Small-scale Livestock Farmers Research Articles

Socioeconomic Characteristics of Small-Scale Livestock Farmers on access to High-Value Livestock Markets in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the socioeconomic characteristics of small-scale farmers that have an impact on their access to high-value livestock markets in Greater Giyani Local Municipality (GGLM) and make recommendations for improving their access. Theoretical reference: Many studie conducted indicate that high-value livestock market access by small-scale farmers requires a Consideration of global trends in the economic transformation that have a direct bearing on the current small-scale market access situation from a holistic standpoint, which is influenced by the socioeconomic status of livestock farmers. Method: The study adopted a quantitative research approach and employed clustered proportional random sampling. Two hundred and fifteen (215) Greater Giyani Local Municipality livestock small-scale farmers were randomly selected. Results and conclusion: The study revealed that the majority of the small-scale livestock farmers in the GGLM were male (62.8%) and elderly people (above 65 years) (45.1%). The study further revealed that the majority (67.9%) of the livestock farmers in the GGLM had no formal education. Youth participation in livestock farming was disappointing (12.1%). Inferential statistical analysis revealed that young adults and elderly small-scale livestock farmers were all significant and had a direct influence on access to high-value markets. Farmers will be encouraged to enrol on an adult learning center and youth will be encouranged to participate in livestock farming. Research implication: Based on the results of previous research, fewer youth are usually participating in farming when compared with older farmers. Originality/value: The study revealed that socioeconomic characteristics play a vital role on access to high-value livestock markets. However previous study has not covered much on the role of socioeconomic status.

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.

Effect of use of tsetse repellant collar technology on the farm performance and household welfare of small-scale livestock farmers in Kenya

Effect of use of tsetse repellant collar technology on the farm performance and household welfare of small-scale livestock farmers in Kenya

Characterization and Typology of Traditional Poultry Farming Systems in Southern Niger

An appropriate agricultural policy that integrates knowledge of endogenous poultry practices should enhance household resilience by contributing to food and nutrition security and sustainable development in developing countries. The current cross-sectional survey aimed to characterize poultry breeding systems and identify types of traditional poultry farmers in Maradi and Zinder in southern Niger. Therefore, 600 households were investigated for the socio-economic parameters of poultry farmers, the breeding methods, the zootechnical parameters of the local chicken, and the health parameters relating to biosecurity and animal care. The results of the descriptive analyses indicated that traditional poultry activity is mainly carried out by men (73.5%) and small farmers (74.2%). Breeding management was primarily free-range breeding (99.3%). The majority of the surveyed herders (67.8%) were illiterate. However, 41.5% of them attended traditional Islamic Koranic schools. Most farmers (80%) were small-scale livestock farmers with an average herd size of 22 ± 24.9. The poultry raised were 93.3% local breeds, with chicken domination (66%). The housing did not meet the required standards, and the feed was mainly cereals. The female chicken can potentially produce 12.64 fertile eggs per clutch and brood 3.53 times per year. The leading cause of mortality in poultry was avian diseases (93.7%) and Newcastle disease in some cases. Poultry vaccination against Newcastle disease was reported by 31.5% of respondents. Of the respondents, 20% have partially observed hygiene and biosecurity measures. About 35.5% of the participants reported the provision of veterinary care, while 44% used phytotherapy to prevent or treat poultry diseases. Based on the results of this cluster analysis, three classes of poultry farmers were distinguished, each with specific characteristics. Poultry farmers in class 1 were particularly characterized by the diversity of their main activity and their level of education, those in class 2 were mostly employed in agriculture and had little school experience, and those in class 3 were characterized by their low level of vaccination practice and their lack of therapeutic animal care. The results also indicated that 15.7%, 70.8%, and 13.5% of poultry farmers belonged to classes 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Keywords: Characterization, Farmer, Niger, Poultry diseases, Poultry production

Climate Change Impact on Small-Scale Animal Agriculture: Livestock Water & Food Security in Africa

Water is essential for food security and animal agricultural productivity, but it is becoming more scarce due to climate change. The interaction between climate change and livestock water resources has received little attention from researchers, despite the significance of small-scale animal husbandry for the rural poor in Africa and the size of the changes that are anticipated to have an impact on smallholder livestock systems. Threats to livestock water are undoubtedly one of the most significant environmental issues that have impacted food security on the continent, given their links to small-scale animal husbandry and the detrimental impacts on productivity. In order to balance the negative effects of climate change scenarios for sustainable animal productivity and contribute to food security through small-scale animal agriculture, the most climate-smart and resilient agricultural water practices and technologies must be used. Changes in rainfall and a decline in the biomass available for grazing and rangelands as a result of water stress brought on by the climate would have the most severe effects. This is due to the rain-fed nature of small-scale livestock farming. The local animal genetic resources are essential for animal productivity and food security in Africa, particularly in areas where livestock water is becoming scarce owing to climate change. Research and development goals on the effects of climate change on livestock water, animal productivity, and food security may need to be reviewed if demands of vulnerable small-scale animal producers are to be successfully addressed in the future decades. It is best to use an interdisciplinary approach to comprehend the relationships between small-scale animal husbandry, food security, and climate change. By navigating the complexities of climate adaptation, small-scale livestock farmers can manage livestock water scarcity by taking adaptation measures that are in line with evolving climate impacts and associated means of implementation based on pertinent and useful knowledge that takes into account a blend of traditional and modern water science. In this paper, an effort is made to close some significant information gaps and shed light on how water-induced stress impacts small-scale animal production, which has an effect on food security.

Beef farming: farmers’ strategies in the Grand Cheliff plains of Algeria

Abstract. Beef production is an important activity in Algeria, mainly located in the coastal and plains areas in the North of the country. In order to determine the strategy of beef farmers, a survey of 102 bovine farms was carried out in the Grand Cheliff plains of Algeria. Through this survey, three major classes of farms were identified: 1) small-scale livestock farmers with moderate means of production, an average Bovine Livestock Unit (BLU) of 3.18 and a production cost of 572 AD/Kg; 2) medium-scale livestock farmers, selling their production directly on the market, with a BLU of 10 and a production cost of 623 AD/Kg; 3) large-scale milk-meat farmers, with an average BLU of 22, and a production cost of 581 AD/Kg. Despite good organizational and financial performances, beef production in Algeria remains fragile, subject to climatic changes and dependent on foreign markets for the supply of raw material and inputs which constitute a threat to its sustainability (1 € = 140 Dinars).

Factors Affecting Small-Scale Livestock Farming in Kenya

Purpose: This study aims at examining the factors influencing small-scale livestock farming in Kenya.
 Findings: A majority of the small-scale livestock farmers in many counties were past their youthful years, with most respondents cited at above fifty years. The study found out that 56% of the farmers in some counties showed the most aggression in seeking out livestock farming related information from many other sources other than from their counterpart farmers. These farmers quest for extensive information on dairy farming was also highlighted by their expansive peer to peer networks.
 Unique Contribution to Theory and Practices: Counties should make more commonage land available to the small-scale livestock farmers in order to cope with the increasing population of emerging farmers. Commonage land management should be strengthened. Small-scale livestock farmers should be trained to make reserves such as hay and silage so they can conserve surplus forage in rainy seasons. Government should provide subsidies for purchase of breeding stock and dosing products. Distribution policies that will ensure that all smallholder cattle and sheep farmers at grassroots level benefit should also be put in place.

Main risk factors associated with small and large ruminant brucellosis

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic bacterial disease in most of the developing world that has a significant impact on public health. The prevalence of brucellosis in livestock, particularly in large and small ruminants is variable in many countries and seems to remain high, especially amongst subsistence and small-scale livestock farmers. There are different factors that may influence the prevalence of brucellosis in large and small ruminants. This review is aimed at describing the most important factors that need to be taken into consideration for the planning and implementation of effective brucellosis control programmes. Common risk factors in the brucellosis development in small and large ruminant animals include species, age, sex, extensive or intensive production system, herd/flock size, mixed farming, introduction of new animals in the farms, breeding practice, hygiene, absence of vaccination, and awareness of the disease. This review suggests that different risk factors might have various impacts on brucellosis seroprevalence that need to be addressed in epidemiological studies in different farming systems.

Marketing Practices For Dairy Products From Small-Scale Farms, Case: Region Of Tiziouzou – Algeria

The objective of our work is to identify the different marketing practices and to characterize the organizational constraints that hinder the productivity and profitability of small-scale livestock farms in the mountainous region of Fréha and Sidi-Naman, located in the region of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria. Due to its high milk production potential, the targeted region was selected as a study area. The importance of our work lies in the determination of the key factors, which prevent small-scale milk producers from carrying out their livestock activities successfully. A quantitative questionnaire survey was conducted with 30 farmers. This study was complemented by interviews with livestock professionals. A documentary search of the literature and empirical studies was conducted, as well as site visits. The results show that there are several factors that impact on the normal course of productive activities of small-scale livestock farmers. The results show that there are several factors impacting on the normal production activities of small-scale farmers, such as: food and socio-cultural factors that are a constraint on milk production; distribution, which is strongly impacted by covid-19; lack of communication about products; and poorly organized marketing channels, especially in relation to goat farming, which accounts for 43% of our sample. We suggest that small breeders follow training courses on breeding methods and good practices, and improve hygiene and sterilization conditions on the farms, and strengthen the health control systems at the farm level. The contribution of the Algerian state for the regularization of the prices of animal products. To practice a good communication around the products processed by the small breeders to increase the marketing and sensitize the consumers to consume natural products. Exploit various other resources such as sheep milk by improving the dairy breeds of the region of Ouled Djellal. Orient goat farms towards intensive operations, and promote dairy breeds such as the Spanish Murciana and the French Saanen.

Economic model of bovine fasciolosis in Nigeria: an update.

Bovine fasciolosis is a zoonotic infection transmitted by infected freshwater snail-Lymnaea (Radix) natalensis-in tropical regions. The prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in Nigeria is overwhelming with huge financial cost. In the chronic form of the disease, hyperplastic cholangitis and calcification of bile ducts occur with severe liver damage. The aim of the study was to estimate annual economic losses of bovine fasciolosis in Nigeria. Disease prevalence was estimated at 18.3% (8.5-30.6), average annual disease incidence is maintained at 2.5%, an estimated mortality rate of 1.5%, a total liver condemnation rate of 11.1% were estimated from affected liver due to fasciolosis, annual slaughter rate of 10.5% and a total cattle population of 20 million. A total of 7.3% livestock owners consider fasciolosis as a threat, while only 4.3% have ever used molluscicide. Treatment cost of controlling fasciolosis is estimated at US$375,000, which puts the total annual loss due to fasciolosis at US$26.02 million. Both direct and indirect sources of production losses have an impact on the livestock industry in Nigeria. Bovine fasciolosis threatens food security in Nigeria; therefore, further awareness among livestock owners is needed on control strategies to improve the income base for small-scale livestock farmers.

Access and Use of Veterinary Services by Livestock Farmers in Western Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study examined the access and use of veterinary services by small scale livestock farmers in the western agricultural zone of Nasarawa state. Two Local government areas (Karu and Keffi LGAs) were purposively selected from the zone for the study based on their popularity in small scale livestock production. Ten villages were randomly selected from each of the two selected LGAs to give a total of 20 villages. Six (6) livestock farmers were randomly selected from each of the 20 selected villages giving a total of 120 respondents. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model using SPSS software. The results show that the majority (75.2%) of the respondents were male. Their mean age was 35years which implies that the livestock farmers were mostly young people. Their average year of farming experience was 10 years. Half (50%) of them had tertiary education, indicating the enhanced capacity to access and use veterinary services. The major veterinary services adopted by the respondents were treatment of sick animals (93.3%), vaccination (87.2%), castration (65.0%) and Sanitary/Fumigation practices (41%) among others. The regression analysis showed that four variables had a significant effect (1%) on the level of use of veterinary services by the respondents. These were gender (p ≤ 0.417), level of education (p ≤ 0.603), number of extension visits (p ≤ 0.607) and membership of social organisations (p ≤ 0.670). Lack of money to acquire vaccines and drugs (X = 2.3), high cost of veterinary services (X =2.3) and far distance to veterinary centres (X =2.0) were the major constraints to use of veterinary services. It was recommended that extension agents should encourage the farmers to join cooperative groups to enhance easy access to credit to procure veterinary inputs.

Prevalence of bovine fascioliasis and economic impact associated with liver condemnation in abattoirs in Mongu district of Zambia

BackgroundFascioliasis is a trematode zoonotic snail-borne disease of public health and economic importance. The disease causes liver damage and is hardly recognized by medical personnel hence, is rarely considered as the differential diagnosis. In animals, the disease leads to mortalities, growth retardation, drop in livestock production and condemnation of the infected livers during meat inspection.The cross-sectional study was conducted from 2013 to 2017 in abattoirs in Mongu district, Western province of Zambia. Each selected carcass was examined macroscopically for bovine fascioliasis by dissecting the liver and checking for adult liver flukes. Infested and condemned livers were weighed and incinerated.ResultsA total of 69,152 carcasses with their livers was examined at the abattoirs for adult Fasciola worms and 44,511 (64.4%) were positive. According to the intensity of pathological lesions, 55.3% constituted severely affected livers, 30.3% were moderately affected livers and 14.4% were lightly affected livers. Our observation revealed that the most prevalent liver fluke identified was Fasciola gigantica (56.1%) and it mostly affected the poor body conditioned animals (71.4%). The study also indicated that 164,600 kg liver was condemned and destroyed. This reduced the income base for small-scale livestock farmers to about ZMW 7,407,000.00, which was equivalent to 592,560 USD.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study suggests that the prevalence of bovine fascioliasis was high resulting in a large amount of liver being condemned and destroyed, leading to economic losses for affected livestock farmers in the area. Consequently, there is a need to take the necessary measures to control the disease and create awareness among medical personnel to consider it as a differential diagnosis in all functional liver deficiencies due to the zoonotic nature of the disease.

Small-scale livestock farmers' participation in markets: evidence from the land reform beneficiaries in the Central Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa

Since the launch of the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD) programme by the government, several small-scale farmers have slowly integrated into the mainstream markets. The main objective of the study was to evaluate and analyse the factors affecting participation in mainstream markets by the small-scale livestock farmers in the Central Karoo, Western Cape Province of South Africa. A sample of 36 small-scale farmer projects was purposively selected from the study area, and the data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Thereafter a multinomial regression model was applied to the primary data. The results show that age, farming experience, number of beneficiaries, employment status and farmer training have a strong positive effect on the likelihood of small-scale livestock farmers marketing their sheep to the mainstream markets such as abattoirs and auctions. Furthermore, distance to the nearest market, access to market infrastructure and access to credit have a negative impact on the likelihood of those participating in the formal markets. The study suggests that the government should address the challenges faced by the small-scale farmers through interventions and improving access to markets. Keywords: Factors, LRAD, small-scale, mainstream markets, Central Karoo, multinomial model

Serological Detection of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Non-Structural Protein Antibodies in Sheep Slaughtered at Gwagwalada Abattoir, Abuja-Nigeria

Small ruminants (Ovine and Caprine) constitutes a significant revenue generation component for small-scale livestock farmers across the globe especially in most developing nations including Nigeria. Viral diseases like Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a major contagious disease of domestic ruminants that hampers livestock productivity in countries where the disease is still endemic. However, the role of Sheep in FMD epidemiology in Nigeria is still underestimated and poorly understood. This study was aimed at establishing the occurrence of FMD in slaughtered Sheep at Gwagwalada abattoir. One hundred and eighty (180) sera were randomly collected from slaughtered sheep and subjected to NS-Blocking ELISA test using PrioCHECK® ELISA kit at the Foot and Mouth Disease Laboratory, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom. The result showed that out of 180 test sera, 29 (16.0%) were evident of NSP-FMD antibodies and 151 (84.0%) were negative. This findings indicates FMD infections were within and absence of vaccination against FMD in sheep. The consequence of co-herding of sheep as a risk factor in FMD spread and transmission within this study area could be far overwhelming. In conclusion, this preliminary finding provides information on the occurrence of FMD in all breeds of apparently healthy, non-vaccinated Rams and Ewes slaughtered in Gwagwalada abattoir. Control efforts should be put in place to prevent potential vicious circle of outbreaks that may arise from transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus from slaughtered sheep in the abattoir to livestock markets and possibly herds within and around Gwagwalada Area Council.

Characteristics of Livestock Husbandry and Management Practice in the Central Dry Zone of Myanmar

The central dry zone of Myanmar is the area with the highest density of small-scale livestock farmers under harsh environmental condition. In this study, we describe and quantify ownership patterns for various livestock species and characterised management and husbandry practices of small-scale farmers. In addition, we identify the husbandry factors associated with selected outcome indicators, ‘herd or flock size’ and ‘purpose of rearing’. A total of 613 livestock farmers in 40 villages were interviewed. Multispecies rearing was common with 51.7% of farmers rearing more than one livestock species. Rearing animals to be sold as adults for slaughter (meat production) was more common for small ruminants (98.1%) and chickens (99.8%) compared to cattle (69.8%). Larger cattle herds were more likely to practice grazing (p < 0.001) and to employ labour from outside the household to manage cattle than medium or small herds (p = 0.03). Patterns of grazing differed significantly between seasons (p < 0.01) for cattle, but not for small ruminants and village chicken. Overall, multispecies rearing and species-specific husbandry practices are used to raise livestock under harsh environmental conditions. Our results reveal that herd/flock size and purpose of rearing across different livestock species were significantly associated with feeding and housing practices and experience of farmers.

Classification, characterisation and strategies for improvement of cattle and sheep pasture systems in marginal areas of Southern Chile

Pasture-based livestock systems in farms with medium or low size are especially important in less favored areas and are valuable for society. For these systems to survive, it is necessary to obtain an acceptable level of productivity and ensure commercialization of the products. This study was carried out in the district of Rio Ibanez, General Carrera Province, in the XI (Aysen) Region of Chile. The sample consisted of 28 small-scale livestock farmers with dual-purpose cattle production; 16 of them also produced sheep for meat. The empirical data produced 55 variables which were subjected to multivariate analysis; three main components were obtained which explain 72.1 % of the variance. By cluster analysis it was obtained four groups with characteristics which varied by farm size, age and personal situation of farmers, farm management and farm profitability. The principal problems found are low productivity in the herds and the poor marketing channels of animals produced. In two groups, due to the low size and poor management, the profitability of the farms is very low and this may compromise their future. To improve production systems, the training and advice of farmers should be strengthened, investment should be supported, especially for young people, and the farmer partnership should be promoted. There is also a need to diversify the families' sources of income (sale of other farm products or handicrafts and touristic activities).

Nutrient utilisation in grower pigs fed a protein concentrate blended with sweet potato roots either boiled or ensiled with or without vines

Blending sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam)) with a protein concentrate for pig feed is a common strategy used by small-scale livestock farmers across Africa, Asia and the Pacific. However, high dietary fibre in sweet potato (SP) forage may reduce nutrient utilisation and energy metabolism and reduce the growth rate of young pigs. A 32-day metabolic trial with grower pigs using a 4 × 4 Latin square design tested the hypothesis that there would be no difference in apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, energy and nitrogen (N) balance in 25 kg grower pigs (Large White × Landrace × Duroc) fed diets based on a blend of 43–40% protein supplement with 57–60% of DM as SP roots either boiled (BR43) or ensiled alone (ER43) or ensiled with vines (ERV40). Blended SP diets provided ~14–15% crude protein (CP), 16.1–16.3 MJ digestible energy (DE)/kg DM and 0.54–0.58 g lysine/MJ DE. The control diet (STD) contained 16.5% CP, 14.8 MJ DE/kg DM, 0.58 g lysine/MJ DE. The major findings were as follows: (1) DM intake was higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for BR43 than ER43, ERV40 and STD diets, which were similar; (2) DM ATTD and energy utilisation were higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in pigs fed SP diets; (3) carbohydrate (N-free extracts) ATTD was higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in pigs fed BR43 and ER43 diets, while CP ATTD of both these diets was similar to that of STD and higher than that of ERV40; (4) ATTD of fats (ether extracts), CP, carbohydrates (N-free extracts) and total phosphorus was lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on ERV40, but fibre ATTD was higher; (5) N intake and N retained were similar (P &amp;gt; 0.05) for pigs fed BR43, ER43 and STD diets but lower for ERV40 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Boiled or ensiled SP roots provided high nutrient and energy utilisation in growing pigs, but the inclusion of SP vines lowered ATTD, energy utilisation and N retained from the mixed diet (ERV40). It is concluded that boiled or ensiled SP root are equally valuable as blended feed for grower pigs. However, at 30%DM, ensiled SP vine in blended feed led to reduced grower-pig performance.

Livestock for Household Food Security- A Case Study of Small-Scale Mixed Farmers in Semi-Arid Nyakach, Kenya

This paper considers both direct and indirect contributions of livestock to food security in semi-arid parts of Nyakach, Kenya. Livestock is a major component of the agricultural economy of developing countries. Sales of live livestock and their products provide direct cash income to small-=scale farmers. Livestock are the source of income for such farmers, income that is usually spent on buying food.Livestock have the critical role in the agricultural intensification process through provision of labor on farm, fuel and manure. Livestock ownership also contributes towards economic development and stability through food production.Household food security is the availability, stability and accessibiilty of enough food by all household members at all time.This includes household entitlements that include food production resources, income available for purchases of food, food gifts and assistance sufficient to meet the aggregate food needs of all household members. Various constraints are faced by small-scale livestock farmers with regard to producing enough food,but overally livestock has cushioned the farmers from food insecurity.

Analysis of factors influencing cattle off-take rate and marketing in Ndiyona constituency of Kavango region, Namibia

This paper presents an estimate of the cattle off-take rates in Ndiyona constituency of the Kavango region, north eastern communal area of Namibia and identifies marketing channels and strategies used by small-scale livestock farmers. The study used Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) to identify factors influencing cattle off-take rates. The results showed that cattle off-take rate of 6.14 percent for Ndiyona constituency that is below the official off-take rates for the rest of the country (20%), above the estimated cattle off-take rate for the northern communal areas (2%). The study concludes that type of farming and the quarantine marketing channel contribute negatively to cattle marketing in Ndiyona constituency, hence relatively lower off-take rates, while number of cattle owned by the farmers has positive impacts on cattle marketing. Key words: marketing channel, livestock off-take, market information, smallholder farmers.

Brucellosis: "One Health" challenges and opportunities

Brucellosis is an ancient disease with host-specific evolutionary mechanisms that allow itto hide from or manipulate cellular immunity and achieve intracellular persistence. The disease yields low fatality rates but can cause substantial disabilities. Zoonotic brucellosis remains widespread and neglected in many areas despite notable advances in science, technology, and management in the 19th and 20th Centuries. The burden appears to remain greatest, and yet most under-prioritised globally, amongst pastoral peoples and small-scale livestock farmers. Capacity building for zoonotic brucellosis diagnosis, surveillance, management, and treatment in developing countries faces numerous challenges. Adaptive risk management can provide a framework to build stakeholder support for addressing the complexities and uncertainties, and learning from management actions. The challenges and opportunities for brucellosis management must be recognised as fundamentally multivariate, multifaceted, and integrative; it is thus crucial for veterinary, public health, and wildlife/conservation professions to collaboratively develop, adopt and promulgate a brucellosis One Health paradigm.