A One Health approach to pastoral (im)mobility, health, and disease: a qualitative participatory study in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundIn Plateau State, pastoralism has historically been a cost effective and resilient economic system well-suited to the ecological context. However, changes in land use and conflict have increasingly changed patterns of mobility. Pastoralist movement is now often associated with zoonotic disease transmission, environmental degradation and conflict, increasingly resulting in forced sedentarisation. Rather than a direct outcome of population movement however, zoonotic disease drivers are complex and influenced by a range of socio-economic and environmental factors. The interlinkages of (im)mobility and zoonotic health requires better understanding of underlying vulnerabilities to disease, which we aim to address in this study.MethodsUsing a multisite case study methodology we investigated pastoralists’ zoonotic health concerns and priorities in Plateau State, Nigeria. We deployed participatory tools, including open-ended Focus Group Discussions, transect walks, mapping exercises, calendars and matrices. Data were analysed using a One Health conceptual framework.ResultsWe interviewed 105 participants, from transhumance, migratory and sedentary households, dependent on livestock and small-scale crops. While transhumance was often preferred, participants had become sedentary as a result of insecurity, loss in livestock, and household characteristics. Humans and animals suffered from several endemic diseases, including zoonoses, however veterinary and human health services are only available in larger towns, and people mostly rely on community (animal) health workers and self-medication. Both transhumance and sedentary livestock keepers face challenges around forage grazing, regularly blocked by landowners, sometimes escalating into conflict.ConclusionsWhile conflict and changes in land use affected animal and human disease patterns, underlying political, social and economic risk factors were important determinants of health. There is a need for more inclusive, transdisciplinary, multilevel approaches to address neglected zoonoses, based on better contextualization of the challenges, through the participation of affected communities.ImpactsThis study uses participatory approaches to investigate the under researched area of mobility and zoonotic disease dynamics.We found that animal and human mobility may mitigate or exacerbate zoonotic disease risk, impacting conflict, in turn leading to forced migration.Security challenges need to be addressed simultaneously with mitigating structural inequality, through increasing pastoral social and economic capital, increase access to grazing routes and water, secure land tenure arrangements, and the provision of (veterinary) public health to reduce zoonotic disease risks for the wider population.

The Role of Legal Practitioners in Mitigating Corporate Risks in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review of Existing Literature on the Strategies and Approaches Adopted by Legal Practitioners in Nigeria to Mitigate Corporate Risks

“…The exploration and exploitation of oil resources have brought to the fore a set of complex risks, ranging from environmental hazards to community conflicts. The quest for energy sustainability and the adoption of alternative energy sources have further added layers to the risk landscape, necessitating innovative approaches to risk mitigation and management (Braam et al, 2023). Moreover, the advent of technological advancements and the integration of digital solutions have introduced new dimensions to corporate risks in Nigeria.…”

“…Furthermore, the historical context of corporate risks in Nigeria is also marked by the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, particularly pastoralism in regions such as Plateau State. Changes in land use, conflict, and forced sedentarisation have been associated with zoonotic disease transmission and environmental degradation, impacting the economic resilience and health of communities (Braam et al, 2023).…”