Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Small Ruminant and Pig Farmers Regarding Tsetse Flies and Animal African Trypanosomosis in Southern Benin.

Abstract

Background: Animal African trypanosomosis (AAT) remains a major constraint to livestock production across sub-Saharan Africa despite ongoing control efforts. Although several studies have assessed farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding AAT in cattle production systems, little is known about small ruminant and pig farmers, particularly in Benin. This study assessed farmers' KAP regarding tsetse flies and AAT and identified the sociodemographic factors associated with disease awareness in southern Benin.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between September and December 2024 among 384 randomly selected goat, sheep, and pig farmers from six communes in southern Benin. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire administered through the KoboCollect platform. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondents' characteristics and KAP outcomes. Associations between sociodemographic variables and knowledge were assessed using chi-square tests, while multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of knowledge. The results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Among the 384 respondents, 62.24% were men, 45.57% were aged 41-50 years, and 56.77% had no formal education. Although most farmers (83.59%) correctly recognized tsetse flies, only 16.93% identified them as vectors of animal trypanosomosis, and 81.3% had never heard of the disease. Knowledge was significantly associated with sex (χ ² = 74.527; p < 0.0001), age (χ ² = 299.04; p < 0.0001), marital status (χ ² = 873.37; p < 0.0001), educational level (χ ² = 219.96; p < 0.0001), and occupation (χ ² = 214.23; p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, secondary and higher education, male sex, and agricultural occupations remained significant predictors of knowledge. While insecticides were perceived as the most effective control method (44.53%), only 14.1% of respondents reported using them, and two-thirds implemented no specific vector control measures. Trypanocides were used by only 11.5% of farmers, whereas reliance on traditional plant-based practices remained uncommon (2.86%).

Conclusions: Small ruminant and pig farmers in southern Benin generally recognize tsetse flies but have limited knowledge of their role in AAT transmission and report low adoption of effective prevention and control measures. These findings highlight the need for targeted awareness campaigns, strengthened veterinary extension services, and integrated One Health approaches to improve AAT prevention and sustainable livestock production in Benin.