Disease control during livestock movement among smallholder farming actors in Kisumu West Sub-County, Kenya.

Livestock movement remains a crucial socio-cultural practice for rural households in sub-Saharan Africa, yet disease-control practices during movement among sedentary smallholder farmers remain poorly understood. This study examined the relationship between livestock movement and disease-control strategies among smallholder farmers and other actors in Kisumu West Sub-County, western Kenya. Inspired by social practice theory and using a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 28 actors and two focus group discussions involving 16 participants, enabling data triangulation. The results reveal three distinct forms of livestock movement; intra-local, inter-local, and extra-local, each associated with specific disease-control challenges and responses. Farmers drew on locally available resources, community knowledge, and selective veterinary engagement to manage disease risks, often constrained by limited space, inadequate enforcement of health regulations, and economic pressure. Findings are context-specific and should be interpreted as qualitative insights from one sub-county rather than broadly generalisable evidence. The study offers implications for animal health governance in smallholder systems in developing countries like Kenya.