Trypanosomiasis,the state and livelihoods in eastern province of Zambia,1908-1964

Trypanosomiasis was a major problem in Zambia, in particular Eastern Province during the colonial period. For centuries the people of Eastern province of Zambia were subjected to trypanosomiasis. This dissertation examines trypanosomiasis in Eastern Province of Zambia from 1908 to 1964. The dissertation argues that upon the discovery of the disease, the British South African Company expressed fear and great panic and measures had to be taken quickly. It also demonstrates that through the Veterinary Department, B.S.A.Co carried out appropriate measures that were intended to contain and prevent the spread of tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis. The study also argues that the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 limited the availability of funds for tsetse fly and trypanosomiasis control programmes. This exacerbated the situation. It was not until the end of the Second World War in 1945 that the colonial administration became actively involved in the control of the disease. This study also demonstrates that the people of Eastern Province of Zambia developed traditional survival strategies and ethno-veterinary medicines to cope with trypanosomiasis in their communities. The Africans largely depended on their knowledge of the environment to control trypanosomiasis. The study explores various mechanisms that the people of Eastern province of Zambia employed for survival during outbreaks of the disease. Colonial intervention through the Veterinary and Tsetse Control Departments also became a major source of ethno-veterinary medicine