Participatory involvement of farming communities and public sectors in determining malaria control strategies in Mvomero District, Tanzania

• Published in: Tanzania health research bulletin Vol. 8; no. 3
• Main Authors: Mlozi, M.R.S, Shayo, E.H, Senkoro, K.P, Mayala, B.K, Rumisha, S.F, Mutayoba, B, Senkondo, E, Maerere, A, Mboera, L.E.G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Health User's Trust Fund (HRUTF) 05-03-2007
• Subjects: community, participatory, agriculture, malaria, ecosystem, Tanzania
• ISSN: 0856-6496

Addressing the malaria-agriculture linkages requires a broad
inter-disciplinary and integrated approach that involves farming
communities and key public sectors. In this paper, we report results of
participatory involvement of farming communities in determining malaria
control strategies in Mvomero District, Tanzania. A seminar involving
local government leaders, health and agricultural officials comprising
of a total of 27 participants was held. Public meetings in villages of
Komtonga, Mbogo, Mkindo, Dihombo and Luhindo followed this. Findings
from a research on the impact of agricultural practices on malaria
burden in the district were shared with local communities, public
sector officials and other key stakeholders as a basis for a
participatory discussion. The community and key stakeholders had an
opportunity to critically examine the linkages between agricultural
practices and malaria in their villages and to identify problems and
propose practical solutions. Several factors were identified as
bottlenecks in the implementation of malaria control in the area. Lack
of community participation and decision making in malaria interventions
was expressed as among the major constraints. This denied the community
the opportunities of determining their health priorities and accessing
knowledge needed to effectively implement malaria interventions. In
conclusion, this paper emphasizes the importance of participatory
approach that involves community and other key stakeholders in malaria
control using an ecosystem approach. An interdisciplinary and
integrated approach is needed to involve farmers and more than one
sector in malaria control effort.