THE EFFECT OF STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMMES ON THE DELIVERY OF VETERINARY SERVICES IN AFRICA

Summary: This report is a prospective analysis of the effect of structural adjustment programmes on the delivery of veterinary services in Africa. The analysis is based on a review of replies to a questionnaire sent to the Chief Veterinary Officers of African countries by the Office International des Epizooties, but also makes use of other data so as to avoid the bias that would have resulted had only public sector views been taken into account. After a brief review of the political and economic basis of adjustment programmes affecting the Veterinary Services, and their practical application in the form of reforms, the second part of the report presents the views expressed in the questionnaire replies. The policies being applied are considered to have had a globally positive effect despite presenting some constraints, which do not however call into question the process under way. The third part reports on a change in attitude towards the reforms, which is encouraging on the part of the public sector. It also includes a discussion of the assessment made by the Chief Veterinary Officers and proposes some strategic directions for the years ahead. For the public service, the accent is placed on the need to work towards a better definition and implementation of priority activities, based on a clear identification of services seen as ‘public assets’ at both the national and local level, explaining how they are to be delivered and systematically including an economic analysis in the criteria for selecting activities. In the private sector, the priority is to strengthen support for private practice, particularly by helping private veterinarians to diversify their activities, and also to strengthen support for paraveterinary staff, providing training and ensuring greater integration into health networks. The last part deals with what the Veterinary Services expect from the OIE. Dissemination of information, organisation of training sessions and a privileged dialogue with international organisations and policy makers in the field of animal health are the three subjects mentioned.