In this thesis, the author set out to investigate the impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5NI (!-IPA! H5Nl) on the livelihoods and food security of a subset of poor women in the household poultry sector in Egypt. Egypt has experienced one of the worst outbreaks of HP AI (H5N l) outside Asia and is now one of six countries where the virus is endemic among the poultry population. The discovery of the Swine Flu virus (LPA! HINI) in Egypt in 2009 and its present co-existence with HPAl (H5NI) has alarmed the international community. In light of the above the findings presented in this thesis become particularly relevant. On a global level, there is a realization that efficient HPAI (H5Nl) control cannot be based on epidemiological data alone. Such control depends on a thorough understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of epidemiological, social, and economic factors that contribute to HPAI (H5NI) vulnerability. Therefore, this thesis explored the interrelationship between the three major influences on HP AI (H5N I) endemicity in Egypt: poverty and livelihoods, risk perceptions and food security. A mixed method approach underpinned the analysis. To date, the control of HPAl (H5N I) in Egypt has been challenging. Part of the problem has been a lack of understanding of underlying conditions and motives that influence preventive behaviours at the household level. Indeed, the analysis of risk demonstrated that perceptions of human infection were low and despite recognising the benefits of many biosecurity behaviours, the overall adoption of such behaviour was poor. By disaggregating local indicators of wealth and poverty the study was able to ' reach beyond' traditional classifications of poultry keepers and explore differences between groups. The 'package' approach described in this thesis enabled a more intricate understanding of how marriage/widowhood, education levels and access to resources influenced a wide range of issues such as vulnerability to HP AI (H5N I), risk perceptions, preventive behaviours, food security and coping strategies. In doing so, the thesis was able to demonstrate the need for more targeted approach to knowledge transfer and awareness at the community level.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:659016 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Geerlings, Ellen |
| Publisher | University of Reading |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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