African animal trypanosomosis and tsetse control partnership initiative:a case study of Fulani community in BICOT project area, Adogi-Lafia, Nasarawa state, Nigeria

Livestock farmers/herdsmen were interviewed in the Biological control of tsetse fly project (BICOT) area in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, between June and August 2000. One hundred and eighty five (185) of the 200 structured questionnaires administered to collect information on the impact of tsetse and trypanosomosis were returned. Some of the questions posed were on knowledge about the disease and its vectors, their effects on cattle and owners income, treatment of the disease and the farmer's willingness to participate in livestock development programs such as tsetse fly control among others. Prominent clinical signs mentioned by the respondents included emaciation, rough hair coat, poor growth, anemia and loss of appetite. Majority (83%) of the respondents usually treat against trypanosomosis and other diseases. Viable option for African trypanosomes control is vector control. This control had been undertaken using a number of strategies such as vegetation clearing, trapping of insects, application of pesticides and the sterile insect Technique (SIT). However, low rates or lack of sustainability of the achievements of the measures has resulted in an increase in the negative impacts of tsetse/ trypanosomosis problems in the affected areas, including the present study area. As a result of this problem, 77% of the cattle owners (mostly Fulani) are ready to participate and make commitment to livestock development programs such as vector control. The paper suggests that Government should enlighten, encourage and start a pilot project which will involve only a few of the cattle owners, through the introduction of simple techniques such as insecticides impregnated screens and traps, which will be of ready application by an average livestock farmer. Keywords : trypanosomosis , tsetse fly, partnership initiative, Fulani community, Nigeria > Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2 (4) 2006: pp. 244-247