Community-based animal health workers in Kenya: a case study of Mwingi District
2003
J. Rubyogo
At policy level in Kenya, veterinarians have expressed concern about the ability of community-based animal health workers (CAHWs) to diagnose diseases and use veterinary drugs correctly. Also, vets felt that CAHWs would compete with veterinary graduates or veterinary assistants.Using a test adapted from the examination system at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, a team of researchers looked at the technical competence and skills of CAHWs in Mwingi District, Kenya. The CAHW test was supervised by a university professor and chairman of the Kenya Veterinary Association, and included oral and practical examination, and inspection of CAHW drugs and equipment. Ninety percent of the CAHWs passed the test.This study also describes numerous complementary linkages between CAHWs and higher levels of veterinary service provider. These linakges included the private supply of veterinary inputs to CAHWs by animal health technicians, supervision of CAHWs, and a referral system for difficult clinical cases.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Institute of Development Studies
