Abstract
Livestock mortality remains a critical challenge in developing countries, where inadequate veterinary services hinder efforts to improve livestock health and productivity, particularly for smallholder farmers who depend on livestock for their livelihoods. This study examines the factors influencing veterinary service adoption and its effects on livestock mortality in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania. Using a cross-sectional design and multi-stage sampling, 359 smallholder livestock keepers from Godegode, Gulwe, Pwaga, and Kibakwe wards were surveyed. Analytical methods included the Double Hurdle Model to identify determinants and the extent of veterinary service adoption, and an Instrumental Variable model with Two-Stage Least Square (2SLS) to estimate the effects of adoption on livestock mortality, while challenges were analyzed descriptively. Results indicate that age, education, herd size, experience, distance to veterinary centers, and group membership significantly influence both the adoption and intensity of veterinary service use. Furthermore, veterinary service adoption is strongly associated with reduced livestock mortality. However, barriers such as high costs (40 %), distance to centers (30 %), poor service quality (20 %), and lack of trust (10 %) restrict access to these services. These findings highlight the need for policy interventions to improve veterinary service access, enhance farmer education on livestock management, and support farming groups to promote sustainable service use. Additionally, the government should consider providing subsidized veterinary services to make them more affordable for smallholder farmers, reducing economic barriers and encouraging greater adoption. Addressing these challenges will reduce livestock mortality, boost productivity, and improve the welfare of smallholder farmers.
