A comparison of the delivery of veterinary services to small-scale and medium to large-scale poultry keepers in peri-urban Ghana.

Abstract

The study compared assessments of animal health care delivery to small-scale and medium to large-scale poultry keepers in peri-urban areas in four regions of Ghana. Four hundred and one keepers were interviewed using a questionnaire. Significantly higher proportions of the small-scale and medium to large-scale keepers met their needs by themselves. The mean distances or times used in getting veterinary services were similar for both groups. Significantly higher proportions of medium to large-scale keepers said drugs and vaccines were available and getting help was easy. Staff attitude and effectiveness were perceived as good by significantly higher proportions of small-scale keepers. Equity and efficiency were generally poor, while drug costs were considered expensive by medium to large-scale keepers. The study concluded that generally, there were no marked differences in the way in which the two groups perceived the quality of service delivery and the findings did not support claims that small-scale keepers receive inadequate services.