A Comprehensive Study on the Livestock Sub-Sector Analysis and its Role in Fostering Sustainable Development in Zambia: Insights from the 2022 Livestock Survey Report

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Zambia\u27s dynamic livestock sub-sector as of April 30, 2022, drawing insights from the 2022 Livestock Survey Report. With 1,801,075 households actively engaged in livestock activities, the sub-sector emerges as a vital component of the country\u27s rural livelihoods. Understanding the interplay of household characteristics and livestock populations is pivotal for crafting sustainable development policies that enhance the well-being of the sub-sector\u27s participants. Gender dynamics within the livestock sub-sector underscore the central role of men as household heads and primary decision-makers. This necessitates targeted initiatives to empower women, fostering their active involvement and amplifying contributions that lead to improved household prosperity, expanded economic opportunities, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge. Zambia\u27s diverse livestock population, with a significant presence of 4,698,972 cattle, plays a crucial role in ensuring protein availability, bolstering nutritional security, and contributing to household incomes. Goats, sheep, and pigs also feature prominently, meeting various demands for meat, milk and other essentials. Recognizing the unique contributions of each livestock species allows for tailored strategies to improve their productivity and welfare. Addressing provincial disparities in livestock production and resource utilization is imperative for achieving sustainable development goals. Provincial variations in agro-ecological conditions, market access, and infrastructure necessitate context-specific interventions. Such approaches can harness provincial strengths, optimize resource utilization, and stimulate value chain development. Moreover, this study highlights opportunities in honey production and milk output. Apiculture and beekeeping investment can aid biodiversity conservation through pollination services while fostering high-quality honey production. Tailored capacity-building and infrastructure development can address provincial disparities in milk production, benefiting smallholder dairy farmers and the broader dairy industry. This study underscores the livestock sub-sector\u27s pivotal role in sustainable development, food security, and rural livelihood enhancement in Zambia. By embracing responsible, inclusive strategies and evidence-based insights, policymakers, stakeholders, and development practitioners can optimize the sub-sector\u27s potential. Focusing on household well-being, gender inclusivity, and provincial equity will foster a resilient and thriving livestock sub-sector, benefiting all segments of society and paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for Zambia

Factors associated with diarrheal diseases in under-five children: a case control study at arthur davison children’s hospital in Ndola, Zambia

Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of high mortality and morbidity rate among under five children worldwide. Worldwide mortality estimates ranges from 1.5 to 5.1 million deaths per year, especially in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to establish factors associated with diarrheal diseases in children less than five years at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital in Ndola, Zambia. Method: A case-control study was conducted in the infectious and non-infectious wards at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital in Ndola, Zambia from November 2016 to July 2017. Cases were children with diarrhea and controls were children without diarrhea but with other conditions or simply normal and came for review. Results: Total of 112 children with 56 cases and 56 controls participated in the study. Independent factors which were significantly associated with diarrhea after adjusting for confounders were poor hand washing practices by parent or caregiver (OR=0.101, 95% CI[0.022,0.462], lack of exclusive breastfeeding (OR= 0.136, CI[0.029,0.631]) and times of admission for diarrhea (OR=0.18, CI[ 0.004,0.084]).Conclusion: It was found that poor hand washing practices among parents or caregiver was significantly associated with diarrhea in under five children of age at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital, Zambia. Measure should be put in place to educate women about the importance of washing hands with soap after using the toilet and after changing the baby clothes. Further studies are needed in order to help curb the factors that influence diarrhea in under-five children