Engaging the Community Through Entomology

Happy New Year, Everyone! This week’s Fist Bump goes out to VL Zimbabwe for utilizing community-based entomology to collect data to build rapport with the local community in Kawere.

Community buy-in for entomological monitoring can be a challenge as many people prioritize income-generating activities over entomological activities, thus the commitment for conventional monitoring, where trained technicians come to the community, was not forthcoming.

To collect the necessary data, the VectorLink entomology team trained community members in mosquito collection at the larval (aquatic) stage as well as adult mosquito collection. Women were recruited and hired as they are often more able to commit to long-term routine entomological monitoring compared to men who tend to have other competing errands that affect their ability to sustain surveillance. The community members are now able to collect mosquito larvae without supervision.

Entomological monitoring provides a source of income for the those who participate in Kawere, an area where there are extremely limited income opportunities. Most members of the community survive on market gardening and other farming activities, which are seasonal in nature. The women involved have used their income to improve their homes, and they can also more easily provide for their families, including paying school fees for their children.   

As trusted community members, the trained local entomologists have helped to increase acceptance of the project’s routine entomological monitoring, removing some of the misconceptions regarding project objectives.

Great job engaging the local community, VL Zimbabwe!