Socio-economic Impact of Livestock Diseases: The Case of Nandi and Taita-Taveta Counties in Kenya

Aim: The dairy sector significantly contributes to Kenya's economy, accounting for 3.5% of the total gross domestic product, and 14% of agricultural gross domestic product. However, three main diseases; Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), East Coast Fever (ECF) and Trypanosomosis hamper this sector's growth because they cause significant losses to smallholder farmers. The objective of the study was to determine the economic and social impacts of these diseases to enable farmers and other stakeholders to realize the losses caused and therefore initiate prevention and control measures. Methods: Data were collected using multiple methods. These included a formal survey that covered 473 households, Key Informants' Interviews (KIIs), focused group discussions (FGDs) and a literature review. Household data were collected through a combination of purposive and systematic sampling techniques. This data was fed in SPSS Version 20 and analyzed through descriptive statistics (percentages, chi-squared, paired t-test, and means). Results: Results showed significant milk yield losses (litres/per cow/day) of at least 0.6 from each disease. Overall case fatality from ECF was about 20% while that from FMD was about 12% in both Nandi and Taita-Taveta counties. Besides, the overall case fatality due to Trypanosomosis in Taita-Taveta was 12%. Conclusion: The study concluded a significant economic loss of household milk and the accruing benefits caused by ECF, FMD and Trypanosomosis in the two counties. Socially, the death of the animals through these diseases disrupted the cultural epitome of the two communities as cattle played a pivotal role in their social fabrics, especially as currencies for dowry payment and as a symbol of prestige. Recommendations: There is a need for early detection of the disease that would enable timely treatment of the diseases, thus saving on drugs and reducing the risk of animals dying. Institutions like the Kenya Agricultural and Research Organization should develop diagnostic kits that are affordable to farmers and can give quick results. Additionally, farmers should be empowered to diagnose livestock diseases early and have access to trained animal health practitioners.