Alternative remedies used by resource-limited farmers to manage ophthalmia in cattle, from Ntabazinduna communal area, Umguza district, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Many people around the world depend on cattle for their livelihood as a result farmers have an obligation to properly manage their cattle for maximum production. However, due to limited resources, some farmers cannot afford to use conventional veterinary drugs to manage some cattle diseases. Hence, resource-limited farmers resort to the use of low or non-cost alternative remedies which are cheap and locally available. One disease which has become problematic is ophthalmia which poses an economic threat to the beef industry. The objective of this study was to determine and document the alternative remedies used by communal farmers in Ntabazinduna communal area to manage ophthalmia in beef cattle. The survey was done at ward 5 in Ntabazinduna communal area found in Umguza district of Matabeleland North province of Zimbabwe. A questionnaire was administered to 100 cattle-keeping households in January 2015, to determine alternative remedies used in treating ophthalmia. Ophthalmia was reported to be most prevalent during the rainy season and all respondents (100%) of the respondents considered the disease (ophthalmia) as a common problem in cattle. About 89% of the respondents used alternative remedies, 6% used conventional drugs, while 5% used both to treat opthalmia. The following alternative remedies were used; Solanumincanum (36%), millipede shell (31%), hot wire (17%) while those using sugar granules and Terramcyineye powder were both at 8%. Resource-limited farmers exhibited exceptional knowledge and understanding of alternative remedies and their effective use.