ENHANCING COMPETENCIES OF ANIMAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS AND AGROVETS THROUGH STRUCTURED MENTORSHIP IN SINGIDA, KONGWA, MPWAPWA, AND IRINGA DISTRICTS, TANZANIA
Authors: Charles Bukula, Jacqueline Nicodemus, George Phares, Mbarwa Kivuyo and Mohammed Bahari
Charles Bukula: INADES Formation Tanzania P. O. Box 203 Dodoma, Tanzania.
Jacqueline Nicodemus: INADES Formation Tanzania P. O. Box 203 Dodoma, Tanzania.
George Phares: INADES Formation Tanzania P. O. Box 203 Dodoma, Tanzania.
Mbarwa Kivuyo: INADES Formation Tanzania P. O. Box 203 Dodoma, Tanzania.
Mohammed Bahari: Freelance Consultant Box 42180 Chang’ombe Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
ABSTRACT
Donkeys play a critical role in sustaining rural livelihoods in Tanzania’s semi-arid regions. Yet, their access to quality animal health services and sound animal welfare handling remains limited due to gaps in technical competencies, governance, and regulatory compliance among service providers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured mentorship program in enhancing the competencies of Animal Health Practitioners (AHP) and Agrovets in Singida, Kongwa, Mpwapwa, and Iringa Districts, Tanzania. A total of 24 AHPs and 22 Agrovets were mentored and their competencies assessed quarterly over 12 months (March 2024-March 2025) using standardized Animal Health and Agrovet Mentorship Framework Tools. Competencies evaluated included clinical expertise, welfare advocacy, communication, legal compliance, governance, and kit management. Results showed that average AHP performance improved from 84.6% at baseline to 92.2% in Quarter 4, reflecting a 7.6 percentage-point increase. Outstanding performance ratings increased from 26% at baseline to 97% by Quarter 4. Among Agrovets, the overall average competency reached 80.2%, with notable improvements in governance (46% to 82%) and pharmacological expertise (93% to 98%). However, kit management and legal compliance remained areas requiring sustained support. These findings demonstrate that structured mentorship, combined with monitoring and evaluation, significantly strengthens technical capacity, governance, and service quality in rural animal health systems, particularly in Donkey Health and Welfare. The approach offers a scalable model for improving animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and intersectoral collaboration in underserved agricultural communities.
Keywords: Mentorship, Mentorship Framework Tools, Animal Health Practitioners, Agrovet Service Providers, Donkey Health and Welfare