Research agenda for holistically assessing agricultural strategies for human micronutrient deficiencies in east and southern Africa

Context Human micronutrient deficiencies in sub-Saharan Africa are connected through complex pathways to soils and how soils are managed. Interventions aiming directly at nutrient consumption, such as supplements and food fortification, have direct impacts but are often limited in their reach and require continuous support. In contrast, less direct changes, such as agricultural diversification and agronomic biofortification, are complicated by a wide array of factors that can limit progress toward nutritional outcomes. However, changes in agriculture and dietary patterns, if successfully linked to deficiencies, provide a more systemic transformation with the potential to achieve wide-reaching and self-perpetuating attainment of nutritional goals. Objective The purpose of this paper is to advance theoretical frameworks and research methods for holistic analysis of agriculture-based interventions for micronutrient deficiencies. Methods We synthesize lessons from the literature and from the Africa RISING project in Malawi and Tanzania about the connections between soil nutrients and human micronutrient deficiencies from the perspective of the five domains of sustainable intensification (productivity, economic, environmental, human condition and social). Results and conclusions We present a menu of indicators for future research on the soil-plant-food-nutrition pathway related to micronutrient deficiency and smallholder farming that need to be considered to effectively assess how agricultural interventions may or may not result in the desired nutritional outcomes. Ultimately, addressing micronutrient deficiencies through agricultural interventions requires a holistic approach that considers all five domains. Research on soil-nutrition linkages should consider the feedback loops across the five domains of sustainable intensification. Significance Interdisciplinary and participatory research to effectively link soils to human health supports sustainable development

A study of the pre-operative information given to pregnant mothers who undergo emergency ceasarean section at ceasarean section at UTH.

The study was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The purpose of this study was to find out pre operative information given to pregnant mothers who undergo emergency caesarean section, with the view of using the findings to provide evidence of inadequate psychological preparation of the pregnant mothers before operation. Another research question associated with the study was whether the operation influenced the feelings of the mothers towards future pregnancies. A purposive sample consisting of thirty-five (35) mothers was selected and interviewed around the third day post operative when the mother was in less pain. The findings of the study revealed that patients were not informed of the reasons why procedures are carried out on admission to labour ward (80%), and also pre operatively (71%). The findings also revealed that a substantial number of the patients reported that they were not given chance to ask any questions )93%). Finally, almost over half of the mothers (54%) reported negative feelings about future pregnancy because they feared having another operation. The findings are of particular interest to the midwife as they will enable her to review her role in the care of a labouring woman. The findings should also give the midwife an insight into her psychological care and preparation of a woman in labour for surgery who is already under stress

A study of the pre-operative information given to pregnant mothers who undergo emergency ceasarean section at ceasarean section at UTH.

The study was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The purpose of this study was to find out pre operative information given to pregnant mothers who undergo emergency caesarean section, with the view of using the findings to provide evidence of inadequate psychological preparation of the pregnant mothers before operation. Another research question associated with the study was whether the operation influenced the feelings of the mothers towards future pregnancies. A purposive sample consisting of thirty-five (35) mothers was selected and interviewed around the third day post operative when the mother was in less pain. The findings of the study revealed that patients were not informed of the reasons why procedures are carried out on admission to labour ward (80%), and also pre operatively (71%). The findings also revealed that a substantial number of the patients reported that they were not given chance to ask any questions )93%). Finally, almost over half of the mothers (54%) reported negative feelings about future pregnancy because they feared having another operation. The findings are of particular interest to the midwife as they will enable her to review her role in the care of a labouring woman. The findings should also give the midwife an insight into her psychological care and preparation of a woman in labour for surgery who is already under stress

Che Chipala (Chief Chipala)

The singer comments upon the sense of justice of his chief. "Chief Chipala, he sings, knows how to settle cases." Praise song for a Chief with Bangwe boar

Ata pikure katenge (You will turn the mortar)

"I am working here now. When I go home rich, some wizard may envy me (turn the mortar over), for my money." It is said that turning a mortar upside down, is one of the practices which are used in casting a spell. Topical song with Bangwe board zither, with resonator

Kazela kambelemba (Set the trapstone so that we can catch five and two mice)

This bangwe had a rough plank resonator beneath its whole length. Counting in several African languages goes up to five, then five and one, five and two etc. to ten. Topical song with Bangwe board zither, with resonator

Ukandenda-ka-sagaiyo (I have done a lot of work)

"I have built a house, I have made a garden, I have bought a plough - So you, my wife will be quite safe and well provided for." Topical song with Bangwe board zither, with resonator

Chief Chipala

A praise song for the chief about the chief having a sense of justice accopmanied by a bangwe board zither and resonator

Set the trapstone so that we can catch five and two mice

A topical song accompanied by bangwe board zither and resonator