Determinants of Farmers’ Preferences for Communal Spraying for Trypanosomiasis Control among Smallholder Dairy Cattle Farms in Busia County, Kenya

Abstract

Trypanosomosis is the single most important disease constraining the expansion of livestock in Kenya. Several technologies have been developed to ameliorate the effects of the disease. However, the delivery of these technologies to farmers has been undertaken on trial and error basis without a proper strategy leading to more failures than success and wastage of scarce resources. The main objective of this study was to estimate determinants of preferences for communal spraying for trypanosomosis control among smallholder cattle farmers in Busia County, Kenya. Cross–sectional survey design was adopted and data collected from a sample of 217 respondents using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Age, experience, and milk income were found to be significant determinants of preference for communal spraying among semi –zero grazers. Experience and expenditure on spraying were on the other hand significant factors determining preference for communal spraying among zero grazers. There is need to develop T&T technologies which are attractive to all age groups. Strategies to boost milk income should be pursued as this would encourage home spraying for T&T control. Kenya’s policy of promoting farming as a business is supported by these findings. Home spraying requires knowledge and skills and therefore farmers need to be properly trained for effectiveness. Agricultural extension service is needed to augment farmers’ experience.