Avaliação do sistema de produção e identificação de oportunidades para o fortalecimento da gestão de saúde bovina no povoado de Mavunguane e Tafula

Abstract

Cattle farming is one of the main socio-economic activities of rural families in Mozambique, especially in the southern region of the country. In the Mavunguane and Tafula settlements, in the Moamba district, this is the main livestock activity, but there is weak adherence to collective sanitary campaigns for tick control, even with the support of the ProSuli project through veterinary kits and training for breeders. This context motivated the present study, whose objective was to analyze the cattle production system and the opportunities for strengthening animal health management, through three axes: characterizing the breeding system; identifying the main challenges of production; and mapping the actors and the role of community managers in promoting animal health.

A census was carried out for cattle breeders in the two communities, with data collection between August 25 and September 8, 2023, combining semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and document analysis. Qualitative data were treated by thematic categorization and quantitative data processed in Microsoft Excel, using descriptive statistics.

The results show that cattle represent about 30% of the families' herd, with 53.49% acquired through direct purchase. In terms of animal health, more than 95% of households report tick infestation and 86% have already lost animals due to this cause; 85% of breeders treat their animals on their own initiative, compared to only 10% with technical assistance.

Community leaders (57% elected officials and 35% traditional leaders) play a central role in organizing the campaigns, enjoying a high level of trust from breeders (80%), but logistical (distance to treatment facilities) and economic (difficulty in paying the 15 MT per head fee) barriers continue to limit participation.

It is concluded that the production system is predominantly extensive and that adherence to sanitary campaigns is conditioned by logistical and economic factors, despite the strategic role and legitimacy of local leaders in community mobilization. It is recommended to strengthen the sanitary infrastructure (mobile units), provide continuous training for breeders, strengthen veterinary extension services, implement inclusive financing mechanisms for campaigns, and increase coordination between public services, NGOs, and community structures. (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)