Investigation of major cattle production constraints in Kembata Tambaro zone of Southern Ethiopia using participatory epidemiology methods

Abstract

Ethiopia has enormous livestock resources from which rural households derive their livelihoods. A cross-sectional study based on participatory appraisal methods was conducted in Kembata Tambaro zone to assess major constraints to livestock production and major diseases of cattle and their treatment options. Four districts were selected purposively for this study, and 18 peasant associations were randomly sampled from the selected districts. Focus group discussion, semistructured interviews, simple ranking and scoring, proportional piling, pairwise ranking, and matrix scoring were the participatory epidemiological tools used in the study. Feed and free grazing land shortages and diseases were found to be the major constraints to cattle production in the area. Mastitis was ranked as the most serious disease of cattle. Modern veterinary treatments are used alongside traditional herbal remedies. Matrix scoring showed strong agreement between focus groups in identifying the major diseases using their indicators (clinical signs). Hence, it was concluded that indigenous knowledge complemented with participatory methods and approaches allow community and field researchers to jointly study specific livestock problems and help identify appropriate solutions.

Assessment of Ethno Veterinary Practices in the Treatment of Major Diseases of Large Ruminants in Damboya woreda, Kembata Tembaro Zone of Southern Ethiopia

“…About 18 diseases condition were identified by the respondents in the study area (Table 3). From this 18 disease conditions 6 common diseases like Anthrax, Black leg, Pasteurollosis, Cowdrosis & Mastitis are identified as the major disease of large ruminants in the study area which is in line with the report of Ayele et al (2016). As can be observed from table 3, Anthrax & Blackleg diseases were occurred mostly in the first wet and first and last dry season.…”

“…Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study groups. Hierarchically selection was made from zone to districts and peasant associations (PAs) (Ayele et al, 2016). Nine kebeles were selected purposively from the district and these was areas where the opportunity to use veterinary clinic or veterinary services was less accessible.…”

Epidemiology and financial loss estimation of blackleg on smallholder cattle herders in Kembata Tambaro zone, Southern Ethiopia

“…A total of 528 respondents participated in the study, 198 focus group discussants and 330 respondents of house-to-house interview. To increase the accuracy of information generated, households recognized by the community as knowledgeable in cattle rearing and indigenous veterinary knowledge were purposively included as key members of the focus groups (Ayele et al 2015 ).…”

“…Financial impact of blackleg on milk yield and draft power output in the study districts was estimated based on participatory appraisal methods (focus group discussions). One focus group having 6–12 members was organized in every of the selected PAs as shown in Ayele et al ( 2015 ). Milk losses due to blackleg were quantified first by questioning the discussants to estimate the normal parameters that healthy animals produce in their localities.…”

“…Kembata Tambaro is one of the Ethiopian zones where blackleg is endemically established and known for severely affecting herders’ livelihood according to the zone’s livestock disease reporting manual. Recent study conducted in the area to identify the major livestock diseases also showed blackleg as one of the priority cattle diseases (Ayele et al 2015 ). Despite the huge burden no comprehensive studies have quantified the impact or distribution of the disease in the area where cattle are important assets to the local farmers.…”