Perceptions du changement climatique, impacts environnementaux et stratégies endogènes d'adaptation par les producteurs du Centre-nord du Burkina Faso

Le changement climatique représente une menace potentielle majeure pour la viabilité des ménages ruraux d'Afrique subsaharienne qui vivent principalement de l'exploitation des ressources naturelles. Cette étude a pour but d'analyser les perceptions des producteurs agricoles du changement climatique, ses impacts sur l'environnement, les stratégies d'adaptation et les relations qui existent entre ces différents aspects. Des enquêtes ont été réalisées au travers de discussions de groupes et d'un questionnaire individuel administré à 300 ménages dans le Centre-nord du Burkina Faso. Un modèle Logit binaire a permis d'identifier les facteurs qui influencent les perceptions locales du changement climatique et le choix des stratégies d'adaptation. L'étude montre que les producteurs perçoivent une baisse des pluies (76,7 %), une hausse des températures (97 %) et des vents violents (98,7 %). Le niveau d'éducation du chef de ménage, la taille, l'appartenance à une organisation paysanne et le nombre de bovins déterminent cette perception. La dégradation des terres se traduit essentiellement par des sols dénudés, la réduction des ligneux et la faiblesse des rendements agricoles. Les principales stratégies d'adaptation sont l'adoption des techniques de conservation des eaux et des sols (CES), la possession de fosses fumières, l'irrigation et l'adaptation variétale. Les facteurs déterminants de cette adaptation sont la possession de pioches et de pelles, l'appartenance à une organisation paysanne, la formation en technologies agricoles et l'accès au crédit. L'adoption d'une stratégie d'adaptation par un producteur dépend de sa perception du changement climatique et de ses causes, ses impacts négatifs sur l'environnement et des moyens disponibles pour apporter des solutions

Maternal and perinatal health research priorities beyond 2015 : an international survey and prioritization exercise

Background: Maternal mortality has declined by nearly half since 1990, but over a quarter million women still die every year of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal-health related targets are falling short of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals and a post-2015 Development Agenda is emerging. In connection with this, setting global research priorities for the next decade is now required. Methods. We adapted the methods of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) to identify and set global research priorities for maternal and perinatal health for the period 2015 to 2025. Priority research questions were received from various international stakeholders constituting a large reference group, and consolidated into a final list of research questions by a technical working group. Questions on this list were then scored by the reference working group according to five independent and equally weighted criteria. Normalized research priority scores (NRPS) were calculated, and research priority questions were ranked accordingly. Results: A list of 190 priority research questions for improving maternal and perinatal health was scored by 140 stakeholders. Most priority research questions (89%) were concerned with the evaluation of implementation and delivery of existing interventions, with research subthemes frequently concerned with training and/or awareness interventions (11%), and access to interventions and/or services (14%). Twenty-one questions (11%) involved the discovery of new interventions or technologies. Conclusions: Key research priorities in maternal and perinatal health were identified. The resulting ranked list of research questions provides a valuable resource for health research investors, researchers and other stakeholders. We are hopeful that this exercise will inform the post-2015 Development Agenda and assist donors, research-policy decision makers and researchers to invest in research that will ultimately make the most significant difference in the lives of mothers and babies.</p

Maternal and perinatal health research priorities beyond 2015 : an international survey and prioritization exercise

Abstract Background: Maternal mortality has declined by nearly half since 1990, but over a quarter million women still die every year of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal-health related targets are falling short of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals and a post-2015 Development Agenda is emerging. In connection with this, setting global research priorities for the next decade is now required. Methods: We adapted the methods of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) to identify and set global research priorities for maternal and perinatal health for the period 2015 to 2025. Priority research questions were received from various international stakeholders constituting a large reference group, and consolidated into a final list of research questions by a technical working group. Questions on this list were then scored by the reference working group according to five independent and equally weighted criteria. Normalized research priority scores (NRPS) were calculated, and research priority questions were ranked accordingly. Results: A list of 190 priority research questions for improving maternal and perinatal health was scored by 140 stakeholders. Most priority research questions (89%) were concerned with the evaluation of implementation and delivery of existing interventions, with research subthemes frequently concerned with training and/or awareness interventions (11%), and access to interventions and/or services (14%). Twenty-one questions (11%) involved the discovery of new interventions or technologies

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Caractérisation de la variabilité climatique dans la region du centre-nord du burkina faso entre 1961 et 2015

Cette étude a pour but de caractériser la variabilité climatique dans le Centre-Nord du Burkina Faso. L’économie de cette région est particulièrement vulnérable au changement climatique. Les données collectées à cette fin concernent la pluviométrie journalière enregistrée dans onze stations et couvrant la période 1961-2015. L’indice pluviométrique standardisé a été utilisé pour déterminer les périodes sèches et humides. Des tests statistiques ont été appliqués pour analyser la variabilité pluviométrique. Les indices ETCCDMI ont permis de caractériser les extrêmes pluviométriques. Les résultats montrent que la période 1961-2015 est caractérisée par une alternance de phases humides et sèches avec une tendance générale à la baisse des précipitations annuelles. La région a connu une modification de son régime pluviométrique depuis la fin des années 1960. Cette modification s’est traduite par une période de baisse des cumuls pluviométriques et des pluies journalières. Cependant, la pluviométrie régionale a amorcé un retour vers des périodes plus humides depuis la fin des années 1980 et les décennies 1990 et 2000. La reprise est plus prononcée dans la zone sahélienne que dans l’espace soudano-sahélien. Cette étude montre une forte disparité spatiale dans la répartition des jours pluvieux durant ces décennies. En effet, le nombre annuel de jours pluvieux est en hausse dans cinq localités tandis qu’il est en baisse dans les six autres localités. La fréquence des pluies de 50 mm, des pluies intenses et des pluies extrêmes est en hausse depuis la fin des années 1980 et les décennies 1990 et 2000. Le retour des pluies est plutôt lié à une fréquence élevée des évènements de forte intensité pluviométrique qu’à une augmentation des jours pluvieux. Malgré cette évolution, on note une persistance de la sécheresse dans certaines localités du Centre-Nord notamment depuis 2005 à Kongoussi et 2010 à Bouroum

Perceptions du changement climatique, impacts environnementaux et stratégies endogènes d’adaptation par les producteurs du Centre-nord du Burkina Faso

Le changement climatique représente une menace potentielle majeure pour la viabilité des ménages ruraux d’Afrique subsaharienne qui vivent principalement de l’exploitation des ressources naturelles. Cette étude a pour but d’analyser les perceptions des producteurs agricoles du changement climatique, ses impacts sur l’environnement, les stratégies d’adaptation et les relations qui existent entre ces différents aspects. Des enquêtes ont été réalisées au travers de discussions de groupes et d’un questionnaire individuel administré à 300 ménages dans le Centre-nord du Burkina Faso. Un modèle Logit binaire a permis d’identifier les facteurs qui influencent les perceptions locales du changement climatique et le choix des stratégies d’adaptation. L’étude montre que les producteurs perçoivent une baisse des pluies (76,7 %), une hausse des températures (97 %) et des vents violents (98,7 %). Le niveau d’éducation du chef de ménage, la taille, l’appartenance à une organisation paysanne et le nombre de bovins déterminent cette perception. La dégradation des terres se traduit essentiellement par des sols dénudés, la réduction des ligneux et la faiblesse des rendements agricoles. Les principales stratégies d’adaptation sont l’adoption des techniques de conservation des eaux et des sols (CES), la possession de fosses fumières, l’irrigation et l’adaptation variétale. Les facteurs déterminants de cette adaptation sont la possession de pioches et de pelles, l’appartenance à une organisation paysanne, la formation en technologies agricoles et l’accès au crédit. L’adoption d’une stratégie d’adaptation par un producteur dépend de sa perception du changement climatique et de ses causes, ses impacts négatifs sur l’environnement et des moyens disponibles pour apporter des solutions.Climate change represents a major potential threat to the viability of rural households in sub-Saharan Africa who live mainly from the exploitation of natural resources. The purpose of this study is to analyze farmers’ perceptions of climate change, its environmental impacts, coping strategies and the relationships between them. Surveys were conducted through group discussions and an individual questionnaire administered to 300 households in north-central Burkina Faso. A Logit binary model identified factors that influence local perceptions of climate change and the choice of adaptation strategies. The study shows that farmers perceive a decrease in rainfall (76.7 %), a rise in temperatures (97 %) and strong winds (98.7 %). The determinant factors of this perception are education level of the household head, household size, belonging to a peasant organization and number of cattle. Land degradation mainly results in bare soils, reduced woody vegetation and low agricultural yields. The main adaptation strategies are the adoption of water and soil conservation techniques (WSCT), possession of manure pits, irrigation and the use of adapted varieties. The determining factors of this adaptation are the availability of picks and shovels, belonging to a peasant organization, training in agricultural technologies and access to credit. The adoption of an adaptation strategy by a farmer depends of his perception of climate change and its causes, its negative impacts on the environment and the means available to provide solutions

Perceptions du changement climatique, impacts environnementaux et stratégies endogènes d’adaptation par les producteurs du Centre-nord du Burkina Faso

Climate change represents a major potential threat to the viability of rural households in sub-Saharan Africa who live mainly from the exploitation of natural resources. The purpose of this study is to analyze farmers’ perceptions of climate change, its environmental impacts, coping strategies and the relationships between them. Surveys were conducted through group discussions and an individual questionnaire administered to 300 households in north-central Burkina Faso. A Logit binary model identified factors that influence local perceptions of climate change and the choice of adaptation strategies. The study shows that farmers perceive a decrease in rainfall (76.7 %), a rise in temperatures (97 %) and strong winds (98.7 %). The determinant factors of this perception are education level of the household head, household size, belonging to a peasant organization and number of cattle. Land degradation mainly results in bare soils, reduced woody vegetation and low agricultural yields. The main adaptation strategies are the adoption of water and soil conservation techniques (WSCT), possession of manure pits, irrigation and the use of adapted varieties. The determining factors of this adaptation are the availability of picks and shovels, belonging to a peasant organization, training in agricultural technologies and access to credit. The adoption of an adaptation strategy by a farmer depends of his perception of climate change and its causes, its negative impacts on the environment and the means available to provide solutions

PAN-EARTH Sub-Saharan Africa Workshop Report

Report on the PAN-EARTH Sub-Saharan Africa Workshop. This workshop focused on the effects of global climate changes on the agriculture and ecology of the countries of sub-Saharan Africa

Frequency and management of maternal infection in health facilities in 52 countries (GLOSS): a 1-week inception cohort study

Background Maternal infections are an important cause of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. We report the main findings of the WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Study, which aimed to assess the frequency of maternal infections in health facilities, according to maternal characteristics and outcomes, and coverage of core practices for early identification and management. Methods We did a facility-based, prospective, 1-week inception cohort study in 713 health facilities providing obstetric, midwifery, or abortion care, or where women could be admitted because of complications of pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum, or post-abortion, in 52 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). We obtained data from hospital records for all pregnant or recently pregnant women hospitalised with suspected or confirmed infection. We calculated ratios of infection and infection-related severe maternal outcomes (ie, death or near-miss) per 1000 livebirths and the proportion of intrahospital fatalities across country income groups, as well as the distribution of demographic, obstetric, clinical characteristics and outcomes, and coverage of a set of core practices for identification and management across infection severity groups. Findings Between Nov 28, 2017, and Dec 4, 2017, of 2965 women assessed for eligibility, 2850 pregnant or recently pregnant women with suspected or confirmed infection were included. 70·4 (95% CI 67·7–73·1) hospitalised women per 1000 livebirths had a maternal infection, and 10·9 (9·8–12·0) women per 1000 livebirths presented with infection-related (underlying or contributing cause) severe maternal outcomes. Highest ratios were observed in LMICs and the lowest in HICs. The proportion of intrahospital fatalities was 6·8% among women with severe maternal outcomes, with the highest proportion in low-income countries. Infection-related maternal deaths represented more than half of the intrahospital deaths. Around two-thirds (63·9%, n=1821) of the women had a complete set of vital signs recorded, or received antimicrobials the day of suspicion or diagnosis of the infection (70·2%, n=1875), without marked differences across severity groups. Interpretation The frequency of maternal infections requiring management in health facilities is high. Our results suggest that contribution of direct (obstetric) and indirect (non-obstetric) infections to overall maternal deaths is greater than previously thought. Improvement of early identification is urgently needed, as well as prompt management of women with infections in health facilities by implementing effective evidence-based practices