The progeny history data collection technique: a case study from Samburu District, Kenya

Progeny histories are essentially livestock histories which describe the fate of all the offspring of a given female animal. They can be used to collect information on a large number of animals in a short period of time. This article describes how the progeny history technique was used, in conjunction with a variety of other data collection methods, in Samburu District, Kenya. The study set out to assess the nature of animal health problems, as well as existing levels of veterinary knowledge among pastoralists, and availability of existing animal health services. It was found to be a useful method for collecting accurate information in a culturally-sensitive way, and complemented other data collection techniques.