Difficulties in communication and understanding in the promotion of ethno veterinary knowledge and the way forward

Abstract

This case study investigates the difficulties in communication and understanding in the promotion of ethno veterinary knowledge in the Simanjiro region of Tanzania. It then proposes networking strategies for over coming these challenges. It presents challenges faced in promoting ethnoveterinary medicine: Minimal support from existing veterinary establishment. Perceived ‘backwardness’ by the young generation of pastoralists. Unestablished quality control and standardization to check for falsification or adulteration. Spreading monoculture that reduces area on which medicinal plants are collected. Population growth that further endanger plants’ eco system. Fear of biopiracy among pastoralists. To overcome these challenges and ensure successful implementation of its ethnoveterinary knowledge project it networked with: Grass root community-based organizations to ensure integration of project. Veterinary research organizations to confirm field diagnoses. Herbarium at the Tropical Pesticide Research Institute to identify and store plants. Reputable labs, for laboratory validation of ethnoveterinary remedies. Animal Health Learning Centres, to train students both in ethnoveterinary treatments and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) for the collection and documentation of information from their villages. Organisations that provide assurance that Intellectual Property Rights of the communities will be protected and respected.