Tropentag 2023, September 20 - 22, Berlin, Germany "Competing pathways for equitable food systems transformation: trade-offs and synergies."

Benefits and financing options supporting the adoption of an East Coast fever vaccine in Tanzania

¹University of Kassel, Animal Husbandary in the Tropics and Subtropics, Germany
²International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Policies, Institutions & Livelihoods (PIL), Kenya
³University of Kassel / University of Goettingen, Animal Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, Germany

Abstract

The “Infection and Treatment Method” (ITM) is a strategy to mitigate severe cattle losses in Eastern Africa caused by East Coast fever, a tick-borne disease. ITM involves intentionally infecting cattle with a low dose of the disease-causing pathogen, followed by treatment with antibiotics. This approach has been shown to provide several benefits, including reduced disease incidence, improved animal health, and increased productivity.
However, the full potential of ITM is not always realised due to challenges such as vaccination cost management and implementation complexity. In this poster presentation, we will discuss the benefits of ITM from the farmers' perspectives through analysing a data set recorded in Tanzania, including reduced disease incidence, improved animal health, and increased productivity. We will also explore what farmers have changed after implementing ITM, such as improvements in animal management practices and increased awareness of disease prevention strategies.
One of the major challenges for the adoption of ITM is the cost associated with vaccination. We will present the financing strategies that farmers use to pay for ITM vaccination, including government subsidies, community financing, and other financing mechanisms. Additionally, we will examine the credit option some animal health care providers offer to support farmers in managing the costs associated with ITM implementation.
A better understanding of the benefits and financing strategies of ITM for cattle health in Eastern Africa from the farmers' perspective will allow development stakeholders to more effectively improve the technical, business and institutional aspects of last-mile delivery systems of the vaccine. Only if the current constraints in vaccine delivery be successfully addressed can the vaccine achieve its potential to support livestock keepers in achieving significant livelihood improvements.

Keywords: East Coast fever, financing strategies by farmers

Contact Address: Nils Teufel, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Policies, Institutions & Livelihoods (PIL), Kabete, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, e-mail: n.teufelcgiar.org