Involvement of key stakeholders in controlling animal diseases in rural settings: Experiences with African swine fever in Uganda

Abstract

Key stakeholders’ involvement in the design and enforcement of effective African swine fever (ASF)
biosecurity measures is very vital. Unfortunately, many times key stakeholders are less involved in the
policy designing process. This study analyzed information from stakeholders in Mukono District, to
assess the acceptability of enforcing ASF biosecurity measures among key stakeholders. Mukono
District has a high density of pigs and a history of frequent ASF outbreaks. Key informants (n = 23)
were identified and interviewed in four sub-counties to generate an ASF control stakeholders’ list.
Eleven stakeholder groups were identified by the Key Informants. Sixty participants representing
different stakeholder groups identified through the Key Informant interviews participated in a workshop
to assess stakeholders’ characteristics regarding strict enforcement of ASF control measures.
Stakeholder grid analysis revealed 60% as drivers, and 40% as supporters. There were no blockers,
abstainers, and bystanders. Despite this, majority of the groups (90%) did not have adequate capacity
to implement the intervention due to financial constraints and inadequate technical support. These
results show that there is great support for enforcement of biosecurity measures if stakeholders are
facilitated with financial and technical support thereby limiting outbreaks of ASF in rural areas of
Uganda.