One Health Baseline Study Report

Abstract

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.