Browsing by Author "Banda, Humphrey"

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Biosecurity Knowledge, Attitude and Practices in Cage Aquaculture: A Study of Fish Health and Disease Risk Management on Lake Kariba, Siavonga, Zambia
(2025-5-25) Ndashe, Kunda; Changula, Katendi; Walubita, Nasilele; Miyanda, Maiba; Mutanuka, Evans; Songe, Mwansa M.; Banda, Humphrey; Hang’ombe, Bernard M.
Cage aquaculture in Lake Kariba, Zambia, is critical to the region’s fish production but faces significant challenges in disease outbreaks. This study assessed the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of aquaculture producers in Siavonga concerning fish health and disease risk management. Data were collected through structured interviews with 14 producers, representing small, medium, and large-scale farms. The study aimed to identify gaps in biosecurity awareness and practices, particularly in relation to disease prevention and control. The results showed that knowledge of biosecurity and disease risks was predominantly low across all farm scales. Specifically, 90% of small-scale producers and 100% of medium-scale producers exhibited low knowledge, while 50% of large-scale producers showed low knowledge. Attitudes toward biosecurity were generally negative, with 90% of small-scale producers holding negative attitudes, compared to 50% of large-scale producers who demonstrated positive attitudes. The implementation of disease management practices was more consistent in medium- and large-scale operations, with 100% of large-scale farms following moderate to good practices, compared to 100% poor practices in small-scale farms. Significant gaps in adherence to best biosecurity practices were observed, particularly in small-scale farms. For instance, 60% of small-scale farms did not follow quarantine procedures, and only 20% assessed disease risks pre-movement. In contrast, 100% of large-scale farms implemented quarantine measures and assessed disease risks before moving fish. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve biosecurity knowledge and practices, especially among small-scale producers, who constitute 71.4% of the respondents. Training, resource allocation, and policy enforcement are crucial to addressing these gaps and mitigating the risk of disease outbreaks that threaten the aquaculture sector’s sustainability in Lake Kariba.
One Health Baseline Study Report
(Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), 2026-12-17) Somwe, Paul; Barry Walsh, Paula; Riblet, Michelle; Butler, David; Lumpa, Mwansa; Sharma, Anjali; Rios, Rafaella; Whelan, Niamh; Chipungu, Jenala; Banda, Humphrey; Mataa, Liywalii
The One Health Baseline Research Study was conducted to assess knowledge, practices, and regulatory frameworks related to food safety, animal health and disease surveillance, and the control of animal medicines in Zambia. The study aimed to inform a just transition toward a sustainable and resilient food system by strengthening One Health interventions that reduce production and consumption shocks and mitigate crisis risks. Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 340 stakeholders, including livestock and crop farmers, food processors, buyers and retailers, and regulators across six districts in Eastern, Lusaka, Northern, and Southern Provinces. Findings indicate that stakeholders possess a holistic understanding of One Health, recognising the interdependence of food safety, animal health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic factors. Positive progress was observed, including strong awareness of zoonotic diseases among livestock farmers, high compliance with food business registration requirements, and recognition of inspectors as trusted information sources. However, significant challenges persist, particularly related to limited institutional capacity, regulatory overlaps, inadequate risk management skills, weak oversight of animal medicines, and insufficient infrastructure and training. Misuse of veterinary drugs and pesticides poses risks to public health, animal health, and the environment, contributing to antimicrobial resistance and undermining disease control efforts. The study highlights the importance of strengthened institutional coordination, improved policy communication, risk-based approaches, and inclusive stakeholder engagement from farm to fork. Digital innovations such as the Zambia Animal Health Information System demonstrate potential for enhancing disease surveillance and evidence-based decision-making. Overall, the findings underscore the need for integrated, risk-based, and community-informed One Health strategies to improve food safety, support sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen Zambia’s agri-food system resilience.