Agro-pastoral Systems Research Articles

Hygienic Production Practices and Microbiological Quality of Sheep Milk in Ararso District of Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the hygienic production practices and microbiological quality of sheep milk in Ararso district of Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. A stratified sampling strategy was used to choose 180 households specifically for this investigation. A total of 60 pooled raw sheep milk samples (each containing 200 mL) were collected from the udders and milk handling equipment of selected milk producers in the research area. The samples were examined to determine microbiological quality. The data were gathered via a questionnaire, field observation, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The vast majority of respondents in pastoral (86.7%) and agro-pastoral (64.4%) production systems were illiterate. The majority of respondents (70.6%) in the research area cleaned the sheep home (kraal) once every two days. The majority (98.3%) of respondents in the research area milk their sheep in open kraals with no roof or walls. As a consequence, 36.7% of pastoral and agro-pastoral respondents (81.1%) reported cleaning milk vessels on a regular basis. Almost all of the responders in the research area used plastic equipment for milking and handling. The majority of responders in pastoral and agro-pastoralist categories placed barn hygiene first, with indexes of 0.24 and 0.23, respectively. The average total bacterial count (TBC), coiform count (CC) and yeast and mould count (YMC) of raw sheep milk samples were 5.13±0.21, 2.89±0.27, and 0.77±0.21 log10 cfu/mL, respectively. Raw sheep milk samples taken from producers’ milk handling equipment had a substantially higher mean total bacterial count (5.78±0.32 log10 cfu/mL) compared to samples collected from the udder (4.48±0.23 log10 cfu/mL). Milk samples from pastoral and agro-pastoral households had an average coliform count of 3.18 and 2.60 log10 cfu/mL, respectively. The average YMC in milk samples from pastoralists and agro-pastoralists were 0.74 and 0.80 log10 cfu/mL, respectively. In general, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the district do not practice hygienic milking and handling. Consequently, the implementation of hygienic milk production and handling practices is essential to enhance the safety and quality of sheep milk in the study area. Additionally, further research should be undertaken to investigate the microbiological aspects and assess the safety and quality parameters of sheep milk in greater detail.

Rice, lamb and tuna. Food processing and acquiring strategies in the medieval harbour city of Qalhât (Oman): Bioarchaeological evidence from the twin houses' building (B94)

The rise of the kingdom of Hormuz during the 13th–15th c. CE led to the development of harbour cities such as Qalhât (Sultanate of Oman), considered as the kingdom's second capital. However, although some textual sources are available, a lack of bioarchaeological analysis means that the food-processing activities and subsistence strategies set up to feed this urban population are still largely unknown. Multi-proxy analyses, including zoological, ichthyological, and botanical, have therefore been undertaken on the twin house building (B94) at the site of Qalhât. Cross-referencing these data allowed for the identification of several food processing activities and the function of some rooms due to their spatial distribution. In addition, these data give new insights into fishing practices (intensively exploited pelagic zone) and the composition and management of agropastoral systems (in the form of oasis date palm gardens, using a combination of crops, weeds and livestock), as well as food acquiring strategies that relied on the importation of plant products via the long-distance maritime trade networks of the western Indian Ocean. The study of building (B94) has provided major data to understand the way of life of the inhabitants of this region for this period, still too little studied.

Exploratory study for implementing a Global Burden of Animal Diseases case study in Senegal.

Senegal is a West African country with both extensive animal production systems, representative of the environmental, economic and animal health constraints specific to the Sahel region, and thriving commercial poultry and dairy production. An exploratory study was conducted in Senegal between 2021 and 2022 as a prelude to a case study of the Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) programme. An overview of existing animal production systems as well as the main priorities and issues in animal health on a national level was developed. A national workshop gathering representatives from the livestock production and academic sectors took place in Dakar in June 2022 with the objective of jointly developing a case study. The participants prioritised pastoralist production systems for cattle and agropastoral systems for small ruminants for the application of the GBADs programme. Through a series of activities, the participants highlighted the health, environmental, economic and socio-political challenges surrounding these systems, all of which limit their contribution to the well-being of pastoralist households, consumers and other stakeholders. While Senegal has in the past hosted a large number of research and cooperative projects on these two livestock systems, participants noted difficulties in obtaining, centralising and harmonising the existing data. This exploratory study led to the funding of a focused case study of the agropastoral small-ruminant sector that was carried out in 2023 in partnership with national and international organisations.

The impact of climate change upon intestinal parasites in central Europe during the 4th millennium BCE

The Neolithic period in Europe was subject to marked climatic variations during the fourth millennium BCE in the Alpine arc, marking the transition between the recent Atlantic and the Subboreal. This phase is characterized by falling temperatures and rising humidity in the Northern Hemisphere. Within this phase, between 3700 and 3250 BCE, a more intense phase takes place, known as Rootmoos 2 or Piora 2. This phase is characterized by a significant drop in lake water levels. This climatic change had repercussions on lakeside dwellers, notably through the modification and adaptation of their diet and subsistence modes. Intestinal parasites (helminths), found by human and animals via parasitic markers, seem to respond over time to these climatic variations. At first sight, low lake level phases are characterized by significant proportions of Trichuris at the expense of Diphyllobothrium, as well as an increase in Fasciola. These phases therefore seem to favour parasites indicative of agropastoral activities. During periods of high lake levels, Diphyllobothrium increase in number, pointing to a higher frequency of fishing practices. In sum, during periods of cooler/wetter climate, Neolithic lakeside populations seem to focus more on fishing produce, which may be a response to a destabilization of previously established agropastoral systems, marking a return to more opportunistic behaviour with the exploitation of products from the direct environment. This pilot study tends to evaluate if the evolution of parasitic communities in the 4th millennium BCE could therefore be used to complete our understanding of the effects of climatic variations on societies, both as a direct consequence of environmental destabilization (effect on the hosts) and the result of the behavioural adaptation of the inhabitants, even if it is still difficult to determine the importance of the influence of each factor on these variations. Despite some remaining challenges in the current study, the integration of paleoparasitic data into broader paleoenvironmental models appears promising. Future research can continue to develop along this path.

Awareness and use of improved livestock feed technologies among agro-pastoral households in the West African Sahel.

Seasonal scarcity of quality feed continues to be a bottleneck for agro-pastoralists and is the most important limitation to livestock production in agro-pastoral systems in the West African Sahel. In this regard, diverse promising technologies to increase the production and availability of quality feed have been introduced. Despite the introduction of various feed technologies in the region, the adoption rate by smallholder farmers is very low. The objective of this study was to identify factors affecting the likelihood of using improved livestock feed technologies among agro-pastoral households in two regions of Niger. A logit model was employed using data collected from randomly selected 218 agro-pastoral households between February and April 2023. The study revealed low awareness and use of improved livestock feed technologies among agro-pastoral households. The findings suggested the positive impact of education level, membership of farmer groups and ownership of small ruminant on enhancing the probability of using improved livestock feed technologies. Households' geographical area was one of the determinant factors in using improved livestock feed technologies. The use of improved livestock feed technologies was also influenced by family size. The study provides guidance to inform strategies by the decision-makers to enhance the utilization of improved livestock feed technologies among agro-pastoral households in the West African Sahel. Suggested strategies may in turn alleviate the current problem of low productivity of livestock, contribute to improving household food security and nutrition among agro-pastoral communities.

Multidimensional performance of agroecology in mixed and agropastoral farming systems of Ethiopia: empirical evidence based on the tool for agroecological performance evaluation (TAPE)

ABSTRACT This study presents the results of agroecological performance evaluation in Ethiopia. The study utilized the TAPE methodology on a relatively large number of farms (619). The results showed that transition to agroecology had a positive effect on tenure security, agricultural output, gross revenue, and diversity of Income-Generating Activities. More advanced agroecological farms were found to have better soil health and agrobiodiversity, and reduced use of chemical pesticides. They were also associated with better dietary diversity; more empowered youth and women; and created on-farm employment opportunities. These results call for support and public investments on agroecological transition in the country.

Soil Properties and Stoichiometry as Influenced by Land Use, Enclosures and Seasonality in a Semi-arid Dryland in Kenya

Agropastoralism and nomadic pastoralism constitute the main land use systems in semi-arid drylands in Kenya. However, limited studies have investigated how land use and management practices and seasonality affect soil properties that alter C, N, and P biogeochemical cycling in African drylands systems. Thus, this study was conducted to determine effects of: (1) sedentary agropastoral land-use system (SAL), (2) semi-nomadic pastoral land-use system (SNL)), (3) pasture enclosures and (4) seasonality on selected soil chemical properties and total C, N, and P stoichiometry in a semi-arid landscape in Kenya. Land use, enclosures, and seasonality affected chemical properties of soils and C, N, and P stoichiometry. Generally, Na, K, Ca, Mg and cation exchange capacity were higher in the dry than wet period. Soil C:N ratios were less than 5, while N:P and C:P ratios were 5–56 and 16–177, respectively. However, ratios of C:N, N:P and C:P were significantly higher in SNL than SAL. The C:P and N:P ratios in both land use systems were highly correlated (r2 > 0.70). During the wet season, C:N ratios of soils were higher inside enclosures in both land uses. Higher soil N:P and C:P ratios were observed during dry compared to wet seasons. The N:P and C:P ratios of soils were higher inside and outside enclosures in SAL and SNL, respectively. Land use, enclosures and seasonality exhibited different effects on chemical properties of soils and C:N:P stoichiometry ratios. Perennial vegetation cover in enclosures has a great potential to enhance soil health necessary to support pastoral land-use systems in semi-arid African drylands.

Potential of integrated trees-pasture-based systems for GHG emission mitigation and improving soil carbon dynamics in the Atlantic forest biome, Southeastern of Brazil

Brazilian cattle production is mainly carried out in pastures, and mitigating the livestock's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has become an essential prerequisite. The importance of planted forests in beef cattle pasture-based integrated systems has been widely recognized in the context of GHG emission mitigation. Adopting the intensification and integration with forest and crops of pasture-based livestock production systems are alternatives to optimizing the soil and tree carbon (C) sequestration; however, research on tropical conditions is still necessary. This long-term trial evaluated the potential of C sequestration (soil + trees) of the forest and the grazing systems with two replicate areas of 3 ha each: 1. continuous stocking rate (CLS) – pasture under continuous stocking; 2. agropastoral or crop-livestock system (AGROP) – pasture under rotational stocking in rotation with corn; 3. agrosilvipastoral or crop-livestock-forestry system (AGROSIL) - similar to AGROP but including eucalyptus; 4. silvipastoral or livestock-forestry system (SIL) - pasture under rotational stocking + eucalyptus and 5. Atlantic Forest (FOR). Soil samples were analysed for texture, C and bulk density in eight soil layers from three to eight trenches for each treatment, then C stock and C accumulation rates were calculated. Data from Eucalyptus urograndis of the SIL and AGROSIL systems with 333 trees. ha−1 during five first years and 166 trees. ha−1 in subsequent years were collected (five- and eight-years old trees) and used to define the wood volume and acquire wood rings. Elemental analyzer CHN performed soil and trees C content. Equations for determining stem volume and tree biomass and, afterward, the C pools of the tree trunks were proposed. The potential of GHG emission mitigation (t CO2 e.. ha−1. year−1) by annual C sequestration (soil or soil + trees) was calculated, including the wood used for the lumber-mill scenario. The participation of the C stock from the 0–30 cm soil layer was between 45 % and 53 % of the total C stock in the 0–100 cm soil layer. Regardless of the elevated C soil accumulation rates, 0.88, 2.54, and 1.74 t C. ha-1. year−1 in the conversion stages CLS → AGROP; AGROP → SIL; AGROP → AGROSIL, respectively, it was not possible to compensate for the negative result of the Forest → CLS conversion (-2.55 t C. ha-1. year−1) because this stage lasted 12 years, while the implementation of AGROSIL and SIL systems had only six years. However, when C tree accumulation rates were considered, the potential of GHG emission mitigation (t CO2 e. ha−1. year−1) by annual C sequestration (soil +trees) was 19.89 to AGROSIL and 18.97 to SIL, including the wood used for the lumber-mill scenario. Based on these results, it can be concluded that C sequestration in trees-pasture integrated systems occurs in layers deeper, with the diverse species contributing in different soil layers; there is a positive effect of improved land-use management, with the use of integrated systems on annual C soil sequestration and the trees consists of an important strategy to improve the GHG mitigation.

Climate Risk Management in Agro-Pastoral Systems of Central and Northern Tanzania: Costs and Benefits of Local Adaptation

In Tanzania, agro-pastoral practices have been adapted to climate change for several years. However, the economic benefits and costs of adaptation techniques for agro-pastoralists have not been well documented. Therefore, this paper analyses the economic benefits and costs of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. The analysis used primary data collected from 411 agro-pastoral households randomly selected from 22 villages in five districts in northern and central Tanzania. Net present value, benefit-cost ratio and internal rate of return were calculated to determine the benefit-cost analysis of adaptation strategies. The planned adaptation strategies were found to be financially viable compared to business-as-usual practices. Sensitivity analysis also showed that maize-sunflower intercropping was viable, while maize-bean intercropping was more sensitive to a 10% change in yield. In addition, drip irrigation and micro-catchment rainwater harvesting have the potential to contribute to climate risk management in these dryland areas by minimising water use and maximising output per hectare; the main challenge is the high initial capital cost. There is therefore a need for extension agents to continue to promote crop and livestock diversification among agro-pastoralists in managing climate risks to reduce their vulnerability to climate change and variability. In addition, research and development (R&D) practitioners need to promote and capacitate agro-pastoralists in drip irrigation and micro-catchment rainwater harvesting adaptation strategies.

Analysis of Management Practices and Breeders' Perceptions of Climate Change's Impact to Enhance the Resilience of Sheep Production Systems: A Case Study in the Tunisian Semi-Arid Zone.

Global climate change inflicts unambiguous risks on agricultural systems and food security. Small ruminants are known for their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This paper aims to characterize sheep production systems in a vulnerable agricultural zone and the breeders' perceptions of climate change to apprehend challenges that they are confronting, and formulate resilience actions. The data analysis is based on 94 semi-structured surveys of sheep farmers carried out in the Tunisian semi-arid region. The PCA analysis results revealed three main sheep production systems. The agro-pastoral rain-fed system (AGPRF) is dominant (55%), with large farms and common pastures integrating cereals and fodder. The agro-pastoral irrigated system (AGPI: 20%) is characterized by small-area and forage irrigation (1.8 ha) and a smaller number of ewes but a greater use of animal feed supplementation. The agro-sylvo-pastoral system (AGSP: 25%) is a system where grazing is based on common lands and using tree sub-products, while the agricultural area is exclusively used to cultivate cereal crops. Sheep breeders' climate perceptions are summarized as unpredictable climate events, a decrease in precipitation, and an increase in temperature. Resilience actions principally consist of reducing flocks' numbers, using alternative local feed, fodder, and water resources, and building more shelters and planting more trees in the grazing areas. Nevertheless, cost-effectiveness should be considered in such vulnerable zones to insure the sheep production systems' sustainability.

Securing agropastoral system and rural livelihood through the market garden in Niger: unfolding smallholders’ resilience to interwoven challenges

Market gardens in Niger are a crucial tool for securing agropastoral systems and rural livelihoods amid interwoven challenges such as climate change, conflicts and insecurity, demographic pressure and poverty. A study of 60 small garden farmers found that market gardens significantly enhance farmers’ income and household food security. The average annual income from market gardens is 126.51 USD, accounting for 70% of total income. However, challenges like water scarcity, land insecurity, and limited access to credit and markets hinder their full socio-economic role. The farmers try to overcome those obstacles through cooperation, sending remittance from part-time off-farm activities, and mobilisation of resources based on their social capital. Those who could not overcome the challenges left the village for a ‘safer’ location. The study emphasises the need for community collective action, rural-urban networking, and external support to improve market gardens for rural poverty reduction and food security improvement.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Theileria parva infection among calves in Narok County, Kenya

Background and Aim: East Coast fever (ECF), caused by Theileria parva, is a devastating disease that causes significant economic losses to cattle production in sub-Saharan Africa. Prevention and control of ECF are challenging in pastoral settings due to inadequate epidemiological information. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. parva infection among calves in different production systems to help design appropriate control interventions. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 318 calves and tested using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeting antibodies against polymorphic immunodominant molecules found on the surface of T. parva. Information on calf characteristics and management practices was also collected during sampling. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze potential risk factors, such as age and acaricide application, where p < 0.05 was considered significant Results: Of the 318 calves sampled, 41 (12.89%) were positive for T. parva, with a higher proportion in pastoral systems (36.58%) than in mixed farming systems (34.10%) and agropastoral systems (29.27%). From univariate analysis, calf age (p = 0.002), body weight (p = 0.001), suckling status (p = 0.026), rectal temperature (p = 0.06), calves on pasture (p = 0.022), other feeds (p = 0.004), feed grown within the farm (p = 0.004), acaricide application (p = 0.001), and acaricide application frequency (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with seropositivity. However, calf age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-0.99; p = 0.04), other feeds (OR, 8.82; 95% CI, 1.74-44.63; p = 0.009), and suckling status (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.15-0.99; p = 0.05) were significantly associated with T. parva infection in the multivariable mixed logistic model. Conclusion: T. parva is circulating in young calves in the study area (and possibly in cattle populations due to maternal transfer of antibodies to the calves). There is a need for molecular surveillance to determine the presence and burden of T. parva infection. Keywords: calves, risk factors, seroprevalence, Theileria parva.

Evaluation of the influence of surface and subsurface acidity correction methodologies on soil compaction in agropastoral systems under no‐till

AbstractSurface and subsurface acidity and soil compaction restrict root exploration and impair crop yields in agropastoral systems under no‐till. To support the development of surface and subsurface acidity correction methodologies that can decrease soil compaction in agropastoral systems under no‐till, this study tested the following hypotheses: (a) the incorporation of limestone with plowing and harrowing (conventional tillage) for surface and subsurface acidity correction decreases soil compaction in agropastoral systems under no‐till, (b) the subsurface application of hydrated lime with a shank subsoiler‐fertilizer (minimum tillage) for surface and subsurface acidity correction decreases soil compaction in agropastoral systems under no‐till, and (c) the surface application of Ca compounds (no tillage) for surface and subsurface acidity correction increases soil compaction in agropastoral systems under no‐till. In a field experiment in an agropastoral system under no‐till in an Arenic Hapludalf in Brazil, the abilities of three application management methodologies (no tillage, conventional tillage, and minimum tillage) for three Ca compounds (limestone, phosphogypsum, and hydrated lime) to ameliorate acidity in the surface and subsurface layers and decrease soil compaction were evaluated. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. The results support the following conclusions: (a) the incorporation of limestone with plowing and harrowing does not decrease soil compaction in agropastoral systems under no‐till; (b) the subsurface application of hydrated lime with a shank subsoiler‐fertilizer does not decrease soil compaction in agropastoral systems under no‐till; and (c) the surface application of limestone does not increase soil compaction in agropastoral systems under no‐till.

Genomic insights into adaptation and inbreeding among Sub-Saharan African cattle from pastoral and agropastoral systems.

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), cattle are crucial for socioeconomic stability yet face numerous environmental stressors such as diseases, parasites, and extreme heat within pastoral and agropastoral systems. Despite their significance, gaps remain in understanding how genetic diversity and inbreeding influence traits essential for disease resistance and environmental adaptability. This study examines the genomic adaptations that enable SSA cattle to thrive under these conditions and assesses the impact of inbreeding on such adaptive traits. We analyzed genomic data from 113 cattle across four breeds-Kuri, N'dama, Zebu-Fulani, and Zebu-Bororo-employing Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) and Integrated Haplotype Score (iHS) analyses to identify historical and recent genetic selections. Strict quality controls using PLINK software ensured accurate genomic pattern identification related to adaptation and inbreeding. ROH analysis revealed islands with genes such as RSAD2, CMPK2, and NOTCH1, which are involved in immune response and cellular stress management, highlighting regions of historical selection that have likely provided adaptive advantages in overcoming environmental and pathogenic stresses. In contrast, iHS analysis identified genes under recent selection like HIPK1, involved in stress response regulation, and EPHA5, which plays a crucial role in neural development and synaptic functions, potentially equipping these breeds with novel adaptations to ongoing and emergent environmental challenges. This research confirms that selective pressures inherent in pastoral and agropastoral systems profoundly influence the genetic structure of SSA cattle. By delineating the genetic bases of key adaptive traits, our study offers crucial insights for targeted breeding programs to enhance cattle resilience and productivity. These findings provide a valuable framework for future genetic improvements and conservation strategies, crucial for sustainable livestock management and economic stability in SSA.

Long-term vegetation responses to climate depend on the distinctive roles of rewilding and traditional grazing systems

ContextThe abandonment of traditional practices has transformed agro-pastoral systems, leading to a more frequent occurrence of passive rewilding of Mediterranean landscapes. Reconstructing ecosystem responses to climate under different grazing conditions (i.e., wild, and domestic ungulates) is important to understand the future of these ecosystems.ObjectivesHere we study the different roles of domestic and wild herbivory in defining the climate-vegetation interaction. Specifically, we evaluated (1) the effect of climate on primary productivity at the landscape scale and (2) the long-term trends of vegetation biomass in response to passive rewilding or maintenance of traditional grazing systems.MethodsThis study was carried out in South-eastern Spain. We used satellite images to generate NDVI time series that proxy primary productivity and vegetation biomass. We combined the NDVI and climate data from two key landscapes: one with wild ungulates and another predominantly with domestic ungulates.ResultsWe detected a secondary succession process in areas with only wild ungulates. In domestic herbivory areas, vegetation biomass remained constant throughout time (30 years). In domestic herbivory areas temperature and seasonal precipitation affected primary productivity. In areas with only wild herbivory, primary productivity was mainly driven by annual precipitation, and it was less dependent on seasonal precipitation.ConclusionThese results highlight the distinctive roles of herbivores in defining Mediterranean landscapes' adaptability to climate, through passive rewilding or traditional livestock use. Maintaining both ecosystems can enhance landscape heterogeneity and ecological sustainability in a context of climatic changes.

Prevalence of Major Parasitic Agents Involved in Camel Skin Diseases in Babile District, Eastern Ethiopia

Aim A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2017 up to April 2018 in Babile district, Eastern Hararghe zone, Oromiya regional state of Ethiopia. Objective To determine the prevalence of major parasitic agents involved in camel skin diseases and their risk factors. Method A cross-sectional study design was implemented to determine the prevalence of major parasitic pathogens, particularly mange mites and ticks affecting camel skin, and associated risk factors. The target animals for the study were dromedary camels reared under pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems in Babile district of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. The sample size for the study was estimated by taking an expected prevalence of 50%, an accepted error of 5%, and a confidence level of 95%. A chi-square test was used to evaluate the differences in the occurrence of parasites among categorical variables (age, sex, herd size, and season). A p-value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Out of 768 camels examined, 122 (15.9%) and 113 (14.7%) were found to be infested with ticks of various species and Sarcoptes species, respectively. Nine hundred twenty-nine (929) adult tick species, including 329 (35.4%) males and 600 (64.59%) females, were collected from selected camels. The tick species identified in the present study were Rhipicephalus pulchellus (29.7%), Amblyomma gemma (4.84%), Hyalomma dromedarii (13.56%), Boophilus decoloratus (2.58%), Amblyomma variegatum (23.04%), Amblyomma coherence (8.61%), Rhipicephalus evertsievertsi (9.15%), Rhipicephalus pravus (2.37%), Rhipicephalus sanguines (4.2%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (1.08%) and Hyalomma marginatum (0.86%). The mean tick burden observed was 1.2 ticks per camel. Sarcoptes species was the only mite observed during this study. The tick infestation rate varied significantly (p<0.05) between seasons (dry and wet), between sex groups, and between herd sizes of camels. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of tick infestation between the age groups. Mange mite infestation varied significantly between age groups (young and adults). Conclusion Finally, the tick and mange mite infestations were highly prevalent in the indigenous dromedary camels in the Babile district. Therefore, special attention should be given to the programmed tick and mite control campaign in the area.

Young women’s and men’s climate adaptation practices and capacities in Kenya livestock production systems

Climate change adaptation strategies must be identified and tailored to diverse locations and livestock production systems to be effective. Social factors such as gender, wealth, age and education levels generate differentiated abilities and capacities to cope with climate shocks. In this study we draw upon 48 sex disaggregated focus group discussions with youth to understand young people’s engagement in the livestock sector and their livestock adaptation strategies. We first explore whether gender and locational differences exist in young women’s and men’s engagement in the livestock sector, specifically which livestock species young women and men rear. Next, we describe young women’s and men’s livestock adaptation strategies in mixed crop and livestock and agropastoral systems. Lastly, we share insights about relationships that shape young women’s and men’s engagement in livestock during their transitions to adulthood. Youth rear certain species more than others, such as chickens and dairy cows. Livestock adaptation practices are generally low. Gendered practices during transitions to adulthood differ for young women and men and household relationships mediate young women’s and men’s livestock production engagement. Intergenerational transfers are gendered, however, are changing in all locations. Women’s opportunities to inherit or acquire land, for instance, have expanded. Transitions into new households, however, often reinforce gendered access to resources and women’s labor. Recommendations on how to better develop inclusive and sustainable policies that provide support to youth in livestock and strengthen their adaptation capacities are provided.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Peste des petits ruminants in different production systems in Uganda

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and fatal disease of mostly domestic goats and sheep. First reported in Uganda in 2007, the extent of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) exposure, geographical distribution and risk factors of its transmission and spread are not clearly understood. In this study, we used cluster random sampling methodology to select study villages from three districts representing three different production systems along Uganda’s “cattle corridor”. Between October and December 2022, 2520 goat and sheep serum samples were collected from 252 households with no history of PPR vaccination in the past one year. The household heads were interviewed to assess possible risk factors of PPRV transmission using a structured questionnaire. The serum samples were screened with a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for PPRV antibodies. The determined overall true seroprevalence of PPRV was 27.3% [95% CI: 25.4–29.1]. The seroprevalence of PPRV antibodies in different production systems was 44.1% [95% CI: 40.6–47.7], 31.7% [95% CI: 28.4–35.0] and 6.1% [95% CI: 4.4–7.9] for pastoral, agropastoral and mixed crop-livestock production systems respectively. A mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression model revealed strong statistical evidence of association between female animals and PPRV antibody seropositivity compared to males [OR= 2.45, 95% CI: 1.7–3.5, p < 0.001]. The likelihood of being PPRV antibody seropositive significantly increased with increasing small ruminant age. Animals older than 3 years were more than three times as likely to be PPRV seropositive compared to animals aged under 1 year [OR= 3.41, 95% CI: 2.39–4.85, p < 0.001]. There was no statistical evidence of association between small ruminant species and PPRV antibody seropositivity (p = 0.423). Village flocks that interacted with neighboring flocks daily during grazing (IRR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19–2.13) and watering around swamps (IRR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19–2.13) were highly correlated with increased number of PPRV seropositive animals as compared to flocks that were more restricted in grazing and watered around other water sources other than swamps. Flocks from pastoral and agropastoral production systems were more than 10 times more likely to have seropositive animals than mixed crop-livestock flocks. Targeting PPR control interventions (vaccination and livestock movement control) to pastoral and agro-pastoral small ruminant production systems that are very prone to PPR incursions is recommended to prevent PPRV spread to low-risk smallholder mixed crop-livestock production systems.

Analysis on crop-livestock and agro-pastoral farming system

Analysis on crop-livestock and agro-pastoral farming system

Description of cattle production systems in different agro-ecological zones of Narok County, Kenya

Cattle farming is an integral part of the livelihoods of farmers in Narok County. However, very few studies have been conducted to describe livestock production in different agroecosystems in Kenya. The objective of this study was to determine cattle production systems and characteristics under different agro-ecosystems. The study was conducted through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires to 817 farmers in three sublocations from Narok south sub-county. The main livestock production systems were pure pastoral, communal grazing and zero-grazing where indigenous cattle were the predominant breed kept (86.8%) with a few farmers keeping crossbreeds or exotic breeds. However, sheep (75.1%) goats (79.4%), chicken (68.6%) and donkeys (32.9%) were also kept. The mean lactation period for cattle was 9.5 months with average inter-calving interval of 14.1 months. More households (45.1%) grazed cattle within their own pastureland compared to pure pastoralism (12.5%), communal grazing (8.0%), zero grazing (0.9%), or combination (33.5%). Approximately 37.1% of the respondents herded their cattle, 13.1% were on free grazing, 36.6% both free grazing and herding whereas 13.2% used paddocks. The mean land area under pasture was estimated at 53.9 acres. The main source of drinking water was within the grazing field (63.6%) with 36.4% having had to take livestock elsewhere. Most households (85.7%) practicing mixed farming could easily access veterinary services compared to 57.2% and 55.1% in agro-pastoral and pure pastoral system respectively (p&lt;0.0001). The main veterinary interventions were deworming, vaccination, and antibiotic administration. Most households (98.6%) had sprayed their livestock with 98.9% sourcing the products from agrovet outlets. More respondents (63.8%) in agro-pastoral compared to 61.5% and 49.7% from pastoral and mixed farming respectively were aware of East Coast Fever disease (p&lt;0.0001). Cattle were principally fed on natural pasture either produced from owned or leased lands with farmers getting unequal access to veterinary services.