ILRI articles in journals

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/3

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 7135

Testing the import system again
(Report, 2024-09-15) Orth, Alan S.; Kpodo, Francis
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Testing the import system
(Report, 2024-09-15) Orth, Alan S.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Perceived impacts of climate change in pastoralist regions of Ethiopia: A qualitative study applying the concept of One Health
(Journal Article, 2025-02-11) Tamire, M.; Mor, Siobhan M.; Baylis, M.; Kaba, M.
Ethiopia is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with the increasing geographic extent, intensity, and frequency of drought. This study aimed to examine how pastoralist communities understand climate change and its impacts. We conducted a qualitative study among pastoral communities in Ethiopia using focus group discussions with community representatives and key informant interviews with human and animal health and agriculture experts. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Participants viewed deforestation and population growth as the main causes of climate change. They found that climate change caused high temperatures, a shortage of rainfall, and drought. These changes affected the environment, food security, and animal health, impacting their livelihoods, health, and social systems. Coping strategies included engaging in new economic activities, environmental recovery attempts, migration, and seeking food aid for survival. They suggested providing food aid, improving access to human and animal health care, and implementing early warning systems at the community level. The pastoralists perceived that climate change destroyed the natural environment, increased food insecurity, and negatively affected social systems and health. Collaborative actions are needed to mitigate these effects, initiate local environmental adaptation mechanisms, enhance water and food security, and improve animal and human health services.
Highly sensitive molecular assay based on Identical Multi-Repeat Sequence (IMRS) algorithm for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis infection
(Journal Article, 2025-02-07) Shiluli, C.; Kamath, S.; Kanoi, B.N.; Kimani, R.; Oduor, Bernard; Abkallo, Hussein M.; Maina, M.; Waweru, H.; Kamita, M.; Pamme, N.; Dupaty, J.; Klapperich, C.M.; Lolabattu, S.R.; Gitaka, J.
Introduction: Annually, approximately 174 million people globally are affected by Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infection. Half of these infections occur in resource-limited regions. Untreated T. vaginalis infections are associated with complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes mostly seen in women. In resource-limited regions, the World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for syndromic case management. However, this can lead to unnecessary treatment. Accurate diagnosis of T. vaginalis is required for effective and prompt treatment. Molecular tests such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) have the advantage of having a short turn-around time and allow the use of non-invasive specimens such as urine and vaginal swabs. However, these diagnostic techniques have numerous disadvantages such as high infrastructure costs, false negative and positive results, and interstrain variation among others. This study aimed to evaluate the use of identic
Epidemiological investigation of a pertussis outbreak among schoolchildren in Burkina Faso, 2019
(Journal Article, 2025-02-10) Ilboudo, Abdoul K.; Cissé, A.; Savadogo, M.; Sana, M.; Gouba, N.; Sourabié, Y.; Nayaga, R.; Tialla, D.; Zongo, M.; Yaméogo, I.; Tarnagda, Z.
Introduction: Pertussis remains among the top ten most common fatal aetiologies of acute respiratory infections worldwide. This study reports findings from the first laboratory-confirmed pertussis outbreak among primary schoolchildren in Burkina Faso. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during an outbreak in the districts of Sabou and Sapouy following an alert from the national surveillance system. Suspected pertussis cases were investigated, with oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal samples and sociodemographic and clinical data collected. Samples were analyzed using multiplex rRT-PCR and the FTD-33 Kit (Fast Track Diagnostics, Luxembourg). Descriptive statistics were conducted, and factors associated with pertussis positive cases were assessed using the Chi-square test and univariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 92 suspected pertussis cases with no fatal outcomes were identified among the schoolchildren in two different clusters during the investigation. The overall attack rate of the two clusters were 18.4% (92/499). Fifteen (16.6%) cases were biologically confirmed. The average age was 8.9 years, and 62% (57/92) were female. Rhinovirus (17.3%) and adenovirus (7.6%) were the most prevalent respiratory viruses detected among the suspected cases. Streptococcus pneumoniae (58.7%) and Haemophilus influenzae (56.5%) were the most common bacteria detected. A significant association was found between sore throat and confirmed cases (OR = 3.5, CI 95% [1.01–11.9]). Conclusion: Despite extensive vaccination in several countries, pertussis can still cause outbreaks. Preventive measures, such as booster vaccinations for children outside the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) target age, are necessary.
Rift Valley fever virus remains infectious in milk stored in a wide range of temperatures
(Journal Article, 2025) Dawes, B.E.; De La Mota-Peynado, A.; Rezende, I.M.; Buyukcangaz, E.K.; Harvey, A.M.; Gerken, Keli N.; Winter, C.A.; Bayrau, B.; Mitzel, D.N.; Waggoner, J.J.; Pinsky, B.A.; Wilson, W.C.; LaBeaud, A.D.
Background: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus widely distributed across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, which causes devastating epidemics affecting humans as well as ruminant livestock. The epidemiology of RVFV is difficult to disentangle, as the virus is transmitted to humans via mosquitos or direct contact with infected animals. Among these direct exposures are milking ruminants and drinking fresh milk which have been firmly established as risk factors for RVFV exposure. However, no studies to date have addressed the stability of infectious RVFV in milk. Methods: We assessed the stability of RVFV in milk by spiking cow and goat milk with infectious RVFV-MP12 vaccine strain and measured RNA via qRT-PCR and infectious viral titers via plaque assay over time in a variety of temperature conditions. Results: We demonstrate that RVFV remains stable for up to 96 hours in refrigerated milk and up to two days in milk stored in warm ambient conditions. Additionally, we show that RVFV RNA remained detectable via qRT-PCR in milk at all assessed temperatures for up to 96 hours. Lastly, we confirmed that commonly performed pasteurization techniques and boiling of milk fully inactivates RVFV in milk. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that RVFV contaminated milk in the milk supply chain of endemic regions could represent a widespread public health risk, and much of this risk is mitigatable via pasteurization. We also propose use of RVFV RNA detection in milk as a non-invasive source of RVFV surveillance.
The African Animal Breeding Network as a pathway towards genetic improvement of livestock
(Journal Article, 2025-02-10) Djikeng, Appolinaire; Olori, V.E.; Houaga, I.; Aggrey, S.E.; Okeyo Mwai, Ally; Ibeagha-Awemu, E.M.; Mrode, Raphael A.; Chagunda, M.G.G.; Tiambo, Christian K.; Rekaya, R.; Nash, O.; Nziku, Z.; Opoola, O.; Ntanganedzeni, M.; Ekine-Dzivenu, Chinyere C.; Kahi, A.; Okeno, T.O.; Hickey, J.M.; Negussie, E.; Rege, J.E.O.
Transforming Africa’s agricultural production and food systems is an imperative to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and deliver on the Africa Union’s 2063 vision, the Africa we want’. Transforming livestock systems through genetic improvement will sustainably increase productivity and proffer an inclusive socioeconomic development of farming communities. The African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet) is a platform of highly knowledgeable geneticists, animal breeders and professionals willing to provide information, training, advice and support across the continent. It will leverage available human resources among its members, facilitate partnerships and investment and develop infrastructure for innovative livestock genetic improvement in Africa.
A positive deviance approach to understand gender relations and practices that support transformative adaptation: Insights from Kenya dairy households
(Journal Article, 2025-02-08) Bullock, Renee; DuttaGupta, Tanaya; Miriti, Philip
The impacts of climate change on livelihoods and livestock systems in East Africa are significant. Efforts to bolster resilience will require a concerted focus on social equity to foster transformative adaptation. We integrate a feminist lens in a positive deviance approach to better understand gender relations in dairy producing communities in Kenya. We make theoretical and methodological contributions and suggest practical application to support locally led scaling approaches. Data was collected through 20 sex disaggregated focus group discussions (FGDs) and 10 key informant interviews (KII) with a total of 199 research participants. We focus on women's and men's participation in decision-making to assess gendered agency and labor in households, dairy specific activities, and the uptake of climate innovations. Evaluating these relations provides a better understanding of equity in dairy producing households who are at the forefront of climate adaptation. Women's and men's practices vary, and, through a positive deviance inquiry, we find the common patterns in those practices to characterize the referent group using thematic analyses. Our empirical findings demonstrate that referent group norms, relations and practices are, by and large, inequitable in agency and labor in dairy households underpinned by social norms. Positive deviant practices occur at differential rates in diverse geographies. We extended the concept of positive deviance to a relevant and urgent development agenda, transformative adaptation, that, to support resilience, must address root causes of vulnerability. We advocate for increased efforts to utilize positive deviance in future climate adaptation studies to inform practical and locally led strategies.
Flexible assessment of biosecurity in small- and medium scale poultry farms in low and middle income countries
(Journal Article, 2025-02-08) Nielsen, S.S.; Kemunto, Naomi P.; Muloi, Dishon M.; Bojesen, A.M.; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Ayebare, Dreck; Dione, Michel M.; Ibayi, Eugine L.; Poulsen, L.L.; Moodley, Arshnee
Background: Biosecurity measures are essential for mitigating the risk of pathogen introduction and spread in farms. While standardised tools for monitoring biosecurity implementation exist, they are often not tailored to the specific needs of low and middle income countries (LMICs), where pathogen occurrence and farming practices can be highly variable compared to intensive high income country settings. The aim of our study was to develop a flexible risk assessment tool for evaluating biosecurity practices on small and medium-scale poultry farms in LMICs. The methodology described here allows local experts to adapt the tool to current conditions. Results: The development process began by combining two existing questionnaires. These were evaluated by nine experts with expertise in diverse farming systems in LMICs. The experts conducted a knowledge aggregation process to assign weights to the different areas and individual questions within the questionnaires. The median scores from the final expert elicitation informed the weighting of questions in the newly developed questionnaire. These weights are adaptable and can be adjusted to reflect population-specific conditions, which may vary in pathogen load and farming practices. Conclusions: We have developed a flexible biosecurity assessment tool tailored to small-and medium-scaled poultry farms in LMICs. This tool can be used as presented or adapted to local conditions through the input of local experts, allowing for effective and context-specific biosecurity monitoring.
Systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of important foodborne pathogens isolated from retail chicken meat and associated environments in India
(Journal Article, 2025-02-07) Ayoub, H.; Kumar, M.S.; Dubal, Z.B.; Bhilegaonkar, K.N.; Hung Nguyen-Viet; Grace, Delia; Thapliyal, S.; Sanjumon, E.S.; Sneha, E.N.P.; Premkumar, D.; Rajendran, V.K.O.; Deka, Ram Pratim
The chicken value chain, a vital part of the global food supply, also represents a significant public health concern due to the risk of foodborne pathogens, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as India. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of significant bacterial pathogens including Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. in retail chicken meat and associated environments and the antimicrobial resistance based on the articles published between January 2010–December 2023. The research adhered to the guidelines in the ’Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’ (PRISMA). Based on 90 included studies, S. aureus showed the highest pooled prevalence (56%; 95% CI: 38–74%), followed by E. coli (50%; 95% CI: 37–64%), C. perfringens (35%; 95% CI: 10–65%), and K. pneumoniae (21%; 95% CI: 7–38%). Salmonella spp. (95% CI: 11–26%) and Campylobacter spp. (95% CI: 11–27%) exhibited similar prevalence rates at 18%, while L. monocytogenes had the lowest prevalence at 13% (95% CI: 1–33%). A sensitivity analysis was subsequently conducted to assess the impact of influential studies, and the pooled prevalence of each pathogen was recalculated after removing these studies to ensure the robustness of the results. The pathogens, specifically Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp., displayed high levels of resistance to medically important antimicrobials (erythromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, colistin), a potential threat to human health. This study advocates for a collaborative and comprehensive approach, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the issue, and highlighting the importance of a holistic strategy to safeguard public health and maintain antibiotic effectiveness in the face of emerging challenges.
Documenting challenges in achieving rabies elimination by 2030 in low-middle income countries; a Kenyan case study from Lamu County, 2020–2022: mixed methods approach
(Journal Article, 2025-02-10) Mwanyalu, N.; Mwatondo, Athman; Chuchu, V.; Maina, K.; Muturi, Mathew; Mutiiria, M.; Chepkwony, D.; Owiny, M.; Munyua, P.
Background: Kenya launched a Rabies Elimination Strategy in 2014, aiming to end human rabies deaths by 2030. In March 2022, Lamu County reported increased cases of human dog bites and suspected rabies deaths to the Ministry of Health (MoH). We aimed to establish the extent of the rabies outbreak in humans and animals and determine the challenges to achieving rabies elimination by 2030. Methods: We extracted dog bite reports from the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS), national surveillance database system, and reviewed medical records at health facilities in Lamu County for suspected human rabies deaths from 2020 to 2022. We obtained information about animal bites and illnesses in deceased persons, checked the availability of anti-rabies vaccines in health facilities, and administered rabies knowledge and practice questionnaires to health workers. For categorical data, frequencies and proportions were determined. Results: There were 787 dog bite cases and six human rabies cases. Only a third (2/6) of the rabies cases were uploaded to the KHIS. The county used targeted dog vaccination, and samples were not collected from the biting dogs. Regarding the availability of human rabies vaccines, half (8/16) of the facilities had the human rabies vaccine, and 19% (3/16) had both the human rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). Rabies vaccine stock-outs were common at 73% (11/16). Only 25% (18/73) of the health workers reported their first action would be to clean the bite wound with running water and soap for 15 min. Additionally, 86% (54/63) did not know the recommended human rabies vaccine and RIG dosage and schedule, while 25% (18/73) of healthcare workers were satisfied with the existing information-sharing mechanisms between veterinary and human health departments for rabies prevention and control. Conclusions: There was underreporting of rabies cases, a lack of awareness of bite wound management at health facilities, and persistent stockouts of human rabies vaccines. We suggest training healthcare workers on animal bite case management and improving One Health information exchange.
Analysis of antibiotic use and access to drugs among poultry farmers in Kenya
(Journal Article, 2025-06) Muloi, Dishon M.; Kasudi, Mitchelle R.; Murungi, Maurice K.; Ibayi, Eugine L.; Kahariri, S.; Karimi, C.; Korir, Max; Muasa, B.; Mwololo, D.; Ndanyi, R.; Ndungi, R.; Njiru, J.; Omani, R.; Owada, R.; Omulo, S.; Azegele, A.; Fèvre, Eric M.
Understanding access to and use of antibiotics in livestock production systems is critical for guiding antimicrobial stewardship programmes and animal health services. We analysed antibiotic use practices among smallholder-intensive poultry farms in Kenya and characterised access to veterinary supply chains by calculating travel time to drug stores. Data were collected from 766 poultry farms across 15 Kenyan counties, representing all production types, between May 2021 and February 2022. We also collected antibiotic sales and geolocation data from 321 veterinary drug stores in Nakuru and Kilifi counties, representing areas with high and low-intensity poultry production, respectively. Using a machine learning framework, we predicted farm-level antibiotic use based on collected demographic and production traits. We also built geospatial models to characterise farmer travel time to drug stores with motorised transport. Half of farms used antibiotics at least once in the last two months, mostly for self-administered therapeutic reasons. Random forest analysis predicted that farms using disinfectants in cleaning, keeping other poultry species, with rodents in the chicken house and vaccinating their birds had the highest likelihood of antibiotic use. 95.4 % of farmers lived within one hour of a veterinary drug store, with 40 % residing within 15 min. Antibiotic use is integrated in smallholder poultry production, emphasising the need for prioritizing biosecurity, regulatory and socio-behavioural interventions, and economic incentives to enhance stewardship. Spatial maps suggests both risks and opportunities for antibiotic access and veterinary care.
Impact of index insurance on downside income risk: Evidence from northern Kenya
(Journal Article, 2025-01-19) Shikuku, Kelvin Mashisia; Ochenje, Ibrahim
We assessed the impact of index-based livestock insurance (IBLI) on household income and its higher-order moments (i.e., variance and skewness). The study uses four waves of panel survey data from northern Kenya and applies a two stage least squares (2SLS) instrumental variables regression to estimate the causal impacts. We found that uptake of IBLI increased household income and reduced pastoralists' exposure to downside risk. Our results imply that policies and investments promoting the scaling of index insurance will be effective for climate risk management and welfare improvement in Sub-Saharan Africa by increasing income and reducing exposure to downside risk.
Characteristics of chicken production systems in rural Burkina Faso: A focus on One Health related practices and food security
(Journal Article, 2025-02-03) Dione, Michel M.; Ilboudo, Guy; Ouedraogo, A.A.; Ima, S.A.; Ouedraogo, B.; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Kagambèga, A.; Alders, R.
In addition to having cultural importance, village chicken production remains an important source of cash income for most rural households in Burkina Faso. However, strict biosecurity and good management of chicken flocks are required to reduce the risk of exposure of communities to chicken waste at household level. We characterized village production systems in rural Burkina Faso in relation to importance to food security, biosecurity, husbandry and chicken health management. We surveyed 483 chicken-producing households and carried out 20 focus group discussions separately with men and women chicken producers in Boussouma commune, a typical rural setting. Crop farming was reported as the main income-generating activity carried out by chicken producers (79.5%). Seventy-six per cent of households sold chicken to local markets. Chicken production and sales were aligned to social/cultural events (religious festivals, weddings, etc.) and school-fee payment period. While men spent more revenues from chicken production on agriculture and household equipment’s, women spent more on food, education and medical expenses. The chicken management system is mainly extensive scavenging, with most farmers (81.4%) keeping 5 to 50 birds with little or no supplementary feeding and rudimentary housing. Most producers indicated that Newcastle disease was the main cause of chicken mortality. While men consider high disease burden, lack of finance, and poor chicken housing as the major constraints, women prioritized the lack of adequate chicken housing, lack of feeds and limited access to veterinary services. With locally adapted interventions that build one a One Health approach, village chicken keeping has the potential to secure and greatly improve smallholder livelihoods and household food security, while preserving public health in Burkina Faso.
A framework for managing infectious diseases in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries in the face of climate change-East Africa as a case study
(Journal Article, 2025-01-30) Worsley-Tonks, Katherine E.L.; Angwenyi, S.; Carlson, C.; Cissé, G.; Deem, S.L.; Ferguson, A.W.; Fèvre, Eric M.; Kimaro, E.G.; Kimiti, D.W.; Martins, D.J.; Merbold, Lutz; Mottet, A.; Murray, S.; Muturi, M.; Potter, T.M.; Prasad, S.; Wild, H.; Hassell, J.M.
Climate change is having unprecedented impacts on human health, including increasing infectious disease risk. Despite this, health systems across the world are currently not prepared for novel disease scenarios anticipated with climate change. While the need for health systems to develop climate change adaptation strategies has been stressed in the past, there is no clear consensus on how this can be achieved, especially in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries that experience high disease burdens and climate change impacts simultaneously. Here, we highlight the need to put health systems in the context of climate change and demonstrate how this can be achieved by taking into account all aspects of infectious disease risk (i.e., pathogen hazards, and exposure and vulnerability to these pathogen hazards). The framework focuses on rural communities in East Africa since communities in this region experience climate change impacts, present specific vulnerabilities and exposure to climate-related hazards, and have regular exposure to a high burden of infectious diseases. Implementing the outlined approach can help make health systems climate adapted and avoid slowing momentum towards achieving global health grand challenge targets.
Bridging gaps and leveraging opportunities for One Health: Feedback from the 8th World One Health Congress
(Journal Article, 2025-01-28) Caron, Alexandre; Garine-Wichatitsky, M. de; Figuié, M.; Meunier, J.; Mugabe, P.; Zinsstag, J.
We attended the 8th WOHC between the 20th and 23rd of September 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa and we provide here our feedback with a specific perspective on the policy implications. The One Health approach still needs to go beyond diseases and to embrace a truly holistic definition of health in both its pathogenic and salutogenic components. This broader definition of health should be applied to all human groups with more equity and inclusivity, to non-human animals, as sentient beings, and to ecosystems and the environment in a more integrated way.
Cost-effectiveness of interventions toward improving microbial food safety of chicken meat along supply chains in Burkina Faso and Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-03-02) Ssemanda, J.N.; Besten, H.M.W. den; Dione, Michel M.; Amenu, Kebede; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Zwietering, M.H.; Wagenberg, C.P.A. van
Estimates for the cost-effectiveness of food safety interventions are needed to direct food safety management decisions. In this study, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of food safety interventions to control Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. along the chicken meat supply chain in Burkina Faso and Ethiopia. Using Monte-Carlo simulation models, we estimated the cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) of these interventions from the annual costs of an intervention (in United States Dollar, ($)) divided by their respective public health benefits (avoided disability-adjusted life years (DALY)) for each pathogen separately and for the two pathogens combined. The lower the CER of an intervention the better. In Burkina Faso, out of 16 candidate interventions, the three interventions with the lowest CER were improved handwashing in chicken restaurants (Campylobacter spp. 387 $/avoided DALY (95 % Prediction interval: 69–1468); Salmonella spp. 7801 (1067–33,492)), using designated kitchen utensils at restaurants (549 (107–2026); 4515 (671–18,957)), and avoiding cross contamination between live birds at market (768 (187–2620); 5127 (933–20,423)). In Ethiopia, out of 15, the interventions that came first were, improved transport conditions of live birds (296 (79–996); 534 (150–1770)), adding plant extracts to feed or water at farms (387 (69–1532); 581 (108–2256)), and adding organic acids to feed or water at farms (454 (69–1947); 1226 (195–5178)). When all costs were attributed to chicken meat, the household interventions in Ethiopia had substantially higher CER than interventions in other supply chain stages, because of the low number of chickens prepared and consumed at home in a year. When only part of the costs was attributed, the CER of these household interventions were reduced by over 90 % ranking them as the most cost-effective interventions in the supply chain. When considering public health benefits of both Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. in Burkina Faso, the CERs were 11 to 64 % lower compared to the CER when only considering Campylobacter spp. and 59 to 96 % lower if only looking at Salmonella spp., depending on the intervention. In Ethiopia, this was 25 to 80 % for Campylobacter spp. and 36 to 87 % for Salmonella spp., respectively. Thus, attribution of intervention costs to the food product of interest and inclusion of multiple pathogens can have a substantial impact on the estimated cost-effectiveness of control measures. Our developed framework and models can be used to estimate the CER of food safety interventions, guide implementation of food safety measures in chicken meat supply chains of not only in Burkina Faso and Ethiopia but also in other LMICs with similar conditions.
“Without a man’s decision, nothing works”: Building resilience to Rift Valley fever in pastoralist communities in Isiolo Kenya
(Journal Article, 2025-01-28) Mutambo, Irene N.; Bett, Bernard K.; Bukachi, S.A.
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease that affects both livestock and humans. Men and women in pastoralist communities are vulnerable to RVF risk exposure because of their different roles and reliance on livestock products. This study sought to understand how ownership and decision-making in pastoralist male and female-headed households influence coping mechanisms and resilience to Rift Valley fever (RVF), using the three resilience capacities of absorptive, adaptive, and transformative. This study was conducted in two sub-counties (Garbatulla) and Merti), Isiolo County, Kenya. Data were collected through 16 focus group discussions and 13 key informant interviews with pastoralists and animal and human health stakeholders. The findings indicate that traditionally, men have the final say on decisions related to livestock ownership and make overall household decisions. Pastoralist men and women employ different approaches, including hygiene practices and mosquito nets, community knowledge dissemination, establishment of new businesses, utilization of healthcare, and indigenous medicines, to reduce the effects of RVF in both humans and livestock. They also collaborated with community disease surveillance initiatives to strengthen disease surveillance networks and gain access to county government support. This process fosters resilience, community empowerment, and transformative and sustainable adaptation responses to RVF.
Advancing green recovery: Integrating one health in sustainable wildlife management in the Asia-Pacific Indigenous People and Local Communities
(Journal Article, 2025-06) Sangkachai, N.; Wiratsudakul, A.; Grace, Delia; Whittaker, M.; George, A.; Nielsen, M.R.; Hogarth, N.; Pfeiffer, D.U.; Smith-Hall, C.; Nameer, P.O.; Hassan, L.; Talukdar, G.; Lee, T.M.; Mathur, V.B.; Rwego, I.B.; Compton, J.; Mispiratceguy, M.; Shi, J.; Fine, A.E.; Animon, I.; Carvalho, K.R. de; Taber, A.; Newman, S.; Thongdee, M.; Sariya, L.; Tangsudjai, S.; Korkijthamkul, W.; Sakcamduang, W.; Suwanpakdee, S.
Wildlife (in this paper: wild animals) deliver a crucial range of ecosystem services on human health and livelihood, particularly in Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLCs). ‘One Health’ extends beyond just health; it also includes a comprehensive framework that can address wildlife and biodiversity conservation to enhance the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment with multisectoral collaboration. Therefore, integrating One Health principles into wildlife management was suggested in this review to improve the quality of life by reducing poverty, improving food security, and preventing zoonotic diseases in IPLCs. The relationship between wildlife interactions and the emergence of pathogens that can be transmitted between wild animals, domestic and production animals, and humans underscores the need to incorporate a One Health approach to mitigate risk. This integration will also contribute to conserving wild animals and their habitats and biodiversity for ecosystem balance. This review highlights the importance of One Health in supporting sustainable wildlife management to achieve a green recovery through policies and actions based on global and national regulatory frameworks, development of local policies with community engagement, risk assessment and communication, sustainable wildlife use practices, and conducting research and innovation. Monitoring and analyzing data on supply chains and economic values can serve as a decision-support tool for sustainability wildlife management. A theory of change for sustainable wildlife management and enhancing human well-being is proposed using the One Health approach. All these activities must respect local cultures and traditions, ensuring that One Health and community-based approaches effectively benefit local communities.
Gender and antimicrobial resistance: a conceptual framework for researchers working in livestock systems
(Journal Article, 2025-01-28) Emdin, F.; Galiè, Alessandra; Moodley, Arshnee; Van Katwyk, S.R.
Background: To promote gender mainstreaming in future AMR research projects and policy implementation within livestock and other systems, researchers need to embrace gender-responsive research methodologies. Ignoring gender considerations can lead to unsustainable interventions and exacerbate existing equity gaps. Incorporating gender analysis is crucial for identifying data collection needs and opportunities to develop gender-responsive research programs and policies. Objectives: We have developed a conceptual framework and a set of research questions designed to enhance the gender-responsiveness of AMR research in livestock systems. Methods: A narrative review previously identified three key entry points for gender dynamic impacting AMR in agricultural systems: gendered antimicrobial resistance exposure, gendered antimicrobial use and gendered outcomes of antimicrobial resistance infections. This information was then analyzed using a health system gender framework. Combining these insights, we developed a comprehensive list of research questions. Results: We developed comprehensive list of gender-related questions. Given the limited understanding of how gender dynamics and norms influence AMR, we have primarily proposed qualitative, exploratory questions. These questions are categorized into two types: integrated and strategic. Integrated questions offer a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and norms in livestock systems with the aim of improving them, while strategic questions focus on gender-related issues in livestock as entry points, highlighting some of the mechanisms behind these gender issues to progress towards gender equality. Conclusion: As gender-analysis in livestock research gains prominence, there is an increasing expectation for AMR researchers to integrate gender considerations into their work. This framework provides a starting point for researchers aiming to enhance gender inclusivity and considerations in AMR research within livestock systems. The next phase of our project will involve applying this framework in the field, where a real-life application will enable its validation and further refinement.

Browse

Recent Submissions