Summary of the P3V webinar (2/5): key impacts, learnings and lessons after five years of implementation

This presentation was delivered by Dr Holly Hufnagel, Senior consultant at GOPA AFC. A veterinarian by training with extensive experience in the development of the livestock and agriculture sectors, particularly in Africa, she led the study on behalf of WOAH, in collaboration with Dr Balabadi Dao on the impact of the P3V Project, its key lessons and its prospects for transferability and extension to other contexts.

A study structured around two complementary axes:

The study conducted as part of the P3V had two main objectives. The first was to assess the impact of the project on beneficiaries and stakeholders, while the second focused on analysing the transferability of the P3V model and opportunities for expansion to other national and regional contexts.

To meet these objectives, a mixed methodology was used, combining documentary analysis, online questionnaires for students and beneficiary VPPs, field surveys in Senegal, Togo and Benin, individual interviews with institutional actors and group discussions with VPPs and trainers.

A sectoral impact marked by a transformation in professional relations:

One of the major findings of the study concerns the sectoral impact of the P3V Project. In the three countries where it was implemented, the Project helped transform historically conflictual relations between veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals into more collaborative and structured relationships.

This change resulted in:

• greater recognition of the role and responsibilities of VPPs,
• clarification of mandates and limits of intervention,
• the establishment of formalised spaces for dialogue, through national and local consultation frameworks.

Collaborative work throughout the Project, the gradual involvement of all stakeholders and ongoing training for VPPs, particularly on veterinary legislation, were identified as key factors in the success of this transformation.

Significant advances in the provision of training.

The study also highlights structural impacts on training systems. The curricula of partner institutions have been revised and harmonised in line with WOAH standards, contributing to an overall improvement in the quality of training. Notable results include:

1. The establishment of bridges between veterinary para-professional training programmes and veterinary courses, notably with the Inter-State School of Veterinary Science and Medicine (EISMV) in Dakar.
2. The strengthening of teachers’ technical and pedagogical capacities.
3. The introduction of innovative teaching tools, simulation dummies and equipment for practical training.
4. The structuring of internship agreements, facilitating learning in a professional environment.

These developments have been viewed very positively by employers, who have noticed a tangible improvement in the practical skills of newly trained VPPs.

In light of these findings, the study recommends strengthening awareness-raising initiatives, promoting gender representation in consultation frameworks, adapting educational programmes and developing mentoring approaches.

Conclusion

After 5 years of implementation, the P3V Project has helped to remove structural barriers, improve the quality of training for veterinary paraprofessionals and lay the foundations for sustainable collaboration between stakeholders in animal health systems.
However, the sustainability of these achievements will depend on the commitment of local stakeholders, the consolidation of the institutional framework, and the effective adoption of the tools that were developed. These lessons provide an essential foundation for considering the prospects for transferring and expanding P3V, which will be the subject of the third article in this series.