| dc.description.abstract | Livestock health service delivery in many developing countries is undergoing privatization as part of an international restructuring for economic development. One widely publicized initiative to refocus livestock health service delivery has been the introduction of community-based animal health workers. This initiative involves training community-selected representatives in basic animal health care and livestock production techniques. Experiences from these programs indicate that, by using existing traditional knowledge, CBAHWS programmes encourage the participation of the local communities in the design and delivery of animal health care services. With several players in the ASAL veterinary market, a quantitative assessment of the efficiency of comparative service delivery, level of outreach, and benefits to livestock keepers of each of these service systems is essential.
The purpose of the study was to explore parameters important to the delivery of animal healthcare by CBAHW s. This study employed descriptive survey research. The study targeted the district Veterinary offices where the veterinary officers were the target. The office acts as a links between the ministry and the livestock keepers. The study also targeted the livestock officers who are in charge of the six divisions of the county. The study also targeted CBAHW s who deliver the primary animal health care. The study employed purposive sampling technique to select the 3 veterinary officers and 6 livestock officers in the district. At division level 5 pastoralists and 5 CBAHW s were randomly selected. Both primary and secondary data was collected from Livestock keepers and other stakeholders in the livestock industry in Isiolo County. The data was collected through observations, visits, interviews and questionnaires. Descriptive statistics was employed.
The relationship between the parameters and the delivery of animal healthcare was established using correlation and regression analysis. The study found that CABWs offered most of services except meat inspection and the CABWs were more accessible as they are close to the people than the government officers. On the five key animal health service delivery parameter, it was also concluded that CBAHW s are accessible, their service are affordable and efficient. It was further concluded that CBAHWs are more preferred and more effective in Isiolo County. This study therefore recommends that the number of CBAHWS should be increased so as to reduce the distance they travel when meeting livestock keepers. This study also recommends that the CBAHWS should be trained on the effectiveness and the efficacy of convention and non convention drugs. The study will assist the government and development agencies into appropriate animal health delivery system to the marginalized poor communities and offer suggestions for policy changes and harmonization in improvement of animal health service delivery systems. | en_US |
