Routine livestock data collection in Zanzibar

Routine livestock data are collected by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (MLF) of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. These datasets serve the purpose of promoting the socio-economic status of the livestock and fisheries communities. The first step of data collection is performed at Shehia level, where livestock-related data is collected from livestock keepers.These data are sent every month to the District Authority. MLF then compiles monthly Animal Health and Animal Production Reports, which cover the whole of Zanzibar. When there are disease outbreaks with a risk of spreading, MLF provides human and financial resources to local governments to control the disease. Additional data are collected in these circumstances. The Monthly Animal Health Report targets a variety of information, including: (a) disease outbreaks by type of disease and animal species; (b) number of animals by species affected, treated, or dead; (c) number of vaccinations, disease control; (d) activities in quarantine stations; (e) revenue collection and movement permits; (f) number of staff available by gender and participation in training. The Monthly Animal Production Report includes the following information: (a) number of livestock keepers by gender and animals owned; (b) number of farmer groups by animal species and membership; (c) animals owned by government farms; (d) number of animals sold; (e) number of animals slaughtered; (f) revenue collection. MLF's objective is to ensure regular and good quality information on the livestock sector in Zanzibar, with a focus on animal health and production. However, the quantity and quality of available livestock data is often unsatisfactory for a number of reasons: (a) officers are not trained in data collection/analysis; (b) data are not generated from a sample of farmers selected through statistical procedures; (c) while there is a common data format to compile the monthly reports, there is no common template; and (d) resources are often scarce. MLF has plans to improve the quantity and quality of routine livestock data, recruit more staff, conduct staff training, and establish benchmark data and information systems.