The trade and consumption of wild meat in the East African savannas, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania, is a widespread and intricate issue influenced by socio-economic factors and legal regulations. This study explores how rural communities, mainly from agricultural areas along the Kenya-Tanzania border, perceive risks related to zoonotic diseases associated with wild meat.
It highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these activities, revealing significant differences in responses between the two countries, likely due to differing wildlife regulations. Tanzania's recent legalisation of wild meat trade aims to curb illegal hunting and boost the economy. Interviews with 299 individuals uncovered a preference for wild meat over livestock due to cost factors, and the impact of COVID-19 was significant, with disruptions in supply chains and tourism affecting wild meat demand.
The research underscores a high level of awareness regarding the health risks tied to wild meat, although this does not always translate into behavioural change due to economic pressures and perceived benefits of wild meat consumption. In both countries, the overconsumption of wild meat is recognised as a threat to wildlife, and the study calls for improved regulation and enforcement.
Moreover, it emphasises the need for educational interventions and an understanding of socio-cultural influences on wild meat consumption. A striking insight is the influence of education and media on awareness levels about COVID-19 origins and zoonotic disease risks.
The study advocates for more comprehensive research involving Bayesian methods to better understand human perceptions and decision-making processes related to wild meat consumption. This could lead to more effective disease prevention campaigns that involve community participation, aiming to mitigate zoonotic disease risks while protecting human and wildlife health and livelihoods.
Bushmeat infographic by ILRI
It highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these activities, revealing significant differences in responses between the two countries, likely due to differing wildlife regulations. Tanzania's recent legalisation of wild meat trade aims to curb illegal hunting and boost the economy. Interviews with 299 individuals uncovered a preference for wild meat over livestock due to cost factors, and the impact of COVID-19 was significant, with disruptions in supply chains and tourism affecting wild meat demand.
The research underscores a high level of awareness regarding the health risks tied to wild meat, although this does not always translate into behavioural change due to economic pressures and perceived benefits of wild meat consumption. In both countries, the overconsumption of wild meat is recognised as a threat to wildlife, and the study calls for improved regulation and enforcement.
Moreover, it emphasises the need for educational interventions and an understanding of socio-cultural influences on wild meat consumption. A striking insight is the influence of education and media on awareness levels about COVID-19 origins and zoonotic disease risks.
The study advocates for more comprehensive research involving Bayesian methods to better understand human perceptions and decision-making processes related to wild meat consumption. This could lead to more effective disease prevention campaigns that involve community participation, aiming to mitigate zoonotic disease risks while protecting human and wildlife health and livelihoods.
Bushmeat infographic by ILRI
