Application of odour-baited targets in tsetse control: The challenge and causes of vandalism in north-east Zambia

Application of Odour-baited targets in Tsetse control: the challenge and causes of vandalism in North-East Zambia

A Tsetse fly barrier with odour-baited targets was established in 2007 in an area covering parts of Isoka and Chama districts in Northeast Zambia and bordering Vwaza Game Reserve of Malawi following reports of cases of human trypanosomiasis. This was in an effort to prevent Tsetse invasion from the Vwaza Game Reserve in to human settlements in the adjacent parts of Zambia. The targets in the barrier are serviced twice per year with about 80% of the labour force employed from within the local community. One major challenge with the tsetse barrier has been high levels of vandalism. Awareness creation was undertaken prior to establishment of the barrier and it had been envisaged that having the workforce from within the local community would facilitate good levels of awareness and assist prevent vandalism. Unfortunately, a consistently high level of vandalism has been reported since 2007, with losses of up to 30% for MEK bottles, screens (cloth) and wire. Against this background, a study was undertaken early in 2011 to establish the nature of the problem, the root causes and potential solution. This was done through a structured questionnaire and interviews with key and ordinary members of the community – looking at (1) Views and knowledge on targets relative to the barrier, the intended purpose of the barrier in the area,  ownership of the targets, perceived benefits, etc., (2) why vandalism occurs, (3) what could be done to prevent vandalism, (4) what role was expected of government, etc. The findings revealed several misconceptions and hence uses of key components of targets such as MEK, bottles, wire and cloth screen, it was also learnt that travellers from neighbouring Malawi could be key culprits. It was concluded that the level of awareness relative to targets was low in the area, that it should address the myths about alternative use for components of targets. Cooperation with authorities in Malawi was necessary relative to curbing vandalism in the area. The presentation provides the following: a map showing location of tsetse barrier relative to settlements, pictures showing extension meetings in progress and vandalised targets,  and a summary of results from questionnaire/interviews.