Lake drying and livelihood dynamics in Lake Chad: unravelling the mechanisms, contexts and responses

This article examines lake drying and livelihood dynamics in the context of multiple stressors through a case study of the ‘‘Small Lake Chad’’ in the Republic of Chad. Livelihoods research in regions experiencing persistent lake water fluctuations has largely focused on the wellbeing and security of lakeshore dwellers. Little is known about the mechanisms through which lake drying shapes livelihood drawbacks and opportunities, and whether locally evolved responses are enhancing livelihoods. Here we address these gaps using empirical, mixed-methods field research couched within the framework of livelihoods and human well-being contexts. The analysis demonstrates that limited opportunities outside agriculture, the influx of mixed ethnic migrants and the increasing spate of violence all enhance livelihood challenges. Livelihood opportunities centre on the renewal effects of seasonal flood pulses on lake waters and the learning opportunities triggered by past droughts. Although drying has spurred new adaptive behaviours predicated on seasonality, traditional predictive factors and the availability of assets, responses have remained largely reactive. The article points to where lake drying fits amongst changes in the wider socioeconomic landscape in which people live, and suggests that awareness of the particularities of the mechanisms that connect lake drying to livelihoods can offer insights into the ways local people might be assisted by governments and development actors

The Role of Quality Obstetric Care Services on Reducing Maternal Mortality in Rural Areas of Tanzania

This paper explores the role of quality obstetric care services on reducing maternal mortality in rural areas of Tanzania. Mgeta and Melela cascades located in Mvomero district, Morogoro region were used as case study. Tools for data collection involved combination of questionnaires and checklists, which were used to gather primary data from survey population. Purposive sampling method was used to select two health cascades and health facilities within Mgeta and Melela cascades. SPSS computer software and content analysis were respectively used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. It was found in both health cascades that obstetric care services in health facilities were not well established and implemented. The study recommends that, special initiative should be done to bring changes on reducing maternal mortality, such as ensure essential equipments and medicines must be supplied constantly and maintained by skilled health staff who can manage both normal and complicated deliveries. Enforcement in providing quality of obstetric care services in maternal health services especially in rural areas where majority of people in Tanzania reside is not an overemphasis.Keywords: Quality obstetric care services, maternal mortalit

Antiretroviral therapy programme on control of HIV transmission in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania: A challenge for development

This paper examines the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme on control of HIV transmission in order to assist and inform policy makers to design and implement effective ART programmes.The study used a crosssectional design involving ninety-three people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV). Descriptive statistics, Likert and index scales were utilized to gauge levels of risky sexual behaviour, awareness and attitude of PLHIV on the role of ART. F-test was used to measure the relationship at 5% level of significance. The paper reveals high level of knowledge and awareness among PLHIV on the role of ARV and positive attitude towards ARV in prolonging their life. Besides PLHIV were found sexually active, however, numerous were under high risk sexual behaviour group. The relationship between age and risk sexual behaviour was statistically significant (p = 0.006). Risk sexual behaviour was highest in 18-35 and lowest in the 50-64 years age groups, respectively. Communication campaigns are recommended to target PLHIV, encouraging them to talk openly to their partners, impart correct knowledge and emphasize on the importance of knowing one’s HIV status. The government and partners should improve access to ART services to enable many PLHIV to access the services.Key words: Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment, People Living with HIV and AIDS, Sexual Behaviour, Developmen