Evaluating the Interstate Highway Transportation System in West Africa: Recommendations for an Integrated Highway Network

As West Africa invests in highway systems, the question arises as to why the highways built in West Africa do not perform and have not provided the successes similar to the highways constructed in other developing countries or regions of the world. The West African nations should come together to create an integrated regional highway system which will benefit the region. Currently, few individual nations within the West African region claim economic prosperity as a result of their transportation system, such as Ghana and Nigeria. These nations attribute their economic success to a good highway network as well as an abundance of natural resources. Past political differences and colonial boundaries created had led to political conflicts. It is time now to help West Africa create the internal transportation network needed to promote trade within the region. The review of materials will provide a summary of the major themes and fundamental issues and challenges of the current regional, or interstate, highway system. They are: Development Initiatives, Ease of Travel, Commerce Impediment, Economic Growth, Roadway Safety, Road Transport Cost, Funding and International Commitment. The findings show that the US Federal Highway Act actually cost $450 billion in 2006 dollars (adjusted for inflation). This resulted in a cost of about$2,000 per linear foot of highway using 2006 dollars compared to the cost of about $140 per linear foot of highway spending plan proposed by the World Bank’s Development Research Group in 2006 for a highway network linking all Sub-Saharan capitals on the African continent. For the continued development of a successfully integrated interstate highway transportation system in West Africa, the missing links need to be connected. The West African governments need to be more committed to invest in an integrated interstate highway network to facilitate the economic growth necessary to alleviate poverty

The Politics of Violence

Regarding violence in Lebano

GIVEN OF ORGANIC MATTER TO THE POPULATION OF PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING MICROORGANISM IN ULTISOL SOIL

One of the obstacles that causes the low agricultural production in Lampung is the type of Ultisol soil. Ultisol soil which is dominated by sand fraction that has experienced weathering. In general this soil has the potential to poison Al, Fe, and poor organic matter content. Adequate organic matter content and nutrient biology cycle are one of the keys to succescful soil managemen in the tropic soil. The use of ground cover plants, the addition of mulch compost or manure can improve soil productivity, supply nutrients to plants, support the rapid nutrient cycle through microbial biomass, and retain fertilizer applied. Organic matter is a decomposition of plant residues or soil microorganism that play an important role in soil fertility and is an important source of nutrient for plants. Organic matter can improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. One of the biological properties of the soil is the presence of phosphate solubilizing microorganism. phosphate solubilizing microorganism is a microorganisms that plays an important role in dissolving P which are insoluble in soil. The ability of phosphate solubilizing microorganism varies greatly depending on the type of microbes, adaptability, to the ability to produce organic acids and enzymes. In the presence of organic matter, the activity and population of phosphate solubilizing microorganism will increase. phosphate solubilizing microorganism will use organic matter as an energy source to support increased activity and population in the soil

Enriching the Understanding and Experience of Baptism in Kenya

The Problem and Method Used Baptism is a church activity conducted every three months in most Seventh-day Adventist churches in Kenya. While it brings joy to see new members join the church, the significance of baptism is not fully reflected in the life of individual believers or of the church. This problem may largely stem from inadequate understanding of the significance and meaning of baptism and its celebration. This study sought to develop ways of improving the practice of baptism in the areas of preparation of candidates for baptism, celebration of baptismal ceremonies, reception of new converts into church membership, and postbaptismal nurturing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kenya. To achieve this, this study looked at the biblical meaning and significance of baptism and how it is practiced in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Information on how baptism is viewed and practiced was obtained by three questionnaires that were sent to Kenyan pastors and church members. Conclusions Baptism is an essential ordinance of the church for which careful preparation should be made. The biblical meaning of baptism, death to the old life and resurrection to a new life, should be clearly explained before baptism is administered to anyone. Candidates should understand baptism as a rite of passage into Christ and into the church. More than anything else, the readiness of candidates for baptism is determined by evidence of true conversion. In the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kenya, pastors need help in preparing candidates for baptism. Church elders and lay persons who can help church pastors in preparing new converts for baptism need training in how to give baptismal instruction. Baptismal instructors should be able to teach candidates to understand the import of baptism as traditional rites of passage are understood in many Kenyan communities