Table 2.
Categorisation of formal and informal animal health service providers in Tanzania [adapted from Virhia (45)].
| “Expert” | Definition |
|---|---|
| Veterinarians (public and/or private) | Individuals who hold a degree in veterinary medicine or its equivalent from a veterinary institution recognised by the veterinary statutory body (The Veterinary Council of Tanzania) (46) |
| Veterinary Paraprofessional (VPP) | Individuals who have received formal training at diploma level in animal health level from training institutions accredited by the appropriate government agency or the veterinary statutory body and the activities that they are permitted to conduct will reflect their level of formal training (47) |
| Veterinary Paraprofessional Assistant (VPPA) | Individuals who have received training at certificate level in animal health from training institutions accredited by the appropriate government agency or the veterinary statutory body and the activities that they are permitted to conduct will reflect their level of formal training (47) |
| Community Animal Health Workers (CAWH) | CAHWs can be considered as distinct from VPPs/VPPAs as they generally do not have a certificate from a government accredited training institution. They are mainly livestock keepers who are nominated by the community and trained (by government officials, NGOs or farmer organisations) in basic animal health techniques (such as vaccination and deworming for instance) and who deliver a limited range of veterinary services to their communities. |
| Livestock Field Officers (LFO) | Individuals appointed by the government to provide livestock extension and advisory services at the village or ward level. LFOs should receive formal training at either the diploma or certificate level in animal production and range management from training institutions accredited by the appropriate government agency. |
| Local experts | Those without any government recognised qualifications but are known by others in their community as having knowledge through experience. |
| Agrovets | A supply store for farmers selling veterinary products (including medications, animal feed, supplements pesticides, vaccinations) and agricultural products (including seed, fertilisers and herbicides). Individuals working in agrovets are often viewed as a source of knowledge and advice on livestock and agricultural issues. Agrovets may sometimes be owned and run by LFOs. |
| Traditional healers | An umbrella term used to describe healers who call upon divination and spirituality among other remedies to solve disequilibrium among afflicted individuals (48). |
| Situational experts | Those who have knowledge about particular animal health issues such as birthing, or specific diseases. |