Assessing the Impact of Parasite Control Programs on Smallholder Goat Farming in Rural Zimbabwe

Thesis Abstract

Smallholder goat farming constitutes a vital component of rural livelihoods and food security in Zimbabwe, yet the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites remains a significant constraint to productivity and profitability. Despite the implementation of various parasite control programs by government agencies and non-governmental organizations, the effectiveness and sustainable impact of these interventions on smallholder goat farmers have not been thoroughly evaluated. This study aims to assess the impact of these parasite control programs on smallholder goat farming in rural Zimbabwe, with specific objectives to evaluate changes in goat health and productivity, determine farmers’ adoption and compliance levels, and identify socio-economic and environmental factors influencing program success. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture comprehensive insights into program outcomes. The population comprises smallholder goat farmers in three selected districts of Masvingo Province, with a total targeted sample size of 300 farmers obtained through stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness across different socio-economic strata. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires for quantitative data, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to gather qualitative insights. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression analysis to identify relationships between program engagement and goat health indicators, while thematic analysis will be employed for qualitative data to explore farmers' perceptions and contextual factors influencing intervention uptake. The study hypothesizes that participation in parasite control programs significantly improves goat health parameters—such as reduced parasite load, increased weight gain, and higher carcass quality—and enhances overall farm productivity and income levels. Expected findings include increased adoption of anthelmintic treatments, improved knowledge among farmers regarding parasite management, and evidence of positive correlations between program participation and measurable productivity gains. Moreover, the research anticipates identifying socio-economic barriers and enablers affecting sustained engagement with parasite control initiatives, including access to veterinary services, affordability of treatment, and extension support. Theoretically, the study is anchored in the Diffusion of Innovations theory, which explicates how new practices spread within agricultural communities, and the Health Belief Model, which elucidates farmers’ health-seeking behaviors and perceptions of parasite risks. These frameworks will inform the interpretation of behavioral and adoption patterns observed in the field. The findings from this study are expected to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge on smallholder livestock health management in Zimbabwe and similar developing contexts. The research will generate empirical evidence on the efficacy of existing parasite control strategies, highlight barriers to sustainable adoption, and suggest context-specific improvements. The anticipated contribution includes policy recommendations for designing more effective, culturally appropriate, and economically feasible parasite management programs that enhance smallholder goat productivity. The study concludes that well-implemented parasite control programs, coupled with strengthened extension services and farmer education, can substantially improve the health and productivity of goats in rural Zimbabwe, thereby supporting rural livelihoods and food security. Recommendations will emphasize integrating community-based approaches, increasing access to veterinary pharmaceuticals, and fostering participatory extension models. The research underscores the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure the sustainability and scalability of parasite control efforts within smallholder systems. Further research areas include longitudinal studies to track long-term impacts and the potential role of integrated parasite management strategies that incorporate socioeconomic and environmental considerations.