Role, ownership and presence of domestic animals in peri‐urban households of Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

SummaryLow-and middle-income countries are experiencing rapid urban population growth, particularly in peri-urban informal settlements. In these urban areas, animal husbandry remains a valuable source of income and protein-rich foods but may also present a risk of zoonotic disease threat. To date, there have been studies that have assessed the prevalence and nature of animal ownership in these communities. This cross-sectional survey assessed the geographical, sociocultural and economic factors behind the presence, ownership and purpose of domestic animals in three informal peri-urban communities of Kisumu, Kenya. A majority (n = 587) of the study households exhibited domestic animal presence in the living space yet only 32% of households reported animal ownership (n = 252). The purposes of ownership included: for meat/eggs (55%); for income, sale or trade (43%); for milk production (31%); and as companions/pets (31%).Among households that owned animals, 76% reported that at least one animal slept in the house at night. In multivariate logistic regression, the following factors were significantly associated with household animal ownership: ownership of agricultural land (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.12, 3.35), perceiving a strong community bond (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.25, 4.16), and household membership in a community group (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.60). This research demonstrates the high prevalence of animal ownership in a low-income and high-density peri-urban neighbourhood of an African city, which may facilitate zoonotic disease transmission. Further research should assess if and to what extent animal ownership in such communities is associated with disease risk. K E Y W O R D Scompanion animals, livestock, one health, poultry, public health, zoonoses

The association between domestic animal presence and ownership and household drinking water contamination among peri-urban communities of Kisumu, Kenya

“…Animal manure is often used in Kisumu for crop and garden fertilizer and contamination of household drinking water and food products has been theorized [ 30 , 31 ]. A recent study on domestic animal ownership in these peri-urban communities of Kisumu reported that whilst 34% of participating households had self-reported animal ownership, over 70% of the households had a domestic animal observed in the compound during the time of sampling [ 32 ]. Reasons given by households for animal ownership was most often for production of meat/eggs, as a source of income, or as pets [ 32 ].…”

“…A recent study on domestic animal ownership in these peri-urban communities of Kisumu reported that whilst 34% of participating households had self-reported animal ownership, over 70% of the households had a domestic animal observed in the compound during the time of sampling [ 32 ]. Reasons given by households for animal ownership was most often for production of meat/eggs, as a source of income, or as pets [ 32 ]. Cohabitation with animals at night was commonly reported.…”

“…If the respondent was not the head of the household, he/she answered questions to describe their characteristics. As in previous studies, a household was defined as those who share the same kitchen area [ 32 , 34 ].…”

“…Variables were selected to represent potential exposure risks related to contact with domestic animals and rodent vectors. For the purposes of this research, animal contact was defined as: a) having direct interaction with an animal, animal waste, animal tissue or animal products; and b) sharing the same physical environment such as a home, yard/compound or community space [ 32 ]. In addition, the multivariate logistic regression model was adjusted for underlying determinants of household water contamination.…”

Developing a Contextually Appropriate Integrated Hygiene Intervention to Achieve Sustained Reductions in Diarrheal Diseases

“…This may be attributed to a number of factors, including the large number of pathways in which children may become exposed to diarrheal disease pathogens. Studies within the African region have demonstrated significant contamination of the environment from both human and animal feces, which may contribute to disease transmission during environmental interactions [14][15][16][17][18][19]. Studies have also demonstrated the potential role of food contamination in diarrheal disease transmission, particularly complementary foods, which have been found to have higher levels of contamination than drinking water [20][21][22][23][24][25].…”