Local knowledge: A resource in the improvement of Livestock production systems in Tanzania

Abstract

Livestock keeping is one of the important economic enterprises both in rural and urban households of Tanzania. Livestock are a source of food, income and a means to save. The main livestock kept are cattle, goats and sheep. Livestock production and productivity depends very much on the management and health of the animals. A study was conducted in four livestock producing regions in Tanzania, namely Tanga, Mara, Kilimanjaro and Mbeya. The aim of the study was to determine sources of knowledge in the management and health of the animals. Participatory methods of data collection were used to get the required data. The results of the study show that local knowledge plays an important role in the improvement of livestock production systems. Local knowledge in terms of management practices, identification of pests and diseases, prevention and treatment of diseases. It is suggested in this paper that local knowledge is a potential resource, which need to be exploited for the improvement of livestock production systems in Tanzania.