SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS OF ANIMAL DISEASES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA - RESEARCH PRIORITIES IN VETERINARY SCIENCE

During May 1995, members of organisation with a vested interest in the socio-economic aspects of animal diseases in southern Africa met for a one-day workshop. This was the first activity of a proposed three-we ar Forum and programme in this area under discussion. The workshop was sponsored by the Foundation for Research Development, the Agricultura l Research Council and the University of Pretoria. The individuals who attended were representatives of academic and government institutions and included veterinarians . Veterinary scientists, animal health off icers, administrators from the region and abroad, economists, sociolog ists and animal welfare experts. The aims of the workshop were fourfol d. 1. to define what is meant by socio-economic aspects of animal dise ases in southern Africa; 2. to identify the socio-economic factors whi ch influence occurrence and consequences of animal diseases; 3. to lea rn of methods which are used to assess socio-economic needs; and 4. to initiate an ongoing network and research programme in this area. Two key questions were considered and discussed by the participants, and a consensus reached for each. The first question considered the link be tween community development and socio-economic aspects of animal disea ses. This included the role of production animals, companion animals a nd game in developing communities and factors influencing these roles, as well as constraints to this development. The second question conce rned the gaps in our understanding of the socio-economic aspects of an imal diseases in southern Africa which would lead to research opportun ities. Six areas identified were the collection of disease information , education and communication, policy, economics, community needs and technology. The participants recommended and nominated a 6-person Work ing Committee who represent 6 institutions. The mandata which they wer e given was: to comment on this workshop report, develop research prog rammes based on this report and its recommendations, solicit a respons e from relevant institutions network with other institutions concernin g socio-economics and respond accordingly.