Community-Based Animal Health Workers in the Horn of Africa

This report describes the process and findings of an evaluation of community-based animal health workers (CAHWs) in Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

Overall, the researchers find that CAHWs continue to be the preferred service provider at the community level, and that their assistance has a significant positive effect on the livelihood impacts of livestock diseases. However, CAHWs are hindered in their work by weak veterinary governance. Similarly, although there is great potential to use CAHWs in official disease surveillance, this potential remains unrealized due to weak linkages between government and CAHWs in remote areas.

The authors find an urgent need to:

  • Collect quantitative evidence on the state of the veterinary pharmaceutical trade and drug quality
  • Strengthen local and national veterinary institutions that train, regulate, and supervise CAHWs, and support access to quality drugs and vaccines

This evaluation was conducted in collaboration with Vetwork UK in Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, between June and December 2013. Each country assessment comprised three main activities: a field-level assessment of selected CAHW projects using participatory methods and interviews with community informants and CAHWs; key informant interviews with senior policy makers, legislators, and project implementers; a national CAHW workshop to feedback initial findings and discuss ways forward for CAHW development. The evaluation was commissioned by the US Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance.

ASSOCIATED PROJECT

SUBJECTS

PUBLICATION TYPE

LOCATION

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Thumbnail image of report cover

This desk study explores how state-owned policies and programs in pastoral areas of the Sudano-Sahel and the Greater Horn of Africa meet pastoralists’ needs and priorities.

Thumbnail image of publication cover

The time pressure involved in designing and implementing anticipatory action can discourage the localization of decision-making. Learn more from a cartoon-infused summary of insights.

Thumnail image of publication cover

Early Warning Systems can reduce deaths and damages caused by extreme weather events, if investors address gaps in communication and planning. Learn more from a cartoon-infused summary of insights.

Thumbnail image of report cover

This synthesis report reflects upon Phase 1 findings on humanitarian action in pastoral drylands of the Greater Horn and Sudano-Sahel.

Thumbnail image of report cover

This desk study examines common perceptions of pastoralism among humanitarians and barriers to international humanitarian systems meeting pastoralists’ needs.

Thumbnail image of report cover

This desk study explores how pastoralists manage climate, conflict, and other stresses through indigenous early warning systems, preventive actions, local emergency responses, and customary safety nets.

Load more