ICT Implementation and Management of Organizational Change in African Customs: The Case of the PVS System in the Customs of Côte d'Ivoire.

Given the importance of customs revenues in the budgets of African countries, the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in order to adapt techniques and methods of control to the needs of facilitation of international trade is a major challenge. In this context, this work investigates what become of the technical potentialities of ICTs when confronted to the contextual characteristics of the environment in which they are to be implemented. This is the main purpose of this research that is based on the study of the case of the PVS system in the Customs administration of Côte d’Ivoire. The work is a unique "embedded" case study, in an interpretativist epistemological positioning and an abductive approach. It feeds on data from various sources; but, it is based mainly on semi-structured interviews. The research uses the Actor Network Theory (ANT) as a framework for observation and thematic analysis. The general result is that, the system is implemented but it lacks to convey organizational transformations and coexists with former manual practices. By discussion of these results, two original contributions are made concerning the factors that influence the effective realization of the objectives of organizational change related to ICT implementation in the African Customs. On the one hand, contrary to the national cultural differentiation perspective that is often used in similar work in the African context, the research points out the important role of organizational variables; namely, organizational cultural values. And, on the other hand, in line with its interpretativist positioning, the research underlines the way the process is managed as a determining factor for the results that come out. So, at the managerial level, research highlights the shortcomings of the “top-down” style of management. But above all, from this perspective, it proposes concrete ways of correcting these deficiencies through three recommendations: the application of a polyphonic management model (based on the principles of ANT); the reduction of cultural conflicts; and the rooting of managerial instrumentation in the cultural characteristics of the social environment.Au regard de la place capitale qu’occupent les recettes douanières dans les budgets des pays africains, la problématique de l’utilisation maximale des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication (TIC) afin d’adapter les techniques et méthodes de contrôle aux besoins de célérité exigée par l’évolution du commerce international constitue un défi majeur. Dans ce cadre, à travers l’étude du cas du PVS dans les Douanes ivoiriennes, ce travail investigue ce qu’advient concrètement des potentialités techniques des TIC au contact des caractéristiques de contexte du milieu destinataire de mise en œuvre. Le travail est une étude de cas unique « encastré », dans un positionnement interprétativiste et une approche abductive. Il s’alimente de données de sources diverses, mais est basée principalement sur des entretiens semi-structurés. La recherche utilise la Théorie de l’acteur réseau (TAR) comme grille d’observation et d’analyse. Globalement, les résultats indiquent que le système est mis en exploitation et fonctionne. Cependant, il ne réalise pas les objectifs de transformations organisationnelles spécifiés au départ. Il y a un découplage faisant coexister l'innovation technologique avec les pratiques manuelles antérieures. Par la discussion de ces résultats, la recherche fait deux contributions originales sur les facteurs qui influencent la mise en œuvre des objectifs de changement organisationnel lié aux TIC dans les Douanes africaines. D’une part, contrairement à la perspective de la différenciation culturelle nationale souvent utilisée dans les travaux similaires en contexte africain, la recherche pointe le rôle important que jouent les facteurs de contexte internes à l'organisation; notamment, les valeurs de culture organisationnelle. Et, d’autre part, en ligne avec son positionnement interprétativiste, la recherche relève la place déterminante du style de gestion du processus dans la qualité des résultats réellement obtenus. Sur le plan managérial, cette étude structurée et approfondie met en lumière les insuffisances d’une gestion de style « Top down ». Mais, surtout, à partir de cet éclairage, la recherche propose des pistes concrètes de correction de ces insuffisances à travers des recommandations de trois ordres : l’application d’un modèle de management polyphonique (basé sur les principes de la TAR) ; la réduction des conflits de culture ; et, l’enracinement de l’instrumentation managériale dans les caractéristiques culturelles de l’environnement social

Evaluation of Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service methane products

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) provides continuous data and information on atmospheric composition in an operational mode. The CAMS products include analyses/re-analyses of the greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) for recent years. In this report, we evaluate the quality of the CAMS methane (CH4) products, focussing on the "near real time analyses" of the atmospheric CH4 concentrations (from the ECMWF IFS assimilation system) and the re-analyses of CH4 concentrations and fluxes (from the TM5-4DVAR inverse modelling system, provided by TNO / SRON). The CAMS CH4 products are compared to comprehensive independent observational data sets (from surface monitoring stations, ship cruises, various aircraft programmes, AirCore balloon soundings up to the middle stratosphere, and measurements of column averaged CH4 mole fractions) during 2010-2017. Furthermore, CH4 flux inversions from the JRC TM5-4DVAR system (which was used as prototype of the operational CAMS inversion system) are included in the analysis, providing a benchmark to evaluate the CAMS CH4 flux inversion products. Overall, the CAMS and JRC inversions show very similar performance and compare well to observations over remote regions near the surface and within the free troposphere, confirming that in general CH4 mole fractions in the background troposphere far from CH4 emissions are realistically simulated. Due to the relatively coarse horizontal resolution of 3o (longitude) x 2o (latitude), however, both CAMS and JRC inversions show clear limitations in simulating regional surface monitoring stations (which are influenced by regional CH4 emissions), in most cases underestimating measured CH4 mole fractions in these areas. Furthermore, the inversions show large differences to the observed CH4 mole fractions in the lower to middle stratosphere at mid to high latitudes, most likely due to shortcomings in simulating the transport and/or chemistry in the stratosphere and the stratospheric-tropospheric exchange. In contrast to the flux inversions, the CAMS "near real time analyses" show generally large biases (varying in space and time) in the simulated CH4 mole fractions compared to observations in the background troposphere. These large biases are probably mainly due to the assimilation strategy of including only satellite retrievals (but no surface observations) and potential biases in the assimilated satellite products, while the flux inversions assimilate satellite retrievals and surface observations simultaneously and thus correct for biases in the satellite data (along with potential biases of the models to simulate the stratosphere). The surface CH4 fluxes derived from the CAMS inversion system are in general similar to the JRC estimates. However, the latitudinal gradients of the fluxes are slightly different between the two inversion systems, probably in part due to the two different convection schemes applied.JRC.C.5-Air and Climat

Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Five Medicinal Plants on the in vitro Growth of a Multi-resistant Strain of Candida Albicans

This study was conducted to determine the antifungal potential of plants traditionally used in the treatment of infections. Five (5) plants were collected. The anti-candida albicans activity was evaluated by the double dilution method in tilted tubes with the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the different plants. The results showed that the 70% ethanolic extracts were more active than the aqueous extracts for all plants. The 70% ethanolic extract of T. ivorensis (FMC = 1.56 mg/ml) was the most active on the tested strain. It was followed by T. superba (MFC = 3.125 mg/ml) D. benthamianus (MFC = 50 mg/mL), G. arborea (MFC= 50 mg/mL) and J. secunda (MFC ˃ 50 mg/mL). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of seven major groups of compounds, among which saponins and catechins are the most abundant in the aqueous extracts. Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Polyterpenes and Sterols as well as Tannins are equally present in the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the different plants at variable levels. These compounds could justify its activity and its traditional use

Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Five Medicinal Plants on the in vitro Growth of a Multi-resistant Strain of Candida Albicans

This study was conducted to determine the antifungal potential of plants traditionally used in the treatment of infections. Five (5) plants were collected. The anti-candida albicans activity was evaluated by the double dilution method in tilted tubes with the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the different plants. The results showed that the 70% ethanolic extracts were more active than the aqueous extracts for all plants. The 70% ethanolic extract of T. ivorensis (FMC = 1.56 mg/ml) was the most active on the tested strain. It was followed by T. superba (MFC = 3.125 mg/ml) D. benthamianus (MFC = 50 mg/mL), G. arborea (MFC= 50 mg/mL) and J. secunda (MFC ˃ 50 mg/mL). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of seven major groups of compounds, among which saponins and catechins are the most abundant in the aqueous extracts. Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Polyterpenes and Sterols as well as Tannins are equally present in the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the different plants at variable levels. These compounds could justify its activity and its traditional use

Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Five Medicinal Plants on the In vitro Growth of a Multi-resistant Strain of Candida albicans

This paper focuses on determining the antifungal potential of plants traditionally used to treat infections. Five (5) plants were collected. The anti-Candida albicans activity was evaluated by the double dilution method in tilted tubes with the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the different plants. The results showed that 70% ethanolic extracts were more active than the aqueous extracts for all the plants. The 70% ethanolic extract of Terminalia ivorensis (MFC = 1.56 mg/mL) was the most active on the tested strain. This was followed by Terminalia Superba (MFC = 3.125 mg/mL), Distemonanthus benthamianus (MFC = 50 mg/mL), Gmelina arborea (MFC= 50 mg/mL), and Justicia secunda (MFC ˃ 50 mg/mL). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of seven (7) major groups of compounds. Saponosides are present only in the aqueous extracts of plants. Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Polyterpenes, and Sterols as well as Tanins are present in both alcoholic and aqueous extracts. These compounds could justify its activity and its traditional use. The interesting results obtained with the hydroethanolic extract of Terminalia ivorensis incite further research with this extract. A bio-guided study on the fractions from this extract could lead to the discovery of one or more molecules of interest in the fight against pathogenic fungi

Use of insecticides in agriculture and the prevention of vector-borne diseases: population knowledge, attitudes, practices and beliefs in Elibou, South Cote d'Ivoire

People's knowledge, attitudes, practices and beliefs (KAPB) pertaining to malaria are generally well described. However, little is known about population knowledge and awareness of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. The aim of this study was to investigate KAPB related to insecticide resistance in malaria vectors due to the use of insecticides in agriculture and the prevention against mosquitoes. In mid-2017, we carried out a cross-sectional survey in Elibou, South Côte d'Ivoire, employing a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data were obtained with a questionnaire addressed to household heads. Interviews were conducted with key opinion leaders, including village chiefs, traditional healers, heads of health centres and pesticide sellers. Focus group discussions were conducted with youth and elders. A total of 203 individuals participated in the questionnaire survey (132 males, 65%). We found that people had good knowledge about malaria and mosquitoes transmitting the disease, while they felt that preventing measures were ineffective. Pesticides were intensively used by farmers, mainly during the rainy season. Among the pesticides used, insecticides and herbicides were most commonly used. While there was poor knowledge about resistance, the interviewees stated that insecticides were not killing the mosquitoes anymore. The main reason given was that insecticides were diluted by the manufacturers as a marketing strategy to sell larger quantities. More than a third of the farmers used agricultural pesticides for domestic purposes to kill weeds or mosquitoes. We observed a misuse of pesticides among farmers, explained by the lack of specific training. In the community, long-lasting insecticidal nets were the most common preventive measure against malaria, followed by mosquito coils and insecticide sprays. The interviewees felt that the most effective way of dealing with insecticide resistance was to combine at least two preventive measures. In conclusion, population attitudes and practices related to insecticides used in agriculture and the prevention against mosquitoes could lead to resistance in malaria vectors, while people's knowledge about insecticide resistance was limited. There is a need to raise awareness in communities about the presence of resistance in malaria vectors and to involve them in resistance management

ICT AND MODERNIZATION OF AFRICAN CUSTOMS

This paper examines the actual results of ICT projects in relation to their potentialities in modernizing procedures in African Customs. It reports a qualitative research, based on a single case study, conducted transversely, on the implementation in the Ivorian Customs, of an Internet-based system for risks analysis and management. In the light of the Actor Network Theory, the process is analyzed according to the power games of the concrete action system. Research shows that without adequate management model, the application is installed and is working; but it failed to transform the practices. For best results, the research recommends a polyphonic management capable of handling the implications of links between ICT, operational management system, management control system and organizational change.Ce papier examine les résultats effectifs des projets TIC par rapport à leurs objectifs de modernisation des procédures dans les Douanes africaines. Il rend compte d’une recherche qualitative, reposant sur une étude de cas unique, menée de façon transversale, portant sur la mise en œuvre dans les Douanes ivoiriennes, d’une application basée sur Internet, visant l’automatisation de la procédure d’élaboration du procès verbal de contentieux douanier. A la lumière de la Théorie de l’Acteur Réseau, le processus est analysé suivant les jeux de pouvoir du système d’action concret. La recherche révèle qu’à défaut d’un modèle de gestion adéquat, l’application est installée et fonctionne ; mais, elle n’a pas réussi à transformer les pratiques. Pour de meilleurs résultats, la recherche recommande un management polyphonique capable de traiter les implications du croisement entre TIC, système de gestion opérationnelle, système de contrôle de gestion et changement organisationnel

Marché et commercialisation du riz local au Centre-Ouest de la Côte d\'Ivoire.

Face à une augmentation de la demande pour le riz et à une production nationale plus ou moins stable depuis 1980, la Côte d\'Ivoire déploie beaucoup d\'efforts dans la riziculture, notamment dans les bas-fonds. La présente étude vise à analyser l\'efficacité des systèmes de commercialisation de riz local. La coexistence de trois grands circuits de commercialisation a été révélée : cycles court, moyen et long. Globalement, le marché est certes concurrentiel, mais on note des pratiques monopolistiques et oligopolistiques de certains intermédiaires commerciaux. Le prix du riz varie dans le temps et l\'espace, et est dominé par les marges bénéficiaires. En outre, une proportionnalité existe entre les marges et les charges supportées par les différents opérateurs.Faced with a growing demand for rice, and a national rice production, which has not increased since 1980, Côte d\'Ivoire is presently investing considerable effort in the development of rice culture, specially in inland valleys. The objective of the present study is to examine local marketing systems. The results show that there were three channels of distribution : (short, medium and long). The market was characterized by an unperfect concurrence, because of monopolistic and oligopolistic practices of some middlemen. The price of local rice was very variable in space and time. Margins and costs were quite proportional. Keywords: Riz, commercialisation, circuit de distribution, intermédiaires, demande, Côte d\'IvoireAgronomie Africaine Vol. 18 (3) 2006: pp. 299-30

Théorie de l’Acteur Réseau (TAR) : principes et méthode pour la recherche sur les systèmes d’information enracinée dans le terrain africain

peer reviewedQuel cadre théorique peut-on suggérer pour une gestion efficace des systèmes d’information dans les organisations en contexte africain ? C’est la question qu’explore cet article en recherchant parmi les modèles existant dans la littérature, les théories et concepts les plus ouverts et dynamiques susceptibles de prendre en compte les particularités de l’environnement économique et organisationnel en Afrique. À cet égard, l’article entend mettre en avant le pouvoir explicatif de la TAR qui, dans l’étude du cas du PVS au sein des Douanes ivoiriennes, permet d’avoir une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes par lesquels l’initiative a abouti à des résultats mitigés. Sur cette base, il suggère de transposer les principes qui fondent la TAR, d’une grille d’observation et d’analyse sociologique, en un modèle de gestion, afin de faire progresser la mise en œuvre des systèmes d’information dans les organisations en Afrique