Utilisation of wastewater for fuel and fodder production and environmental and social benefits in semi-arid, peri-urban zones of sub-Saharan Africa. Final Report 1/12/2002 - 30/11/2007 Contract number ICA4-CT-2002-10017

The overall objective was to develop low-tech water treatment and irrigation systems and test their use for the production of fuel wood and fodder in semi-arid sub-Saharan Africa. Sites for waste water treatment plants and irrigation systems were identified and the systems were constructed in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Project partners were trained in how to use and maintain the systems. The irrigation sites were characterised in advance of tree planting, and soil and water analyses are being conducted regularly. Tree species with potential for use in irrigated conditions in each country were identified and experimental designs for the trials produced. Some species were used in common in all three countries. Nursery screening trials were conducted and plants were then planted at the irrigation sites. Trees grew quickly under the irrigated conditions and many species performed well. Species which were selected for their good performance in the nursery were not necessarily the best performers in the field. Biomass production was determined and the effects of different coppicing treatments on regrowth were assessed. Parameters of planting stock quality were assessed and incidence of pest attacks determined. Partners were also trained in the use of sap flow and associated equipment. Considerable variation between tree species in water use was noted, together with differential effects according to the inoculation history of the plants. Working in controlled glasshouse conditions, using sterilised soil media, considerable variation in effectiveness of different mycorrhizal strains on different tree species was detected. When plant response to simulated irrigation water was measured, uninoculated plants grew very poorly irrespective of whether they are receiving the simulated irrigation water or not. Thus mycorrhizal infection enabled plants to make use of the nutrients in the irrigation water. Initially, nursery and field studies gave much less clear results. However, assessments during the final year of the project demonstrated positive effects of inoculation on tree growth in Mali and Niger. These observations were reinforced on the rhizobial side by molecular studies, using strain-specific probes for nodule analysis. In Ouagadougou it was estimated that 225,004 tons of fuel wood and 6708 tons of charcoal per year are transported to the city. The average price of firewood was approximately 21 F CFA per kg, and charcoal was 60 – 110 F CFA per kg. Sellers can achieve a substantial income from sales. The large quantities of fuel imported into Ouagadougou highlight the pressure on fuel resources. This is further indicated by the observations in Niger and Mali. Dissemination to stakeholders has been conducted and is continuing. The irrigation sites are continuing to be run. An important development is the formation of a partnership with representative farmers’ organizations regrouped under the umbrella of ROPPA (Réseau des Organisations Paysannes et des Producteurs Agricoles d’Afrique de l’Ouest, who federates millions of farmers through twelve west African countries, with the objective of bringing symbionts to farmers

Utilisation of wastewater for fuel and fodder production and environmental and social benefits in semi-arid, peri-urban zones of sub-Saharan Africa. Fifth Annual Report: 1/12/2006 – 30/11/2007

Summary Report Since the beginning of the contract, the results achieved are as follows: Work package 1 Water treatment and irrigation Sites for waste water treatment plants and irrigation systems were identified and the systems have been constructed in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Progress was slower than planned for a variety of reasons, including delays to obtaining permits for construction, delays associated with importation and shipping of components and delays in purchase of expensive items due to cash flow problems. Staff have been trained in how to use and maintain the systems. Some modifications and refinements and repairs have been necessary, but systems are functioning in each country. The irrigation sites were characterised in advance of tree planting, and soil and water analyses are being conducted regularly. Work package 2 Tree growth and management Tree species with potential for use in irrigated conditions in each country were identified and experimental designs for these trials were produced. Some species are being used in common in all three countries. Nursery screening trials were conducted and plants were then out planted to the irrigation sites. Trees have grown quickly under the irrigated conditions and many species are performing well. Few problems have been detected. Species which were selected for their performance in the nursery are not necessarily the best performers in the field plots. In this year, biomass production has been determined and the effects of coppicing at 2 different heights on regrowth have been assessed. Work package 3 Tree water use and soil water status Staff in all three countries with irrigation systems have received training in the use of sap flow, soil water and associated measuring equipment. In Mali, considerable variation between tree species in soil water use has been noted, together with differential effects according to the inoculation history of the plants. Acacia angustissima appears to have particularly high water use and is easily water-stressed, whereas A. mangium appears to be more robust in its performance. Even with irrigation, tree water use is declining by the late morning, indicating stomatal closure. In Burkina Faso, L. hybrid showed the highest transpiration rate (1.09 L cm-2 day-1), followed by L. leucocephala (0.93 L cm-2 day-1), G. sepium (0.93 L cm-2 day-1) and A. angustissima (0.61 L cm-2 day-1). Gliricidia did not show morning stomatal closure, whereas Acacia and the Leucaenas did. Stomatal closure was especially marked with Acacia angustissima, confirming the results previously obtained in Mali. The long term use of physiological equipment under tropical conditions has proved difficult as the equipment is not particularly robust. Work package 4 Microsymbionts and N fixation Working in controlled glasshouse conditions, using sterilised soil media, the UK partner has identified considerable variation in effectiveness of different mycorrhizal strains on different tree species. After the initial screening phase, selected tree species were taken on to the second phase of the study in which plant response to simulated irrigation water is being measured. Uninoculated plants grew very poorly irrespective of whether they are receiving the simulated irrigation water or not. The response of inoculated plants to irrigation varied with inoculant and tree species. Initially, nursery and field studies in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso gave much less clear results. However, assessments during this final year of the project have demonstrated positive effects of inoculation on tree growth in Mali and Niger. These observations are reinforced by molecular studies, using strain-specific probes for nodule analysis, which have been successfully tested against the inoculants, studies on samples collected from the field experiments in Mali suggest that the inoculant strains are absent – other types are present. This suggests that either the original inoculation was unsuccessful, or that the inoculants have been out-competed by indigenous strains. Work package 5 Economics and quality of produce Questionnaires have been developed by the partner in Niger, in collaboration with other partners. All countries have now completed their surveys, which have generated a considerable amount of useful information about fuel wood and fodder supplies. For Ouagadougou (population 960000 in 2000), it is estimated that 225,004 tons of fuel wood and 6708 tons of charcoal per year are transported to the city. The average price of firewood was approximately 21 F CFA per kg, and charcoal was 60 – 110 F CFA per kg. Sellers can achieve a substantial income from sales. The large quantities of fuel imported into Ouagadougou highlight the pressure on fuel resources. This is further indicated by the observations in Niger, where wood cutters cut an average of 27 steres per month, and each village can have 40 – 80 woodcutters. In Mali, annual wood fuel consumption averages about 0.5 ton per capita, and collection of a cart load of wood can involve a journey of 30 km and 3 days. Increasing numbers of grazing cattle are creating conflicts between different land uses. Assessments of fuel wood quality and palatability to animals have been made in Mali. Work package 6 Soil and plant nutrition Nutrient contents of irrigation water and soil nutrient status are being monitored at each site. In Mali, studies showed that pesticide levels were not significant, but that there was sometimes a build up of ammonium and turbidity in water flowing out of the plantation. In Burkina Faso microbiological analyses showed that the water treatment was successful in reducing levels of bacteria. Analyses have continued in all countries and no problems have been detected. Work package 7 Planting stock quality Studies have been conducted in Burkina Faso and Mali. Using various parameters of planting stock quality (shoot: root ratio, sturdiness quotient, Dickson’s Quality Index), considerable variations in quality have been identified, between species, production methods and between partners testing the same species. In Burkina Faso, a previous pot experiment was planted out. Previous effects of inoculation, substrate and pot size were no longer evident, however there was considerable variation between species in growth. At the time of planting, there were considerable differences in shoot: root ratios between species. Work package 8 Pest monitoring and management Studies in Mali have highlighted attack by termites on Leucaena and Calliandra, causing death of experimental trees, and the susceptibility of Acacia angustissima to prolonged flooding

Feasibility and acceptability of nationwide HPV vaccine introduction in Senegal: Findings from community-level cross-sectional surveys, 2020.

In Senegal, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality from all cancers. In 2018, Senegal launched a national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), support. HPV vaccination was incorporated into the national immunization program as a two-dose schedule, with a 6-12-month interval, to nine-year-old girls via routine immunization (RI) services at health facilities, schools and community outreach services throughout the year. During February to March 2020, we conducted interviews to assess the awareness, feasibility, and acceptability of the HPV vaccination program with a cross-sectional convenience sample of healthcare workers (HCWs), school personnel, community healthcare workers (cHCWs), parents, and community leaders from 77 rural and urban health facility catchment areas. Participants were asked questions on HPV vaccine knowledge, delivery, training, and community acceptability of the program. We conducted a descriptive analysis stratified by respondent type. Data were collected from 465 individuals: 77 HCW, 78 school personnel, 78 cHCWs, 152 parents, and community leaders. The majority of HCWs (83.1%) and cHCWs (74.4%) and school personnel (57.7%) attended a training on HPV vaccine before program launch. Of all respondents, most (52.5-87.2%) were able to correctly identify the target population. The majority of respondents (60.2-77.5%) felt that the vaccine was very accepted or accepted in the community. Senegal's HPV vaccine introduction program, among the first national programs in the African region, was accepted by community stakeholders. Training rates were high, and most respondents identified the target population correctly. However, continued technical support is needed for the integration of HPV vaccination as a RI activity for this non-traditional age group. The Senegal experience can be a useful resource for countries planning to introduce the HPV vaccine

A review of state-of-the-art and proposal for high frequency inductive step-down DC–DC converter in advanced CMOS

International audienceThis paper reviews the state-of-the-art of high switching frequency, integrated DC-DC converters and presents the main trade-offs and challenges emerging from this review. Various converter structures (1-phase buck, 2-phase buck, 2-phase coupled buck and 3-level converter) are then discussed and analyzed through simulation from a losses point-of-view. Considering the review, the architecture analysis and the technology model, 4 converters are designed for a given set of specifications: 3.3 V to 1.2 V, 280 mA output current at high switching frequency (100-200 MHz) in 40 nm bulk CMOS. A cascode power stage is used in order to enhance power conversion efficiency, and 1-phase and 2-phase structures are designed. Post-layout simulation results are presented, showing an efficiency above 90 % for a 2-phase converter

Política etnorreligiosa, conflito intra-estatal e o futuro da democracia na Costa do Marfim Ethno-religious politics, intra state conflict and the future of democracy in Côte d'Ivoire

Este artigo utiliza o método descritivo para analisar as origens e o caráter aparentemente intratável, mas evitável, dos fatores ancilares que implicaram a derrocada da Costa do Marfim, que já foi uma ilha de estabilidade política, uma vitrine de prosperidade econômica e de sucesso em uma África Ocidental mergulhada em guerras civis. O artigo investiga as políticas dos Estados colonial e pós-colonial até a morte do presidente Félix Houphouët-Boigny, a era pós-Houphouët e suas crises política e socioeconômica, e a má administração do legado de Boigny, que levaram ao conflito interno. As conseqüências da disputa interna também são investigadas nos níveis nacional e sub-regional, assim como as resoluções dos conflitos por meio das ineficientes iniciativas de paz de Accra que, inexoravelmente, levariam às conversas de paz de Lina-Marcoussis. Os resultados das negociações, a participação de poderes não africanos e o futuro da democracia na Costa do Marfim também são investigados.<br>This paper uses descriptive method to analyse the origin and the seemingly intractable but avoidable ancillary factors that plunged Côte d'Ivoire, which was once the island of political stability, the showcase of economic prosperity and success in West Africa in the fangs of civil war. The paper surveys the policies of the colonial and postcolonial state till the death of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the post-Houphouët era and its lot of political and socio-economic upheavals and the mismanagement of the legacies of Boigny that led to the internal conflict. The consequences of the civil strife are also surveyed at the national and sub-regional levels as well as the resolutions of the conflict through the botched Accra peace initiatives that inexorably led to the Lina-Marcoussis peace talks. The aftermath of the negotiations and the involvement of extra-African powers and the future of democracy in Côte d'Ivoire are also looked into