The impact of diseases on goat productivity in Sembabule District.

Abstract

This study was a 3 months cross sectional study undertaken to establish the effect of goat diseases on the production and productivity of local Ugandan goats, crossbreds and exotic as well as the coping strategies of the local communities when challenged by goat diseases. The study was conducted in 2 sub counties using a questionnaire on 100 randomly selected respondents. Other qualitative methods including focus group discussions and key informant interviews were also used. The study revealed that goat diseases were the single most important challenge limiting goat production and productivity. The most prevalent goat diseases and conditions were abortions (42%), helmithosis (32%), pneumonias (12%) and diarrheas (8% ) among others. The greatest effects of the diseases on the production and productivity of the goats were manifested as the high treatment costs (68%) the high kid mortality (56 %) and the high abortion rates (42 %). The major effect of the diseases on the community livelihoods was mainly manifested as deprived incomes leading to poverty and food insecurity. There was also Avery high risk of the community contracting zoonoses. The main coping mechanisms by the communities included Self-treatment (42%), use of conventional veterinarians (35% ) and the use of ITKS’ including phytotherapy ( 25%). The study concluded that goat diseases remain the single most important challenge limiting goat production. However, further studies are needed to establish the causes of high abortion rates and kid mortalities as well as establishment of the possibility of drug resistance development as a result of high levels of self treatment. Finally studies into the effectiveness and efficacy of ITKs and phytotherapy currently in use is required before they are recommended for large scale adoption