A Review of Farmer Attitudes and the Persistent Challenge of Newcastle Disease in Smallholder Poultry Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59472/1gmpq265Keywords:
Newcastle Disease, Smallholder Poultry, Farmer Attitudes, Vaccination, Uganda, Knowledge-Action GapAbstract
Newcastle Disease (ND) remains a primary constraint to smallholder poultry production in sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in cycles of poverty and food insecurity. While effective vaccines exist, their adoption remains inconsistent. Understanding the socio-behavioural factors, particularly farmer attitudes, is critical for bridging the gap between technical knowledge and effective control. This review synthesizes findings from a community-based study in Kashari Sub-County, Uganda, to analyze local poultry farmers' attitudes towards Newcastle disease and its control, situating these findings within the broader literature on disease management in smallholder systems. A descriptive, mixed-methods survey was conducted with 24 analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The study reveals a high level of awareness (91.7% combined "very much aware" and "aware") and significant concern (87.5%) about Newcastle disease among farmers. Experienced farmers could identify key clinical signs, with watery stools (25%), lack of appetite (17%), and dragging legs (17%) being most recognized. Despite this awareness, farmers reported recurrent outbreaks, high mortality, and reduced income, indicating a critical disconnect between knowledge and practice. Barriers such as limited access to veterinary services, vaccine cost and distribution challenges, and insufficient extension support were identified as key impediments. Technical knowledge of Newcastle disease among smallholder farmers is necessary but insufficient for sustainable disease control. The findings underscore the imperative for integrated, community-sensitive interventions that move beyond awareness campaigns to address the structural and socio-economic barriers to vaccination uptake. Strengthening extension systems, promoting affordable and thermostable vaccines, and embedding control practices within local livelihood strategies are essential for reducing the burden of Newcastle disease
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