Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) limit village chicken productivity, yet smallholder farmers often rely on indigenous knowledge (IK) to manage, and the factors influencing their adoption are poorly understood. A cross-sectional survey of 300 households was conducted to assess the use of IK for GIN management. Predictors of IK use were evaluated with binary logistic regression. Logistic regression model revealed that households with larger flocks (>24 birds) and households with chicken ownership were more likely to use IK (p < 0.05). Whereas age, education, religion, and access to herbalists were not significant predictors. Commonly used plants included Aloe ferox, Aloe marlothii, and Elephantorrhiza elephantina, with leaves, bark, and stems being the most frequently used plant parts. Females used leaves, roots, and stems, while males used bark and seeds. Farmers with more than 10 years of experience reported higher use of leaves and seeds, and very poor households used more leaves and soft stems compared to less poor households. The adoption of IK for GIN management in village chickens is influenced by specific socio-demographic factors, including flock size and chicken ownership.
Majola et al. (2026) studied this question.