One Health Pastoral Initiative
IMPACT STORIES
In a world where the rapidly growing population demands ever-increasing agricultural production, the importance of veterinary services has never been more crucial. For the well-being of both animals and humans, as well as for the sustainability of agricultural practices, training veterinarians is urgently needed. However, the current reality is stark: there is only one veterinary professional for every 16,000 animals, with most of these professionals concentrated in big cities. This leaves rural areas underserved and negatively impacts livestock production. Government regulations in Cameroon have further complicated the situation, restricting veterinary practice to certain levels of staff. Veterinary pharmacies, for example, can only be run by veterinary doctors, and drugs must only be dispensed by veterinary doctors, nurses, or technicians. This does not meet the demand for veterinary services. In response to these challenges, the One Health Pastoral Initiative (OHPI) has stepped in, advocating for improved veterinary education. In 2007, the University of Ngaoundere was the only institution offering veterinary training programs in Cameroon. However, the landscape has changed, with five other state universities—Yaounde I, Buea, Dschang, Douala, and Bamenda—now offering veterinary programs. These institutions provide various programs, from technician courses to full veterinary degrees. Additionally, zootechnical training schools and private institutions train veterinary technicians and animal specialists. The focus of veterinary practice has also evolved, shifting from traditional treatment and care of individual animals to mass therapies, disease eradication plans, and the development of slaughterhouses as epidemiological observatories. To promote veterinary education in Cameroon, OHPI recommends aligning with global trends while addressing local societal needs, political expectations, and environmental changes. This includes global accreditation initiatives for the profession, developing strong postgraduate veterinary research programs, and establishing regional centers of competence in postgraduate training recognized by regional and international organizations. By implementing these recommendations, Cameroon can strengthen its veterinary education system, ultimately improving animal and human health in the country.
In the picturesque village of Oku, nestled in Cameroon’s North West region, a quiet revolution is taking place. The One Health Pastoral Initiative (OHPI) is encouraging pastoralists to adopt bee farming as a complementary livelihood, focusing on honey production. This lucrative business practice holds significant potential for the region. Bee farming is not only a sustainable activity but also a vital contributor to biodiversity and ecological balance. Healthy bee populations are essential for maintaining ecosystem health, and experts have recognized the importance of bee farming in this regard. To support pastoralists in adopting this practice, OHPI provides comprehensive training programs covering essential topics such as bee biology, honey extraction, and pest control. The initiative also facilitates access to necessary equipment, larger markets, and greater profits, ensuring the sustainability of bee farming practices. Despite its numerous benefits, bee farming is not without challenges. Pastoralists may encounter health conditions, pests, and diseases that can impact their bee populations. To mitigate these risks, it is essential for pastoralists to stay informed about best practices for hive management and pest control. Cameroon boasts several major honey-producing areas, including the Adamawa savannah forest plateau, North West, West mountain agricultural zones, and the South West highlands. Other regions like the East, North, and Extreme North are also considered mild producers of honey. By promoting bee farming, OHPI aims to support pastoralists in improving their economic well-being while contributing to environmental conservation. This initiative highlights the potential for sustainable livelihoods that benefit both the community and the environment.
In the grasslands of Cameroon, cattle blindness had become a pervasive issue, threatening the health of herds and the economic stability of pastoral communities. Research carried out by the One Health Pastoral Initiative (OHPI) attributed this phenomenon to poor pasture quality, nutritional deficiencies, and disease spread. To combat this issue, OHPI recognized the importance of collaboration between veterinary services and community leaders. A pasture improvement initiative was launched to enhance both land and cattle health. Experts assessed degraded areas, implemented sustainable grazing practices, and introduced indigenous drought-resistant grass species to improve soil quality and cattle nutrition. Workshops and training campaigns educated farmers on proper pasture management and animal health. Regular health check-ups and vaccinations addressed emerging diseases, preventing severe health issues, including blindness. Within a year, local farmers reported a significant decrease in cattle blindness. Communities also witnessed a revival in agricultural activities, with robust pastures and healthier herds. Farmers experienced increased milk production and beef yield, generating more food and income for households. OHPI’s efforts also promoted community cohesion, as farmers collaborated and shared knowledge, leading to stronger bonds and collective commitments. This initiative demonstrated the intricate link between pasture health and animal welfare, showcasing the positive impact of targeted interventions on both the community and their livelihoods.
From colonial times to the present day, public authorities have devoted considerable energy and resources to the health control of livestock, achieving commendable results. However, the animal production side, which is the very foundation of wealth creation, has not received the same level of support. The feeding of cattle in pastoral areas depends largely on the ambient climate. During the rainy season, the animals fare quite well, ensuring the survival of the species with a fertility rate of two calvings every three years. In contrast, in similar types of farms in other countries, the rate is one calving per year. Here, the first calvings occur around 5-6 years on average, while elsewhere, heifers are pregnant by their third year of life. During the dry season, the lack of quality forage in natural grazing areas and the insufficient quantity and quality of water cause enormous harm to the activity. The animals lose a significant amount of weight, milk production dries up, and mortalities reach up to 15%-20% in some farms. In addition to these mortalities, there are declines in fertility and weight gain. We have animals that are plump during the rainy season and skeletal during the dry season, leading some to say our animals behave like “accordions. “Faced with this difficulty, Cameroonian herders have developed two main survival strategies.
First Strategy: Transhumance. This involves leaving their usual residence area for more or less distant regions where there is more grass and water. Although recognized as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” and more or less managed by national and international bodies, transhumance, often cross-border, faces many difficulties. In this paper, transhumance will not be elaborated upon. And the Second Strategy is Food Supplementation. This involves providing supplementary feed to the herd, including energy, protein, vitamins, and mineral salts. This strategy is increasingly practiced by herders who do not want to or cannot go on transhumance for various reasons.
In the Adamaoua Region, the dry season stretches on for an average of six months, from November to April, with a particularly challenging period lasting two to three months, from February to April. To navigate this tough time, herders must undertake essential preparations .Starting in August, the herder begins to assess the herd, identifying animals that might struggle through the dry season: old cows over 12 years who have lost their teeth, weak or sick animals, aggressive ones, and those used to wandering into fields. These animals are removed from the herd and sold, creating a reserve readily available cash to efficiently carry out necessary operations. The herder must remain disciplined to avoid squandering these funds on unplanned activities. With the assistance of an honest and professional veterinarian, the herder acquires all necessary pharmaceuticals. A technician helps to systematically deworm the entire herd, both externally and internally, from October onwards. Throughout the dry season, the herd regularly receives vitamins and mineral salts, based on their needs. From August, the herder purchases and stores high-quality cottonseed meal and wheat or maize bran in a dry, well-ventilated place, safe from pests. These supplies can be sourced locally in specialized stores in N’Gaoundéré, headquarters of the Adamawa region. Observing the animals closely, the herder begins supplementing those showing signs of weakness or undernutrition from late December. This supplementation continues until the rains return, with special attention to nursing cows and young ones under two years. Preparing dry season pastures is crucial. Starting at the beginning of the rainy season (April-May), the herder fences off a sufficient area rich in quality forage, either natural or cultivated, to feed the animals during the lean period. This space is protected by a solid fence maintained year-round, which is opened from December, along with harvested fields, for open grazing. The herder ensures the animals remain as close as possible, day and night, to avoid weight loss from long walks, theft, straying, or falling into ravines. gain. We have animals that are plump during the rainy season and skeletal during the dry season, leading some to say our animals behave like “accordions. “Faced with this difficulty, Cameroonian herders have developed two main survival strategies.
First Strategy: Transhumance. This involves leaving their usual residence area for more or less distant regions where there is more grass and water. Although recognized as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” and more or less managed by national and international bodies, transhumance, often cross-border, faces many difficulties. In this paper, transhumance will not be elaborated upon. And the Second Strategy is Food Supplementation. This involves providing supplementary feed to the herd, including energy, protein, vitamins, and mineral salts. This strategy is increasingly practiced by herders who do not want to or cannot go on transhumance for various reasons.
Water scarcity is the biggest challenge in livestock farming during the dry season. The herder takes all possible measures to ensure that the animals have enough good-quality water throughout the dry season. This requires substantial investments over long periods, either alone or with other actors. The herder sets up simple watering points in suitable watercourses, creates small dams, digs wells for the difficult end of the dry season, captures springs, and drills wells equipped with either solar or mechanical pumps. During this season, with scarce bowholes and water, the risk of conflicts with other land users increases significantly. In this situation, the herder consults and organizes with other users to ensure harmonious and peaceful coexistence. Through meticulous planning and hard work, the herder ensures the survival and well-being of the herd during the challenging dry season, safeguarding their livelihood and maintaining the delicate balance of the pastoral ecosystem.