March 15, 2024

 

Kenyan farmers demonstrate considerable awareness of antibiotics risks, study finds

A recent study published in CABI Agriculture and Bioscience unveils significant farmer awareness concerning various risks associated with antibiotic use in Kenyan livestock, particularly antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Phys.org reported.

 

Conducted by scientists from CABI's regional centre for Africa, the University of Nairobi, the University of Warwick (UK), and VSF Suisse, the study shed light on Kenya's status as an AMR hotspot.

 

Surveying 319 farming households across five Kenyan counties, researchers discovered that 55%–89% of respondents correctly answered 19 out of 21 knowledge statements regarding AMR and safe antibiotic use. This indicates substantial awareness among farmers regarding antibiotic risks.

 

While livestock ownership positively influenced farmers' knowledge of AMR and antibiotic safety, certain knowledge gaps persist, and farming practices continue to pose significant risks for AMR development.

 

Lead author Harrison Rware emphasised the study's assessment of farmers' knowledge and practices related to antibiotics in livestock production, underscoring the global debate on antibiotic use due to concerns about inappropriate practices and AMR.

 

The survey revealed that approximately 80% of households surveyed administer antibiotics to their livestock, with 58% self-administering antibiotics, often without prescriptions.

 

Antibiotics serve therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes, notably as growth promoters and feed enhancers in poultry. However, withdrawal periods reported by farmers are shorter than officially recommended, indicating potential risks.

 

Despite awareness of bacterial AMR among most farmers (76%), risky antibiotic practices persist, highlighting the necessity for fundamental behavioural change within farming communities.

 

Rware said there is a need for an enabling environment driven by effective policy interventions, research on alternative practices like probiotics and vaccinations, and continued public awareness campaigns to combat AMR effectively.

 

-      Phys.org