The Impact of Water Borne Diseases (Malaria & Bilharzia) on Socio — economic development in the gezira scheme sudan

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was carried out in the Gezira scheme to identify the impact of water borne diseases (Malaria & Bilharzia) on rural development in Gezira scheme. The study was established on the assumption that water borne diseases have a drastic effect on the farmer income due to his absence from work because of the above mentioned two diseases. A simple random multistage stratified sample was taken from farmers in the villages of the scheme (l8O) farmers to represent the research community. The study is based on the preliminary information that was gathered by the questionnaire (administered by the researcher himself). The other secondary information was collected fi"om scientific research works, books, Ministry of health documents, internet and the relevant institutions. To identify the impact of these diseases on rural farmer in Gezira scheme, the following variables were used: (a) Variables that concerned the farmer including: (age, level of education, annual income, the extent of his awareness of these diseases and the number of infections he has had and the type of treatment he uses). (b) Variables that concern the region of the farmer consisting of: (health environment, health centers, drinking water and the role of the responsible authorities control and treatment of the diseases). Statistical packages for social sciences (spss) were used to display and interpret the data, chi-square was also used to identify the significant or non-significant relations. The study has established the following results: - these diseases spread in the Gezira region, sometimes culminating to an epidemic level. - Farmers in the Gezira scheme do not get enough health care. - lncome from agricultural production is less than medical treatment expenses for most farmers.

The role of the state in the control ofthese diseases in the region is weak. Chi-square has confirmed the following findings: (a) There is significant relation between each ofthe following: Malaria infection and income level. Malaria infection and its affect on agricultural activities of the farmer. - Malaria infection and the disease communicators existent. Malaria infection and the available places oftreatment. Malaria infection and the role of state in control and treatment. The level of income from farming work and the cost of treatment of the diseases. - Bilharzia infection and the farmer used of bonds water. There is also non-significant relation between each of the following: Malaria infection and mortality rate due to its infection. Malaria infection and health care after the year (2000). Bilharzia infection and the available places oftreatment. Bilharzia infection and the level of annual income. Bilharzia infection and the awareness ofthe farmer ofit. Malaria infection and the cost of health services aft (2000). er the year The study has proposed a number of recommendations, the most important of them are: the establishment of cooperative health organi zation for the farmers in each division of the scheme region to work for the control and treatment of these diseases. Also more attention should be given to the social, economic, cultural and manpower development of the farmer of the Gezira scheme, being the real asset of rural development.