The impact of Gibe III hydroelectric dam on the situation of livestock diseases with particular emphasis on bovine trypanosomosis in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was initiated to explore the impact of Gibe III dam on the situation of livestock diseases with emphasis on trypanosomosis in upstream and downstream districts. Focus group discussions with 15 groups each with 6-20 members were conducted using participatory research approach. Data were collected through simple ranking, proportional piling and matrix scoring. Level of agreement among groups analyzed was determined by Kendell's coeffi cient concordance (W). Proportional piling revealed that bovine trypanosomosis ranked fi rst followed by blackleg and anthrax. Study participants identifi ed livestock diseases by name and described the most salient features of each disease. Community perception on clinical signs, disease transmission, seasonality, of tsetse vectors, socioeconomic impacts, control methods commonly of trypanosomosis was in a good agreement (W > 0.38***; p<0.001). Livestock disease outbreaks and the challenge from tsetse and trypanosomosis were perceived signifi cantly reduced after dam construction in the upstream villages whereas dam construction and the artifi cial lake created thereof had little impact on the situation of trypanosomosis and the tsetse population in the downstream villages along the Omo river. Therefore, any tsetse and trypanosomosis control program should take into account the basic differences in the two sites and accordingly provide customized services.

Livestock Owners’ Perception on the Impact of Ghibe-III Hydroelectric Dam on Bovine Trypanosomosis, Southern Ethiopia

“…The finding also agreed with focus group discussion conducted in the same area, the knowledge of a swollen lymph node, cough/salivation, fever, loss of appetite, and diarrhea also were considered as clinical manifestations. 28 Studies in the Orma community in Kenya reflected similar clinical signs for chronic trypanosomosis infection but hemorrhage and sudden death reported to the acute form of the disease. 29 Comparable knowledge was mentioned in the agro-pastoralist community in Lamwat and Kwale, Kenya.…”

“…26 Almost all respondents agreed the occurrence of trypanosomosis and its cause of transmission depends on season mainly in the long rainy season which is in agreement with other research work. 22,28 Seasonal observation in the same study site showed a significantly high prevalence of trypanosomosis and high tsetse and biting fly apparent density observed in the rainy season. 18 Knowledge on signs and transmission of trypanosomosis by farmers observed in the high tsetse challenge area, 27 agreed with current finding; 44% of farmers agreed tsetse fly accompanied with the river, grazing site and wet season are the main cause of trypanosomosis.…”

“…Focus group discussion and seasonal observation in the same study site demonstrated a similar situation in line with respondents, where there was a low prevalence and tsetse fly apparent density in Loma than in Kindo Didaye district. 18,28 Other experiences on mosquito abundance and malaria disease in Ghibe-I hydroelectric dam showed that stagnant water in the dam contributed 88% to the increase of mosquitoes thereby increasing malaria cases. 35 Stagnant water might be a favorable environment for mosquito multiplication.…”