Tsetse-transmitted animal trypanosomiasis is a complex disease that directly and indirectly has an impact on Africa's crop and livestock agricultural development. In this paper, state-of-the-art spatial tools are applied to study the variety of agro-ecological settings in West Africa with a view to providing decision support to the management of the tsetse and trypanosomiasis (T&T) problem according to the prevailing agro-ecological conditions.
Based on the analytical mapping of dominant livestock systems, land-use patterns, integration of livestock and crop agriculture (mixed farming) and geoclimatic factors affecting tsetse ecology (northern dry band with fragmented tsetse populations and southern humid band where tsetse are widespread), priority areas for T&T intervention were identified. These areas are situated in the northern band of the tsetse belt where:
tsetse populations are fragmented (and therefore vulnerable) or confined only to suitable vegetation along main river courses;
fly reinvasion risk is minimal due to land pressure and adverse climatic conditions for tsetse; and
integration of crop and livestock agriculture prevails.
In these areas, the elimination of the fly and the disease may be achievable and consolidated through the expansion and intensification of mixed farming, leading to maximal yield benefits when expressed in terms of sustainable agriculture and rural development.
The spatial analysis, including spatial epidemiology of T&T (vectors, pathogens, host) and the impact of T&T on people, their environment and their livestock production systems, showed that, in the southern and more humid parts, the most viable option remains an integrated approach combining vector suppression in epidemiological hot spots and disease management at the herd level through the strategic use of trypanocides and/or genetic improvement of local trypanotolerant breeds.
