Research

The Challenge of Rural Veterinary Access for Smallholder Farmers

Francis (2022) highlights that farms in Sub-Saharan Africa are often located far from government and private labs. The most reported challenge among farmers is their inability to submit samples due to distance, leading to delays in disease diagnosis and treatment. These delays directly contribute to preventable livestock losses from diseases such as East Coast Fever and anthrax—conditions that demand prompt intervention. SCRIP

Research consistently demonstrates that access to veterinary services in rural Kenya remains a significant challenge for livestock farmers. Several studies, including Jaime et al. (2022), have examined the uneven distribution of veterinary laboratory services in Africa. Privatization has driven veterinarians to urban areas with higher revenue potential, such as pet health and intensive livestock farming. In contrast, rural regions face lower purchasing power, dispersed livestock, and high transaction costs, making them less appealing to private practitioners. Frontiers

In Western Kenya, a study examined livestock farmers’ perceptions of various animal health service providers. The findings revealed that private animal health assistants were preferred over government services due to their accessibility and willingness to offer services on credit. Conversely, more educated, wealthier, and older farmers tended to utilize government services. This suggests that private providers play a vital role in reaching poorer farmers who might be underserved by public services. SpringerLink

Similarly, in Machakos County, Kenya, smallholder farmers identified several constraints affecting livestock health, including inadequate communication with animal health providers, poor infrastructure, and reliance on untrained service providers. These challenges hinder timely disease reporting and effective disease management, underscoring the need for improved communication channels and infrastructure development. ILRI

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights that the limited number of veterinarians in sub-Saharan Africa creates a gap in service provision. Veterinary paraprofessionals (VPPs) and community animal health workers are essential in filling this gap by providing services that enhance livestock health and productivity. However, they face challenges such as gaps in training, lack of continuous professional development, unclear legal frameworks, and competition from unqualified providers. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable livestock production and public health. FAO

The Relationship Between Animal Health and Agricultural Productivity

The correlation between animal health and agricultural productivity is well established. Research indicates that maintaining livestock health is essential for enhancing production efficiency and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Ahuja and Redmond (2004) argue, “The demand for livestock products is likely to increase rapidly, and the ability of the poor to participate in the opportunities presented by this growth is linked critically to the availability of good service support, both on the input and output side.” The economic case for improved veterinary services is compelling, particularly for smallholder farmers who represent the backbone of rural agricultural economy. ResearchGate 

In Kenya, a three-year intervention program focusing on animal health, nutrition, and milk quality among smallholder dairy farmers led to significant improvements. The study reported a decrease in mastitis incidence from 0.55 to 0.20 cases per cow-year and an increase in the average number of cows and youngstock per farm. These enhancements contributed to better livelihoods for participating families, underscoring the impact of animal health on productivity and economic well-being. SpringerLink

Similarly, in Uganda, Veterinary Herd Health Management (VHHM) approaches have been employed to identify health and productivity constraints in smallholder pig farms. By systematically addressing these issues, VHHM aims to improve livestock performance and, consequently, the livelihoods of farmers. ILRI

VanLeeuwen et al. (2012) further demonstrated that partnership-based intervention programs significantly improved management and productivity among smallholder dairy farmers in rural Kenya, generating measurable livelihood benefits. Their research confirms that accessible veterinary care represents not merely a technical service but a crucial economic enabler for rural communities. SpringerLink

Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Diagnostics

Technological advancements, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), offer promising solutions to veterinary diagnostic challenges in rural settings. AI is increasingly being integrated into veterinary diagnostics, offering potential improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and early disease detection. AI applications in this field include:

1. Image Analysis: AI algorithms can assist in interpreting medical images such as X-rays and ultrasounds, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses.
2. Predictive Analytics: By analyzing large datasets, AI can identify patterns and predict disease outbreaks, facilitating proactive health management.
3. Decision Support Systems: AI-driven tools can provide veterinarians with evidence-based recommendations, enhancing decision-making processes.

Appleby and Basran (2022) note that veterinary medicine stands on the cusp of a major technological shift that has the potential to reshape how veterinary medicine is practiced. They suggest that veterinarians who integrate AI into their workflows will gain a significant competitive advantage. AVMA

Albergante et al. (2025) observe that “for diagnostic imaging and administrative workload, AI applications are mature and in the initial stages of value creation,” with commercial solutions already available as standalone services or integrated plugins. By adopting such technologies in rural veterinary labs, farmers can benefit from faster, more precise diagnoses, reducing disease spread risks and improving treatment outcomes. AVMA

While acknowledging potential challenges like training data biases, the integration of AI into rural veterinary settings offers a transformative opportunity to scale quality diagnostic services to previously underserved communities. With proper implementation and oversight, these technologies can help bridge the vast service gap that currently exists.

Women as Key Stakeholders in Livestock Management

Ahuja and Redmond (2004) observe that women have the greatest role in mixed farming production systems and carry out the majority of tasks related to livestock. The World Bank (2014) estimates that women constitute between 42% and 65% of the agricultural labor force globally, with Kenya demonstrating an increasing trend toward the feminization of agriculture (Onyalo, 2019). SpringerLink, WorldBank, InternationalJournalOfHumanities

Any effective solution to rural veterinary challenges must recognize women’s central role in livestock management. Kaluwa et al. (2022) found that “women contributed the most to livestock productive activities and attained adequacy in this area compared to men, directly impacting the Women Empowerment in Livestock Index.” Despite this crucial role, the same study revealed that “women smallholder livestock farmers report low Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination rates, minimal knowledge on livestock diseases, a lack of access to cold chain storage, and rare visits to veterinarians.” Projects that specifically address these gaps would improve livestock productivity and enhance women’s influence and opportunities. MDPI

Studies in Kenya’s livestock production systems reveal that young women, especially in married households, take on significant responsibilities in livestock care. They often manage poultry and small livestock, balancing these duties with domestic chores. This dual role not only supports household nutrition but also contributes to income generation, highlighting women’s adaptability and resilience in the face of climate challenges. Frontiers

In East Africa, particularly among pastoralist communities in Ethiopia and Kenya, women play a crucial role in livestock health and management. They often care for animals when men are away, especially during migrations for grazing. Despite cultural norms that may limit their ownership of livestock, women are primary caregivers, ensuring the animals’ well-being. Their involvement is crucial for the success of animal health initiatives, such as vaccination campaigns, which protect herds from diseases exacerbated by climate change. SPARC,  Africa