Improving food security in sub-Saharan Africa by supporting the progressive reduction of tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis in the framework of NEPAD (Phase 2)

Improving food security in sub-Saharan Africa by supporting the progressive reduction of tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis in the framework of NEPAD (Phase 2)

Editor

FAO ;

Descripción

Tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis is a severe parasitic disease affecting both humans and animals. The project (FAO symbol GCP/RAF/502/ITA) followed up on a previous project (FAO symbol GTFS/RAF/474/ITA), and it benefited smallholder livestock keepers and veterinary authorities in 28 endemic countries in Africa, with a focus on Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali and Uganda. Project activities comprised: i) the piloting of an innovative tool for disease control in the field (i.e. Livestock Protective Fences [LPF]); and ii) disease risk mapping and information management for improved, evidence-based decision-making. Field activities were implemented in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Approximately 20 000 m2 of protective nets/LPF were deployed in 555 livestock-keeping households to protect animals against tsetse flies and other biting and nuisance flies. The impact of the interventions included reduced fly infestation and disease incidence, and increased meat and milk production. Disease risk mapping and information management for evidence-based decision-making were enhanced through a wide range of activities. National atlases/information systems were developed, focusing on the geographic distribution of tsetse and African animal trypanosomosis (AAT). The atlases were completed in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Mali and Zimbabwe, and initiated in Ethiopia and Uganda. The FAO continental atlas of tsetse and AAT was also enhanced, with 18 AAT-affected countries covered. The project was also strongly focused on capacity development, and it held training courses and workshops at the national level (17), and regional level (7). The project, implemented between January 2016 and June 2018, was funded by the Government of Italy.