This paper explores women smallholder livestock farmers’ barriers to effective participation in the livestock vaccine value chain (LVVC) and strategies for optimising the use of vaccines against poultry (Newcastle disease), and goat diseases (Peste des Petits Ruminants) in Sembabule District, Uganda. Using the three domains of empowerment theory: intrinsic, instrumental, and collective agency combined with USAID’s gender analysis framework, we found that limited control over resources, and inadequate gender responsive policies hinder women’s participation. Self-help groups increased opportunity for livestock ownership, autonomy, and decision-making. Engagement of women in the LVVC, is an entry point for improved vaccine accessibility, and agency.

This study assessed the farming business environment and gender issues and their effect on service delivery by the veterinary para-professionals (VPPs) in Sembabule and Soroti districts. The study employed Participatory Rural Appraisal research method. The study found that treatment of animals (39%), vaccination (20%), and farmer advisory service (19.5%) were the services most demanded by smallholder livestock farmers. On the other hand, the production system of the study area was of low input low output system. Tethering and communal grazing were the most practiced livestock production systems in the study areas.Majority of farmers preferred Male VPPs to female VPPs. The reason given was that women extension agents are very few in the field and they slow in responding to case calls. This could be affecting opportunities for women small holder farmers to access veterinary services since it has been proven in most cases, women farmers prefer female extension agents.

This paper explores the role of extension training in enhancing women smallholder livestock farmers’ participation in and benefiting from the livestock vaccine value chain (LVVC). The emphasis was on the Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccine for goats and New Castle Disease vaccine (ND) for chicken. Using the Focus Group discussions, Participatory Impact Assessment, Outcome mapping, Key Informant Interviews, Questionnaire Survey and Kirkpatrick model of change, the study assessed the impact of extension training which equipped extensionists and women farmers with knowledge, skills, attitude and practice in livestock vaccination and empowerment. The study found that extension training made a tremendous impact on the availability of knowledge and information to women farmers as well as in empowering women’s self-autonomy, improved economic status, decision making role in both farm related and family related matters, reduced Gender Based Violence cases and improved productivity in the community.

This study assessed the competence and capacity needs for VPPs continued professional development as well as the best modalities for training in Uganda. It used mixed approach combining qualitative and quantitative research methods, namely, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), participant observations (POs) as well as questionnaire survey. The study was conducted in Sembabule and Soroti districts. The capacities and competences needed most by VPPs were; artificial insemination (AI) ranked first, clinical treatment ranked second, and animal nutrition and feeding ranked third. Face to face practical training was ranked first as the best format for delivering Continued Professional Development (CPD) training followed by face-to-face lectures and mentorship in the third position. The best training modality recommended by VPPs for their CPD training was the blended approach which combines face to face, online learning and mentorship.

This paper describes the institutional context that shapes the visibility and positioning of women along the Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccine value chains for Sembabule district of Uganda. It examines the institutional barriers and opportunities that affect women’s empowerment derived from inclusion of women in the decision-making processes along the livestock vaccine value chain (LVVC) and that can support viable women-centered and owned enterprises, at the vaccine development, delivery, distribution and use level. Qualitative data analysis tools such as focus group discussions, focus meals, jar voices and key informant interviews were used. Using outcome mapping, a stakeholder analysis of the critical partners in the PPR and ND value chain was done involving the regulators, vaccine manufacturers, importers, distributors, agrovets, public and private veterinary service deliverers, local leaders, women groups, and farmers. The study concluded that training related to gender equality and livestock vaccines, infrastructural and technical support to the poultry and goat women and men farmers and other chain actors are inadequate in themselves to increase vaccine adoption and improve livestock productivity in Sembabule district. Strategies that promote gender-transformative collaborative efforts among the LVVC actors and build viable gender-transformed women groups and networks are critical to increase women’s participation in and benefit from the livestock vaccine value chain.