Exploration of veterinary service supply to rural farmers in Namibia: a one health perspective

Abstract

Introduction: expansion of the Namibian beef export market presents benefits for both the National economy and small-scale farming communities. However, meeting animal health and productivity requirements whilst securing veterinary public health are identified as key challenges to the sector. Farmer access to veterinary services, animal health advice and veterinary medicines is scarce due to the geographical expanse, and on-going risks from endemic and emergent zoonotic diseases. Methods: an exploratory, qualitative research methodology was adopted to obtain ground-up rich data from pastoral livestock farmers (n=60) through a series of ten focus groups. Groups were stratified by the geographical regions of Otjozondjupa and Omaheke, representing key beef cattle producing areas in Namibia. Transcribed data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis, constructed in Grounded Theory methodology, with an iterative constant comparison technique used to identify common themes. Triangulation analysis was completed between authors to ensure consistency in coding. Results: focus group data analysis revealed three emergent themes representative of farmer experiences, belief and opinions. Themes relevant and important to pastoralist farming in the regions, and to veterinary public health, were defined and described as; access to veterinary services and advice; veterinary medicines supply chain; farmer knowledge and understanding. Conclusion: control of endemic zoonoses and the prevention of emergent zoonotic disease is essential to secure livestock health, welfare and productivity, and human health and livelihoods in the region. Contemporaneously is the need to improve livestock farmer access to veterinary and public health advice and education, which should be derived through a One Health approach.