This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID’s 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project titles: R7597: A low-cost haemoglobinometer as a decision support tool for bovine disease diagnosis in sub-Saharan Africa and R8318: Decision support for endemic disease control in sub-Saharan Africa – private sector drivers for technology adoption by resource-poor farmers.
New methods have been developed to check the health of animals in areas of sub-Saharan Africa
where vets are in short supply. One is a cheap, reliable low-tech instrument which can be used to
test whether or not livestock are anaemic. Known as a haemoglobinometer, this easy-to-carry
device could make a real difference to smallholder farmers since the presence or absence of
anaemia is a key indicator of animal health in the tropics. A decision-support tool has also been
developed to complement the haemoglobinometer. The colour-banded card helps users to match
symptoms to eight major diseases and guides them towards the most likely diagnosis. The decision
tool is already being used in Uganda and Eastern Zambia. However, great scope exists to expand its
use.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts on Poverty, Environmental
Impact. Attached PDF (16 pp.) taken from the CD.