Summary
This participatory epidemiology study engaged Fulani pastoralists in Kwara State, Nigeria—who manage approximately 90% of the Nigerian cattle population—to systematically identify and rank the most important cattle diseases affecting their herds. Using focus group meetings, disease impact scoring, and seasonal calendars, the research documented eight diseases of priority concern, suggesting that pastoralist-derived knowledge can inform disease surveillance and control priorities in pastoral systems. The findings highlight the value of participatory approaches in understanding disease burden in livestock systems managed by resource-limited producers.
UK applicability
Direct applicability to UK conditions is limited, as the study addresses diseases and pastoral systems specific to tropical West African contexts and Fulani management practices. However, the participatory epidemiology methodology itself may be relevant to UK livestock disease surveillance where engaging farmer knowledge is increasingly valued in co-designed health systems.
Key measures
Participatory epidemiology methods including focus group discussions, disease impact scoring, and seasonal calendars; ranking of cattle disease importance by Fulani pastoralists
Outcomes reported
The study identified the most important cattle diseases affecting Fulani pastoralists in Kwara State using participatory epidemiology methods. Eight diseases/symptoms were ranked by pastoralists during focus group meetings and disease impact scoring exercises.
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