Redefining Livestock Management in Limpopo
In Modimo Nthuse village, Limpopo, where cattle farming has long been part of everyday life, Anna Nkwana is redefining what leadership in livestock management looks like. As a female Eco-Ranger, she supports animal health, community-based grazing and sustainable livestock management, all part of a broader effort to improve rural livelihoods, restore local farming practices and strengthen the local economy.
“My love for cattle began at home because we always had cows, and since I grew up without any boy siblings, I had to take charge of herding them. That’s really where everything started for me,” she said.
Eco-Rangers Training: Building Expertise
In 2023, Anna was trained through Eco-Rangers training, in partnership with Avo Vision and Meat Naturally, as part of the Green Business Value Chain (GBVC) programme, supported by GIZ and the Social Employment Fund (SEF). The training focused on animal health, sustainable grazing practices and basic livestock business management. Participants were taught how to monitor cattle health, improve nutrition through rotational grazing, and record data to track livestock growth and productivity.
“The training made it possible for us, as herders to get proper guidance that many of us never had access to before,” she said. “I learned how to check cows’ teeth to see if they are healthy, strong, and able to graze properly. I also learned about disease prevention, pasture management and how to support farmers in making informed decisions that can improve their income and the wellbeing of their livestock. These skills help us make better decisions and look after the cattle in a more professional way.”
Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Practices
With this expertise, Anna now supports her community by helping other farmers improve livestock health, make informed decisions about their animals and access fair market prices. Her goal is to empower families to build long-term livelihoods from resources they already have, while also promoting sustainable practices that protect the land and the animals.
Overcoming Challenges as a Female Leader
But her journey hasn’t been without challenges. “People are still not used to seeing women in this line of work,” she said. “For years, men have dominated agriculture, and now women are stepping in to prove that we are just as capable. Opportunities for women in this sector are still limited, so I feel very fortunate to be in this position, to wake up every day and do something I am passionate about.”
Anna also works as an animal technician in Limpopo, further strengthening her contribution to sustainable livestock and agricultural practices in the province. She provides hands-on support to farmers, advises on herd management and ensures that local livestock associations are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive.
Inspiring Young Women in Agriculture
Her message to young people, especially young women interested in pursuing work with animals, is simple: “Go for it. Work hard. Don’t listen to what people say because everything is possible,” she said.
Impact of Avo Vision’s GBVC Programme
Over the past two years, Avo Vision’s GBVC programme, supported by GIZ and SEF, has created over 1,600 green jobs and restored hundreds of hectares of degraded land. Through these partnerships, the programme has also supported more than 70 green enterprises with training, tools, and resources, building economic resilience and promoting environmental sustainability across rural communities. By equipping local herders like Anna with the right knowledge and support, the programme is helping transform the way livestock farming is done in Limpopo, ensuring it is profitable, sustainable and inclusive.
