The Impact of a Mobile Shearing Station for Livestock Farmers in Shawerif

Abdullah Algadfi Abdullah Sultan, a committed livestock farmer from the municipality of Shawerif, knows all too well the daily challenges of sustaining a livelihood in rural Libya. Years of conflict and economic hardship have made it difficult for farmers like Abdullah to access vital resources, such as feed, veterinary care, and basic agricultural supplies. Additionally, the infrastructure in Al-Jabal Al-Gharbi province, including roads and agricultural support centers, remains underdeveloped, limiting farmers’ ability to reach markets and essential services.

Despite these obstacles, recent developments in the municipality sparked new hope. Through the AICS component of the EU-funded Baladiyati programme, AVSI has introduced a shearing station at a local vocational and production center, providing training on its use and maintenance to 5 local sheep breeders.

Abdullah is one of the residents who have benefited from this initiative. The new equipment has been a game changer for him and his fellow livestock breeders, transforming their work.
The wool shearing machine significantly increases the speed of wool harvesting compared to the traditional hand-shearing methods,” Abdullah explains. “After shearing, we wash the wool, dry it, and then it’s ready to be sent to factories and vendors.

The new machine has not only made the shearing process faster but also safer for both the sheep and the shearers. With fewer risks of injury and less stress on the animals, the machine delivers a cleaner, more uniform cut, which preserves the wool’s quality and boosts its value.

The benefits extend beyond just efficiency. For Abdullah and many farmers in Shawerif, the shearing station represents an opportunity to overcome the economic challenges posed by rising costs and limited resources. The ability to shear more sheep in less time directly improves productivity and profitability, allowing farmers to increase their output and secure better incomes.

We are extremely grateful for this project,” Abdullah continues. “It has improved living conditions in our area. Thanks to the increased volume and quality of the wool we collect, we expect to see higher profits in the coming months. Soon, farmers from all around the region will come to Shawerif to shear their sheep at our station.”

With the mobile shearing station now operational, there is renewed optimism among Shawerif’s livestock farmers. This initiative is a step toward reviving the agricultural economy, strengthening the community’s resilience, and paving the way for a sustainable future.

This story was written by AICS based on content collected on ground by AVSI
Photo credit: AVSI

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