Climate change in north-sudanian and sub-sahelian zones of Burkina Faso: Comparison between producers’ knowledge and scientific knowledge

La concordance entre les savoirs paysans sur les changements climatiques et les informations scientifiques peut contribuer à élaborer des stratégies d’adaptation durables. Une enquête, menée en zones agro climatiques nord-soudanienne et sub-sahélienne du Burkina Faso, a permis de relever 16 indicateurs locaux, et de mesurer leur cohérence par comparaison aux résultats d’analyse de 23 variables climatiques correspondantes. Les données d’enquête ont été soumises aux analyses fréquentielle et de variance, pour évaluer les différences de perception entre les zones agro climatiques. Les variables climatiques ont été soumises (i) à une analyse de variance, (ii) aux tests de Pettitt et de Hubert, (iii) à la méthode de Ati et al. et de Maikano, (iv) à l’indice de Nicholson pour déterminer les changements observés entre 1951-1980 et 1981-2010, et sur la période de référence 1951-2010. Il y a concordance entre savoirs scientifique et traditionnel lorsqu’ils ne donnent pas des informations contradictoires. Quatorze indicateurs de pluviométrie, quatre indicateurs de température et quatre indicateurs du vent ont été cités par les enquêtés. Le nombre des enquêtés ayant perçu les indicateurs locaux variait de 10 à 90% des interviewés et 22,7% des indicateurs ont montré des différences significatives (p < 0,05) de perception entre les zones agro climatiques. Entre 1951-1980 et 1981-2010, 18 des 23 variables climatiques analysées ont montré des changements significatifs (p < 0,05) en zone nord-soudanienne contre 10 en zone sub-sahélienne. Sur la période de référence, les variables climatiques ont indiqué 26 dates de ruptures en zone nord-soudanienne contre 21 en zone sub-sahélienne. Les saisons de pluies se sont rétrécies dans les deux zones. La fréquence des pluies de contresaison et la durée des poches de sécheresse en pleine saison pluvieuse n’ont pas montré de modification notable. L’évolution des indices de Nicholson conforte la dynamique des modifications trentenaires et des ruptures climatiques. Dans les deux zones agro climatiques, 56% des indicateurs locaux concordaient avec les tendances climatiques. L’intégration des deux types de connaissances par l’institutionnalisation de cadres de concertations et d’échanges réellement inclusifs et fonctionnels garantira la complémentarité entre les deux types de savoirs. Cette complémentarité permettra de faire des diagnostics climatiques inclusifs et partant d’élaborer des actions d’adaptation appropriées, consensuelles, durablesCoherence between farmers’ knowledge about climate change and its relevance to climate trends could allow drawing up sustainable adaptation strategies. Survey carried out in north-sudanian and sub-sahelian parts of Burkina Faso allowed to collect 16 indigenous indicators of climate change and to assess their reliability in comparison to the results of analysis of 23 appropriate climate variables. Survey data collected were submitted to frequency and variance analyses to assess farmers’ perception differences between climatic zones. Climatic data were submitted to: (i) analysis of variance, (ii) tests of Pettitt and Hubert, (iii) tests of Ati et al. and Maikano, (iv) Nicholson index to determine changes noticed between periods of time 1951-1980 and 1981-2010, and during the reference period 1951-2010. We considered that indigenous knowledge and scientific one are in accordance when they do not provide contrasting information. Fourteen indicators of rainfall, four indicators of temperature and four indicators of wind speed were enumerated by producers. Local indicators perception rates (number of persons who perceived the indicators from the whole interviewees) ranged between 10 and 90 % and 22.7 % of the indicators showed significant difference (p < 0.05) of perception in both climatic zones. Eighteen (from the 23) climatic variables showed significant change (p < 0,05) in north-sudanian area versus 10 in sub-sahelian zone between periods of time 1951-1980 and 1981-2010. During the reference period of time, the 23 climatic variables showed 26 dates of rupture in north-sudanian area versus 21 in sub-sahelian zone. Rainy seasons shortened in both climatic zones. Dry season rainfall frequency and full rainy season dry spell frequency did not show major change. The application of Nicholson index showed a great interannual fluctuation of the parameters, strengthening this way the evolution of changes and ruptures detected in the series. In both climatic zones, 56 % of local indicators were in accordance with climate trends. Integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge by introducing consulting and discussing framework really participatory and functional could ensure their complementarity and then allow drawing up appropriate, consensual and sustainable adaptation actions to climate chang

Caractérisation des systèmes de production de Jatropha dans les exploitations agricoles de la zone Ouest du Burkina Faso

La production agricole est la principale source de développement socio-économique au Burkina Faso. Depuis les années 2000, la promotion du Biocarburant suscite un regain d’intérêt pour la plantation de Pourghère (Jatropha curcas L.). Dans 14 villages de la zone Ouest du Burkina Faso, une enquête semistructurée basée sur un questionnaire a été appliquée auprès de 210 producteurs de Jatropha. Les résultats des enquêtes indiquent que la production de Jatropha est récente. La superficie des plantations de Jatropha varie entre 7,5 et 30 ha par village. L’écartement le plus adopté pour la plantation de Jatropha est de 5 m entre les lignes et 2 m entre les plants (5 m × 2 m), soit une densité de 1071 plants/ha. Une proportion de 80,4% des producteurs enquêtés indique avoir 4 à 7 ans d’expérience dans la culture de Jatropha. Les rendements varient entre 300 et 700 kg/ha. Pour 78,5% des exploitants, leur engagement dans la culture de Jatropha a été motivé par les structures de promotion de Jatropha. Plus de 90% des producteurs pratiquent la technique de la pépinière-transplantation et 70% pratiquent la culture associée au Jatropha. Les enquêtes révèlent que 70% des producteurs associent les légumineuses au Jatropha et que 22% des producteurs pratiquent la fertilisation de Jatropha. L’application des traitements phytosanitaires au Jatropha peu pratiquée, ne concerne que 11% des producteurs.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Mots clés: Biocarburant, pourghère (Jatropha curcas L.), enquêtes, exploitants, Burkina FasoEnglish Title:  Characterization of the systems of production of Jatropha in the agricultural exploitations of the West zone of Burkina FosoEnglish AbstractThe agricultural production is the main source of socioeconomic development of Burkina Faso. Since the years 2000, the promotion of biofuel causes a renewal of interest toward Jatropha curcas L. In 14 villages of the West zone of Burkina Faso, a semi-structured investigation based on a questionnaire has been applied on 210 farmers of Jatropha. The results of the investigations indicate that the production of Jatropha is recent. The surfaces of plantations of Jatropha vary between 7.5 and 30 ha per village. The more adopted spacing for the plantation of Jatropha is of 5 m between the lines and 2 m between the plantations (5 m × 2 m), thus a density of 1071 plants/ha. A proportion of 80.4% of producers investigated have 4 to 7 years of experience in the culture of Jatropha. The yields vary between 300 and 700 kg/ha. For 78.5% of farmers, their commitment in the production of Jatropha has been motivated by the structures of promotion of Jatropha. More than 90% of the producers practice the technique of the nursery-transplantation and 70% grow cereal associated with Jatropha. The investigations reveal that 70% of producers associate vegetables with Jatropha and that 22% of producers fertilize Jatropha fields. The rate of the application of pesticides in the field of Jatropha is little, it concerns only 11% of producers.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Biofuel, Jatropha curcas L., investigations, producers, Burkina Fas

Influence des haies de Jatropha sur le rendement d’une culture de sorgho (Sorghum vulgare) dans la zone Ouest du Burkina Faso: cas du terroir de Torokoro

Dans un contexte de désertification et avec la crise énergétique, un bon nombre d’acteurs de développement au Burkina Faso s’est intéressé au Jatropha curcas L. comme source d’énergie et de durabilité des productions. Afin d’évaluer l’influence de Jatropha sur les propriétés chimiques du sol et la productivité du sorgho associée, des essais ont été suivis pendant trois ans dans le terroir de Torokoro en zone Sud soudanienne de pluviométrie d’environ 1200 mm. Les plants de Jatropha, âgés de 6 ans, sont plantés aux écartements de 5 m entre les lignes et 2 m entre les plants. Le dispositif expérimental comporte trois blocs composés chacun de deux parcelles de 400 m2 correspondants aux 2 traitements: une par celle avec l’association sorgho-Jatropha et une parcelle en culture pure de sorgho (témoin). Les prélèvements de sol ont été effectués sous houppier, à 1 m et2m de la haie. Les résultats indiquent que Jatropha améliore la teneur du sol en carbone de 10% et de 8% en matière organique par rapport au témoin. Jatropha est aussi source de phosphore et de potassium et influence positivement la productivité du sorgho. Jatropha améliore donc les propriétés chimiques du sol et la productivité du sorgho.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Mots clés: Jatropha curcas L., sol, Sorgho, Rendements, propriétés chimiques, Burkina FasoEnglish Title: Influence of Jatropha hedges on the yield of a sorghum crop (Sorghum vulgare) in the western region of Burkina Faso: case of Torokoro localityEnglish AbstractIn a context of desertification and with the energy crisis, a number of development actors in Burkina Faso became interested in Jatropha curcas L. as a source of energy and sustainability of production. To assess the influence of Jatropha on soil chemical properties and on the productivity of associated sorghum, experiments were followed for three years in the village of Torokoro in south sudanian region, with a rainfall of about 1200 mm. Jatropha plants, aged 6, are planted at 5 m between rows and 2 m between plants. The experiment consisted of three blocks each consisting of two plots of 400 m2 corresponding to two treatments: a plot with sorghum and Jatropha in association and a plot with sorghum only (control). Soil samples were taken under crown, at 1m and 2 m from the hedge. The results indicate that Jatropha improves the carbon content in the soil of 10%, and the organic matter content of 8% compared to the control. Jatropha is also a source of phosphorus and potassium and positively influences the productivity of sorghum. Therefore, Jatropha improves the chemical properties of soil and productivity of sorghum.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Jatropha curcas L., soil, Sorghum, yields, chemical properties, Burkina Fas

Impact of Jatropha plantation on soil chemical and biological properties in the South Sudanian region in Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, about 100,000 ha of Jatropha were planted during the past 10 years. Despite this enthusiasm, few results exist on the impact of the plant on soil properties. This study contributes to better knowledge of Jatropha farming and was carried out in 2013 with Jatropha farmers in Torokoro and Tin villages in the south Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso (rainfall 900-1200 mm). Data collection plots of 400 m2 repeated 3 times were installed in 3 farmers’ fields in each village. Soil samples were collected at 3 distances (D0= under the crown, D1= 1m and D2= 2m) from the Jatropha trees lines and in a fallow as a control sample for each field. The results showed significant differences between distances for soil pH. Soil nutrients increase with distance from the crown (from 9.33% to 12.20%) for available phosphorus in Torokoro-6 years and decrease from 22.45% to 23.71% in Torokoro-2 years). Soil respiration and microbial biomass decreases also with distance. The density of spores of mycorrhizal fungi is higher for the control soils (14.64%) and it decreases from crown to 2m (from 2.22% to 9.53% in Tin-2 years). The study showed the contribution of Jatropha trees on soil fertility improvement.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Jatropha, soil biology, microbial biomass, carbon, nitrogen, Burkina Fas

Characterization of the BICEP Telescope for High-precision Cosmic Microwave Background Polarimetry

The Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization (BICEP) experiment was designed specifically to search for the signature of inflationary gravitational waves in the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). Using a novel small-aperture refractor and 49 pairs of polarization-sensitive bolometers, BICEP has completed three years of successful observations at the South Pole beginning in 2006 February. To constrain the amplitude of the inflationary B-mode polarization, which is expected to be at least 7 orders of magnitude fainter than the 3 K CMB intensity, precise control of systematic effects is essential. This paper describes the characterization of potential systematic errors for the BICEP experiment, supplementing a companion paper on the initial cosmological results. Using the analysis pipelines for the experiment, we have simulated the impact of systematic errors on the B-mode polarization measurement. Guided by these simulations, we have established benchmarks for the characterization of critical instrumental properties including bolometer relative gains, beam mismatch, polarization orientation, telescope pointing, sidelobes, thermal stability, and timestream noise model. A comparison of the benchmarks with the measured values shows that we have characterized the instrument adequately to ensure that systematic errors do not limit BICEP's two-year results, and identifies which future refinements are likely necessary to probe inflationary B-mode polarization down to levels below a tensor-to-scalar ratio r = 0.1.Astronom

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Analysis of Temperature-to-Polarization Leakage in BICEP3 and Keck CMB Data from 2016 to 2018

The Bicep/Keck Array experiment is a series of small-aperture refracting telescopes observing degree-scale Cosmic Microwave Background polarization from the South Pole in search of a primordial B-mode signature. As a pair differencing experiment, an important systematic that must be controlled is the differential beam response between the co-located, orthogonally polarized detectors. We use high-fidelity, in-situ measurements of the beam response to estimate the temperature-to-polarization (T → P) leakage in our latest data including observations from 2016 through 2018. This includes three years of Bicep3 observing at 95 GHz, and multifrequency data from Keck Array. Here we present band-averaged far-field beam maps, differential beam mismatch, and residual beam power (after filtering out the leading difference modes via deprojection) for these receivers. We show preliminary results of "beam map simulations," which use these beam maps to observe a simulated temperature (no Q/U) sky to estimate T → P leakage in our real data