Midlands Farmers Encouraged To Support Rural Communities In Africa

Wednesday, 24 June 2026 12:08

Farmers are being asked to donate one animal to support African communities.

Farmers across the Midlands and elsewhere are being encouraged to donate one animal in support of Self Help Africa.

Midlands farmers are being to Stand Together in Support of African Families at Special Tullamore Mart Livestock Sale on Monday, 28th September. 2026.

“A Midlands Fundraiser for Self Help Africa” is an ambitious farmer-to-farmer charitable appeal seeking to raise tens of thousands of euro in support of livestock and rural development programmes benefiting communities across Africa.

Offaly livestock farmer Pat Mahon, based in Blue Ball near Tullamore, is the founder and driving force behind the campaign.

“I have dealt with farmers all my life and I know the goodness that is in them,” says Pat. “Irish farmers understand struggle and survival. They understand the value and importance of livestock, and they understand what it means when a family’s livelihood depends on a few animals and a small piece of land.

“When people see how one donated animal here can help transform the life of a struggling farming family in Africa, I believe they will help. Farmers believe in giving a hand up, not a hand out, and that is exactly what Self Help Africa does.”

He continues, “The response so far has been incredibly heartening,” he says. “There is great kindness in rural Ireland. Farmers know what it means when neighbours help neighbours in difficult times. This fundraiser is about one farming community reaching out to another.”

Ronan Scully of Self Help Africa says,“I have walked roads where the earth had split open from drought". “I have stood with families who had lost their crops, their animals and their homes. I have held the hands of children weakened by hunger. But I have also seen extraordinary resilience and courage.

“In many African communities, livestock are life. A cow, goat, sheep or chickens can mean milk for children, income for school fees, nutrition for families, security during crises and hope for the future. The proceeds raised from this fundraiser will support livestock breeding programmes, AI services, community veterinary care, livestock training and initiatives that help improve the breeding and bloodlines of cattle, sheep, goats and poultry across vulnerable communities in Africa.” “It is not charity that creates dependency,” Ronan adds. “It is solidarity that creates opportunity, dignity and hope.”

You can find the link to donate here