Stakeholder mapping, analysis and engagement for development projects in southern Mali

United States Agency for International Developmen

Engaging development partners in Africa RISING research for better socioeconomic impacts in West Africa semi-arid countries

United States Agency for International Developmen

Effects of feed and health interventions on small ruminant production in mixed crop-livestock systems in Southern Mali

In Mali, small ruminants are a necessary part of mixed crop and livestock systems, and they fulfill various roles in the food security of households as sources of meat and milk, and means of additional income to meet food and cash needs. However, small ruminant production is challenged by the poor performance of animals, which is mainly caused by inadequate nutrition and diseases. A pilot study that combined feed and health interventions was conducted in two villages, Sirakele and Zanzoni in Koutiala District in the south of the country. The objective was to assess the effects of the combined interventions on small ruminant production in mixed crop-livestock systems. Zanzoni served as control, and Sirakele received both feed and health interventions. Twenty households were randomly selected in each village and the study lasted one year, from August 2016 to August 2017. Results showed that within a year the average goat and sheep flock size in the feed and health intervention group doubled, whereas it mostly remained the same in the control group. The mortality rate was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control one. In addition, the goats and sheep gained 42.98 ± 3.28 and 47.12 ± 2.73 g/day in the treatment group, whereas they only gained 22.59 ± 2.29 and 16.58 ± 2.74 g/day in the control group, respectively. The results confirmed that feed and health interventions significantly improved small ruminant production

Acetabular fractures: epidemiological, lesional, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects

Background: Fractures of the acetabulum are serious because they affect a deep, load-bearing joint that is difficult to repair surgically at first. They occur in a context of polytrauma. The aim of our work is to study the epidemiological, lesional, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of acetabulum fractures.Methods: This is a 5-year retrospective study from January 2012 to December 2016 including 45 patients treated for acetabulum fracture.Results: 45 patients including 38 men and 7 women with a mean age of 36 years (extremes 18 and 74). The circumstances of occurrence were dominated by road traffic accidents with 42 cases (93.3%).According to the Judet-Letournel classification, we observed 28 elementary fractures (16 posterior wall fractures, 11 posterior column fractures, 1 anterior column fracture) and 17 complex fractures (7 posterior column and posterior wall fractures, 6 transverse and posterior wall fractures, 3 posterior and anterior column fractures, 1 anterior column and posterior hemi-transverse fracture). The association of a dislocation with an acetabulum fracture was found in 32 cases. Associated lesions (fractures) were observed in 23 patients. One case of associated TCE was noted. Treatment was orthopedic in 18 patients, surgical in 18 patients and functional in 9 patients. According to the Matta criteria we obtained after treatment 46.7% good reduction, 51.1% satisfactory and 2.2% unsatisfactory reduction. According to the Postel-Merle D'Aubigné rating, 16 patients obtained excellent results with overall 93.3% satisfactory results. The complications found were coxarthrosis (15 cases), para-articular ossification (2 cases) and vicious callus (1 case).Conclusions: The treatment of acetabulum fractures depends on the type of fracture, the age and activities of the patients. Orthopedic, surgical as well as functional treatment can give good acetabular reconstructions and functional results

Analyse multiéchelle de la diversité génétique des sorghos : compréhension des processus évolutifs pour la conservation in situ

Using microsatellite genetic markers, we analyzed 1,518 sorghum samples collected at different spatial scales in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and in the village of Wanté, from the landrace to the country scale. Genetic diversity and differentiation parameters were estimated to assess the effects of the main evolutionary processes on sorghum genetic diversity. The genetic variability found within a variety is mainly the result of the sorghum reproduction biology and the genetic drift process caused by the limited number of reproductive individuals at the time of variety introduction into a household or each year when farmers select their seeds. At the village scale, a low correlation is observed between the diversity of vernacular names and the genetic diversity assessed by microsatellites. No spatial genetic structuration is observed among villages more than 30 kilometers apart. This point highlights that traditional seed systems operate at a very local scale. In Mali, a similar proportion of allelic richness is observed along a longitudinal transect and a latitudinal gradient that crosses a larger range of agroclimatic conditions. At the country scale, sorghum exhibits more genetic diversity in Niger than in Mali despite a lower agroclimatic range in Niger. These results demonstrate that the diversity of human groups acts together with the agro-ecological factors to shape the structure of sorghum genetic diversity. An important proportion of the overall genetic diversity present in the Cirad (Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement) "core collection" is found in Mali and Niger. The tremendous diversity cultivated by farmers in traditional agroecosystems of Western Africa supports the relevance of in situ approaches for sorghum conservation programs in this region. Both conservation and crop improvement requirements can be achieved through a better use of local germplasm in decentralized breeding programs. (Summary in English)

A repurposing strategy for Hsp90 inhibitors demonstrates their potency against filarial nematodes

Novel drugs are required for the elimination of infections caused by filarial worms, as most commonly used drugs largely target the microfilariae or first stage larvae of these infections. Previous studies, conducted in vitro, have shown that inhibition of Hsp90 kills adult Brugia pahangi. As numerous small molecule inhibitors of Hsp90 have been developed for use in cancer chemotherapy, we tested the activity of several novel Hsp90 inhibitors in a fluorescence polarization assay and against microfilariae and adult worms of Brugia in vitro. The results from all three assays correlated reasonably well and one particular compound, NVP-AUY922, was shown to be particularly active, inhibiting Mf output from female worms at concentrations as low as 5.0 nanomolar after 6 days exposure to drug. NVP-AUY922 was also active on adult worms after a short 24 h exposure to drug. Based on these in vitro data, NVP-AUY922 was tested in vivo in a mouse model and was shown to significantly reduce the recovery of both adult worms and microfilariae. These studies provide proof of principle that the repurposing of currently available Hsp90 inhibitors may have potential for the development of novel agents with macrofilaricidal properties

The Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI): rationale, development and implementation from 2002-2008

Schistosomiasis remains one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in developing countries. After malaria, schistosomiasis is the most important tropical disease in terms of human morbidity with significant economic and public health consequences. Although schistosomiasis has recently attracted increased focus and funding for control, it has been estimated that less than 20% of the funding needed to control the disease in Africa is currently available. In this article the following issues are discussed: the rationale, development and objectives of the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI)-supported programmes; the management approaches followed to achieve implementation by each country; mapping, monitoring and evaluation activities with quantifiable impact of control programmes; monitoring for any potential drug resistance; and finally exit strategies within each country. The results have demonstrated that morbidity due to schistosomiasis has been reduced by the control programmes. While challenges remain, the case for the control of schistosomiasis has been strengthened by research by SCI teams and the principle that a national programme using ‘preventive chemotherapy' can be successfully implemented in sub-Saharan Africa, whenever the resources are available. SCI and partners are now actively striving to raise further funds to expand the coverage of integrated control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in sub-Saharan Afric

Prioritizing investments for climate-smart agriculture: Lessons learned from Mali

Agricultural productivity and growth in Mali are under threat from erratic rainfall, resulting in more frequent dry years. The national economy is vulnerable to climate change due to 50% of the gross domestic product coming from the agricultural sector and 75% of the population living in rural areas. The Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) concept arises from a need to provide innovative solutions towards the complex and integrated goals of increasing yields, improving resilience, and promoting a low emissions agricultural sector. A major challenge for policymakers to operationalize CSA is the identification, valuation (cost-benefit), and subsequent prioritization of climate-smart options and portfolios (groups of CSA options) for investment. This paper presents the process, results, and lessons learned from a yearlong pilot of the Climate-Smart Agriculture Prioritization Framework (CSA-PF) in Mali. Key national and international stakeholders participated in the co-development and prioritization of two CSA portfolios and related action plans for the Malian Sudanese zone. Initial steps towards outcomes of the process include inclusion of prioritized CSA practices in ongoing development projects and prompting discussion of modifications of future calls for agricultural development proposals by regional donors