1. Solomon, J.C.1, Ogara, W.2, and Gebreyes, W.1
Introduction
Methodology
Objectives
Results
Conclusion
References
Rimpa Estates is a family operated beef cattle ranch that lies in the Rift Valley approximately 25 km from Nairobi, Kenya. It
is offset by the Ngong Hills in the distance and is adjacent to properties that border the Nairobi National Park. Rimpa is
situated on a piece of land that is roughly 1800 acres in size and dominated by pasture land which is used to graze cattle,
sheep, and goats. Due to the location and the expressed interest of the family to someday turn the property into a
conservancy, a large population of African game species is allowed to reside on the ranch which may jeopardize
biosecurity on the property if certain precautions are not undertaken to avoid negative interactions.
• To conduct a pilot study to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of
individuals on the premises in regards to animal health and disease transmission
• To observe and determine the extent and scope of wildlife interactions on the
ranch
• To determine which practices impact biosecurity and productivity
• To analyze information obtained in objectives 1-3 and provide recommendations
on management strategies to provide possible solutions for improving livestock
productivity while keeping with the ranch’s goal of ecotourism
RESEARCHER OBSERVATIONS – Used narrative and photographic means to observe daily activities on the ranch. Observed the property and unique characteristics that would
promote or limit biosecurity on the farm. Followed livestock into the pastures and made note of surrounding wildlife and proximity. Watched employees and managers
milking, slaughtering, and interacting with the animals. Made note of the number of employees and family that live on the site and other information that impacted
management practices.
QUESTIONNAIRE – A questionnaire was used to probe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of those working the ranch. A series of fifty-three questions was administered
to employees to capture information about biosecurity, livestock production, wildlife-livestock interactions, and animal disease + zoonoses. An interpreter was used to
collect information from those who primarily speak Maasai; otherwise the questionnaire was conducted in English.
KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS – A set of professionals who work with Rimpa Estates and who can provide generalized knowledge of certain aspects relating to cattle ranching
and animal health issues in Kenya were approached and interviewed. Two veterinarians, an expert on tick-borne diseases, and an employee of the International Livestock
Research Institute will constitute the range of key informants used outside of Rimpa. The manager of Rimpa Estates was also interviewed and asked more specific
questions regarding the future of the ranch and perceived issues with animal health and wildlife presence.
Wildlife-livestock interactions are commonplace in Kenya where more than 70% of wildlife is
found outside of protected conservation areas in private or communally owned lands
(Romanach et al., 2007). This proximity of wild animals to areas that are inhabited by humans
and their livestock or crops can lead to conflict. Conflict can be exacerbated by negative
interactions that result in decreased productivity through disease and competition. Livestock
often acts as a buffer between humans and wildlife so it becomes important to manage the
health of these herds to prevent transmission of zoonotic diseases (Bengis et al., 2002). In Africa,
many indigenous diseases are maintained in wildlife species which can cause outbreaks among
wildlife and local livestock (Bengis et al., 2002). Amidst these interactions, perceptions and
attitudes toward certain wildlife species are formed.
Bengis, RG, RA Kock, J Fischer. “Infectious animal diseases: the wildlife/livestock interface.” Revue scientifique et technique, OIE.
2002. 21(1): 53-65.
Evans, A, F Gakuya, JT Paweska, M Rostal, L Akoolo, PJ Van Vuren, T Manyibe, JM Macharia, TG Ksiazek, DR Feikin, RF Brieman,
and M Kariuki Njenga. “Prevalence of antibodies against Rift Valley fever in Kenyan wildlife.” Epidemiological Infections. 2007.
136: 1261-1269
Gadd, ME. “Conservation outside of parks: attitudes of local people in Laikipia, Kenya.” Environmental Conservation. 2005.
32(1); 50-63.
Kabiri, Ngeta. “The Political Economy of Wildlife Conservation and Decline in Kenya.” The Journal of Environment and
Development. 2010. 19(4): 424-445
Romanach, SS, PA Lindsey, and R Woodroffe. “Determinants of attitudes towards predators in central Kenya and suggestions for
increasing tolerance in livestock dominated landscapes.” Oryx. 2007. 41(2): 185-195.
Sifuna, N. “Wildlife Damage and Its Impact on Public Attitudes Towards Conservation: A Comparative Study of Kenya and
Botswana, with Particular Reference to Kenya’s Laikipia Region and Botswana’s Okavango Delta Region.” Journal of Asian and
African Studies. 2010. 45(3): 274-296.
While many of those on the ranch are knowledgeable about the livestock and the diseases that are present or prevented through
vaccination, there appears to exist a gap in disease knowledge where the wildlife and zoonoses are concerned. With many of the
employees working and living very close to the livestock, specific information needs to be provided that will allow for better
management and prevention of diseases that can affect humans.
From observations it’s clear that more can be done to increase the productivity of the livestock on the property. The animals
and managers are burdened by reoccurring issues with ticks and intestinal worms which are likely being maintained by the
wildlife populations. Making recommendations that can be used toward development of a “herd health plan” may help
alleviate these issues and protect the livestock from certain diseases present in the area. If the livestock can be managed more
rigorously, wildlife conflict on the property can be reduced and the ranch can continue to benefit from both the livestock and
the wildlife as the operators move toward their goal of becoming a wildlife conservancy.
1The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dept of Veterinary Preventive Medicine
2University of Nairobi College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Dept. of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology
Problem and Purpose
Wildlife-livestock interactions on Rimpa Estates are resulting in perceived negative
effects on the livestock, but due to the desire to become a conservancy, a reluctance to
permanently exclude the wildlife exists among the owners.
A case study has never been conducted with Rimpa Estates, so the results of this study
will be new and informative of the unique attitudes or interactions experienced on this
ranch. Assessing the knowledge of those operating the ranch in regards to important
economic and health factors such as animal disease, will give insight into the
dissemination of information and where possible gaps may exist in bridging interested
parties with important resources that would aid in developing strategies to promote
livestock health and, to some degree, wildlife health.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to:
• Dr. Ogara and Dr. Gebreyes for providing oversight and mentorship for this
project
• The professors within the University of Nairobi’s Dept. of Public Health,
Toxicology, and Pharmacology for their recommendations and guidance
throughout the project
• The Ole Sein family and the employees of Rimpa Estates, who provided the
opportunity to conduct this research and willingly opened their homes and
lives for the duration of the project
Perceptions of Wildlife-Livestock Interactions Amongst Employees of Rimpa Estates
Wildlife Present Which species are most
observed interacting with
livestock?
What animals are most
suspected as sources of
disease in livestock?
What are your general
impressions of these
wildlife species?
Giraffe Often (90%) 0% 100% +
Gazelle Often (90%) 40% 90% +
10% +/-
Zebra * Often (100%) 60% 40% +
60% -
Lion Never (70%) 10% 100% -
Hyena Never (60% ) 10% 100% -
Impala Often (70% ) 20% 89% +
11% +/-
Hartebeest Often (100%) 30% 89% +
11% -
Ostrich Often (100%) 10% 100% +
Wildebeest Not Present (70%) -- 44% +
56% -
Buffalo Not Present (60%) -- 25% +
75% -
* Zebras received the most negative responses from the questionnaire which supports
the initial observations made on the farm toward perceptions of wildlife. Zebras are
believed by the management to be the main contributors to the tick infestation and are
disliked for their attacks on young cattle.
• 70% of workers are involved with management of animal health,
corroborates observation that jobs are shared
• 80% are aware of diseases passed between wildlife and livestock; 75%
of these people could name at least one disease
• 75% (of 8 respondents who answered) were unaware of diseases
passed from animals to humans; no respondent could name at least
one disease transmitted to humans from animals
• General feelings are overwhelmingly positive toward giraffe, ostrich,
gazelle, impala, and hartebeest; negative toward hyena, lion, primates,
buffalo
• 50% of employees who completed the survey reported no formal or
informal education
• 100% have observed livestock and wildlife sharing the same water
source and 100% stated that wildlife intermingled with livestock in the
pastures