Factors limiting an appropriate animal health delivery service to smallholders : a case study of indigenous cattle farmers in Mwanza region, Tanzania

A survey was conducted between January and March 1994 on 60 smallholder cattle farmers in 57 villages in Mwanza region, Tanzania. to identify factors constraining the delivery of an appropriate animal health service in the area. Questionnaire-based sample surveys were concurrently carried out with rapid rural appraisal, farmers' participation and observations of the farms and cattle. Samples were collected from animals which appeared clinically ill and laboratory diagnoses were performed. Farms had relatively large herds. Composition of herds was very variable but usually had relatively high proportions of unproductive animals and low numbers of calves. Land was communally owned and was one contributor to the spread of diseases and land degradation. Most farm facilities and management practices were poor. Farmers tended to ignore cattle in pursuit of arable crops and off-farm labour. Cattle diseases were the main health problem. Gastrointestinal helminthiasis, tick-borne diseases and herd-healthrelated problems were the most important disease groups. East Coast Fever and fascioliasis emerged as the two most prominent cattle diseases. Clinical and veterinary support services were inadequate and inefficient because of poor management. The government appeared largely responsible for the situation. It was also responsible for relaxation of disease control regulations and indeterminate land policies. Because of these problems, farmers preferred private management of animal health services. In order to improve the delivery of cattle health services some areas have to be addressed. Land policies and disease control programs have to be strengthened; farmers have to be further educated on cattle husbandry and management; markets have to be improved; incentives have to be provided; clinical and veterinary services have to be privatised