Engaging farmers in the outbreak control of Rift Valley Fever in Rwanda and neighboring countries: a narrative review

Involving farmers in surveillance of zoonotic diseases allows early detection of potential outbreaks and timely interventions to help minimize disease spread, yet little is known about their role. We aimed to explore implemented strategies that involved farmers in the prevention, detection, and response of Rift Valley Fever (RVF)
outbreaks mainly in Rwanda, while also considering its neighbouring countries (Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Tanzania, and Kenya). We conducted a narrative review after searching relevant articles and grey literature on PubMed and Google Scholar. Although no studies specified strategy implementation during an outbreak, promising approaches to disease control were described. Relevant strategies included farmer-focused extension programs to empower farmers and foster exchanges of knowledge and best practices, as well as the involvement of Community Animal Health Workers in disease surveillance, health service delivery, and community mobilization. Methods empowering women smallholder farmers to engage in the livestock vaccine value chain by training them on vaccinations and livestock management significantly helped them mitigate livestock losses and, consequently, financial losses. Gaps and biases in farmers’ involvement were also noted, including prioritization of large-scale commercial cattle farming, neglecting the smallholder farmers and small ruminants. Recognizing the gap in access for small ruminants is very important. Small ruminants are often owned by women farmers who are also overlooked in accessing animal health information and services. In conclusion, disease control measures of RVF in Rwanda and neighbouring countries necessitate broader stakeholder involvement, emphasizing inclusivity to assess and address the socioeconomic needs of all farmers, especially women.