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| Title: | Tracking malaria trends in Gusii using participatory rural appraisal |
| Author: | Nyamongo, Isaac K. |
| Year: | 2008 |
| Periodical: | Mila: a Journal of the Institute of African Studies |
| Volume: | 9 |
| Pages: | 55-64 |
| Language: | English |
| Notes: | biblio. refs. |
| Geographic terms: | Kenya East Africa |
| Subjects: | Gusii malaria indigenous knowledge Medicine, Nutrition, Public Health Participatory rural appraisal Gusii (African people) |
| Abstract: | Malaria is a major risk factor in Gusii, Kenya, where its incidence has increased over the last two decades. This study uses Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to generate local information on malaria trends in Bogiakumu location, South Kisii District, over a period of three decades (1970-2000). The exercise revealed clear trends in land size, rainfall patterns, number of dams and fish ponds and malaria incidence. Community members noted that during the last three decades, malaria cases have tripled. Despite improved living conditions and better drugs, the disease continues to claim more lives. Community members argued that this increase is the result of the introduction of fish ponds and dams. They also argued that the plastic containers which are increasingly used trap water in which mosquitoes breed. They further link the rise in malaria cases to resistance against drugs. In order to deal with the increasing incidence of malaria, they reported that they now use treated nets. The data reveal that the Gusii community is clearly aware of the malaria trends in the area. The study concludes that in the absence of documented data, local communities have a unique contribution to make to anti-malarial programmes. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract] |