A quantitative exploration of nomadic pastoralists’ knowledge and practices towards Rift Valley fever in Niger State, North-central Nigeria: The associated socio-cultural drivers

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a vector-borne re-emerging viral zoonosis that mainly affects poor and marginalized populations in Africa and the Middle East. The study assessed pastoralists' knowledge/awareness and preventive measures towards RVF in Fulani nomadic pastoral communities of Niger State, North-central Nigeria. An interview questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in randomly selected 403 Fulani nomadic pastoral households. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed. About 97% (389/403) of the pastoralists responded. Majority (74.0%) of them was males and 26.0% was females, while most (65.3%) did not possess formal education. About 85% and 77% of respondents mentioned high mortality in newborns and abortions in pregnant cows, respectively, as signs of RVF in cattle. Also, 50.6% of respondents mentioned high fever as RVF symptoms in humans, while 36.5% reported headache. Pastoralists in age group 70–99 years (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.14, 6.33) and those with tertiary education (OR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.06, 5.99) were more likely to possess satisfactory knowledge about RVF than others. Extensive husbandry system (OR: 6.16; 95% CI: 3.46, 10.97) as well as culture of borrowing and loaning of cattle (OR: 27.00; 95% CI: 12.67, 57.52) were more likely to influenced RVF occurrence in herds compared to other factors. The survey revealed gaps in levels of knowledge and practices regarding RVF among pastoralists. Socio-cultural activities were key social drivers for RVF occurrence in pastoral herds. The gaps, influenced by socio-demographic and cultural factors, necessitate the need for multidisciplinary approach including anthropologists in RVF preventive education for the pastoralists. Also, cross-disciplinary studies that would increase understanding of social determinants of re-emerging zoonotic diseases are encouraged.