Socio-economic benefits of tsetse and animal trypanosomiasis control and eradication

Abstract

The literature referring to the socio-economic benefits of tsetse and trypanosomiasis control or eradication operations has been reviewed. A review has also been made of the literature on the losses resulting from such control or eradication programmes as well as on some arguments and opinions expressed as to the controversy that surround the whole issue of tsetse and trypanosomiasis eradication campaigns.

The case study on tsetse eradication in Nigeria shows that the programmes so far have been a successful and beneficial venture, owing to the unique nature of the problems posed by tsetse and trypanosomiasis in Nigeria. In Botswana, on the other hand tsetse infestations and trypanosomiasis do not appear to constitute a similar serious constraint on land-use, and are not a significant problem to the economy as a whole.

It is thus suggested that tsetse control or eradication projects should be properly evaluated purely on their economic merit; and that success of the programme in one situation should not be used as a basis for initiating similar programmes in others. Finally, it is suggested that where tsetse and trypanosomiasis problems merit eradication action, the programme should be integrated with long-term land-use plans, for full benefits of the programme after tsetse and the disease are gone.