Attitudes, practices, and determinants of community care-seeking behaviours for fever/malaria episodes in the context of the implementation of multiple first-line therapies for uncomplicated malaria in the health district of Kaya, Burkina Faso

BACKGROUND: Malaria case management relies on World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), and a continuous understanding of local community knowledge, attitudes, and practices may be a great support for the success of malaria disease control efforts. In this context, this study aimed to identify potential facilitators or barriers at the community level to inform a health district-wide implementation of multiple first-line therapies (MFT) as a new strategy for uncomplicated malaria case management. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study using a mixed-method design was carried out from November 2018 to February 2019, in the health district (HD) of Kaya in Burkina Faso. Quantitative data were collected using a standardized questionnaire from 1394 individuals who had fever/malaria episodes four weeks prior to the survey. In addition, 23 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted targeting various segments of the community. Logistic regression models were used to assess the predictors of community care-seeking behaviours. RESULTS: Overall, 98% (1366/1394) of study participants sought advice or treatment, and 66.5% did so within 24 h of fever onset. 76.4% of participants preferred to seek treatment from health centres as the first recourse to care, 5.8% were treated at home with remaining drug stock, and 2.3% preferred traditional healers. Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) was by far the most used anti-malarial drug (98.2%); reported adherence to the 3-day treatment regimen was 84.3%. Multivariate analysis identified less than 5 km distance travelled for care (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI 2.1-3.7) and education/schooling (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.5) as determinants of prompt care-seeking for fever. Geographical proximity (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.1), having a child under five (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI 3.2-6.7), being pregnant (AOR = 6.5, 95% CI 1.9-22.5), and living in an urban area (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.8-4.2) were significant predictors for visiting health centres. The FGDs showed that participants had good knowledge about malaria symptoms, prevention tools, and effective treatment. Behaviour change regarding malaria treatment and free medication for children under five were the main reasons for participants to seek care at health centres. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed appropriate knowledge about malaria and positive community care-seeking behaviour at health centres for fever/malaria episodes. This could potentially facilitate the implementation of a MFT pilot programme in the district. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT04265573

Rhizobium inoculants suppress emergence of the weed Striga gesnerioides in cowpea

Open Access Article; Published online: 26 May 2021Cowpea is a grain legume of major importance in sub-Saharan Africa where it is cultivated by smallholder farmers on poor soils and production is often constrained by the parasitic weed Striga gesnerioides. Experiments were conducted to assess the potential of rhizobium inoculation in mitigating Striga infestation and increasing cowpea productivity. We tested under basal P application and artificial S. gesnerioides inoculation the impact of cowpea genotypes (G) (nine Striga-resistant and 11 Striga– susceptible genotypes) and bradyrhizobium inoculation (N) (two bradyrhizobium strains USDA3384 and IRJ2180A, and uninoculated control) on Striga dynamics and cowpea yield. Additional treatments included N supplied as urea (with and without), and no input (i.e., soil inherent N and P) that served as negative check. A first experiment was carried out in potted sterile soils in the screen house excluding addition of N-fertilizers. Significant G x N interactions were observed in counts of nodule (P = 0.012), Striga attachment (P < 0.0001) and emergence (P = 0.005), and cowpea shoot growth (P = 0.016). Cowpea nodulated poorly across host lines, Striga counts were the lowest for resistant varieties with no emerged plants. Rhizobial inoculants depressed Striga counts with consistent differences found across cowpea genotypes. Inoculation with IRJ2180A performed the best against Striga attachment in resistant genotypes, and its emergence in susceptible genotypes. In the field trial, nodule numbers were lowest in cowpea without inputs (P < 0.0001). The G x N interaction was significant in emerged Striga plants (P < 0.0001). Resistant genotypes were free of emerged Striga while for susceptible ones, Striga emergence was the highest without any input addition. Significant G x N interaction was observed in cowpea grain yield (P < 0.0001). Yield response to inoculation was most obvious for resistant genotypes inoculated with the strain IRJ2180A (P = 0.0043). The integrated use of Striga-resistant cowpea lines and elite bradyrhizobium inoculant under moderate application of P-based fertilizer could be a promising approach for mitigating Striga infestation and increasing productivity

Looking back and moving forward: 50 years of soil and soil fertility management research in sub-Saharan Africa

Article purchased; Published online: 02 Nov 2017Low and declining soil fertility has been recognized for a long time as a major impediment to intensifying agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Consequently, from the inception of international agricultural research, centres operating in SSA have had a research programme focusing on soil and soil fertility management, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The scope, content, and approaches of soil and soil fertility management research have changed over the past decades in response to lessons learnt and internal and external drivers and this paper uses IITA as a case study to document and analyse the consequences of strategic decisions taken on technology development, validation, and ultimately uptake by smallholder farmers in SSA. After an initial section describing the external environment within which soil and soil fertility management research is operating, various dimensions of this research area are covered: (i) ‘strategic research’, ‘Research for Development’, partnerships, and balancing acts, (ii) changing role of characterization due to the expansion in geographical scope and shift from soils to farms and livelihoods, (iii) technology development: changes in vision, content, and scale of intervention, (iv) technology validation and delivery to farming communities, and (v) impact and feedback to the technology development and validation process. Each of the above sections follows a chronological approach, covering the last five decades (from the late 1960s till today). The paper ends with a number of lessons learnt which could be considered for future initiatives aiming at developing and delivering improved soil and soil fertility management practices to smallholder farming communities in SSA

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

Greenspace: Towards a Systematic, Global and Innovative Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of Space Activities for a Safe and Sustainable Space Environment

ESA has recently decided, through the Clean Space program, to begin a systematic assessment of the environmental impact of its activities. The reasons lie in the increasing environmental awareness, in the emanation of new and stricter regulations on industrial processes and in the fact that the impact of space activities has never been methodically evaluated. The present work has been developed in this frame: its goals are to define the idea of sustainability for space activities, to develop innovative methods to evaluate their impact and to propose a more environmentally-friendly design solution to mitigate their effects in one of the many stages of their life cycle. The first task was carried out starting from the definition of sustainability given by Gro Brundtland and performed by adding sustainability drivers related to space waste, further divided into the subdrivers room availability and risk of collisions. Moreover, a distinction between absolute green technologies and relative green technologies has been proposed. As for the second objective, the eMergy approach, holistic and simpler than LCA methods, was adapted from ecology and used to identify the critical subsystem of a space launcher. The criticality analysis shifted the focus on the propellants, which were further analyzed through a specifically tailored qualitative method, Fuel Life Environmental Cycle Assessment (FLECA). The use of this method led to the identification of the hydrogen production for Ariane launchers as one of the most significant environmental hotspots. Six alternatives to mitigate the carbon dioxide emissions caused by the hydrogen-producing plant were proposed. After a preliminary evaluation of their effectiveness, a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method, TOPSIS, was applied to find the optimal solution, considering also the criteria of adaptability to the plant, maturity of the technology and cost. The production of hydrogen from biomass-derived methanol, paired with carbon capture, turned out to be the best option, mainly because of the significant reduction in specific CO2 emissions it generates. In conclusion, the present work has given new perspectives and new insights on the evaluation of the environmental impact of space activities, in order to create a safe and sustainable space environment. The adopted method is systematic, global and multidisciplinary: rigorous definitions have been given and framed in the scientific literature, launches are not seen as singular events, but as occurrences that have extended influence in space and time, and frontier developments from other fields of engineering have been adapted to the space field