Abstract

Strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT) Analysis of a rural and peri-urban outreach mastitis control program

Authors: Ghulam Muhammad, Sajida Perveen, Imaad Rashid and Saba Rashid

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2023.025

Abstract
The present study reports the results of a SWOT analysis of a 3-year rural and peri-urban outreach mastitis control project focusing mainly on the transfer of technologies developed and tested by the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan. A total of 56 dairy farmers from 3 villages in Faisalabad district and peri-urban area were registered. Seven project personnel of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad and link notable workers of these villages executed the project. The activities of the project included (a) microbiological examination of milk for isolation of mastitis pathogens and determination of their antibiogram for guiding mastitis treatment, (b) preparation and administration of a montanide adjuvanted Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae mastitis vaccine, (c) treatment of clinical cases in the light of antibiogram, (d) periodic visits (n= 9) to the farmers' (e) convening of farmers' field days (n=9) along with a demonstration of mastitis diagnosis treatment and control technologies, (f) training of rural youth and women folks on the field diagnosis, treatment and control of mastitis, (g) distribution of mastitis diagnostic, treatment and control inputs to registered dairy farmers, and (h) convening of a workshop on mastitis diagnosis, treatment and control for the registered dairy farmers. Participatory farmers identified advocacy and periodic demonstration of inexpensive mastitis diagnostic, treatment, and control technology as the most important strength (Mean score = 4.62) of the project. Project personnel and link workers rated the congenial working environment and conditions conducive to the transfer of mastitis-related technology as the strongest attribute (Mean score = 4.54) of the project. Participatory dairy farmers apprehended discontinuation of application and advocacy of the technology transferred with the current gusto and zeal when the project support would be withdrawn in the future. This was identified as the most important weakness (Mean score = 1.58) of the project. Project personnel and link workers perceived non-attractive emoluments (salary and other perks) as the No. 1 weakness (Mean score = 1.61) in the execution of the project. Emerging prospects of a congenial climate for dairying with increased emphasis on mastitis control because of an increase in the demand and price of milk driven by an increase in the per capita income and an increase in public awareness about the importance of milk in human health was perceived as the most important opportunity (Mean score = 91.30) by the participating dairy farmers and project personnel.

Keywords: Mastitis; Milk; Analysis; Rural