Improving backyard poultry husbandry and addressing avian disease risks through information and communication interventions in resource-poor communities in Morocco

Article Information

Title: Improving backyard poultry husbandry and addressing avian disease risks through information and communication interventions in resource-poor communities in Morocco

Authors: Asma Fagrach, Mohammed K. Challioui, Ibtissam El Zirani, Adnane Imghi, Oumaima Karroute, Faouzi Kichou, Siham Fellahi, Mohammed Bouslikhane

Journal: International Journal of Agricultural Extension (IJAE)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30
Y	2021-07-01	2022-06-30
Y	2020-07-01	2021-06-30

Publisher: DATAPLUS (SMC- Private) Limited

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2024

Volume: 11

Issue: 3

Language: English

DOI: 10.33687/ijae.011.03.4850

Keywords: AttitudesAvian diseasesBackyard poultry keepersEducational outreachPractices

Abstract

This study, conducted in Khemisset province, Morocco, investigates the impact of educational outreach on enhancing technical skills and transforming risky practices, attitudes, and behaviours among backyard poultry keepers to promote safe and controlled background poultry farming. Throughout the intervention trial, spanning from November 2020 to July 2021, 300 backyard poultry farmers from five rural counties participated. Before the intervention, data was gathered through a structured questionnaire and on-farm observations involving 160 poultry keepers. A follow-up assessment six months later included 118 trainees. Initially, baseline findings highlighted limited awareness among farmers regarding various aspects of poultry farming. However, after the educational intervention, significant improvements were noted in knowledge and practices related to confinement, shelter hygiene, disease transmission, and biosecurity. Notably, while knowledge enhancement was evident, changes in actual practices were more restrained. Statistical analyses identified factors such as age, gender, flock size, and income from poultry as influential in the adoption of recommended practices. The study underscores the effectiveness of education in elevating knowledge levels but acknowledges challenges in implementing recommended practices due to constraints such as limited resources, high costs, labour demands, inconvenience, stigma, and time constraints. The conclusion emphasizes the potential role of veterinary authorities and national extension services in conducting widespread education programs for backyard poultry keepers, with a call for community engagement to ensure the sustained application of acquired knowledge and practices .

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational outreach intervention on increasing knowledge and awareness about at-risk practices and behaviours in backyard poultry flocks in Khemisset province, Morocco, to inform policy recommendations for promoting safe and sustainable backyard poultry farming.

Methodology

A quasi-experimental study design was employed, involving an educational outreach intervention trial. A baseline survey using structured questionnaires and on-farm observations was conducted with 160 backyard poultry keepers. This was followed by an educational intervention, and a follow-up assessment six months later with 118 participants. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cochran's Q test, and Spearman's correlation test.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Baseline Survey: Questionnaire & On-farm Observations] --> B[Develop Educational Material based on Findings]
    B --> C[Implement Educational Outreach Sessions]
    C --> D[Follow-up Assessment: Questionnaire & On-farm Observations]
    D --> E[Data Analysis: Descriptive Statistics, Cochran's Q, Spearman's Test]
    E --> F[Identify Key Findings, Discussion, and Conclusion]

Discussion

The study highlights the effectiveness of educational interventions in enhancing knowledge but acknowledges the difficulties in translating this knowledge into consistent practice changes due to socio-economic and practical constraints. While some biosecurity measures saw improved adoption, others like total confinement, appropriate feeding, and antibiotic usage remained challenging. The "One Health" approach was utilized to frame the intervention.

Key Findings

The educational intervention significantly improved farmers' knowledge regarding confinement, shelter hygiene, disease transmission, and biosecurity. However, actual changes in practices were more restrained. Factors such as age, gender, flock size, and income from poultry influenced the adoption of recommended practices. Challenges to practice adoption included limited resources, high costs, labor demands, inconvenience, stigma, and time constraints.

Conclusion

Educational interventions can significantly improve knowledge and attitudes towards backyard poultry farming, contributing to better public health and reduced risks. Sustained efforts and community engagement are crucial for long-term success. Veterinary authorities and extension services should implement widespread education programs and provide ongoing support.

Fact Check

* The study was conducted in Khemisset province, Morocco. (Confirmed in Abstract)
* 300 backyard poultry farmers participated in the intervention trial. (Confirmed in Abstract)
* A follow-up assessment included 118 trainees. (Confirmed in Abstract)

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