton of CIRDES introduced the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology – Africa Network (WAAVP-AN) and highlighted its pivotal role in addressing livestock health challenges and fostering private sector development across Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Dr. Thomas Breuer of GIZ provided an overview of the GIZ livestock portfolio, discussing:
  • Emerging trends

  • Persistent challenges

  • The vital role of knowledge management in driving sustainable livestock solutions.

• Ms. Ellen Michel, Head of GIZ’s Proklima Programme, delivered a compelling virtual presentation on the role of green cooling technologies in enabling climate-smart agriculture and shaping the future of sustainable food systems.

Building a Network of Change-Makers

Throughout the workshop, FIA engaged with a diverse network of delegates from across Africa, including:

• Ghana

• Kenya

• Nigeria

• Cameroon

• Tanzania

• Burkina Faso

• Chad

This rich exchange of knowledge, experiences, and innovations underscored the power of south-south partnerships in transforming Africa’s livestock landscape.

We are especially grateful to GIZ and ABF for facilitating such a dynamic, collaborative, and forward-looking programme.

Energized for Action: What’s Next for FIA

As we return home, we do so with renewed energy and a clear vision for the future.

Inspired by the models and insights shared in Germany, Farming in Africa is even more committed to building our Semanhyia Learning and Development Farm into a hub for:

• Research and innovation

• Farmer training

• Livestock genetics and breed improvement

• Climate-smart livestock systems

Our goal is to ensure that Africa’s livestock professionals — from extension officers to young farmers — have access to world-class knowledge and tools to drive sustainable change.

 

Join Us on the Journey

The future of livestock farming in Africa is bright — and it will be built through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

Interested in partnering with us or learning more about our work at Semanhyia Learning and Development Farm?
Contact us today and become part of a growing movement to revolutionize livestock farming across Africa.

Together, we can drive change one farm, one farmer at a time.