Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Participatory Epidemiology Of Cattle Diseases among the Fulani Pastoralists in Bacita Market, Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State, North-central Nigeria

Nusirat Elelu, A.S. Lawal, Steven A Bolu, Zubair Jaji, Mark C. Eisler

Bristol Research (University of Bristol) · 2016

All evidence

Summary

This participatory epidemiological study, conducted in Bacita Market, Kwara State, Nigeria, combined Fulani pastoralist knowledge with conventional epidemiological methods to document cattle disease burden in extensive pastoral systems. By integrating indigenous knowledge systems with formal investigation, the research demonstrates the value of community-centred approaches to animal health surveillance in sub-Saharan African pastoral contexts where formal veterinary infrastructure is often limited. The work suggests that participatory methods can enhance disease documentation and management strategies in resource-constrained settings.

UK applicability

Direct applicability to UK pastoral systems is limited, as this study focuses on extensively managed pastoral systems in semi-arid West Africa with different disease ecology, herd management practices, and veterinary infrastructure. However, the methodological approach—integrating farmer knowledge with epidemiological surveillance—may have value for UK livestock disease monitoring in remote or underserved areas.

Key measures

Disease prevalence, incidence, and types among cattle herds; pastoralist-reported disease occurrences and management practices; integration of indigenous and formal epidemiological data.

Outcomes reported

The study documented cattle disease burden and epidemiological patterns in extensive pastoral systems using integrated participatory and conventional epidemiological methods. It captured Fulani pastoralist knowledge and experience alongside structured disease surveillance data.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Animal health & welfare
Study type
Research
Study design
Observational cohort
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Nigeria
System type
Pasture-based livestock
Catalogue ID
MGmowxc4z2-me467h

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