Addressing Animal Health Knowledge Gaps in Southern Countries: The Creation of a 2D Animal Health Resource Room

Abstract

Livestock are a key asset for the global poor. However, access to relevant information is a critical issue for both livestock development practitioners and the poor themselves. Therefore, the following paper details the creation of an on-line Animal Health Resource Room. The aim was to create an immersive environment, which mimics the benefits of a 3D Virtual Learning Environment without the constraints on download times. Therefore, in the following paper key issues in the dissemination of such a platform such as connectivity and speed are explored within the wider context of the development of the tool itself.

The development and impact of the livestock Guru: Meeting the knowledge needs of poor livestock keepers in Tamil Nadu, India

“…Nevertheless, when asked if the vet should replace the Guru as the single character in the program, most participants felt this would make the information less accessible. Indeed, in India, veterinarians due to notions regarding social exclusion are often not utilised by the poor (Heffernan et al, 2009). Equally, problematic, respondents noted that vets had a very prescribed role in animal health as opposed to livestock production and husbandry.…”

“…A number of studies have shown that information regarding animal health in developing countries is extremely uneven (LDG, 2003;IFAD, 2004;Heffernan, 2005;Lin and Heffernan, 2009; 2010) and tools for information transfer are under-developed. While large strides have been made in the human health with regard to information technologies (see Kushniruk, 2011;Gonzalez et al, 2011;Lee and Berge, 2011), the animal health sector has been largely left behind.…”

“…Some further argued that veterinary knowledge should not only be from a textbook, but also from indigenous skills (Dung et al 1997). However, while there is undoubtedly value in traditional medicine, recent studies have shown that livestock keepers often misdiagnose diseases and/or apply inappropriate treatment regimes (Heffernan and Nielsen, 2007;Heffernan et al, 2009). There are a variety of ways that the information needs of poor livestock keepers, particularly those living in remote areas can be met.…”

Livestock and learning: evaluation of a prototype 3D virtual learning environment for livestock practitioners in India and Bolivia

“…However, 3D applications are already diffusing from North to South (largely as part of gaming applications). Further, given the rapid advance of broadband in southern countries (see Lin and Heffernan 2009), the 3D platform offered a unique opportunity to identify issues related to both present and future user demand.…”