Inappropriate antimicrobial use among small- and medium-scale poultry farmers contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As part of an ICARS-supported project, this mixed-methods study explored the behaviours influencing biosecurity and antimicrobial use among small-scale poultry farmers in Zimbabwe to inform the development of a targeted intervention.
Interviews and community conversations identified five key behaviours:
- Incomplete adoption of biosecurity practices
- Self-diagnosis and treatment of poultry diseases
- Prophylactic antibiotic use
- Non-observance of withdrawal periods
- Unsafe disposal of dead birds and poultry waste
Gendered divisions of household and poultry work also affected women’s time, resources and ability to follow recommended practices. Using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior (COM-B) framework, the study showed that antimicrobial use is shaped by interconnected social, structural and practical factors.
The findings highlight the need for interventions combining practical training, affordable biosecurity measures, guidance on withdrawal periods, community-led waste disposal and more equitable sharing of household workloads.
