Socioeconomic determinants of organic cotton adoption in Benin, West Africa

Organic cotton relies on ecological processes and the use of natural resources to sustain the production system, unlike conventional cotton, mainly characterized by massive utilization of synthesis chemicals. In West Africa, where rural livelihoods are particularly vulnerable, organic cotton is expected to contribute not only to poverty reduction but also to strengthen households’ resilience. The objective of this study was to assess institutional and socioeconomic factors determining farmers’ decisions to adopt organic cotton. For this purpose, we applied a probit model on empirical data collected from producers of the Centre and the Northern parts of Benin. Overall, we found that organic cotton adoption is mainly determined by farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, the physical distance between farm and house, and contact with extension and advisory services. Organic farming is more attractive to women compared to conventional farming. This because such type of cotton farming enables women to hold a separate cotton farm and thus increase their economic independence, whereas with the conventional system they depend mainly on the farm of the (male) head of the household. Older, less educated and low-income farmers who express environmental concern are more likely to adopt organic cotton. Subsequently, organic cotton should be considered as a prospective policy option to reach the poor and strengthen their livelihoods conditions while contributing to preserve the environment and natural resources. Furthermore, farmers who have their farm near home are more likely to adopt organic farming than those who have the farm far from their home. It also came out that organic farmers have more contacts with advisory and extension services. Finally, the study noted that there is still a need to enhance the extension system by: (1) exploring, designing, and upgrading innovative pedagogic tools such as videos and mobile phone technology to foster learning; and (2) strengthening organic farmer’s organizations and the linkage with agricultural research organizations for technology development

Traumatic isolated perforation of lower oesophagus

One of the rarest cases of non-iatrogenic oesophageal perforation is falling from height. We report a case of a 26 year old man with oesophageal perforation resulting from a fall of 12 meter height. A pneumomediastinum in the absence of a pneumothorax and contrast extravasation from the oesophagus on CT evoked a perforation of the aerodigestive tract. No other injuries were seen. A non-operative management was pursued with good outcomes. Keywords: Oesophageal perforation, Trauma, Pneumomediastinum, High fallin

Inorganic mercury and methylmercury in surface sediments and mussel tissues from a microtidal lagoon (Bizerte, Tunisia)

cited By 18International audienceThe aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of mercury compounds in marine sediments and mussel tissues collected in the lagoon of Bizerte, Tunisia, during two seasons (summer and winter). Inorganic mercury (Hg2+) concentrations in sediments were found to be highly variable, ranging from 0.04 nmol.g-1 to 3.22 nmol.g-1 (dry weight) with a mean value of 0.52 nmol.g-1. Anthropogenic sources of Hg2+, most probably metallurgy or tire production industries, have been evidenced. The mean concentration of monomethylmercury (MeHg+) in the surface sediments is 2.32 pmol g-1 ranging from below the detection limit (0.45 pmol.g-1) to 14.6 pmol.g-1. No significant variation was observed between winter and summer seasons for both mercury species concentration in the sediments. The Hg2+ concentrations in mussel tissues are also variable, ranging from 0.007 to 1.347 nmol.g-1 (dry weight). The mean concentration is 0.70 nmol.g-1. In these tissues, Hg2+ is generally the major compound, making up ca. 88% of total mercury concentrations. However, methylmercury concentrations are significant and homogeneous, ranging from 62 to 121 pmol.g-1 (mean 96 pmol.g-1 . The results suggest that a fraction of the inorganic mercury load in the sediments of the lagoon undergoes methylation pathways. MeHg+ produced is assimilated in the mussels more readily than Hg2+