 |
| A cheap taxi across Accra! |
The drive seems short and when we arrive at the ranch Trey looks at me and say’s, “this place is absolutely gorgeous!” I agree! The sea of grass extends well beyond the line of sight and the sound of birds and crickets reminds me of home. The ranch also looks and feels different from when I first visited the headquarters back in June. Maybe it’s the changing seasons from wet to dry, or the familiarity of the ranch itself, whatever it is, it feels good to be in ranch country. After a short sit-down with the manager, Okyere Derko and the rest of the crew, we begin a tour of the facilities of the once thriving operation.
 |
| Aveyime Cattle Ranch as far as the eye can see...and grass too! |
 |
| Accra Livestock Market. Just point, negotiate, and pay! |
Constructed in 1973 by the Italian Government, the 10,000 hectare Aveyime Cattle Ranch was the premier cattle operation of its time running up to 3,000 head of Sanga/Friesian cross cattle. Constructed for the greater good of the Volta people, the ranch was financed entirely by the Italians; which is also what ultimately lead the ranch to abruptly close its doors when all cash flow ceased at the hands of newly minted Sicilian politicians. However, for more than 20 years the Philanthropic efforts of the Italians helped propel the area’s farmers towards success by offering them free educational classes, animal health care, and by purchasing the their cattle. Our nighttime discussions have revolved around the same theme; artificial insemination, cross-fencing and more, and these are precisely the actions the Italians undertook during the last century. We just hope to be a bit more successful.
To see more photos from the Ghanaian ranch country check out: http://instagram.com/americanag
No comments:
Post a Comment