Socio- Economic Characteristics of Urban Extension Workers Influencing Empowerment of Farmers in Nairobi County, Kenya

The study examined the influence of socio-economic characteristics of urban extension workers’ on farmers’ empowerment.  Purposive and simple random sampling methods were used to select 64 extension workers by utilizing the Yamane formula. Data were collected by the use of questionnaires. Frequencies, percentiles and multiple linear regressions were utilised to analyse the data. The extension workers’ socio - economic characteristics were found to positively influence the choice of extension methods. The findings revealed that 37.2% of farmer empowerment could be explained by the choice of extension methods influenced by the characteristics of extension workers. However, 49.9% of the extension workers were not aware of the adult learning principles (ALPs) that are employed in the appropriate choice of extension methods. The study recommends that extension workers in Nairobi County be trained for transformation with competencies to consider ALPs and information communication and technology (ICT) techniques in choices of extension methods. These competencies can ultimately lead to an extension system design transformation that will assist the few extension workers to serve more farmers efficiently and effectively leading to farmer empowerment

The significance of Lactobacillus crispatus and L. vaginalis for vaginal health and the negative effect of recent sex: a cross-sectional descriptive study across groups of African women

Background: Women in sub-Saharan Africa are vulnerable to acquiring HIV infection and reproductive tract infections. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a disruption of the vaginal microbiota, has been shown to be strongly associated with HIV infection. Risk factors related to potentially protective or harmful microbiota species are not known. Methods: We present cross-sectional quantitative polymerase chain reaction data of the Lactobacillus genus, five Lactobacillus species, and three BV-related bacteria (Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, and Prevotella bivia) together with Escherichia coli and Candida albicans in 426 African women across different groups at risk for HIV. We selected a reference group of adult HIV-negative women at average risk for HIV acquisition and compared species variations in subgroups of adolescents, HIV-negative pregnant women, women engaging in traditional vaginal practices, sex workers and a group of HIV-positive women on combination antiretroviral therapy. We explored the associations between presence and quantity of the bacteria with BV by Nugent score, in relation to several factors of known or theoretical importance. Results: The presence of species across Kenyan, South African and Rwandan women was remarkably similar and few differences were seen between the two groups of reference women in Kenya and South Africa. The Rwandan sex workers and HIV-positive women had the highest Gardnerella vaginalis presence (p = 0.006). Pregnant women had a higher Lactobacillus genus mean log (7.01 genome equivalents (geq)/ml) compared to the reference women (6.08 geq/ml). L. vaginalis (43%) was second to L. iners (81.9%) highly present in women with a normal Nugent score. Recent sexual exposure negatively affected the presence of Lactobacillus crispatus (<0.001), L. vaginalis (p = 0.001), and Lactobacillus genus (p < 0.001). Having more than one sexual partner in the last three months was associated with an increased prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis (p = 0.044) and L. iners (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Although the composition of species across the studied African countries was similar, the presence of protective species i.e. Lactobacillus crispatus and L. vaginalis in women with a normal Nugent score appeared lower compared to non-African studies. Furthermore, Lactobacillus species were negatively affected by sexual behavioural. Strategies to support protective Lactobacillus species are urgently needed

Socio- Economic Characteristics of Urban Extension Workers Influencing Empowerment of Farmers in Nairobi County, Kenya

The study examined the influence of socio-economic characteristics of urban extension workers’ on farmers’ empowerment.  Purposive and simple random sampling methods were used to select 64 extension workers by utilizing the Yamane formula. Data were collected by the use of questionnaires. Frequencies, percentiles and multiple linear regressions were utilised to analyse the data. The extension workers’ socio - economic characteristics were found to positively influence the choice of extension methods. The findings revealed that 37.2% of farmer empowerment could be explained by the choice of extension methods influenced by the characteristics of extension workers. However, 49.9% of the extension workers were not aware of the adult learning principles (ALPs) that are employed in the appropriate choice of extension methods. The study recommends that extension workers in Nairobi County be trained for transformation with competencies to consider ALPs and information communication and technology (ICT) techniques in choices of extension methods. These competencies can ultimately lead to an extension system design transformation that will assist the few extension workers to serve more farmers efficiently and effectively leading to farmer empowerment

Potential for Sustainable Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Practices in Nairobi County

This study purposed to identify the sustainable potential of urban and peri-urban agriculture practices in Nairobi county as a contribution towards a sustainable food system. A sustainable practice provides a balance between optimal environmental, social and economic dimensions. The study was conducted in Nairobi county, utilised a survey method and employed purposive, stratified and random sampling methods of 149 respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Findings indicated that the most popular   urban and peri-urban practices were open field farming, composting and vegetable nurseries which required minimal inputs and low management skills.  These popular methods were not the most profitable. The most profitable practices were cattle, chicken rearing, mushrooms and hydroponics production. Profitable practices were not common due to high input requirements and the need for specialized management skills. They were also found to require a controlled environment for production and were found to be the most sustainable. The study recommended a transformation from the current popular, unprofitable and environmentally unfriendly practices to sustainable practices by lobbying the county government and other stakeholders to provide subsidized inputs and specialized skills by the county government and other relevant stakeholders. This change with policy support will contribute to providing a permanent solution to the unstable food systems in the city Key terms: Urban and peri-urban agriculture, Sustainable practices, Nairobi County

Potential for Sustainable Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Practices in Nairobi County

This study purposed to identify the sustainable potential of urban and peri-urban agriculture practices in Nairobi county as a contribution towards a sustainable food system. A sustainable practice provides a balance between optimal environmental, social and economic dimensions. The study was conducted in Nairobi county, utilised a survey method and employed purposive, stratified and random sampling methods of 149 respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Findings indicated that the most popular   urban and peri-urban practices were open field farming, composting and vegetable nurseries which required minimal inputs and low management skills.  These popular methods were not the most profitable. The most profitable practices were cattle, chicken rearing, mushrooms and hydroponics production. Profitable practices were not common due to high input requirements and the need for specialized management skills. They were also found to require a controlled environment for production and were found to be the most sustainable. The study recommended a transformation from the current popular, unprofitable and environmentally unfriendly practices to sustainable practices by lobbying the county government and other stakeholders to provide subsidized inputs and specialized skills by the county government and other relevant stakeholders. This change with policy support will contribute to providing a permanent solution to the unstable food systems in the city Key terms: Urban and peri-urban agriculture, Sustainable practices, Nairobi County

Correlates of the molecular vaginal microbiota composition of African women.

BACKGROUND: Sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical correlates of the vaginal microbiome (VMB) as characterized by molecular methods have not been adequately studied. VMB dominated by bacteria other than lactobacilli may cause inflammation, which may facilitate HIV acquisition and other adverse reproductive health outcomes. METHODS: We characterized the VMB of women in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania (KRST) using a 16S rDNA phylogenetic microarray. Cytokines were quantified in cervicovaginal lavages. Potential sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical correlates were also evaluated. RESULTS: Three hundred thirteen samples from 230 women were available for analysis. Five VMB clusters were identified: one cluster each dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus (KRST-I) and L. iners (KRST-II), and three clusters not dominated by a single species but containing multiple (facultative) anaerobes (KRST-III/IV/V). Women in clusters KRST-I and II had lower mean concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1α (p < 0.001) and Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) (p = 0.01), but higher concentrations of interferon-γ-induced protein (IP-10) (p < 0.01) than women in clusters KRST-III/IV/V. A lower proportion of women in cluster KRST-I tested positive for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs; ptrend = 0.07) and urinary tract infection (UTI; p = 0.06), and a higher proportion of women in clusters KRST-I and II had vaginal candidiasis (ptrend = 0.09), but these associations did not reach statistical significance. Women who reported unusual vaginal discharge were more likely to belong to clusters KRST-III/IV/V (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vaginal dysbiosis in African women was significantly associated with vaginal inflammation; the associations with increased prevalence of STIs and UTI, and decreased prevalence of vaginal candidiasis, should be confirmed in larger studies

Prevalence and correlates of bacterial vaginosis in different sub-populations of women in Sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study

Background: Clinical development of vaginally applied products aimed at reducing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, has highlighted the need for a better characterisation of the vaginal environment. We set out to characterise the vaginal environment in women in different settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in Kenya, Rwanda and South-Africa. Women were recruited into pre-defined study groups including adult, non-pregnant, HIV-negative women; pregnant women; adolescent girls; HIV-negative women engaging in vaginal practices; female sex workers; and HIV-positive women. Consenting women were interviewed and underwent a pelvic exam. Samples of vaginal fluid and a blood sample were taken and tested for bacterial vaginosis (BV), HIV and other reproductive tract infections (RTIs). This paper presents the cross-sectional analyses of BV Nugent scores and RTI prevalence and correlates at the screening and the enrolment visit. Results: At the screening visit 38% of women had BV defined as a Nugent score of 7-10, and 64% had more than one RTI (N. gonorrhoea, C. trachomatis, T. vaginalis, syphilis) and/or Candida. At screening the likelihood of BV was lower in women using progestin-only contraception and higher in women with more than one RTI. At enrolment, BV scores were significantly associated with the presence of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the vaginal fluid and with being a self-acknowledged sex worker. Further, sex workers were more likely to have incident BV by Nugent score at enrolment. Conclusions: Our study confirmed some of the correlates of BV that have been previously reported but the most salient finding was the association between BV and the presence of PSA in the vaginal fluid which is suggestive of recent unprotected sexual intercourse

Maternal anaemia and duration of zidovudine in antiretroviral regimens for preventing mother-to-child transmission: a randomized trial in three African countries

Background: Although substantiated by little evidence, concerns about zidovudine-related anaemia in pregnancy have influenced antiretroviral (ARV) regimen choice for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1, especially in settings where anaemia is common. Methods: Eligible HIV-infected pregnant women in Burkina Faso, Kenya and South Africa were followed from 28 weeks of pregnancy until 12–24 months after delivery (n = 1070). Women with a CD4 count of 200-500cells/mm3 and gestational age 28–36 weeks were randomly assigned to zidovudine-containing triple-ARV prophylaxis continued during breastfeeding up to 6-months, or to zidovudine during pregnancy plus single-dose nevirapine (sd-NVP) at labour. Additionally, two cohorts were established, women with CD4 counts: \u3c200 cells/mm3 initiated antiretroviral therapy, and \u3e500 cells/mm3 received zidovudine during pregnancy plus sd-NVP at labour. Mild (haemoglobin 8.0-10.9 g/dl) and severe anaemia (haemoglobin \u3c 8.0 g/dl) occurrence were assessed across study arms, using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results: At enrolment (corresponded to a median 32 weeks gestation), median haemoglobin was 10.3 g/dl (IQR = 9.2-11.1). Severe anaemia occurred subsequently in 194 (18.1%) women, mostly in those with low baseline haemoglobin, lowest socio-economic category, advanced HIV disease, prolonged breastfeeding (≥6 months) and shorter ARV exposure. Severe an- aemia incidence was similar in the randomized arms (equivalence P-value = 0.32). After 1–2 months of ARV’s, severe anaemia was significantly reduced in all groups, though remained highest in the low CD4 cohort. Conclusions: Severe anaemia occurs at a similar rate in women receiving longer triple zidovudine-containing regimens or shorter prophylaxis. Pregnant women with pre-existing anaemia and advanced HIV disease require close monitoring

Comprehensive transcriptome of the maize stalk borer, Busseola fusca, from multiple tissue types, developmental stages, and parasitoid wasp exposures

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