Supply Systems And Social Networks Determining Access And Use Of Antibiotics In Livestock And Their Implications On Antibiotics Resistance In Ngorongoro District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Antibiotics resistance is a global concern that presents a major threat to veterinary

public health as it reduces the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment in livestock and

people. Many studies on antibiotics resistance have been based mainly on

microbiology, biomedical and veterinary sciences in laboratory test with little

attention paid to social aspects. Based on pastoralist communities in Ngorongoro

District in Tanzania, the study examined how supply systems and social networks

determine the access and use of antibiotics and their implications on antibiotics

resistance. Specifically, the study sought to map out and examine how supply

systems and social networks determine the access and use of antibiotics and to

examine the implications of supply systems and social networks on antibiotics

resistance.

The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches involving survey, key

informant interview, focus group discussion; participatory wealth ranking and

observation methods. A sample size of 221 respondents and 21 key informants were

involved in the study. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical package for

social sciences computer software version 20. Qualitative data were analysed using

content analysis. The findings revealed that supply systems have failed to provide

adequate quality antibiotics and veterinary experts to impart proper knowledge,

information, services and monitoring as well as regulatory control mechanisms for

the distribution channel of antibiotics from the various sources to end users. This has

forced end users to resort to strategies such as sharing antibiotics and knowledge on

use of antibiotics. Among the important actors in social networks who determine

access to and use of antibiotics include neighbours, friends, relatives, interest groups

and traditional dealers. These actors are connected with social ties based on trust and

reciprocity. However, they have limited knowledge on antibiotics handling and

administration hence resulting into misuse of the drugs. This lack of knowledge has

implications on antibiotics resistance. It is concluded that supply systems is

associated with inadequate quality antibiotics, limited number of experts and limited

knowledge of users of antibiotics. All these contribute to problem of antibiotics

resistance. Therefore, social aspects are equally important in explaining antibiotics

problem in livestock. It is therefore recommended that there should be capacity

building to those who are involved in the supply systems and users on the proper

access and use of antibiotics. Also, awareness creation to the public on the problem

of antibiotics resistance should be part and parcel of the design and implementation

of the livestock policy planning and interventions.