FARMERS' PERCEPTION AND AWARENESS REGARDING CONSTRAINTS AND STRATEGIES TO CONTROL LIVESTOCK DISEASES

The livestock sector of Pakistan is facing many problems due to which it has low milk productivity as compared to other countries in the world. Livestock diseases are one cause which lower the productivity of this sector and weaken the farmers economically. This study attempts to identify the key constraints which prevent the livestock farmers from controlling livestock diseases. In addition, the study aims to find out the discrepancies in farmers' knowledge about incidence of livestock diseases and the actual situation. Based on the constraints identified in this study, we aim to suggest strategies which can help farmers to overcome the constraints faced in control of livestock diseases. The study was carried out in the districts of Sahiwal, Jhang and Sargodha in Punjab province because these districts have the highest population of buffaloes and cattle. Primary data was collected from 340 livestock farmers by using a multi-stage random sampling technique. In addition, a separate field survey was planned to conduct the clinical testing of diseases to identify the differences in farmers knowledge about diseases and the actual situation. The results of the study indicate that the key constraints toward control of livestock diseases included insufficient finance, low quality and high price of medicines, low level of awareness about diseases, poor availability and facilities of veterinary hospitals, and lapses in vaccination programs and their effectiveness. The knowledge constraint was also confirmed by clinical testing done in the field. To this end, the results revealed a wide discrepancy in farmers' knowledge about incidence of diseases and the actual situation. The study recommends that a comprehensive policy framework is needed to overcome financial, awareness, and access to input/facility constraints in animal disease control.