A quantitative exploration of nomadic pastoralists’ knowledge and practices towards Rift Valley fever in Niger State, North-central Nigeria: The associated socio-cultural drivers

Abstract

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a vector-borne re-emerging viral zoonosis that mainly affects poor and marginalized populations in Africa and the Middle East. The study assessed pastoralists' knowledge/awareness and preventive measures towards RVF in Fulani nomadic pastoral communities of Niger State, North-central Nigeria. An interview questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in randomly selected 403 Fulani nomadic pastoral households. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed. About 97% (389/403) of the pastoralists responded. Majority (74.0%) of them was males and 26.0% was females, while most (65.3%) did not possess formal education. About 85% and 77% of respondents mentioned high mortality in newborns and abortions in pregnant cows, respectively, as signs of RVF in cattle. Also, 50.6% of respondents mentioned high fever as RVF symptoms in humans, while 36.5% reported headache. Pastoralists in age group 70–99 years (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.14, 6.33) and those with tertiary education (OR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.06, 5.99) were more likely to possess satisfactory knowledge about RVF than others. Extensive husbandry system (OR: 6.16; 95% CI: 3.46, 10.97) as well as culture of borrowing and loaning of cattle (OR: 27.00; 95% CI: 12.67, 57.52) were more likely to influenced RVF occurrence in herds compared to other factors. The survey revealed gaps in levels of knowledge and practices regarding RVF among pastoralists. Socio-cultural activities were key social drivers for RVF occurrence in pastoral herds. The gaps, influenced by socio-demographic and cultural factors, necessitate the need for multidisciplinary approach including anthropologists in RVF preventive education for the pastoralists. Also, cross-disciplinary studies that would increase understanding of social determinants of re-emerging zoonotic diseases are encouraged.

Comparison of knowledge, attitude, and practices of animal and human brucellosis between nomadic pastoralists and non-pastoralists in Kenya

“…In addition, they engaged in skinning and therefore handling raw hides because of the high market value of camel leather and hair [32]. Since our study also found that lack of formal education was an important risk factor associated with increased risk of brucellosis infection, we envision that promoting formal education among the pastoralists would result in improved economic opportunities and reduction in risky practices as has been observed in other studies [33,34].…”

Survey on antimicrobial usage in local dairy cows in North-central Nigeria: Drivers for misuse and public health threats

“…The participants' level of knowledge was determined according to outcome criteria previously identified by Alhaji et al [17]: the word “very low” represented a proportion of respondents with “know” knowledge that ranged from 1% to 24%; “low” represented proportion with “know” knowledge that ranged between 25% and 49%; “high” represented proportion with “know” knowledge that ranged between 50% and 74%; and “very high” represented proportion with “know” knowledge that ranged from 75% to 100%. Similar approach was used to identify levels of practices and perceptions.…”

Seropositivity and associated intrinsic and extrinsic factors for Rift Valley fever virus occurrence in pastoral herds of Nigeria: a cross sectional survey

“…Possession of formal education is very important as it creates opportunities for exchange of ideas among farmers on livestock diseases through seminars and workshops. Low knowledge about RVF could be also attributable to low formal education levels among pastoralists, which can predispose to low understanding about its zoonotic nature [ 38 ].…”