Sustainability Outcomes of Elderly Livestock Care Management Practices Among Smallholder Farmers in Northern Tanzania

This study examines the sustainability outcomes of elderly livestock care management practices among smallholder farmers in northern Tanzania. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with farmers, focus group discussions, and observations at livestock management sites. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns related to the sustainability of these practices. Findings indicate that while some elderly care practices showed initial improvements in animal health (85% of respondents reported better herd health), long-term adherence varied significantly, with only half of the surveyed farmers maintaining consistent application over a period of three years. The study concludes that while there are promising early signs of positive impacts from these elderly livestock care practices, significant challenges remain in sustaining them at scale among smallholder farmers in northern Tanzania. Recommendations include developing farmer-led training programmes and implementing community-based support structures to enhance the sustainability and adoption rates of these practices.