The Role and Sustainability of Community-based County Government Funded Agricultural Infrastructure Projects: A Case of Community Cattle Dips and Acaricides Use in Kilifi, Kajiado and Nakuru Counties
Lenny Mwagandi Chimbevo *
Department of Pure and Applies Sciences, School of Applied and Health Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya.
Norbert Adum Atego
Department of Pure and Applies Sciences, School of Applied and Health Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya.
Paul Sifuna Oshule
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical school, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya.
Job Mapesa
Department of Public Health Human Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kenya Methodist University, Meru, Kenya.
Suliman Essuman
Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical school, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya.
John Huria Nderitu
Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Micah Nyabiba Asamba
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Chris Ngeny
Department of Biochemistry, School of Applied and Health Sciences, Pwani University Kilifi, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study objective was to provide baseline and reference data on status and use of acaricides based on type or active ingredients by individual farmers and in public cattle dip maintained by county governments. The survey was conducted through a cross-sectional study in three counties (Kilifi, Kajiado and Nakuru), based on livestock farming intensive (low, medium and high) respectively. A total of 72 farmers were sampled where Questionnaire and informal interview were used to collect data on acaricides use, grazing method, herd characteristics, production and marketing. Data obtained was stored in excel spread sheets coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for social Scientists (SPSS). Grazing systems were conventional grazing (31), zero grazing (10) and fenced pastures (41). Collapse of county governments maintained cattle dips was observed. Hence use of alternative methods by farmers; spray race (22) and mechanical (hand) spray (31). Chemicals used included TRIATIX (12), DUODIP (11), STELADONE (7) among others with majority of the farmers (32) spraying once a week. Water sources for use were tap (piped) water (8), Borehole (54), community dams (3), river water (4) and harvested rain water (1). Majority of farmers (43) used manual methods of milking while 29 farmers used automated machines. Nakuru had highest number of lactating cattle (1422) and milk production (22,480 litres), followed by Kajiado (247) with low milk production (371 litres) compared to production Kilifi production (1470 litres) herd (150). Milk was sold to KCC, Brookside and vendors with farmers adding little value (Yoghurt and Mala). In conclusion, extensive use of chemicals may accumulate in the ecosystem thus a public health problem with little productivity. Data forms basis for further research and policy formulation on acaricides use. Analysis of hydro-chemical parameters and acaricides in the water source is recommended to ascertain its suitability for Agricultural and domestic use.
Keywords: Acaricides, pray race residues productivity, agricultural, cattle-dips community-based, infrastructure, sustainability