Impact de L’installation des Camps des Refugiés, Retournés et Déplacés sur L’exploitation des Ressources Ligneuses dans la Région de Diffa

La région de Diffa située dans la vallée du Bassin du Lac Tchad à l’extrème Est de la République du Niger, fait face à la persécution de la secte Boko Haram. Les populations frontalières avec la République fédérale du Nigéria, principales victimes fuyant la guerre sont contraints de se réfugier vers la région de Diffa. L’installation des camps des réfugiés a occasionné des profondes modifications au niveau du paysage déjà affecté par la désertification. La présente étude dont l’objectif est d’analyser l’impact de l’installation des camps de réfugiés sur les ressources ligneuses et la dynamique paysagère a été conduite au niveau des camps des réfugiés des communes de Gueskérou et Chétimari. Des placettes de 2500 m2 ont été délimitées sur des transects radiaires au niveau des camps de réfugiés et des villages autochtones. Dans chaque placette, les mesures dendrométriques ont été réaliséés sur les espèces ligneuses. Les facteurs de pression tels que la coupe, l’émondage et l’écorçage ont été relévés sur tous les arbres. Des enquêtes sur l’utilisation des ressources ligneuses ont été effectuées. Les données satellitaires (Landsat) ont été collectées afin d’analyser la dynamique paysagère avant et après l’installation des camps. L’analyse des résultats montre que les espèces ligneuses, les plus écologiquement importantes sont Balanites aegyptiaca, Acacia tortilis, Boscia senegalensis, Acacia senegal et Leptadenia pyrotechnica. Toutes les espèces ligneuses sont soit utilisées comme bois de service dans la confection des abris ou comme bois énergie. L’analyse des indicateurs de pression montre que les fréquences de coupe, d’émondage et d’écorçage sont plus importantes dans les premières auréoles des camps de réfugiées. L’analyse de la conversion de l’occupation montre que pour l’ensemble des communes, les sols nus sont en progression et une régression des superficies de la steppe arbustive, de la forêt galerie et une extension des steppes arbustives dégradées et la formation de dunes de sable. L’impact de l’installation des camps de réfugiés sur l’environnement constitue une préoccupation dans la région de Diffa, une région déjà affectée par la désertification et le changement climatique. The region of Diffa is located in the Lake Chad basin valley in the eastern part of Niger Republic. This region is facing persecution by the terrorist Boko Haram sect and border populations with the Federal Republic of Nigeria are forced to flee to this region because of this conflict. Consequently, the refugee camps settlement has caused profound changes in the region landscape already affected by desertification.Therefore, The aim of the present study is to analyse the impact of the refugee camps settlement on woodland-based ecosystem servicies and landscape dynamics in Gueskérou and Chétimari communes. Plots of 2500 m2 have been delimited on radial transects at refugee camp and indigenous village levels. In each plot, dendrometric measurements were taken on the woody species. Pressure factors such as cutting, pruning and debarking on trees were recorded. Surveys were conducted in order to collect the information of woodland-based ecosystem used servicies. The Landsat data were collected to analyse the landscape dynamics before and after the setting up of the camps. Results analysis shows that the most ecologically important woody species are Balanites aegyptiaca, Acacia tortilis, Boscia senegalensis, Acacia senegal and Leptadenia pyrotechnica. The woody species are used as woodland-based ecosystem servicies such as pillars in the shelters setting up and as fuelwood. Analysis of pressure indicators shows that cutting, pruning and debarking frequencies are higher in the first halos of refugee camps. The result of the occupation conversion shows that the bare soils are in full progression and regression is noted on the the shrub steppe, the gallery forest areas while an extension of the shrub steppes degradation and the formation of sand dunes is recorded in the two communes. The environmental impact of the settling refugee camps is a distress in this region already affected by desertification, land degradation and climate change. &nbsp

Forgone opportunities of large-scale agricultural investment: A comparison of three models of soya production in Central Mozambique

Agriculture is one of the main engines for prosperity and economic growth in Africa but effective agricultural strategies to support rural development and poverty alleviation are not yet identified. While state investment in the small-scale farming sector is minimal, and the medium-scale “emergent” household farm sector remains underrepresented, large-scale land investments are advocated as means to bring capital to rural areas and stimulate development. Yet, little empirical research has been done to contrast agricultural development strategies and to understand their strengths and weaknesses. We present an analysis of different soya production models - small-scale farmers, medium-scale mechanised emergent farmers, and large-scale commercial operations - and their socio-economic aspects in Central Mozambique. Based on purposefully collected data in 10 villages in Gurué district, our findings suggest that large-scale plantations create localized land scarcity and that the benefits from wage labour and local investments do not compensate rural populations for lost access to land. Small- and medium-scale soya farming also leads to decreasing land availability, but provides greater socio-economic benefits such as on-farm employment and work opportunities along the local value chain. Small- and medium-scale soya production increases on- and off-farm income and leads to spill-over effects to the local economy. Negative effects of these models of soya production on food production could not be detected; instead the cultivation of soya significantly increases maize yields grown in rotation. These findings suggest that small- and medium-scale commercial farming can compete with large-scale operations in key socio-economic parameters and that a concentration on large-scale investments can result in forgone opportunities regarding rural development and poverty reduction

Understanding complex relationships between human well-being and land use change in Mozambique using a multi-scale participatory scenario planning process

The path for bringing millions of people out of poverty in Africa is likely to coincide with important changes in land use and land cover (LULC). Envisioning the different possible pathways for agricultural, economic and social development, and their implications for changes in LULC, ecosystem services and society well-being, will improve policy-making. This paper presents a case that uses a multi-scale participatory scenario planning method to facilitate the understanding of the complex interactions between LULC change and the wellbeing of the rural population and their possible future evolution in Mozambique up to 2035. Key drivers of change were identified: the empowerment of civil society, the effective application of legislation and changes in rural technologies (e.g., information and communications technologies and renewable energy sources). Three scenarios were constructed: one characterized by the government promoting large investments; a second scenario characterized by the increase in local community power and public policies to promote small and medium enterprises; and a third, intermediate scenario. All three scenarios highlight qualitative large LULC changes, either driven by large companies or by small and medium scale farmers. The scenarios have different impact in wellbeing and equity, the first one implying a higher rural to urban area migration. The results also show that the effective application of the law can produce different results, from assuring large international investments to assuring the improvement of social services like education, health care and extension services. Successful application of these policies, both for biodiversity and ecosystem services protection, and for the social services needed to improve the well-being of the Mozambican rural population, will have to overcome significant barriers

Infections Du Site Opératoire À l’Hôpital National De Zinder, Niger: Aspects Épidémiologiques Et Bactériologiques

Objectif : Rapporter les caractéristiques épidémiologiques et bactériologiques des infections du site opératoire (ISO) dans les services de chirurgie de l'hôpital national de Zinder, Niger. Patients et méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale qui s’est déroulée sur une période de 5 mois (Mai à Aout 2016) aux services de chirurgie et de laboratoire de l’Hôpital National de Zinder (HNZ) au Niger incluant tous les patients opérés et ayant développé une ISO. Résultats : Durant l’étude, 485 patients avaient été opérés et 38 cas d’ISO étaient enregistrés soit une incidence de 7,83 %. L’âge médian était de 31,5 ans (8-78 ans). Le sexe masculin était majoritaire avec un sexratio de 6,6 (33/5). Les urgences chirurgicales représentaient 57,9% des cas (n=22). Selon la classification d’Alte Meier, 13 cas (34,2%) étaient considérés comme une chirurgie contaminée et 21 cas (55,3%) une chirurgie sale. Les ISO étaient superficielles dans 36,8% (n=14), profondes dans 42,1% (n=16). Sur les 38 prélèvements analysés, 33 cultures étaient positives soit 86,8%. Les entérobactéries représentaient 69,7% (n=23), les Cocci à Gram positif 24,2% (n=8). Escherichia coli était l’espèce prédominante avec 45,5% (n=15), suivie de Staphylococcus aureus avec 18,2% (n=6). La majeure partie des cultures positives provenait du service de chirurgie viscérale 15 cas (45,5%) puis de l’urologie et de traumatologie-orthopédie avec respectivement 10 cas (30,3%) et 8 cas (24,2%). La quasi-totalité des entérobactéries était résistante aux antibiotiques usuels (amoxicilline, amoxicilline-acide clavulanique) et plus de 84% étaient résistantes à la ceftriaxone. En général les bacilles Gram négatifs étaient sensibles à l’imipenème (100%), la colistine (93,8%), l’aztréonam (68,7%) et le chloramphénicol (47,8%). Les cocci-Gram positifs étaient sensibles à la vancomycine, au chloramphénicol et à l’érythromycine dans respectivement 100% ; 62,5% et 57,1%. Conclusion : Les infections du site opératoires représentent un problème majeur. La fréquence des ISO rend indispensable la mise en place d'une équipe multidisciplinaire pour la surveillance de celles-ci. Le fort taux de résistance aux antibiotiques usuels doit susciter des actions préventives et systématiser l’examen bactériologique en cas de suppurations postopératoires. Objective: To report the epidemiological and bacteriological characteristics of surgical site infections (SSI) in the surgical departments of Zinder National Hospital. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study that took place over a period of 5 months (May to August 2016) at the Zinder National Hospital (HNZ) Surgical and Laboratory Services in Niger including all patients operated on and having developed an SSI. Results: During the study, 485 patients had been operated on and 38 cases of ISO were recorded with an incidence of 7.83%. The median age was 31.5 years (8-78 years). The male sex was in the majoritywith a sex ratio of 6.6 (33/5). Surgical emergencies accounted for 57.9% of cases (n = 22). According to Altemeier's classification, 13 cases (34.2%) were considered as contaminated surgery and 21 cases (55.3%) were dirty surgery. Surgical site infections were superficial in 36.8% (n = 14), deep in 42.1% (n = 16). Of the 38 samplings analyzed, 33 cultures were positive, i.e. 86.8%. The enterobacteria accounted for 69.7% (n = 23), Gram-positive Cocci 24.2% (n = 8). Escherichia coli was the predominant species with 45.5% (n = 15), followed by Staphylococcus aureus with 18.2% (n = 6). The majority of positive cultures came from the visceral surgery department 15 cases (45.5%) followed by urology and orthopedic trauma with respectively 10 cases (30.3%) and 8 cases (24.2%). Virtually all enterobacteria were resistant to the usual antibiotics (amoxicillin, amoxicillinclavulanic acid) and more than 84% were resistant to ceftriaxone. In general Gram-negative bacilli were sensitive to imipenem (100%), colistin (93.8%), aztreonam (68.7%) and chloramphenicol (47.8%). Gram-positive cocci were sensitive to vancomycin, chloramphenicol and erythromycin in 100%, respectively; 62.5% and 57.1%. Conclusion: Surgical site infections represent a major problem. The frequency of SSI makes it essential to set up a multidisciplinary team to monitor them. The high rate of resistance to the usual antibiotics must provoke preventive actions and systematize the bacteriological examination in case of postoperative suppuration

Methoden der Fernerkundung sowie der Geoinformatik in Kombination mit Landschaftsstrukturanalysen und einer Bodenprobennahme in der Tillabéry Region (Niger)

The Sahel region had a moderately good vegetation cover but presently, the land-scape is experiencing serious degradation. Research carried out in the field of desertification has not contributed to reducing or reversing these impacts. The spatio-temporal dynamics and intensities of desertification over 34 years were investigated. As such, the objective of this thesis is to investigate and monitor land degradation and desertification processes by using Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics and Geographic Information System techniques, in combination with landscape metrics and soil erosion models in the Tillabéry landscape. The evaluations of land use / land cover were carried out by classifying from one Landsat Multispectral Scanner (1973-09-30), one Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (2001-09-18) and two Landsat TM images (1989-09-29 and 2007-09-27). The results of these classifications revealed an increasing trend in desertification throughout the study period. This study also brings into perspective the usefulness of landscape structure analysis within the context of desertification process analysis. A set of indices were selected to investigate multitemporal change in the Tillabéry landscape. These indices revealed an increase in the percentage of bare areas and also a decrease in shrub areas. The results show further that the Tillabéry landscape has a large number of patches with smaller patch sizes, indicating, that the original landscape has been converted gradually into bare area and the land degradation in the region is an acute problem. In a bid to further understand the trend and status of desertification in the Tillabéry landscape, a desertified index was developed and dynamic soil erosion models-RUSLE and USPED were applied. In this way, the most sensitive areas and trends to the desertification processes were identified. The RUSLE and USPED models depict a rational evolution of soil loss distribution during the study period. Both soil erosion scenarios output show greater soil erosion in 2070 in the study area. The results suggest that human disturbance and topographic factors led to an increase in the affected areas. However, considerable improvements in sustainable land use systems in the study area need to be developed in order to decrease the amount, direction, velocity, fragmentation, irregularity of patches and loss of biodiversity in the future.Die Sahelregion verfügt über eine wenig dichte bis spärliche Vegetationsbedeckung, die momentan eine schwerwiegende Desertifikation erfährt. Die Untersuchungen, in dem von Desertifikation geprägten Gebiet, haben bisher leider nicht zu einer Reduzierung oder Umkehrung dieser Entwicklung beigetragen. Die raum-zeitliche-Dynamik sowie die Intensität der Desertifikation wurden innerhalb dieser Arbeit über einen Zeitraum von 34 Jahren erforscht. Dabei wurden zur Analyse und Beobachtung des Degradations - und Desertifikationsprozesses Methoden der Fernerkundung sowie der Geoinformatik (Geographische Informationssysteme – GIS) in Kombination mit Landschaftsstrukturanalysen und einer Bodenprobennahme in der Tillabéry Region durchgeführt. Die Evaluation von Landnutzung und Landbedeckung wurde durch die Klassifizie-rung von Satellitenbildern/Luftbildern von Landsat Multispectral Scannern (1973-09-30) und Landsat Enhanced Thematik Mapper (2001-09-18) sowie zweier Landsat TM Bilder (1989-09-29 und 2007-09-27) bearbeitet. Die Ergebnisse dieser Klassifizierungen verdeutlichten während des Untersuchungs-Zeitraums einen zunehmenden Trend im Desertifikationsprozess. Diese Arbeit verdeutlicht die Nutzbarmachung von Landschaftsstrukturen im Kontext mit der Desertifikation. Für die Untersuchung von multitemporalen Veränderungen im Tillabéry Gebiet wurden Kennzahlen definiert, anhand derer eine prozentuale Zunahme der „bare area“ und ebenso eine Zunahme der „shrub area“ festgestellt werden konnten. Weiter zeigen die Ergebnisse eine große Anzahl kleiner Landschaftszüge auf, die belegen, dass die ursprüngliche Landschaft allmählich in ein vegetationsfreies Gebiet umgewandelt wurde. Zur Verdeutlichung der Annahme wurde eine Trendentwicklung abgeleitet und das Stadium der Desertifikation in der Tillabéry Region ermittelt sowie ein Desertifikationsindex und ein dynamischer Bodenerosionsindex (Modell RUSLE USPED) entwickelt. Auf diese Weise wurden die sensibelsten Regionen und Trends des Desertifikationsprozesses identifiziert. Das RUSLE und USPED Model beschreibt eine rationale Entwicklung der Verteilung des Bodenverlustes während des Untersuchungszeitraums. Beide Bodenerosionsszenarien weisen bis 2070 weitere größere Bodenerosion aus. Diese Ergebnisse beweisen, dass menschliche Zerstörung und topographische Faktoren in nachhaltigen Landnutzungssystemen zur Ausweitung der Problemregionen führen. Daraus leitet sich die Notwendigkeit von Überlegungen zur Entwicklung nachhaltiger Landnutzungssysteme ab, die dem Verlust von Biodiversität in der Untersuchungsregion sowie die Desertifikation in Menge, Richtung, Geschwindigkeit, Fragmentierung und in der Unregelmäßigkeit ihrer Verteilung verringern

Sébastien Boulay et Francesco Correale (dir.), Sahara Occidental. Conflit oublié, population en mouvement.

Cet ouvrage collectif rend compte d’un conflit géopolitique qui s’enlise depuis les années 1960 au Sahara Occidental. Il dénonce vigoureusement le silence à son sujet de la communauté académique française et encourage les chercheurs de toutes disciplines, notamment en sciences sociales, à s’intéresser à ce conflit qui semble avoir été oublié. Les contributions réunies sous la direction de Sébastien Boulay et Francesco Correale permettent de cerner l’histoire du peuple sahraoui : son identité,..

The ASOS Surgical Risk Calculator: development and validation of a tool for identifying African surgical patients at risk of severe postoperative complications

Background: The African Surgical Outcomes Study (ASOS) showed that surgical patients in Africa have a mortality twice the global average. Existing risk assessment tools are not valid for use in this population because the pattern of risk for poor outcomes differs from high-income countries. The objective of this study was to derive and validate a simple, preoperative risk stratification tool to identify African surgical patients at risk for in-hospital postoperative mortality and severe complications. Methods: ASOS was a 7-day prospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing surgery in Africa. The ASOS Surgical Risk Calculator was constructed with a multivariable logistic regression model for the outcome of in-hospital mortality and severe postoperative complications. The following preoperative risk factors were entered into the model; age, sex, smoking status, ASA physical status, preoperative chronic comorbid conditions, indication for surgery, urgency, severity, and type of surgery. Results: The model was derived from 8799 patients from 168 African hospitals. The composite outcome of severe postoperative complications and death occurred in 423/8799 (4.8%) patients. The ASOS Surgical Risk Calculator includes the following risk factors: age, ASA physical status, indication for surgery, urgency, severity, and type of surgery. The model showed good discrimination with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.805 and good calibration with c-statistic corrected for optimism of 0.784. Conclusions: This simple preoperative risk calculator could be used to identify high-risk surgical patients in African hospitals and facilitate increased postoperative surveillance. © 2018 British Journal of Anaesthesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Medical Research Council of South Africa gran