Examining antibiotic use in Kenya: farmers’ knowledge and practices in addressing antibiotic resistance

Examining antibiotic use in Kenya: farmers’ knowledge and practices in addressing antibiotic resistance

2024 | Harrison Rware*, Kansiime K. Monica1, Mugambi Idah1, Makale Fernadis1, Ikior Davis2, Wako Buke2, Danielsen Solveig1, Karanja Daniel1, Chacha Duncan1, Byskov Morten3 and Hyams Keith3
This study examines farmers' knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use in livestock production in Kenya, a country listed as an AMR hotspot. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 319 farming households in five counties, using multivariate regression analysis to identify explanatory factors. Key findings include: - **Antibiotic Use**: 80% of households use antibiotics, with 58% administering them without professional guidance. Antibiotics are used for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes, often as growth promoters in poultry. - **Knowledge and Awareness**: 76% of farmers are aware of AMR, but knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the scope and consequences of AMR. - **Factors Influencing Practices**: The number of livestock owned, education level, and location (rural vs. urban) significantly influence farmers' knowledge and practices. Extension agents' advice also plays a crucial role. - **Regulatory and Educational Recommendations**: The study recommends strengthening regulatory mechanisms, promoting responsible antibiotic use, and implementing targeted educational interventions to address specific knowledge gaps and misconceptions. The study highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to address the complex interplay of factors influencing antibiotic use in Kenyan livestock farming, emphasizing the importance of education, regulatory measures, and targeted interventions to ensure sustainable and responsible antibiotic use.This study examines farmers' knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use in livestock production in Kenya, a country listed as an AMR hotspot. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 319 farming households in five counties, using multivariate regression analysis to identify explanatory factors. Key findings include: - **Antibiotic Use**: 80% of households use antibiotics, with 58% administering them without professional guidance. Antibiotics are used for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes, often as growth promoters in poultry. - **Knowledge and Awareness**: 76% of farmers are aware of AMR, but knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the scope and consequences of AMR. - **Factors Influencing Practices**: The number of livestock owned, education level, and location (rural vs. urban) significantly influence farmers' knowledge and practices. Extension agents' advice also plays a crucial role. - **Regulatory and Educational Recommendations**: The study recommends strengthening regulatory mechanisms, promoting responsible antibiotic use, and implementing targeted educational interventions to address specific knowledge gaps and misconceptions. The study highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to address the complex interplay of factors influencing antibiotic use in Kenyan livestock farming, emphasizing the importance of education, regulatory measures, and targeted interventions to ensure sustainable and responsible antibiotic use.
Reach us at info@study.space
[slides and audio] Examining antibiotic use in Kenya%3A farmers%E2%80%99 knowledge and practices in addressing antibiotic resistance