In southern Zambia’s Nyawa Chiefdom, where rural life still beats to the rhythm of livestock bells and dry-season rains, three new community-built spray races are helping farmers protect their cattle, livelihoods and strengthen food security from a long-standing problem: tick-borne livestock diseases.
On July 3, 2025, community members, veterinary officers and local leaders gathered in Mabeka to officially commission a trio of spray race facilities designed to help tackle tick infestations and the spread of Corridor disease, known locally as Denkete. Long a scourge for livestock keepers in this remote area bordering Sichifulo Game Management Area, the disease has cost families their cattle, their income and, at times, their food security.
The newly launched spray races—Mabeka, Sianyongo and Simoomfwe—mark a shift toward more self-reliant, locally managed animal health services and represent a strategic and community-driven intervention to break this cycle of disease. Built with the support of the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, which in Zambia is led by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services and the Nyawa Royal Establishment, the facilities are part of a wider effort to reduce dependence on wildmeat and strengthen rural resilience.
The spray races directly support the goals of the SWM Programme’s Output 4, which focuses on reducing zoonotic disease risk. They also reflect the “One Health” approach—recognizing the links between animal, human and environmental health and promoting collaborative, cross-sectoral solutions.Beyond livestock, the work forms part of the Mize Community Conservancy’s broader push to build sustainable local economies—from fish farming to beekeeping and youth training, all part of reducing pressure on wildlife and restoring balance between people and nature.
At their core, the spray races embody the SWM Programme’s mission to offer communities viable alternatives to wild meat and support livelihoods that can thrive in harmony with the natural world.
“These spray races are not just infrastructure—they are investments in rural resilience, economic stability and public health,” said Honourable Dr Clement Andeleki, member of parliament for Katombora Constituency. “When we protect livestock, we also protect the well-being of our people.”
Traditional leaders are playing a key role in the project, guiding where to build and encouraging participation. “As traditional authorities, we’re here to support solutions that work for our people,” said His Royal Highness Chief Nyawa. “These facilities are not here because someone brought them—they’re here because our community made them happen.”
“What we see here today is a product of collaboration,” said Griffin Shanungu, SWM Programme site coordinator, highlighting the project’s team effort from start to finish. “Community members were there every step of the way—from selecting the site to mixing the mortar. It’s theirs and that’s why it’s going to last.”
A pastoralist near the Mabeka site described the spray race as a game-changer. “Our livestock will now be better protected from tick-borne diseases,” said Honest Siabatwa, a local herder whose animals are among those set to benefit.
His Royal Highness Chief Nyawa, Kazungula District Commissioner Elias Siamila, Hon. Dr. Clement Andeleki and SWM Site Coordinator Griffin Shanungu, during the official commissioning of MABEKA spray race. Photo by Tony Kanwimbe / FAO
Each spray race is equipped with dipping infrastructure, pumps, roofing and necessary chemicals and is managed by trained community committees. The construction used locally sourced bricks and sand, keeping costs low and benefits within the community. The Mabeka site alone will serve more than 500 livestock-owning households.
Additionally, community management committees have been established and trained to oversee daily operations, schedule regular spray days and manage finances, ensuring the long-term sustainability and self-reliance of these vital assets.Veterinary officers recommend that regular tick control can prevent major losses. “We’ve seen farmers lose half their herd to Denkete (Corridor Disease) in a single season,” said Dr Wilfred Tembo, Southern Provincial veterinary officer. “With regular spraying, that risk drops dramatically.”
The spray races will be used to control livestock diseases, including popular Corridor disease, Theileria parva, improving animal health, food security and rural livelihoods. Photo by Tony Kanwimbe / FAO
“This is what it means to invest in community-led conservation,” said Dr Kabwe Puta, provincial coordinator for fisheries and livestock. “When people have better options, they make better choices—not just for themselves, but for the land around them. This is a great example of how government and partners can work with communities to strengthen disease prevention, food security and climate-smart agriculture.”
The event ended with a demonstration of cattle passing through the spray system—an ordinary activity for some, but for many farmers in Nyawa, a first. With regular use, the races could help families save their herds and avoid the financial and emotional losses tied to livestock deaths.
About the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme
The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme is a major international initiative aimed at enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife in forest, savannah, and wetland ecosystems. It is funded by the European Union, with co-funding from the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM) and the French Development Agency (AFD). Projects are being piloted and tested with governments and communities in 15 participating countries. The programme is implemented by a dynamic consortium of partners that includes CIFOR-ICRAF, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD).
In Zambia, the SWM Programme activities are carried out by the Government of the Republic of Zambia and Nyawa Royal Establishment (NRE) in collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF.
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