Local Perceptions and Knowledge of Animal Diseases among Producers in the Guiriko Region of Burkina Faso
Nafizatou COULIBALY *
Doctoral School of Natural Sciences and Agronomy (ED-SNA), Nazi BONI University, BP 1091, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
Bienvenu ZONOU
Institute for Rural Development (IDR), Nazi BONI University, BP 1091, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
Justin Relwendé OUEDRAOGO
National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST) / Institute for Health Sciences Research (IRSS) / Research and Development Laboratory for Phytomedicines and Medicines (LRD/PM), Burkina Faso.
Abdoul Kader GANDEMA
Doctoral School of Natural Sciences and Agronomy (ED-SNA), Nazi BONI University, BP 1091, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
Salifou OUEDRAOGO-KONE
Institute for Rural Development (IDR), Nazi BONI University, BP 1091, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso and Laboratory for Studies and Research on Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nazi Boni University, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
Sévérin N’DO
National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST) / Institute for Health Sciences Research, Western Regional Directorate (IRSS-DRO) / Laboratory for Research on Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (LR-MIP), 01 BP 545 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
Lassina OUATTARA
Life and Earth Sciences Training and Research Unit (UFR/SVT), Nazi BONI University, BP 1091, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The health situation in the animal production sector remains a real challenge for good productivity. Its management is strongly influenced by producers' perceptions of these diseases. It is in this context that the study was launched. This study was conducted in the Guiriko region, in western Burkina Faso, to analyse local perceptions of livestock diseases among producers. A sample of 270 producers was drawn from the working population of Guiriko using the Slovin formula. The descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among these 270 farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. The farmers were identified by the heads of the village development council and the technical support areas for livestock farming. The data were analysed using R.5.0 software. The results identified more than twenty diseases reported by farmers, with trypanosomiasis and foot-and-mouth disease being the most frequently mentioned. The perceived causes were mainly related to environmental conditions, feed shortages and insect bites. Most diagnoses were based on empirical observation of clinical signs, reflecting consistent but incomplete local knowledge. Although empirical, these perceptions provide valuable information for participatory surveillance and animal health planning. Integrating local knowledge into veterinary strategies and adopting a ‘One Health’ approach could strengthen the resilience of livestock systems to endemic and emerging diseases.
Keywords: Local perceptions, livestock diseases, farmers, empirical knowledge, animal health, Burkina Faso