WAAWAfrica2023 – NEWSSPACE

FAO’s Farm Field School; a game changer for rural poultry farmers

**Elina Takaedza-poultry farmer from** **Murewa**, **sharing her experience with the Farm Field School**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Murewa poultry farmers who are beneficiaries of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) supported Farm Field School, have revealed that the programme which was teaching them about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), had not only helped them with the much needed knowledge but also improved their livelihoods.

The villagers revealed this on Day 5 (Wednesday) of the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week for the Africa Campaign which was held at Mukusha Homestead in Kambarami Village.

Several farmers revealed that before the coming in of FAO, they were self diagnosing and self medicating their chickens, thereby not only endangering the lives of their birds but their own too.

Elina Takaedza aged 53, from Ward 10, revealed that before the project, she was not aware what AMR was about and how it concerned her as a poultry farmer.

Takaedza revealed that the project started in June 2021 in Chidhakwa Village and they were 25.

“What I can say is that we were not aware of this programme but now I can say that I’m well knowledgeable on the issue, all thanks to FAO.

“Now I know that you have to use correct medication when rearing our poultry.

“We were using some drugs which are not supposed to be used for poultry. We were taking medication meant for humans and giving it to our chickens.

“But we then we got to know that the over use or under use of antimicrobials will lead to antimicrobial resistance. We also got to learn that AMR will be a concern to humans if they are to eat the meat where AMR was a risk.

“It’s really a tough scenario because most people are unaware consuming meat where there was a risk of AMR.

She added that whilst some people who were not part of the programme thought it was easy, thinking they were just getting everything for free, it wasn’t so as hard work had to be practiced to succeed.

“What I can just say is that FAO gave us something that we will never forget.

“At first we didn’t know that there was a special medication for poultry which cannot be used for humans but now we have that knowledge.

“So we were taught on behavioral change in antimicrobial use and we also realised that we can produce more in our farming production.”

Takaedza also revealed that they were empowered on bio-security measures and they were told by the experts to do what is best for their production.

She further said that they started off with 100 chickens and bags of feed but already, all members were able to get 25 birds and feed each, as proceeds from the initial 100 birds batch.

Takaedza also said they have continued with their project which continues to bear fruits for them.

Another farmer openly revealed that she had been using antibiotics to treat her chickens before she finally saw the light and is now bearing the fruits of this FAO led initiative.

**School pupils acting a drama about AMR in poultry farming**

Amanda Gwangwadze an Agricultural Extension Officer, who trained the farmers revealed that they had to study what was causing AMR issues.

“So we found out that the major driver of AMR is antimicrobial use and in this we were looking at it in relation to broilers whereby people get to eat those (broilers) which have resistance towards antibiotics.

“So when someone eats a chicken which had developed resistance towards antibiotics for example, this is not good for their health.

“Some people were using antibiotics like amoxyline and then others were using antiretrovirals which are all meant for humans.

“The farmers were using the antibiotics so that their chickens appear very good for the market,” said Gwangwadze.

She revealed that the programme initially started with 19 farmers, before the number grew to 25 but then they later had a few drop outs.

Gwangwadze added that the main objective was to get farmers was to have behaviour change in how they were using antibiotics.

“They (farmers) were abusing antibiotics for their chickens and with time, because of the abuse of the medication, it then got to lose its effect.

“But after the training, they got to know that they had to seek expert’s advice from the Vet or Agricultural Extension Officers.

“We would have situations where farmers were giving their chickens ARVs and looking at the birds’ sizes, you could tell something was amiss and some would confess,” said Gwangwadze.

She added that they were also training farmers on bio security measures; hygiene practices needed in rearing of chickens so as to get better production.

And to show that the AMR awareness programme in poultry farming had really been well received in the Murewa rural, pupils from nearby schools were reciting poems and acting dramas on AMR.

And not to be outdone by the pupils, the farmers who were part of the Farm Field School, also showed that they were good students after all, reciting poems and acted dramas on AMR much to the appreciation of guests who gathered at Mukusha Homestead.

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Multisectoral approach needed to tackle AMR

**Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Vangelis Haritatos-pic WHO Zimbabwe**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Antimicrobial Resistance is a complex phenomenon which requires the support of several sectors as it (AMR) is an emerging health threat, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka has revealed.

Minister Masuka revealed this on Monday in a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Vangelis Haritatos, during the official opening of the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week Campaign for Africa at a local hotel.

He said that AMR is a complex issue hence all hands should be on deck as it demands immediate attention and united action.

“It is a one health issue, encompassing the interconnectedness of human health, environmental health, and agricultural practices.

“We must recognize that AMR affects not only human health but also the health and well-being of our animals and the environment we share.

“To effectively combat AMR, we need a concerted effort from various sectors, with human health, environmental conservation, and agriculture leading the charge.

“We must work together, across disciplines and boundaries, to develop strategies that promote responsible antibiotic use, strengthen infection prevention and control measures, and preserve the effectiveness of these life-saving medications,” said Dr Masuka.

He added; “the fight against AMR requires sustained commitment and collaborative action. It is not a battle that can be fought by a single sector or country alone.

“We must engage stakeholders from the human health sector, veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental conservation, and beyond.

“By working together, sharing knowledge and resources, and adopting a One Health approach, we can make significant progress in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics and safeguarding the health of our people, animals, and environment.

“Together with our partners in the health and environmental sectors, we will strive to create a future where antibiotics remain effective tools in treating diseases, both in humans and animals.”

Speaking at the same event, Minister of Health and Child Care, Doctor Douglas Mombeshora said, “we must not forget that the Antimicrobial Resistance response requires a “whole of society approach,” hence all of us are called to play our part in the prevention and control of Antimicrobial Resistance.”

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe, Mr Edward Kallon in his speech which was read by Francesca Erdelmann, revealed there was need for a multisectoral approach so as to take urgent action to address this global health and development threat.

“This year’s theme, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together,” underscores the need for urgent multisectoral action under the One Health Approach to safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobial medicines,” added Dr Kallon.

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations said they are committed to continue working closely with multi-sectoral partners under a One Health approach to deal with AMR.

“It is our core belief that by working together and each playing our part, we can slow AMR, and build moreefficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, “a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.”

And WHO African Region Assistant Regional Director Dr Lindiwe Makubalo said the “responsibility demands that we take concrete actions and demonstrate unwavering commitment.

“We need to strengthen our One Health collaborative approach to prevent the rise and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as much as possible. While the task is enormous, we can overcome it, together.”

Zimbabwe with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in partnership with African Union agencies, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU IBAR) is hosting the continental celebration of the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week which started on the 18th to the 24th November.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

Several initiatives have been put in place in order to tackle AMR as millions continue to die; with statistics showing that in 2019 alone, 4,9 million people died globally as a result of drug-resistant infections.

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Involve youths in AMR Awareness

**Ngoni Veddie Muzondo**
**Co-Founder and Head of Programmes of Generational Stewards for Antimicrobials**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Tom Mann once said, “The future of the world belongs to the youth of the world, and it is from the youth and not from the old, that the fire of life will warm and enlighten the world.”

And it is in that same thought, that experts in the global health sector have resolved that involving the youths in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness is a step in the right direction.

The World Health Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), reports that “youths play a pivotal role in advocating for increased political and public support to combat AMR across sectors and in raising awareness of AMR as a pressing social issue.”

Also the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that “AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.”

And pursuant to this, on the third day (Monday 20 November) of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Campaign for Africa, several speakers who spoke on AMR One Health Multisectoral Collaboration and Governance; said it was imperative to include the youths in raising awareness on the matter.

Doctor Anima Sirma from Veterinary Services in Kenya, said in her country they were involving the youths on AMR awareness in several ways, one of which was the introduction of primary education books on AMR, as the subject is being taught.

Doctor Sirma further said that during this WAAW 2023, “there are also other specific activities for the youth and even some webinar, where they are also involved.”

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it was reported that they had decided to start with the young people in terms of AMR awareness, “because for adults, their habits die hard but with the young ones, there can be behavioral change.

“They (young people) can tell their parents that we were told that for you to use antibiotics, you need to have a prescription. “This can work, we have done this in DRC; we have also gone to the churches and even used football to raise awareness on AMR.”

Presenting on Zimbabwe, Dr Tapfumanei Mashe, an AMR Project Coordinator, said they had actively involved youths in AMR awareness.

He revealed that as part of WAAW Africa 2023, they had organized a high schools soccer tournament on raising awareness on AMR as well as the AMR debate.

Dr Mashe further added that the Generational Stewards for Antimicrobials was also established and that the AMR Awareness walkathon which has been set for Friday, had also been organized by the youths.

Speaking to this reporter on the sidelines of WAAWAfrica 2023, Co-founder and Head of Programmes of Generational Stewards for Antimicrobials, Ngoni Veddie Muzondo, a pharmacy student at the Harare Institute of Technology, said the programme was established last year so as to raise AMR awareness as well as other health issues.

“Generational Stewards for Antimicrobials is a One Health AMR platform for young people especially students so what we are doing is we are trying to raise awareness amongst the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary students so that they become agents of change.

“We want transformation in these young people so that we engage them whilst they are still young and when they grow older, they will be responsible for all the global health issues that will be happening within the world,” said Muzondo.

He said having students involved in this fight will help curb this rising global health concern which is responsible for millions of deaths globally.

Muzondo also revealed that when they started, they gathered all the healthcare students who were interested in global health, before they designated them to various roles.

“So one of the leading projects that we are doing at the moment is the Glen View and Mufakose Education and Antimicrobial Resistance Programme, to raise awareness amongst the 28 primary and secondary schools that are in Glen View and Mufakose.

“So far we have managed to cover three schools so we are trying to reach out to each and every primary and secondary student so that we create Antimicrobial Resistance Clubs that will actually act as repositories or sites where these students will get knowledge on antimicrobial resistance.

“And we are also targeting teachers because teachers are the ones that educate these students and they are the guardians when they are at school, so we want to have these teachers trained on antimicrobial resistance and other global health issues like water and sanitation hygiene,” added Muzondo.

He also revealed that they focus on leadership so as to equip the students with all the necessary skills needed in the future.

“We are also focusing on sexual reproductive and health issues so that these students whenever they are doing their programmes, they understand the rights that they have as students.

“We are also focusing on career guidance; we don’t want students to get to university without knowing what they want as individuals, so we want to catch them young as early as primary school level, so that they know what they want. “We work with the One Health AMR team in Zimbabwe, the World Health Organisation and several other stakeholders within the AMR fields,” said Muzondo.

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