Livestock Value Chains Research Articles

Adapting East and Southern Africa’s livestock to climate change: a decision making under deep uncertainty-based approach for effective actions

ABSTRACT Livestock farmers are increasingly challenged to adapt to the impacts of climate change, necessitating the selection of adaptation strategies to effectively mitigate risks and protect livelihoods. This paper introduces a framework designed specifically for guiding the selection of context-specific adaptation options in the Eastern and Southern Africa region. The framework builds on a decision tree that incorporates changes within a management system or switching to another one, enabling a nuanced evaluation of adaptation options. Driven repetitively under different scenarios of climate changes and/or climate models, the frequencies of selecting different adaptation measures vary across livestock value chains, climate zones, and systems. Responding to the evolution of the climate system, these frequencies evolve over time, affecting the selection. For instance, agroforestry emerges as an increasingly suitable option for cattle and, to a lesser extent, for goats due to the projected rise in moderate heat stress periods, particularly in tropical climates. Conversely, this frequency decreases for sheep, more susceptible to heat stress, beyond the effect of agroforestry. This framework resolves the need for more context – and time-specific decisions on adaptation. This decision tree-based framework serves as a robust decision-making tool to steer the livestock sector toward effective climate change adaptation.

AMR as a Global and One Health Issue: the Challenge to Adapt a Global Strategy in Two Low‐ and Middle‐income Countries, Mozambique and Vietnam

SummaryAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is framed by international organisations as a global threat requiring a One Health (OH) approach. This raises challenges for adapting a global strategy to national contexts and sectorial policies. In the agricultural sector, another challenge is to avoid stigmatization of farmers’ behaviours and to pay more attention to other stakeholders and systemic drivers of antibiotic (AB) use. We examine the case of two low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs): Mozambique and Vietnam, with different levels of veterinary AB consumption (respectively lower and higher than the world average), accessibility to alternatives to veterinary AB (non‐existent in Mozambique) and veterinary medicines and services (very unequal in Mozambique), and opportunities to value higher‐standard products on domestic markets (emerging in Vietnam). The differences between these two LMICs challenges current ‘one size fits all’ strategies. We recommend embedding better national AMR strategies into sectorial agricultural policies and country‐specific contexts (i.e. by considering the functioning of the drugs markets and livestock value chains; resistance to other veterinary medicines, such as trypanocide), and to address the observed contradictions with national agricultural policies which, in order to face the growing consumption of animal products, encourage the development of livestock systems that are technically and economically dependent on the use of AB.

Perspectives on progression of transboundary disease, one health and ecosystem health management in the Greater Mekong Subregion and beyond

Livestock production in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) reflects the inefficient smallholder ‘keeper’ system that has been slow to adapt to the rapidly expanding demand for animal protein-sourced foods in the region as urban economies have flourished and food preferences altered. The prolonged surge in demand, with only modest increases in local production, has increased the movement of animals and products into and from the GMS, accompanied by surging risks of transboundary animal disease (TAD) incursions, including the one health (OH) threats of zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance. As a consequence, the region has been subjected to epidemics of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), new strains of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus, with recent incursions of African swine fever (ASF), lumpy skin disease (LSD), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and risks of peste petits ruminants (OPR) occurring in Southeast Asia (SEA) and beyond. These incidents reflect inadequate biosecurity, a sustainability issue that was clearly of relevance in the covid-19 pandemic, reflecting ecosystem health (EH) deficits, including land-use issues and unregulated trading in wildlife-sourced and poorly processed foods through the predominant ‘wet markets’. These challenges are increasingly confounded by slow adaption to the impacts of the climate crisis, including flooding, drought, crop failures and hypothermia episodes. The increase in animal and product movements enhances disease transmission risk, yet coincides with emerging concerns of greenhouse-gas emissions (GHGe) from livestock production, especially from large ruminants, as the world attempts to find pathways in managing the climate crisis. Despite the prolonged collaborative efforts of the SEA China FMD program from 1997 to 2023, a recent review confirmed persistent deficits in biosecurity, vaccine resourcing, disease surveillance, engagement of farmers, and national emergency disease-response capacities. A major project is about to fund major improvements in livestock value chains in Cambodia, including more effective biosecurity, surveillance and emergency disease-response capacities for TADs, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonoses. Similarly, a private-sector investment in Laos has developed a more climate-resilient livestock-feeding system that decreases GHGe impacts from ruminant production. These developments are likely to extend beyond both countries and be potentially transformational for the livelihoods of many of the poorest citizens in the region.

Resilience building interventions to manage climate induced livestock poverty and deaths in Southern Zimbabwe

Livestock production in Mwenezi District (MD) has become more susceptible to effects of climatic variability and change which undermines developmental gains from livestock value chain. Climate change impacts are increasing the intensity of livestock poverty and deaths across all forms of livestock. The study examined livestock production interventions implemented to reduce livestock poverty deaths in MD. Descriptive research design which utilizes both qualitative and quantitative paradigms was used to accurately and systematically describe the phenomenon. A household survey questionnaire was administered to sampled households in MD wards 4 and 10 while interviews were conducted with purposively selected key informants from the department Agriculture Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX), Veterinary Services Department, Rural District Council, CARE and District Development Coordinator's Office. Various interventions including construction of improved livestock structures, availing of safe drinking water for livestock, livestock feed formulation have been initiated to reduce and contain livestock poverty deaths. The study recommends that development actors should initiate more interventions to boost livestock production sector since it is the most suitable intervention in relation to climate and weather conditions experienced in MD. The research offers insights to address the complex interplay between climate change, livestock farming, poverty and resilience building. Results inform future researchers while guiding policy makers working in similar contexts on how best to support vulnerable communities. Findings lessen the burden to achieve Sustainable Development Goals namely no poverty, zero hunger amongst others. The study enlightened farmers on how to implement drought mitigation and adaptation techniques during drought periods.

Livestock Value Chain Mapping in Kajiado and Narok Counties, Kenya

The livestock value chain encompasses a comprehensive range of activities involving various actors that facilitate the conveyance of the final product to the consumer through different stages of collection, processing, production, and final delivery. This case report presents the findings from the mapping of livestock value chains in Narok and Kajiado Counties, Kenya. The study aimed to determine the status and gaps within the value chain, as well as the technological needs of enterprises engaged in the value chain. The ultimate goal was to foster innovation, enhance the productivity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), improve managerial and technical skills, strengthen local supply chains, and reduce gender disparities within the value chain. The study employed well-structured questionnaires and interviews in both counties to capture the technological status and needs, map all stages of the value chains, outline the main activities and actors, and identify existing gaps. Three primary value chains in the livestock subsector were identified: dairy, beef, and leather. Each of these value chains was studied and analyzed separately. The activities and actors involved at each stage, from inputs and production to transformation and marketing, were examined. The findings highlight intervention areas and provide recommendations to improve the three value chains.

Cattle transporters' attitudes, indigenous knowledge, and current practices towards animal welfare, occupational well-being, and operational challenges: A survey of five regions in Ghana

Ghana is a significant cattle producer in Africa with an estimated cattle population of 3 million in 2020 [1]. The role of transporters in linking farms to markets and slaughterhouses is crucial in the livestock value chain. However, cattle transportation subjects the animals to high levels of stress, compromising their welfare, and transporters face challenges such as long working hours and harsh conditions.The objective of this study was to explore current practices, indigenous knowledge, and operational risks pertaining to animal welfare among transporters.The study was conducted in five regions connected by the N16, N10, and N6 Highway, the primary route for cattle transportation from the Ghana-Burkina Faso border to the coastal capital of Accra. A total of 78 transporters participated in the study.Out of the 78 participants in this study, the majority of transporters were young adults (56.5%) with secondary school education (45.9%) and 0–5 years of experience (37.2%). The average distance and time for transporting cattle was 528 km and 18 h, respectively. The transporters highlighted significant challenges encountered during cattle transport, including feed and water shortage, particularly prominent during the dry season (32.1%), as well as the occurrence of diseases and mortality, particularly high during the rainy season (41%). Furthermore, vehicular breakdowns were a common issue reported by transporters, with a substantial majority (88.5%) experiencing breakdowns during their last 10 trips. The results showed that most transporters (84.7%) had limited knowledge of animal welfare and had not received any formal education on livestock transportation. Instead, they gained experience as assistants on other trucks before becoming drivers. The findings of this study highlight the need for improved welfare standards for cattle during transportation and formal training programs for transporters in animal welfare and livestock transportation.

Effects of banditry security risk on livelihood of cattle herders in Katsina State, Nigeria

Livestock enterprise is an important source of livelihood to many people in Nigeria. Vulnerability of livestock business to insecurity risk is a major threat to the livelihood of stakeholders in the livestock value chain (cattle herders and marketers). Insecurity risk among livestock herders has a ripple effect in the economy of Nigeria. Empirical information is scanty for the clarification and development in security risk control model especially with the emergence of banditry in Nigeria. This study broadly examines the effect of insecurity risk on the livelihood of livestock herders in Katsina State, Nigeria. Primary data obtained with the use of structured questionnaire from randomly selected 200 respondents were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical tools (mean, frequency distribution table, probability and multiple regression). The result shows that the probability of banditry attack was 20%. The major benefit derivable from livestock business by herders is income generation. The major cause of banditry insecurity was unresolved conflict between farmers and herdsmen (100%), unemployment/deliberate negative tendency of bandits to climb wealth ladder (93.5%) and corruption among government officials (93%). Test of hypothesis indicates that all the insecurity indicators (cattle rustling, theft, kidnapping and tax imposition) negatively and significantly (P < 0.05) affected livelihood capital (asset) (income savings and herd size). There are sufficient evidence to conclude that livelihood capital of cattle herders is worst hit by banditry insecurity risk in Katsina State, Nigeria. It was recommended that government should adopt amnesty policy of disarmament, reintegration and rehabilitation of repentant bandits. This study has expanded the frontier of literature of the ripple effects of banditry insecurity on cattle value chain and implications for policy options.

Consumer preferences and willingness to pay for safe pork products in rural Kenya

Designing interventions to support the safe development of rapidly growing livestock value chains in sub-Saharan Africa requires a clear understanding of consumer demands. This study aimed to determine purchase patterns, consumers' preferences, and willingness to pay for safe pork attributes; specifically, the presence of a veterinary inspection stamp and the cleanliness of the butchery.A discrete choice experiment-based survey was used to investigate the purchasing behavior of 401 pork consumers: 253 buying raw pork for household consumption, and 148 buying cooked pork for out-of-home consumption. The study findings indicate that the average quantity of pork purchased by consumers was approximately 0.4 Kg per transaction, with the majority of consumers making several purchases per week.The average price per Kg of pork was KES 310 (Approx. 2.60 USD) at the time of the study. Data from the choice experiment showed that consumers were willing to pay a price premium of KES 245 (Approx. 2.1 USD) and KES 164 (Approx. 1.4 USD) per Kg for evidence of better veterinary meat inspection and higher butchery hygiene respectively; further, these were the two most important attributes they considered while making a pork purchase decision.These findings highlight the potential to leverage consumers' willingness to pay to improve the food safety within pork value chains in this context. Investing to increase consumer awareness on food safety issues should be considered to generate an effective market demand, especially in rural areas with relatively lower literacy levels.

Entrepreneurial Management Structure and Performance of Small and Medium Livestock Enterprises in Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial management structure and the performance of small and medium livestock farms in Kenya, with a focus on examining the moderating effect of the regulatory framework on this relationship. The study was grounded in key theoretical frameworks, including Joseph Schumpeter’s theory of innovation, Knight’s Uncertainty Bearing theory, McClelland’s theory of motivation, the Resource-Based View theory, and the Neo-Classical Theory of Management (Elton Mayo). These theories provided a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing entrepreneurial success in the livestock sector. A mixed research design was adopted, targeting a population of 500 livestock enterprises in Turkana County. Stratified sampling was employed to ensure representation across different enterprise sizes, resulting in a sample of 196 entrepreneurs. Data was collected using meticulously designed questionnaires, and the validity and reliability of these instruments were confirmed through pilot testing. The analysis revealed that entrepreneurial management structures, when effectively aligned with supportive regulatory frameworks, significantly enhance the performance of small and medium livestock enterprises in Kenya. To further strengthen the livestock sector, the study recommends that SMEs adopt comprehensive strategies, including product diversification, differentiation, cost reduction, and internationalization. Additionally, technological and innovation incubators should play a crucial role in ensuring that new technologies are relevant, compatible, and beneficial to the livestock sector. Government intervention is vital, with the need for incentives to enhance competitiveness, alongside strategies to retain market share in a challenging environment. The study also emphasizes the importance of implementing performance-based reward schemes and continuous managerial training to boost decision-making and enterprise success. Moreover, robust anti-corruption policies and streamlined tax systems are essential to reducing bureaucracy in the livestock value chain. These findings are expected to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, policymakers, implementers, and the broader public, contributing to sustainable growth in the livestock sector.

Shifting Prospects: Views and Strategies for Transforming Livestock and Meat Value Chains in a Dynamic Location

Shifting Prospects: Views and Strategies for Transforming Livestock and Meat Value Chains in a Dynamic Location

Analysis of Competitiveness, Market and Consumer Trends for the Camelid Livestock Value Chain

Analysis of Competitiveness, Market and Consumer Trends for the Camelid Livestock Value Chain

Can Organic Pork Help Achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Thailand?

This paper examines how organic pork (OP) production, marketing and consumption in Thailand contributes to global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that affect food agri-food system sustainability. The paper discusses technical debates and academic literature sources about OP, socioeconomic and environmental impacts of organic agriculture (OA), food security and SDGs. It reflects on theoretical, practical, policy and empirical issues utilizing Thai case study data on willingness to pay (WTP) for OP to illustrate SDG linkages. The study raises broader questions, complications and contradictions about universal access to safe, healthy and affordable organic food. It suggests that WTP as a niche strategy supporting OP producers has responded to consumer demand and has potential for increased farmer incomes. But WTP for OP is an inadequate, problematic priority if it does not better address ecological, social and economic sustainability concerns, cross-cutting SDGs and national policies including inequities among richer and poorer consumers and farmers. It shows how OP may modestly contribute to SDG2 achievement or help realize other interlinked SDGs in Thailand but can also hinder some SDGs. We conclude that the OA movement and governments must better address difficult challenges affecting livestock systems sustainability, meat production, consumption, value chains and socioeconomic equity.

Information Communication Technology Tools for Animal Husbandry Technology Dissemination

In the Indian economy, the livestock sector contributes 4.9% of the overall GDP, accounting for around 30.13 per cent of the country's agricultural GDP. India has the worlds largest livestock population, but the average animal productivity is low; yet demand for livestock products is rising steadily, and customers’ awareness of quality has also increased. Therefore, it is necessary to refocus the production system by figuring out what information cattle farmers currently need. The animal husbandry department can only meet some livestock farmers' information needs. A multi-stakeholder online network across the livestock value chain is required to meet these information needs. Systems with ICT capabilities are better suited to deal with these problems. Radio, television, mobile, fixed, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems, and video conferencing are all considered part of information and communication technology (ICT), a broad term covering any communication device or application. These include delivering information in the form of audio, data, video, and images, among other things. It is very beneficial for boosting the economy, creating jobs, developing rural areas, and reducing poverty. In modern times, ICT has become essential to the development of cattle. This article discusses using ICT technologies to spread animal husbandry technology among Indian farmers.

Bioenergy-livestock integration in Brazil: Unraveling potentials for energy production and climate change mitigation

Future projections indicate an expansion for both food and energy demands, which can increase pressure on land use, while there is an urgent global need for climate change mitigation. Bioenergy is foreseen as key option to meet future energy demands and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, however its sustainability depends on locations and regional characteristics. Simultaneously, agricultural production models that co-produce food, feed, and energy offer sustainability synergies and co-benefits, but site-specific sustainability assessments of their large-scale implementation are missing. This study presents a bottom-up approach to assess spatially explicit sustainability aspects of bioenergy-livestock integrated systems (BLI) in Brazil and shed light on their contribution to future energy demands, to climate change mitigation targets, and their impacts on selected ecosystem services, including bioenergy production, climate change mitigation, reduction of food competition, biodiversity conservation, and avoided deforestation. The proposed integration considers livestock intensification and use of biofuels by-products as animal feed supplement, taking advantage of synergies between these two value chains. The expansion of the BLI system in the Center-South region of Brazil produce up to 89 billion liters of ethanol, enough to meet future domestic ethanol demands from multiple shared socioeconomic pathways and generating surpluses for export. This production takes place on 16 million hectares of pastureland within the Sugarcane Agroecological Zoning, excluding the Amazon and Pantanal biomes, and biodiversity hotspots. BLI expansion mitigate up to 250 million tonnes of CO2eq and generate 15 billion dollars of profits. The best locations to maximize the selected ecosystem services are west of São Paulo, east of Mato Grosso do Sul, and the south-central region of the states of Goiás. This study may encourage the formulation of enhanced public policies for the integration of bioenergy and livestock value chains and guide a sustainable large-scale deployment of BLI systems.

The contribution of goats in the future redesigning of livestock activities and value chains

While the evolution of goat farming around the world has been in line with the prospects set out in the early 2000s, we explore how environmental, social and climate change issues could reconfigure goat activities for the next decades. Our starting point is that the need to reduce their environmental footprint and their greenhouse gas emissions, will deeply affect all farming activities. Driven by the growing demand for goat milk products, the goat industry has continued to develop dairy production and its intensification in Europe but also on other continents either for niche markets or in emerging countries like China and India. One main characteristic of goats and in particular of local breeds is to be very resilient and adaptable to climatic stresses. In addition, they have the ability to make use of irregular and low quality fodder resources such as those of the large areas of often-abandoned scrublands in the Mediterranean pastoral areas and elsewhere. Most of the goats are today, more and more kept by poor small holders from Africa, Asia or America. We characterize the contribution of goat farming to climate change compared to other species and analyze its prospects for mitigating its impact. For this industry, the mitigation perspectives of environmental impacts of goats could be important by the implementation of Precision Livestock farming (PLF). The designing of new production models to increase the valuation and manage these spontaneous fodder resources while improving the performance of goats from an agro-ecological perspective constitutes a major challenge for the future of goat farming and invites us rethink more generally the relationship between people and their resources.

O81 Livestock ruminant production systems and value chains contributing towards a more sustainable world: opportunities and challenges

O81 Livestock ruminant production systems and value chains contributing towards a more sustainable world: opportunities and challenges

From farm to table: exploring food handling and hygiene practices of meat and milk value chain actors in Ethiopia

Livestock value chains constitute a source of livelihood for meat and milk value chain actors in Ethiopia, from dairy farmers to other associated value chain actors such as milk traders, abattoir workers, public health officials, veterinarians, butcheries selling meats, milk cooperatives, artisanal milk processors, and transporters. The development of these livestock value chains, however, is constrained by poor food safety and quality, while consumers are also exposed to public health risks due to milk and meat value chain actors’ food handling and hygiene practices.This study used Photovoice and participant observation to explore meat and milk value chain actors’ food handling and hygiene practices in suburban areas of Addis Ababa and neighbouring Oromia in Ethiopia. The results of this study reveal that milk and meat value chain actors’ food handling practices are not aligned with the recommended Ethiopian food safety and quality standards. Low compliance with food safety and quality standards reflected a combination of factors such as lack of incentives, poor road infrastructure and low enforcement of food safety standards.Participatory and visual research methods enable a researcher to collect context-aware data that can lead to the development of policies and intervention strategies that reflect local needs and priorities. The results of this study affirm the need to identify socially acceptable and economically viable policies and intervention strategies that are acceptable to all chain actors; and suggest there is an imperative to train milk and meat value chain actors on good hygiene handling practices, improve road infrastructure, and facilitate access equipment such as fridges and freezers that can contribute to maintaining food safety and quality.

Diversity of Food Insecurity Coping Strategies among Livestock Farmers in Northern Cape Province of South Africa

Small-scale livestock farmers in the drylands of South Africa are highly exposed to agricultural drought-related food insecurity. Research has used descriptive analyses and missed the need to index the diversity of coping strategies used for managing agricultural drought-induced food insecurity. This study was conducted to bridge this gap using a two-step procedure. Initially, the study identified the farmers’ coping strategies and food security status. A coping strategy diversity index was computed using the Shannon–Weiner method and its relationship with the food security status was determined. Secondly, the determinants of the coping strategy diversity index were explored using an ordered logit regression model after testing for the proportional odds assumption. A mixed methods approach was utilized and a standardized questionnaire was administered to 217 smallholder livestock farmers in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. The household food insecurity mean score (8.429 ± 7.105) from the household food insecurity scale (HFIAS) was significantly related to a higher diversity of coping strategies. Similar results were reported for the household food insecurity access prevalence (HFIAP) status. The different forms of support (e.g., cash, food, training and assets) had a significant (p < 0.05) and positive effect on the coping strategy diversity index among the households. Education, access to credit and insurance facilities and the frequency of droughts significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the diversity of coping strategies under drought conditions. The utilization of cash reserves and investment stocks also significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the extent of coping strategy diversity. The study recommended strengthening the functional and technical capacity pillars of dealing with agricultural drought through strategic partnerships between the government and livestock value chain players. This collaboration should target affordable credit lines tailor-made for farmers to cope with agricultural drought. If well-coordinated, these interventions should reduce food insecurity prevalence, especially during drought conditions among vulnerable smallholder livestock farmers. Lessons from this study could also inform future research on the effectiveness of the current agricultural drought coping strategies while expanding the diversity clusters over space and time.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever among livestock value chain actors in Kagadi district, Uganda.

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic tick-borne disease with an increasing number of outbreaks among communities in Uganda. Following the disease outbreak in the western district of Kagadi on 20th February 2020, a KAP survey was conducted to identify knowledge gaps and at-risk behaviors related to the disease among livestock value chain actors. A household survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted in 399 households in the two sub counties of Bwikara and Ruteete, Kagadi district. A focus group discussion with members of the community was conducted as well as key informant interviews with at-risk individuals. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed using STATA version 13 (Statacorp Texas; USA). Comparative analysis of the data from the two sub counties was also performed using cross tabulations in STATA, between each independent variable and the subcounty variable. The descriptive and comparative statistics used were minimum, mean and maximum values, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, chi square values and t-statistics. A chi-square test was then employed on each tabulation, to determine whether there was an association between the two categorical variables or not. The test was set at an alpha level of 0.05, and where the p-value was less than or equal to the alpha value, we concluded that the 2 variables were associated. Although majority of the respondents believed in the existence of the disease, only 12.8% had knowledge of prevention measures against CCHF. 67.2% of the respondents reported regular interaction with ticks during routine farm operations and they employed tick control measures on their farms. Although the respondents believe the disease is fatal, almost all of them (99%) would welcome a CCHF survivor back into the community. 95.2% of the respondents actively attended to animals but only 25.8% participated in slaughtering animals. Qualitatively, the technical informants had knowledge about CCHF but non technical informants hardly knew about the disease. Limited funding appropriated for local governments, as well as limited engagement in One health activities were some of the barriers highlighted towards the infection prevention and control activities. Most of the focus group discussion participants knew about the disease, but lacked knowledge on its transmission and prevention. Limited access to personal protective equipment and high exposure to tick-prevalent areas when slaughtering and grazing animals respectively, were the major challenges highlighted. Knowledge on CCHF among majority of the respondents was poor. There is a need for educational programs to increase awareness of CCHF in communities. This awareness should be done by both the community leaders and technical people to ensure the community receives enough knowledge on how to prevent and control the disease. To ensure effectiveness of these programs a One health approach should be adopted to implement prevention and control strategies.

Perceptions of livestock value chain actors (VCAs) on the risk of acquiring zoonotic diseases from their livestock in the central dry zone of Myanmar

ObjectivesThe Central Dry Zone (CDZ) is one of the most important livestock production areas of Myanmar. However, there is an eminent lack of information on the attitudes and traditional beliefs of local farmers and livestock supply chain actors in CDZ of Myanmar on the public health implications. A modified data collection instrument of the Health Belief model was developed to investigate attitudes, beliefs and barriers to the application of recommended zoonotic disease prevention.Study designCross-sectional study.MethodData analyses were conducted considering a two-phase multilevel mixed effect binomial generalized linear models modelling approach.ResultsThe availability of information about zoonosis to supply chain actors influenced their confidence to implement preventive actions (OR = 1.5, p = 0.045 for cattle diseases; OR = 1.5, p = 0.022 for village chicken diseases). Supply chain actors were more likely aware of zoonosis transmitted by cattle compared to livestock farmers (OR = 0.3, p = 0.005 for cattle farmers), while people not rearing or trading small ruminants and/or poultry were less likely to be aware of the zoonotic risk associated with these animals (p < 0.005). Information on zoonosis transmitted from small ruminants was mainly promoted through farmers (p = 0.032), while information on zoonotic diseases that can be obtained from chickens was disseminated through farmers, local authorities and the media. Nevertheless, appropriate hand hygiene measures (i.e. cleaning of hands after touching, cutting, cooking meat) (OR = 7.7, p < 0.001 for zoonotic small ruminant diseases; OR = 1.6, p = 0.073 for zoonotic village chicken diseases) and treating of sick animals (OR = 7.3, p < 0.001 for small ruminant zoonotic diseases; OR = 2.2, p = 0.031 for village chicken zoonotic diseases) increased the confidence of small ruminant and village chicken owners to prevent these zoonotic infections.ConclusionsThe findings from this study indicate that while gender and the availability of information on zoonotic risks play an important role on the perceived threat of zoonoses, the practice of prevention methods influenced the confidence of value chain actors (VCAs) on zoonoses prevention.