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In the heart of Southwestern Kenya lies Lambwe Valley, where livestock provides a lifeline for many rural households. This is one reason why Dr Ivy Okello, a PASET-Regional Scholarship Innovation Fund (Rsif) recent PhD graduate decided to tackle African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) and its devastating effects on livestock production in the Lambwe community. Rsif is the flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) as the Regional Coordination Unit.

“In extreme cases, untreated animals may die, deepening the losses experienced by farmers. In a region like Lambwe Valley, where 15.63 per cent of cattle were found to be infected, the effects of AAT are stark. As cattle provide both milk and traction power for farming, any decline in their health directly impacts food production,” Dr Okello explains.

Dr Okello’s research dives into the effects of AAT, and identifying possible solutions to improve livestock productivity and, by extension, food security in the Lambwe community. Her key message is that the health of livestock is tied to food security, and we must not overlook that connection.

The implications of AAT extend beyond the individual farm and the effects are beyond reduced milk and meat production. This is because most farmers in rural communities rely on livestock to plough their lands.  “Most households depend on animal traction for ploughing fields,” Dr Okello points out. “When animals are sick or die, it not only impacts food production but also increases the labour burden on families.”

AAT does not only affect Lambwe Valley but also countries with livestock-based agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, by causing low milk production, increased risk of infection by other diseases, low live weight gain, reduced fertility and mortality if not treated.

In the Lambwe community Dr Okello found that many farmers resort to self-treatment for their livestock, which often results in improper use of drugs and ineffective disease control due to poverty and lack of access to veterinary services. This negatively impacts effectiveness of disease control as most control measures will not work as predicted. It would also lead to persistence of AAT in such regions despite livestock receiving treatment. Another barrier that farmers face, according to Dr Okello’s research findings include poor access to veterinary care, the high cost of treatment, and the proximity of livestock to tsetse-infested wildlife areas. “Communal grazing and the closeness to national parks expose cattle to more tsetse fly bites, increasing the risk of AAT,” she notes.

Dr Okello recommends a mix of policy changes and community education. Key among her recommendations is to reduce communal grazing near wildlife areas, strengthen community-based disease control strategies. She also proposes integrated disease management practices, that combine drug treatment with effective vector control.

Just as this year’s World Food Day, Dr Okello also stresses the importance of building resilient food systems, and in her case, controlling AAT, can safeguard livestock health and ensure a steady supply of milk and meat for rural households in the Lambwe Valley.”

Dr Okello’s work is a powerful wakeup call that by tackling AAT, we can move closer to ensuring food security for the millions of people who rely on livestock for their survival. It also underscores the importance of regional research and training programmes like the PASET-Rsif in nurturing the next generation of scientists and leaders for Africa.