Factors affecting animals' health management practices among women livestock keepers in rural areas: insights from district Faisalabad
Livestock Health Management by Rural Women Farmers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66529/agripat.2026...35Keywords:
Women livestock keepers, Socio-economic attributes, knowledge about animal diseases, animal health management practices, traditional practicesAbstract
Pakistan is an agrarian economy in which livestock plays a pivotal role, contributing 62.68% to agriculture and 14.36% to GDP. In rural areas, women are actively engaged in livestock management; however, they face significant challenges, particularly in animal health management, leading to economic losses. This study aimed to identify factors affecting animal health management practices among women livestock keepers in District Faisalabad. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, selecting Tehsil Faisalabad Sadar purposively, followed by two union councils and two villages from each council, and finally 120 respondents through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and analyzed using SPSS. The results revealed that 63.3% of respondents were illiterate, while 88% perceived a lack of government support. A considerable proportion demonstrated awareness of zoonotic diseases (80%) and breeding-related issues (75%), and most could identify diseases such as lumpy skin disease (83%), respiratory infections (72%), and foot-and-mouth disease (84%). Despite this awareness, 95% relied on traditional or religious practices for treatment. Although 75% acknowledged the importance of vaccination, only 44.2% reported using vaccines and modern veterinary care. Bivariate analysis showed that age, education, income, and livestock-keeping experience had significant associations with animal health management practices, whereas government support was not statistically significant. The findings suggest that while women possess practical knowledge, limited education, financial constraints, and weak institutional support hinder effective adoption of improved practices. Strengthening extension services, improving access to veterinary care, promoting education and training, and providing financial support are essential to enhance livestock health management among rural women.
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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Dr. Naveed Farah, upon reasonable request.
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