Carol Sanders | UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences
PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Dr. David Fernandez, Cooperative Extension Program livestock specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national honor in recognition of volunteer service. Established in 2003, the award is presented to individuals, groups and families who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering.
Dr. Fernandez received this award for his volunteer work with landless, primarily female, farmers. He worked with more than 280 landless farmers in the districts of Khulna, Kushtia and Jessore in Bangladesh.
Goats are considered a real asset for landless farmers. Not only do they represent a nutritious food supply for a family, but also selling a goat can double a family’s annual income, says Dr. Fernandez, who spent two weeks working alongside farmers teaching them about nutrition, breeding, and parasite and disease management. Farmers received practical tips and also learned to FAMACHA score goats to identify those in need of deworming.
Dr. Fernandez was in Bangladesh as a Winrock International volunteer.
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