EVALUATING THE RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF CHANGING FARMING METHODS TO HABITAT LOSS IN THE MID-ZAMBEZI VALLEY, ZIMBABWE

Agriculture expansion is a major contributor to wildlife habitat loss in the ecological frontier areas. However, little is known about the contribution of different crops to wildlife habitat loss. In this study we evaluated the relative contribution of changes in farming practices, particularly the introduction of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) to the loss of wildlife habitat with specific focus on the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in the mid- Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe. First, we developed a remote sensing method based on normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from 16 day multi-temporal Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) remotely sensed data for the 2007 growing period, to test whether cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) fields can significantly (p < 0.05) be distinguished from maize (Zea mays L) fields, as well as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) fields. Second, we tested whether woodland fragmentation in the study area was best explained by the areal extent of cotton fields than the areal extent of cereal fields. Finally, we tested whether woodland fragmentation resulting from cotton fields explains elephant distribution better than woodland fragmentation resulting from the extent of cereal fields. Results show that multi-temporal remotely sensed data can be used to distinguish and map cotton and cereal fields. Cotton fields contributed more to woodland fragmentation than cereal fields. Also, we found out that woodland fragmentation from cotton fields significantly explained elephant distribution in the mid- Zambezi Valley. These results indicate that the areal extent of cotton fields explains elephant habitat fragmentation more than the areal extent of cereal fields. Thus, we conclude that the expansion of cotton fields contributes most to elephant habitat loss in the Mid-Zambezi Valley. These results imply that elephant conservation policy needs to address the reduction of the negative impact of cash crops such as cotton on the habitat particularly their threat to wildlife habitat which may eventually lead to loss these wild animals. Thus it is important to strike a balance between wildlife habitat conservation and agricultural production as advocated through the Communal Areas Management Programme For Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) polic

Evaluating the impact of declining tsetse fly (Glossina pallidipes) habitat in the Zambezi valley of Zimbabwe

Tsetse flies transmit trypanosomes that cause Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) in humans and African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) in animals. Understanding historical trends in the spatial distribution of tsetse fly habitat is necessary for planning vector control measures. The objectives of this study were (i) to test for evidence of any trends in suitable tsetse fly habitat and (ii) to test whether there is an association between trypanosomiasis detected from livestock sampled in dip tanks and local tsetse habitat in the project area. Results indicate a significant decreasing trend in the amount of suitable habitat. There is no significant correlation between trypanosomiasis prevalence rates in cattle and distance from patches of suitable tsetse habitat. The observed low trypanosomiasis prevalence and the lack of dependence on suitable tsetse fly habitat can be explained by the observed decreases in suitable tsetse habitat, which themselves are due to expansion of settlement and agriculture in North Western Zimbabwe. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Evaluating the potential for the environmentally sustainable control of foot and mouth disease in Sub-Saharan Africa

Strategies to control transboundary diseases have in the past generated unintended negative consequences for both the environment and local human populations. Integrating perspectives from across disciplines, including livestock, veterinary and conservation sectors, is necessary for identifying disease control strategies that optimise environmental goods and services at the wildlife-livestock interface. Prompted by the recent development of a global strategy for the control and elimination of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), this paper seeks insight into the consequences of, and rational options for potential FMD control measures in relation to environmental, conservation and human poverty considerations in Africa. We suggest a more environmentally nuanced process of FMD control that safe-guards the integrity of wild populations and the ecosystem dynamics on which human livelihoods depend while simultaneously improving socio-economic conditions of rural people. In particular, we outline five major issues that need to be considered: 1) improved understanding of the different FMD viral strains and how they circulate between domestic and wildlife populations; 2) an appreciation for the economic value of wildlife for many African countries whose presence might preclude the country from ever achieving an FMD-free status; 3) exploring ways in which livestock production can be improved without compromising wildlife such as implementing commodity-based trading schemes; 4) introducing a participatory approach involving local farmers and the national veterinary services in the control of FMD; and 5) finally the possibility that transfrontier conservation might offer new hope of integrating decision-making at the wildlife-livestock interface

The COVID-19 pandemic and health workforce brain drain in Nigeria

Over the years, the Nigerian healthcare workforce, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists have always been known to emigrate to developed countries to practice. However, the recent dramatic increase in this trend is worrisome. There has been a mass emigration of Nigerian healthcare workers to developed countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the push factors have been found to include the inadequate provision of personal protective equipment, low monthly hazard allowance, and inconsistent payment of COVID-19 inducement allowance on top of worsening insecurity, the pull factors are higher salaries as well as a safe and healthy working environment. We also discuss how healthcare workers can be retained in Nigeria through increment in remunerations and prompt payment of allowances, and how the brain drain can be turned into a brain gain via the use of electronic data collection tools for Nigerian health workers abroad, implementation of the Bhagwati’s tax system, and establishment of a global skill partnership with developed countries