Socio-economic Impacts of Tsetse and Animal African Trypanosomosis on Pastoralists in the Blue Nile and Central Equatoria States-The Sudan

Abstract

A socio-economic survey was conducted among cattle-rearing communities in and around Damazin town (11 0 46¢ N, 34 0 21¢ E , ), Blue Nile State (BNS), south-eastern central Sudan and around Juba town (04 0 50¢ N, 31 0 35¢E), Central Equatoria State (CES), southern Sudan. The overall objective of this study was to identify and assess the socio-economic impacts of tsetse and trypanosomosis (nagana) on the livelihood of pastoralist communities in these states. Primary data were collected by using questionnaires, group discussions together with direct observations and personal interviews with community leaders. A purposive sampling technique (non-random sampling technique) was used to collect data from 60 respondents from each state. The questionnaires covered three aspects: farming system and village economics, tsetse–cattle contact and livestock and trypanosomosis. Secondary data were obtained from official reports, theses and publications. Results showed that the main ethnic groups inhabiting the BNS are the Felata (Umbararo, Hawsa and the Fulani), Kennana, Rufaa, Angasana, and the Nuba whom are the only exogenous tribe in the state. But in CES most dominant tribes are Mondari and the Bari even though there are minor 14 ethnic groups inhibiting the state. There were statistically significant differences between the BN and CE states: in the communal residence (χ 2 = 6.95, P = <0.03), economic activities (χ 2 = 9.5, P= <0.009), staple crops (χ 2 = 51.9, P<0.000004), providing feed supplement to cattle (χ 2 = 95.0, P = < 0.00000001), cattle importance to the community (χ 2 = 50.0, P <0.00000001), management of migratory cattle when resident at the villages ivWisal Elnour M. Elhassan M. Sc 2010 (χ 2 = 14.7, P < 0.003). Ownership system of cattle (χ 2 = 39.2, P < 0.00000001). While in CES, there is multiple ownership of cattle single ownership dominates in the BNS which explains the highly significant difference between the states in the involvement of farmers in cattle management (χ 2 = 49.2, P < 0.00000001). There are also significant differences in who consumes the milk (χ 2 = 33.7, P = <0.00000001), the amount of milk consumed with the BNS farmers consuming more milk (χ 2 = 152.0, P = <0.00000001) and also milking more species of livestock (χ 2 = 56.0, P = <0.00000001). Pastoralists in the BNS take red meat more frequently than in CES (χ 2 = 34.1, P <0.00000001). Similarly they slaughter more species of livestock (χ 2 = 80.0 P = <0.000001). Farmers in CES never use their livestock for field work nor for transportation, while in the BNS most farmers use donkeys and camels for transportation. Oxen for transport are used by the Umbararo tribesmen only especially during migration. Although trypanosomosis is the most serious disease affecting cattle in both states, ranking of other diseases affecting cattle herds differed significantly between the two regions (χ 2 = 30.5, P = <0.000004). In both states trypanosomosis causes high calf’s mortality, high abortion rates as well as reduction in milk production. The familiarity with tsetse flies is significantly different between the two states (χ 2 = 10.4, P = <0.002) as the majority of CES farmers know tsetse flies while some farmers in the BNS do not or have just heard of them. However, in both states there are local vernacular names for trypanosomosis, tsetse and other biting flies. While in CES farmers treat only sick animals against trypanosomosis in the BNS they use blanket treatment including donkeys vWisal Elnour M. Elhassan M. Sc 2010 and camels (χ 2 = 39.1, P = <0.0000003). In the BNS Berenil is the most popular trypanocide and is used at 2.15 doses / animal / year. In CES Ethidium bromide is the most popular and is used at 2.5 doses/anima/year. Although trypanosomosis treatment and livestock production costs are relatively higher in the BN than in CE, budget analysis revealed that livestock is kept at a loss in both states.