Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Pertaining to Human-Livestock-Wildlife Interactions: Case Study of Rimpa Estates in

Kiserian, Kajiado County, Kenya Solomon, J.C.1, Ogara, W.2, and Gebreyes, W.1

Introduction

Methodology

Objectives

Results

Conclusion

References

Rimpa Estates is a family operated beef cattle ranch that lies in the Rift Valley approximately 25 km from Nairobi, Kenya. It is offset by the Ngong Hills in the distance and is adjacent to properties that border the Nairobi National Park. Rimpa is situated on a piece of land that is roughly 1800 acres in size and dominated by pasture land which is used to graze cattle, sheep, and goats. Due to the location and the expressed interest of the family to someday turn the property into a conservancy, a large population of African game species is allowed to reside on the ranch which may jeopardize biosecurity on the property if certain precautions are not undertaken to avoid negative interactions.

• To conduct a pilot study to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of individuals on the premises in regards to animal health and disease transmission

• To observe and determine the extent and scope of wildlife interactions on the ranch

• To determine which practices impact biosecurity and productivity

• To analyze information obtained in objectives 1-3 and provide recommendations on management strategies to provide possible solutions for improving livestock productivity while keeping with the ranch’s goal of ecotourism

RESEARCHER OBSERVATIONS – Used narrative and photographic means to observe daily activities on the ranch. Observed the property and unique characteristics that would promote or limit biosecurity on the farm. Followed livestock into the pastures and made note of surrounding wildlife and proximity. Watched employees and managers milking, slaughtering, and interacting with the animals. Made note of the number of employees and family that live on the site and other information that impacted management practices.

QUESTIONNAIRE – A questionnaire was used to probe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of those working the ranch. A series of fifty-three questions was administered to employees to capture information about biosecurity, livestock production, wildlife-livestock interactions, and animal disease + zoonoses. An interpreter was used to collect information from those who primarily speak Maasai; otherwise the questionnaire was conducted in English.

KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS – A set of professionals who work with Rimpa Estates and who can provide generalized knowledge of certain aspects relating to cattle ranching and animal health issues in Kenya were approached and interviewed. Two veterinarians, an expert on tick-borne diseases, and an employee of the International Livestock Research Institute will constitute the range of key informants used outside of Rimpa. The manager of Rimpa Estates was also interviewed and asked more specific questions regarding the future of the ranch and perceived issues with animal health and wildlife presence.

Wildlife-livestock interactions are commonplace in Kenya where more than 70% of wildlife is found outside of protected conservation areas in private or communally owned lands (Romanach et al., 2007). This proximity of wild animals to areas that are inhabited by humans and their livestock or crops can lead to conflict. Conflict can be exacerbated by negative interactions that result in decreased productivity through disease and competition. Livestock often acts as a buffer between humans and wildlife so it becomes important to manage the health of these herds to prevent transmission of zoonotic diseases (Bengis et al., 2002). In Africa, many indigenous diseases are maintained in wildlife species which can cause outbreaks among wildlife and local livestock (Bengis et al., 2002). Amidst these interactions, perceptions and attitudes toward certain wildlife species are formed.

Bengis, RG, RA Kock, J Fischer. “Infectious animal diseases: the wildlife/livestock interface.” Revue scientifique et technique, OIE. 2002. 21(1): 53-65.

Evans, A, F Gakuya, JT Paweska, M Rostal, L Akoolo, PJ Van Vuren, T Manyibe, JM Macharia, TG Ksiazek, DR Feikin, RF Brieman, and M Kariuki Njenga. “Prevalence of antibodies against Rift Valley fever in Kenyan wildlife.” Epidemiological Infections. 2007. 136: 1261-1269

Gadd, ME. “Conservation outside of parks: attitudes of local people in Laikipia, Kenya.” Environmental Conservation. 2005. 32(1); 50-63.

Kabiri, Ngeta. “The Political Economy of Wildlife Conservation and Decline in Kenya.” The Journal of Environment and Development. 2010. 19(4): 424-445

Romanach, SS, PA Lindsey, and R Woodroffe. “Determinants of attitudes towards predators in central Kenya and suggestions for increasing tolerance in livestock dominated landscapes.” Oryx. 2007. 41(2): 185-195.

Sifuna, N. “Wildlife Damage and Its Impact on Public Attitudes Towards Conservation: A Comparative Study of Kenya and Botswana, with Particular Reference to Kenya’s Laikipia Region and Botswana’s Okavango Delta Region.” Journal of Asian and African Studies. 2010. 45(3): 274-296.

While many of those on the ranch are knowledgeable about the livestock and the diseases that are present or prevented through vaccination, there appears to exist a gap in disease knowledge where the wildlife and zoonoses are concerned. With many of the employees working and living very close to the livestock, specific information needs to be provided that will allow for better management and prevention of diseases that can affect humans.

From observations it’s clear that more can be done to increase the productivity of the livestock on the property. The animals and managers are burdened by reoccurring issues with ticks and intestinal worms which are likely being maintained by the wildlife populations. Making recommendations that can be used toward development of a “herd health plan” may help alleviate these issues and protect the livestock from certain diseases present in the area. If the livestock can be managed more rigorously, wildlife conflict on the property can be reduced and the ranch can continue to benefit from both the livestock and the wildlife as the operators move toward their goal of becoming a wildlife conservancy.

1The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dept of Veterinary Preventive Medicine2University of Nairobi College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Dept. of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology

Problem and PurposeWildlife-livestock interactions on Rimpa Estates are resulting in perceived negative effects on the livestock, but due to the desire to become a conservancy, a reluctance to permanently exclude the wildlife exists among the owners.

A case study has never been conducted with Rimpa Estates, so the results of this study will be new and informative of the unique attitudes or interactions experienced on this ranch. Assessing the knowledge of those operating the ranch in regards to important economic and health factors such as animal disease, will give insight into the dissemination of information and where possible gaps may exist in bridging interested parties with important resources that would aid in developing strategies to promote livestock health and, to some degree, wildlife health.

AcknowledgementsThanks to:

• Dr. Ogara and Dr. Gebreyes for providing oversight and mentorship for this project

• The professors within the University of Nairobi’s Dept. of Public Health, Toxicology, and Pharmacology for their recommendations and guidance throughout the project

• The Ole Sein family and the employees of Rimpa Estates, who provided the opportunity to conduct this research and willingly opened their homes and lives for the duration of the project

Perceptions of Wildlife-Livestock Interactions Amongst Employees of Rimpa EstatesWildlife Present Which species are most

observed interacting with livestock?

What animals are most suspected as sources of disease in livestock?

What are your general impressions of these wildlife species?

Giraffe Often (90%) 0% 100% + Gazelle Often (90%) 40% 90% +

10% +/-

Zebra * Often (100%) 60% 40% + 60% -

Lion Never (70%) 10% 100% -Hyena Never (60% ) 10% 100% -Impala Often (70% ) 20% 89% +

11% +/-

Hartebeest Often (100%) 30% 89% +11% -

Ostrich Often (100%) 10% 100% +Wildebeest Not Present (70%) -- 44% +

56% -

Buffalo Not Present (60%) -- 25% +75% -

* Zebras received the most negative responses from the questionnaire which supports the initial observations made on the farm toward perceptions of wildlife. Zebras are believed by the management to be the main contributors to the tick infestation and are disliked for their attacks on young cattle.

• 70% of workers are involved with management of animal health, corroborates observation that jobs are shared

• 80% are aware of diseases passed between wildlife and livestock; 75% of these people could name at least one disease

• 75% (of 8 respondents who answered) were unaware of diseases passed from animals to humans; no respondent could name at least one disease transmitted to humans from animals

• General feelings are overwhelmingly positive toward giraffe, ostrich, gazelle, impala, and hartebeest; negative toward hyena, lion, primates, buffalo

• 50% of employees who completed the survey reported no formal or informal education

• 100% have observed livestock and wildlife sharing the same water source and 100% stated that wildlife intermingled with livestock in the pastures