Promoting Prudent Antimicrobial Use Among Farmers in Nigeria

Authors: Samuel A. Anzaku, Zainab Abdulkareem, Maureen Kajo, Babatunde Akinola, Ibrahim Dauda, Daniel Chinemerem, Mwapu D. Ndahi

To reduce reliance on antimicrobials and promote good husbandry practices in animal farming, farmers in Nigeria were sensitised on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), its drivers, consequences and mitigation strategies. The awareness activities focused on the responsible use of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and anthelmintics, and encouraged the adoption of WOAH’s technical guidance on controlling anthelmintic resistance in grazing. These efforts support WOAH’s global objectives to strengthen AMR surveillance and promote prudent antimicrobial use in the animal sector. Baseline assessments were conducted to evaluate farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices. The workshops were organised by WOAH Focal Points on Veterinary Products at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), in collaboration with Management Sciences for Health (MSH).

Baseline Assessment of Farmer Practices

A baseline survey was conducted to evaluate farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding AMR. Using a questionnaire developed from published literature and deployed via KoboToolbox, responses were collected from  poultry and fish farmers.

Key findings revealed:

• – 81.48% of farmers had over 18 months of experience.
• – 78% experienced disease incidents on their farms.
• – 90% used antimicrobials without a prescription.
• – While most were aware of biosecurity, only half had received training.
• – 63% maintained records of drug use.

These results highlight the widespread use of antibiotics and the need for structured training and improved biosecurity implementation. Record-keeping practices offer a foundation for better AMR monitoring.

Farmer Workshops on AMR and Alternatives

Workshops, held in Kano, Anambra, Akwa Ibom and Kwara States, engaged 200 poultry and fish farmers. Each session raised awareness of AMR and promoted sustainable farming practices.

Topics presented included:

• – Introduction to AMR and its impact across microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites).
• – Drivers and consequences of AMR.
• – Alternatives to antimicrobials, including biosecurity, vaccination and use of pre/probiotics.

Furthermore, a team of experts and farmers prepared social and behavioural change communication materials. These materials were distributed for further training within their communities.

Participatory Training and Reporting

A total of 450 stakeholders in the poultry and aquaculture sectors were reached through participatory and integrated communication models. Approaches included presentations on AMR, group work, experience sharing and Q&A sessions. Additionally, farmers were trained on the use of KoboToolbox for reporting antimicrobial use, enhancing local data collection and surveillance.

The intention is to focus on the WOAH document on anthelmintics this year and prepare a follow-up report next year.

More information

• – Responsible and prudent use of anthelmintic chemicals to help control anthelmintic resistance in grazing livestock species
• – Recommendation of the Focal Points Seminar for English Speaking Africa

Main photo © Oluyinka Alawode