Health Management in Livestock Production in Sub Saharan Countries

Abstract

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to explore health management in livestock production in Sub Saharan countries.

Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.

Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to health management in livestock production in Sub Saharan countries. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the health management of livestock in Sub-Saharan Africa is a complex and multifaceted endeavor, influenced by a range of factors including limited access to veterinary services, inadequate nutrition management, and the effectiveness of disease control measures.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The One Health theory, Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Diffusion of Innovations theory may be used to anchor future studies relating to livestock production. The study recommends for enhancing access to veterinary services, promoting knowledge, scaling up vaccination efforts, improving nutrition management, strengthening biosecurity measures, using gender sensitive approaches and investing in disease surveillance and rapid response.