Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Alchornea Cordifolia (Euphorbiacea) Leaves on Sperm Parameters and Reproductive Function of Male Wistar Rats

Alchornea cordifolia (euphorbiaceae) is a tree whose leaves are used in traditional medicine to cure several health problems. Little information, however, exist on the effects of this herb on the male reproductive system. In order to assess the effect of Alchornea cordifolia on reproductive male parameters and testosterone production, twenty-four male wistar rats divided into four groups of six rats were used. The aqualus extract of Alchornea cordifolia was administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg of bw, 200 mg/kg of bw, and 400 mg/kg of bw per day, orally for 60 days. A significant increase in androgen-dependent organs, testosterone quantity, mobility, and sperm concentration was observed at doses of 200 mg/kg of bw and 400 mg/kg of bw. Only the unwinger sperm count significantly increased at the 100 mg/kg of bw dose. These results revealed that the aqualius extract of the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia has the potential to improve sperm quality and have positive effects on the reproductive system

Spread of bacterial wilt disease of potato in the highlands of Fouta Djalon, Republic of Guinea

Bacterial wilt in potato (Solanum tuberosum) is caused by Ralstonia solanacearum in the highlands of Fouta Djalon in Guinea. The disease causes 50-70% loss of potato in Guinea. The bacterium is transmitted either by imported tuber seeds or through seed exchanges between the farmers themselves from a contaminated area to bacteria-free areas or through irrigation waters along the fields. This is mainly a consequence of the informal potato seed system that prevails in Guinea. Because of the high price of seeds, farmers use several sources of supply. However, potato is an attractive cash crop in Guinea and the most important economic crop in Fouta Djalon. Most populations in the middle Guinea utilizes potato. The potato farmer's organization in Guinea, FPFD (Fédération des Producteurs du Fouta Djalon), is a model in West African sub-region because of its dynamism and organization with its 500 groups, 25 unions and more than 25,000 members. Training of potato growers in certified seed production techniques remains a major problem in Guinea that needed to be solved. This information is important for developing bacterial wilt disease management strategies through the training of farmers and state support for research

Effects of Small Scale Irrigation on Women Farmers’ Well-being Status in Sikasso Region of Mali

Irrigated farming is key to increasing crop productivity. However, information on its effects on farmers’ wellbeing status are limited. Therefore, this study examined effects of small scale irrigation on women farmers’ well-being status in Sikasso Region of Mali. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 160 respondents(user and non-users) while data were collected using interview schedules and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Respondents’ mean age and farm size were 43.04 ± 11.46 (users), 45.23 ± 10.87 (non-users) years and 1.22 ± 0.63 (users), 1.06 ± 0.60(non-users) hectares. Major constraints facing users are crop damage (=2.68), unavailability of input (=2.41) and inadequate credit facility (=2.15). Sixty percent, 98.8%, 85.0%, 85.0% of users have higher level of material, economic, mental and social well-being, respectively compared to 25%, 0.0%, 68.8% and 35.0% of non-users with similar status. The overall wellbeing of 73.8% of users were better-off compared to 11.3% of non-users. A significant difference (t= 11.110) existed in the wellbeing status of users and non-users. Utilisations of small-scale irrigation systems have positive effects on the mental, social, economic and material wellbeing of the users. Hence, the need to extend small scale irrigation to non-users in the study area. Keyword: Well-being, Small scale irrigation, farm size, non-users of irrigation, Mal

Effects of Small Scale Irrigation on Women Farmers’ Well-being Status in Sikasso Region of Mali

Irrigated farming is key to increasing crop productivity. However, information on its effects on farmers’ wellbeing status are limited. Therefore, this study examined effects of small scale irrigation on women farmers’ well-being status in Sikasso Region of Mali. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 160 respondents(user and non-users) while data were collected using interview schedules and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Respondents’ mean age and farm size were 43.04 ± 11.46 (users), 45.23 ± 10.87 (non-users) years and 1.22 ± 0.63 (users), 1.06 ± 0.60(non-users) hectares. Major constraints facing users are crop damage (=2.68), unavailability of input (=2.41) and inadequate credit facility (=2.15). Sixty percent, 98.8%, 85.0%, 85.0% of users have higher level of material, economic, mental and social well-being, respectively compared to 25%, 0.0%, 68.8% and 35.0% of non-users with similar status. The overall wellbeing of 73.8% of users were better-off compared to 11.3% of non-users. A significant difference (t= 11.110) existed in the wellbeing status of users and non-users. Utilisations of small-scale irrigation systems have positive effects on the mental, social, economic and material wellbeing of the users. Hence, the need to extend small scale irrigation to non-users in the study area. Keyword: Well-being, Small scale irrigation, farm size, non-users of irrigation, Mal

Effects of Small Scale Irrigation on Women Farmers’ Well-being Status in Sikasso Region of Mali

Irrigated farming is key to increasing crop productivity. However, information on its effects on farmers’ wellbeing status are limited. Therefore, this study examined effects of small scale irrigation on women farmers’ well-being status in Sikasso Region of Mali. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 160 respondents(user and non-users) while data were collected using interview schedules and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Respondents’ mean age and farm size were 43.04 ± 11.46 (users), 45.23 ± 10.87 (non-users) years and 1.22 ± 0.63 (users), 1.06 ± 0.60(non-users) hectares. Major constraints facing users are crop damage (=2.68), unavailability of input (=2.41) and inadequate credit facility (=2.15). Sixty percent, 98.8%, 85.0%, 85.0% of users have higher level of material, economic, mental and social well-being, respectively compared to 25%, 0.0%, 68.8% and 35.0% of non-users with similar status. The overall wellbeing of 73.8% of users were better-off compared to 11.3% of non-users. A significant difference (t= 11.110) existed in the wellbeing status of users and non-users. Utilisations of small-scale irrigation systems have positive effects on the mental, social, economic and material wellbeing of the users. Hence, the need to extend small scale irrigation to non-users in the study area. Keyword: Well-being, Small scale irrigation, farm size, non-users of irrigation, Mal

Evaluation de la technique de surgreffage pour le rénouvellement des vieillissants vergers d’anacardier [Anacardium occidentale (L.)] dans la région du Gontougo en Côte d’Ivoire

La Côte d’Ivoire est le premier pays producteur et exportateur mondial de noix de cajou. Toutefois, les rendements en noix des vergers ivoiriens demeurent faibles. Ces faibles rendements sont dus à un parc composé de vergers vieillissants, à l’absence de variétés améliorées et à la forte densité des plantations. L’objectif général de la présente étude est de contribuer au renouvellement du verger anarcardier par la technique de surgreffage. Pour y arriver, les arbres de différents âges et peu productifs ont été recepés à différentes hauteurs, différentes circonférences du tronc et sous différents niveaux d’éclaircie. Trois mois après le recépage, des greffons prélevés sur des arbres élites ont été greffés sur les repousses. Les résultats collectés ont montré que les plus jeunes arbres et les arbres plus âgés ont donné les plus courts délais de repousse (30,52 à 33,38 jours). Le nombre de pousses feuillées, la surface foliaire des feuilles émises et le pourcentage de réussite ont été plus importants lorsque les arbres ont été recépés à une hauteur de 140 cm à partir du sol. L’analyse de variance a permis de faire ressortir la différence entre les individus pour chaque facteur étudié. Les arbres de diamètre supérieur à 50 cm ont produit le plus grand nombre de pousses feuillées (32). Selon le niveau de l’éclaircie, les greffons bien eclairés ont été plus vigoureux. Les poids moyens des arbres surgreffés selon les génotypes ont été compris entre 27,5 et 234 g/arbre contre 493 g/arbre pour les arbres en plantation non surgreffés.Côte d'Ivoire is the world's leading producer and exporter of cashew nuts. However, walnut yields in Ivorian orchards remain low. These low yields are due to a park of aging orchards, lack of improved varieties and high density of plantations. The general objective of this study is to contribute to the renewal of the cashew apple orchard by the technique of over grafting To achieve this, trees of different ages and low productivity were received at different heights, different trunk circumferences and under different levels of thinning. Three months after the grafting, grafts taken from elite trees were grafted on the regrowth. The results collected showed that the youngest trees and older trees gave the shortest regrowth (30.52 to 33.38 days). The number of leafy shoots, the leaf area of the leaves emitted and the percentage of success were greater when the trees were retrieved at a height of 140 cm from the ground. . The analysis of variance made it possible to highlight the difference between the individuals for each factor studied. Trees larger than 50 cm produced the largest number of leafy shoots (32). Depending on the level of thinning, the well-lit gryphon was more vigorous. The average weights of the trees grafted according to the genotypes were between 27.5 and 234 g / tree against 493 g / tree for non-grafted plantation trees

Analyse descriptive et facteurs agronomiques d’avant-garde de l’état sanitaire des vergers anacardiers (Anacardium occidentale L.) en Côte d’Ivoire

Une étude a été réalisée dans les Régions de la Bagoué, du Poro et du Tchologo pour évaluer les facteurs d’avant-garde du niveau sanitaire des vergers anacardiers en Côte d’Ivoire. Les données ont été recueillies dans 250 plantations sélectionnées au hasard sur des fiches de relevés sanitaires. Le niveau sanitaire de dix pieds par hectare a été évalué sur la diagonale en zigzag dans chaque verger d’anacardier. Les techniques d’analyse utilisées comprenaient des statistiques descriptives pour les caractéristiques des arbres et un modèle de régression linéaire pour déterminer les principaux facteurs qui influencent le niveau sanitaire des vergers. Il resort de cette étude que le nombre de plantes par hectare, l’âge du verger, la source des semences, la nature du sol et l’utilisation de pesticides ont eu une influence significative sur le niveau sanitaire des vergers. Les exploitations de plus de 100 arbres par hectare et le manque d’entretien des vergers ont augmenté l’infestation de plus de 5%. Les vergers qui respectent cette densité ont réduit l’incidence des agents pathogènes à moins de 25%. Les efforts d’amélioration de la production de la noix d’anacarde en Côte d’Ivoire doivent tenir compte de ces facteurs d’avant-garde. L’étude a recommandé une meilleure formation des producteurs sur les techniques de lutte agronomique en cajouculture pour une production saine. A study was carried out in Bagoué, Poro and Tchologo Regions to assess the determinants of the cashew orchards sanitary level in Cote d’Ivoire. Data were collected from 250 randomly selected plantations through the use of structured sanitary sheet. The sanitary level of ten trees per hectare was assessed on the zigzag diagonal in each cashew tree orchard. Analytical techniques employed included descriptive statistics to analyze the characteristics of respondent cashew orchards, and linear regression model to examine the determinants of orchards sanitary level among the farms visited. From this study, it appears that the number of plants per hectare, farm age, source of seeds, nature of soil and the use of pesticides were found to significantly influence sanitary level of cashew orchards. In a priori expectation, the farms with more than 100 trees per hectare and the lack of maintenance of orchards were found to be increased the infestation more than 5%. The farms which respect this line reduced the incidence of pathogens less than 25%. Efforts to improve cashew nut production in Cote d'Ivoire must take  these leading factors into account. The study recommended better training of producers on cashew nut agronomic control techniques for healthy production

La Longevite Chez Les Ivoiriens

This study analyzes longevity factors among Ivoirians. Clearly, it consists on identifying the life expectancy secrets. To do this, data were gathered from religious and non-religious categories using qualitative approaches. The respondents were selected according to reasoned choice method. For this study people aged between 65 years and more were selected. Data collection took place in district of Abidjan and in the District of Odienné over a period of 3 weeks, from 06 June 2016 to 26 June 2016. Six (06) individuals were interviewed and the results revealed religious, spiritual, dietary, cultural and physical factors as the foundation of longevity among Ivoirians

Training of Trainers (ToT) on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Crop Production Course Module

As part of the AICCRA project, the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted land Use (WASCAL) and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) are tasked to to develop curricula and training materials to accelerate the mainstreaming Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) into University’s curricula in Africa. This report describes the activities of a training of trainers (ToT) workshop on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Crop Production course module developed by WASCAL as part of AICCRA curricula development activities. The training programmed was held at the Amonoo-Niezer Conference Centre, KNUST, KUMASI between 13th and 15th September, 2023. Forty-one (42) university lecturers, including nine women from three West African countries benefited from the training programme. The curricula consisted of four sessions on (i) Soils for Sustainable Crop Production, (ii) Climate Change and Crop Production, (iii) Soil Carbon Sequestration and (v) Spatial Estimation and Modelling of Soil Carbon. Four facilitators from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi took participants through each of the sessions. For each session, there was theoretical as well as practical training, where participants went to the field and laboratory for data collection and analysis respectively

INHIBITION DE SCLEROTIUM ROLFSII SACC. (CORTICIACEAE), AGENT CAUSAL DE LA POURRITURE DU COLLET DE LA TIGE DE LA TOMATE (SOLANACEAE), PAR XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA (DUNAL) A. RICH (ANNONACEAE) ET TRICHODERMA SP.

Tomato (Solanum esculentum Mill) is one of the most consumed in the world with a production of 124 million tons of vegetables. However, the growth of this culture runs into constraints to plant health. To find alternatives to synthetic fungicides which represent the means of control used by most gardeners, a study was conducted on the extracts (essential oils and powders of fruits and leaves) of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A . Rich. (Annonaceae) and two synthetic fungicides (Banko-plus and mancozebe) to test their antifungal potency of Sclerotium rolfsii. Fifteen isolates of Trichoderma sp. are also used for quality antibiotic and fertilizer for crops. At the end of the in vitro tests, it was revealed that the essential oil of fruits was higher than the other extracts on mycelial growth of Sclerotium rolfsii inhibition rate. Four isolates with the best attitudes to mycelial growth were used for in vivo testing. After in vivo assays, the essential oil of fruits and the 9th isolate of Trichoderma harzianum showed a good return on the growth parameters of tomato. The powdered fruit of Xylopia aethiopica also showed a good response to the incidence of the disease. The impact of the higher disease was 10.66 for the fruit powder and 5.96 for the essential oil of the fruit. This study offers the possibility of using essential oils and powdered fruit of Xylopia aethiopica in strategies to control Sclerotium rolfsii