Country: Kenya
Position: Farm Management Advisor
International Partner: MERU Dairy
Placement Date: June 2018
Maggie is a PhD student at the University of Guelph in the Population Medicine Department. Maggie's research focuses on using therapeutic levels of the amino acid tryptophan to decrease behaviour issues in growing pigs. Maggie was raised on her family's dairy farm in Eastern Ontario and has loved all things dairy cows from a very early age.
Maggie has just returned from a placement in Meru, Kenya, where she worked as a Farm Management Advisor. During her placement, Maggie visited several small-scale dairy farmers and their farms and helped conduct seminars on increasing milk production, improving cow and calf nutrition and improving cow and calf welfare. During her placement, Maggie was able to explore different national parks and see many of the incredible animals and scenes that Kenya has to offer!
In this edition of #VETSVolunteerVoices, we shift perspective—from the experiences of VETS volunteers to the voice of one of VWB's longest-standing partners in Ghana. Meet Dr. Anthony "Akunz" Akunzule, Executive Director of the Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET), who has spent more than four decades strengthening animal health systems, empowering rural communities, and mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals.
In this edition of #VETSVolunteerVoices, we shift perspective — from volunteer reflections to the voice of a local VETS program partner helping shape sustainable agriculture from within. Meet Sophoan Min, Country Representative of AVSF Cambodia, who has spent more than 25 years working alongside farming communities and VETS volunteers to strengthen farmer organizations, promote sustainable agriculture, and build more resilient rural livelihoods.
From coordinating veterinary clinics to supporting future Community Animal Health Workers, Helen Klengenberg's story highlights the importance of local leadership in strengthening animal health across Nunavut. As communities continue to build local capacity, we explore how VWB is working alongside northern partners to improve access to care.
