Factors influencing the effectiveness of Tse Tse eradication project in Pate Island, Lamu county,Kenya

Abstract

Tsetse eradication project was initiated in Pate Island in the year 2009 with the objective of eradicating tsetse l1y and trypanosomiasis in the Island using combinations of approaches and techniques developed lor use outside Kenya Coast. The study is about analysis of the factors influencing the effectiveness of tsetse eradication in Pate Island. It was undertaken to appraise the effectiveness of the project in meeting the objectives three years into the operation. Literature review revealed that community engagement. installation of insecticides targets. spraying of animals, training of farmers and treatment of animals that come down with trypanosomiasis arc factors that influence tsetse eradication. The descriptive survey research was employed in the stud) because it enabled the researcher to generalize its findings to larger population or Pate Island. Tsetse flies were sampled using 20 geo-referenced biconical traps (Challie'r et al, 1977) baited with phenols and acetone where flies were collected for 72 hours at 24 hour intervals. There were no flies caught (n= 20). Trypanosome parasite were surveyed by screening blood samples lor trypanosomes using Standard Trypanosome Detection Methods (STDM), namely wet, thick. and thin smear examination as well as llaematoerit Centrifugation Technique. Buffy Coat examination. No parasite was detected (n=-408). Semi structured questionnaires (n 60) were used to collect data on community engagement, training of farmers and spraying of animals. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and presentation was descriptive and qualitative techniques. Statistical analysis frequency distribution was used. The study established factors that influenced the effectiveness of tsetse eradication were: cornmunuy engagement. target installation, animal spraying. and training of farmers and treatment or infected animals. The study concluded that the five factors indeed had influence on the effectiveness olthc Project. Recommendations made were: community members be involved in project activities, conventional insecticide impregnated target is effective against Glossina austeni tsetse 11y species. alternative insecticide formulation that would not require use of spray pump would be a better option for Pate farmers, there should be continuous training of farmers on vector and disease control and due diligence be instituted in the use of trypanocides in order to avoid drug resistance. Key words: l:fTeCfivC!ness, eradication, tsetse, /1),pClI10Somi(f.'·IS