Veterinary drug supply to subsistence and emerging farming communities in the Madikwe District, North West Province, South Africa

Abstract

Veterinary Needs Appraisals have indicated that there is a need for improved supply of veterinary medicinal products to subsistence and emerging farmers in South Africa. No studies have been conducted to describe and assess the adequacy of the current routes and methods of supply of veterinary medicinal products to these farmers. A combination of focus groups, self-administered questionnaires and direct observations was used to collect information for the purpose of describing and understanding the situation regarding the supply of veterinary medicinal products to the farmers of the Madikwe district. A combination of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and direct observation was used to gather information. The results indicated that the routes and methods of supply of veterinary medicinal products to the farmers of the Madikwe district were inadequate. The annual sales from outlets within the Madikwe district were poor, with a total of 396 units sold over a period of one year, although there were approximately 2000 farmers in the Madikwe district who were potential clients for these outlets. The majority of products sold by these outlets were ectoparasiticides, followed by Tetracycline antibiotics. The outlets within the Madikwe district were unable to supply vaccines, as they did not have adequate facilities for the storage of these thermolabile products. Farmers had to travel an average of 70 km if they wished to purchase veterinary medicinal products from farmers' co-operatives and pharmacies in larger towns outside the Madikwe district. The routes and methods of supply did not ensure correct storage, and safe and effective use of veterinary medicinal products. Several examples of misuse and incorrect storage and handling of veterinary medicinal products were discovered. Inadequate information transfer, inaccessibility of outlets, poor reliability and quality of outlets and poor service were discovered as reasons for the inadequacy of the routes and methods of supply. Wider distribution of veterinary medicinal products is required but a higher level of control is needed to ensure that products of an acceptable quality are sold. Information and advice must be disseminated together with products.