An investigation into challenges of achieving targeted dipping fee collection by veterinary services: the case of mt darwin district.

Abstract

The research was on investigating challenges faced in achieving targeted dipping fee collection. The study was motivated by the fact that there is persistent decline in the collection of dipping fee by the Department of Veterinary Services in Mt Darwin District. It is upon this background that this study seeks to search the causes of the challenges faced in achieving targeted dipping fee collection and solutions that can help to increase the collection of dipping fee by Veterinary Services Mt Darwin. An in-depth review of the literature related to the aforementioned factors under study was conducted in the interest of obtaining information on what other authors who carried the similar research said in order to get the required information conversant with current studies. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in gathering information related to the study. Sixty questionnaires were administered and 16 interviews were conducted employed to gather data which was used to obtain research findings which were analysed to satisfy the research objectives. The research revealed that inconsistent supply of dipping chemical by Veterinary Services and economic hardships faced by farmers contributed to the causes of failure to pay dipping fees. It was also found that ignorance by farmers of the economic benefits derived from healthy livestock is also a cause of non payment of dipping fees. The results also pointed out that Veterinary Services left out prominent community leadership in coming up with proper ways of encouraging farmers to pay dipping fees. On the same note it emerged that Veterinary Services is lenient on imposing laid out prosecution. Lastly farmers were appealing to the Government to subsidise the current dipping fee charges.