The following story is provided by Mary Young at the KYEEMA Foundation. Two decades ago, ACIAR and AusAID funded research into developing and using thermotolerant vaccines to protect poultry against Newcastle disease (ND). The ND (I-2) vaccine has been rolled out in many countries around the world. This work has delivered exceptionally high socio-economic returns and outcomes on the ground. This is one story in a small collection of impacts on smallholder farmers in Singida, Tanzania.
Mr. Theophilus Ishengoma Kihemba, Principal Livestock Officer, Singida Rural District
Theophilus is the District Subject Matter Specialist for Animal Production at the Singida Rural District Council. His main role is to coordinate and supervise extension activities related to livestock and crops and he is responsible for collecting data on livestock products. Theophilus uses his knowledge of Excel to assist the Phase 2: Regional ND Control Project and the council to collate and analyse vaccination data in Singida, Tanzania.
After each vaccination campaign the Extension Officer in each ward collects information from the community vaccinators’ registration books and delivers it to Theophilus. At the district office, Theophilus uses Excel to summarise and analyse the information and prepare it in a presentable format including graphs.
Theophilus hard at work. (Photo Credit: M Young KYEEMA)
Reports are prepared for each village and show vaccinator performance and satisfaction; number and percentage of households vaccinating; number of chickens per household; number of chickens vaccinated per household and per vaccinator; amount that vaccinators earn during each campaign and vaccine usage/wastage.
The summaries or analyses are presented during the Country Coordinating Committee meetings conducted after each vaccination campaign and are used to evaluate the campaigns and monitor progress. The information is also used during the annual Participatory Rural Appraisals conducted in project areas and presented at the Project Coordinating Committee meetings held twice each year.