AUTHOR=Cooper Tarni L. , Smith Dominic , Gonzales Mark Jaypee C. , Maghanay Marlon T. , Sanderson Sunny , Cornejo Marie Rachelle Jane C. , Pineda Lohreihleih L. , Sagun Rose Ann A. , Salvacion Oliver P. 

TITLE=Beyond Numbers: Determining the Socioeconomic and Livelihood Impacts of African Swine Fever and Its Control in the Philippines

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2021

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.734236

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2021.734236

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=The impacts of African Swine Fever have most frequently been described quantitatively though it is increasingly acknowledged these impacts extend well beyond numbers. During 2020, a multidisciplinary team of researchers developed a framework for socioeconomic and livelihood impact assessment (SELIA) of livestock diseases in smallholder communities. Two key innovations within this SELIA framework are the integration of sustainable livelihoods concepts to capture rich information beyond financial impacts, and the inclusion of stakeholders across the pig-pork value chain, beyond farmers. This paper focuses on the findings from one of the first applications of the SELIA framework, to describe the impact of ASF in backyard pig-farming communities and value chains across two locations in the Philippines and highlight potential leverage points for intervention. In late 2020 the research team applied participatory tools from the SELIA Framework, eight focus group discussions, fourteen key informant interviews and two network mapping activities. Owing to COVID-19 travel restrictions and risks, modifications to training and field activities were made. 
Findings from focus groups and interviews revealed the deep, emotional impacts of ASF and control measures. Pigs were considered pets by many farmers and some women described them as being like their children. Animal health-workers (AHWs) also recognised the emotional toll on farmers and were sometimes punished due to their involvement in depopulation campaigns. Misinformation early in the epidemic also led farmers to hide their animals from AHWs. And dispose of them inappropriately. While the overall impact of ASF on society was negative, the impacts on different communities, scales of production and different value chain actors varied. The losses experienced by backyard farmers also resulted in significant losses to linked value chain actors such as input suppliers. 
This application of the SELIA framework revealed the complex and varied impacts of ASF. Repeated themes and triangulated findings suggest two leverage points for further consideration. Firstly, it is recommended a One Welfare approach to ASF control in the Philippines is explored, emphasising careful communication between animal health-workers and farmers and humane and sensitive pig depopulation practices. Secondly, consideration of ASF support programs tailored to sectoral and specific community is recommended.