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The Lambwe Valley and its people
B T Wellde1, D Waema, D A Chumo
1Walter Reed Project, Veterinary Research Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Kabete, Kenya.
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Population in Lambwe Valley increased due to settlement and tsetse fly control. However, a game reserve created a habitat for Glossina pallidipes and trypanosomiasis reservoirs, impacting local farmers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health
- Ecology
Background:
- Lambwe Valley experienced significant population decline by 1936.
- Efforts to control Glossina pallidipes and trypanosomiasis led to population increase.
- A game reserve formation impacted tsetse eradication and created wildlife reservoirs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the ecological and epidemiological impact of Glossina pallidipes and trypanosomiasis in Lambwe Valley.
- To understand the challenges posed by wildlife reservoirs to disease control.
- To assess the long-term consequences of conservation efforts on human and animal health.
Main Methods:
- Historical population data analysis.
- Review of Glossina pallidipes and trypanosomiasis control program records.
- Ecological assessment of game reserve impact on vector populations.
- Epidemiological study of disease prevalence in surrounding human and animal populations.
Main Results:
- Settlement schemes and vector control efforts successfully increased human population.
- The establishment of a National Park created a sanctuary for Glossina pallidipes, hindering eradication.
- Wildlife within the park serves as a significant reservoir for trypanosomiasis.
- Rhodesian sleeping sickness and animal trypanosomiasis remain persistent issues for local farmers.
Conclusions:
- Conservation efforts, while beneficial for wildlife, have inadvertently sustained disease reservoirs.
- Integrated strategies are needed to balance conservation with the control of vector-borne diseases.
- The persistence of trypanosomiasis poses ongoing risks to the health and livelihoods of communities bordering the National Park.