HIV/AIDS Pandemic in Africa: Trends and Challenges

Three-quarters of the world’s AIDS population lives in Sub-Saharan Africa; most have no access to lifesaving drugs, testing facilities or even basic preventative health care. One of the major factors inhibiting medical professionals in Africa from treating this disease is the inability to access vast areas of the continent with adequately equipped medical facilities. To meet this need, Architecture for Humanity challenged the world’s architects and health care professionals to submit designs for a mobile HIV/AIDS health clinic. The pandemic is changing the demographic structure of Africa and wiping out life expectancy gains. Indeed, in many African countries, life expectancy is dropping from more than 60 years to around 45 years or even less. In this paper, we highlight the uniqueness of factors associated with HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa and present its impact and challenges.HIV/AIDS, Africa

An improved technique for the prediction of optimal image resolution(s) for large-scale mapping of savannah ecosystems

Past studies to predict optimal image resolution required for generating spatial information for savannah ecosystems have yielded different outcomes, hence providing a knowledge gap that was investigated in the present study. The postulation, for the present study, was that by graphically solving two simultaneous equations of values of image noise index (INI) and degradation level Index (LDI), a robust technique for predicting optimal image resolution for the mapping of savannah ecosystems was developed. The technique involved simulating 0.5 m imagery to different spatial resolutions for two savannah test sites in Masaka district, Southern Uganda. By plotting INI and LDI values against the simulated image resolutions, it enabled the authors to objectively predict that image resolution at 2.25 and 2.5 m were optimal for generating spatial information for savannah ecosystems represented by the two test sites. The new technique will enable vegetation ecologists to objectively determine optimal resolution(s) prior to the choice of imagery, offered by different high-resolution air- and space-borne sensors, for generating spatial information for savannah ecosystems. Future research should focus on using the new technique to determine what ranges of image resolutions are optimal for generating spatial information of different savannah ecosystems in different countries.Key words: Optimal resolution, savannah ecosystems, image noise index, land cover index, level of degradation index

Strengthening community roles in aquatic resource governance in Uganda

Lake Victoria fisheries face severe environmental stresses. Stocks are declining in a context of increasing population and growing demand for the lake’s resources. Rising competition between users is putting conservation goals and rural livelihoods at risk. While Uganda’s co-management policy framework is well-developed, key resources for implementation are lacking, enforcement is poor, and the relations between stakeholders are unequal. Poor rural resource users face significant challenges to effectively participate in fisheries decision-making. This case study demonstrates the progress that can be made using a collaborative approach to catalyze community-led actions linking public health, sanitation and environmental conservation in difficult circumstances, even over a relatively short time period. Multistakeholder dialogue can bring to light the sources of conflict, pinpoint governance challenges, and identify opportunities for institutional collaboration to address community needs. At the same time, the process can help build trust, confidence in collective action and public accountability

Value chain analysis and mapping for groundnuts in Uganda, Socioeconomics Discussion Paper Series Number 14

Groundnut is grown on about 23.95 million ha worldwide with the total production of 36.45 million tons and an average yield of 1520 kg/ha in 2009 Developing countries in Asia, Africa and South America account for about 97% of world groundnut area and 95% of total production. It is one of the important legumes grown in Uganda, ranking second after beans. Its production is most common in Northern, Eastern and Southern parts of the country with higher volumes being produced in the Eastern part compared to the other two. The value chain for groundnuts in Uganda consist of many actors (individuals and institutions) including input suppliers and seed dealers, producers, market sellers, rural traders, urban traders, processors, exporters and consumers. The general objective of this study was to map the value chain for groundnuts, indicating the opportunities that value chain actors can benefit from and strategies that can be used to upgrade the chain. The specific objectives were to characterize the key actors along the groundnut value chain; determine the costs and value added along the groundnut value chain; determine the level of awareness of health problems associated with groundnuts; and determine the constraints and opportunities in the value chain and suggest ways to upgrade the chain. A cross sectional survey was conducted among the key actors in the value chain in 16 purposively selected districts in Uganda where groundnuts are predominantly produced marketed and/or consumed. The districts are Arua in North western Uganda, Lira in the North, Bugiri, Bukedea, Busia, Iganga, Jinja Kaberamaido, Mbale, Pallisa, Kumi and Tororo in Eastern Uganda; Soroti and Katakwi in the North east, Kampala and Wakiso in Central where a total of 145 wholesale traders, 209 retail traders wand 51 processors were randomly selected and interviewed. In addition, data collected by NARO from a total of 314 randomly selected groundnut farmers were used in this study.The data collected included socio-economic characteristics of the value chain actors, type and varieties of groundnuts handled, sales volumes and prices, trends in demand and supply, aflatoxins awareness and control, challenges, constraints and opportunities in groundnuts and trade policy related issues

Effect of chronic alcohol consumption on the red blood cell count and RBC indices in the HIV infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP drug regimen in Uganda

Alcohol consumption is common problem in Uganda. Among the types of alcohols consumed include beers, spirits, liqueurs, wines and traditional brew. These alcohols are easily accessible and consumed by many people including the HIV infected patients who are on the d4T/3TC/NVP regimen. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chronic alcohol intake on the red blood cell count (RBC) and the RBC indices in the HIV-infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP regimen. It was a case control study that used a repeated measures design model where serial measurements of the red blood cell count (RBC) and RBC indices were determined at 3 month interval for 9 months. A total of 41 HIV infected patients were recruited and grouped into two arms; the control group had 21 patients and the chronic alcohol group had 20 patients. The RBC and RBC indices of the whole blood were determined using automated hematological Coulter CBC-5 Hematology Analyzer system using standard procedures. The data was sorted into alcohol-use self reporting by WHO AUDIT tool and alcohol-use biomarkers groups. It was analysed using the SAS 2003 version 9.1 statistical package with the repeated measures fixed model. The means were compared using the student t-test. The mean MCV and MCH values in the chronic alcohol use group were higher than in the control group and there was a significant difference between the 2 groups (p<0.05) for both the WHO AUDIT tool group and chronic alcohol use biomarkers group. The mean RBC count, Hct, HGB and MCHC values in both the control and chronic alcohol use groups were within the normal reference ranges for both groups though the trend was lower in alcohol group. Chronic alcohol use affects the RBC and RBC indices in the HIV infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP treatment regimen

Threshold and stability results for a malaria model in a population with protective intervention among high‐risk groups

We develop a mathematical model for the dynamics of malaria with a varying population for which new individuals are recruited through immigration and births. In the model, we assume that non‐immune travellers move to endemic regions with sprays, smear themselves with jelly that is repellent to mosquitoes on arrival in malarious regions, others take long term antimalarials, and pregnant women and infants receive full treatment doses at intervals even when they are not sick from malaria (commonly referred to as intermittent preventive therapy). We introduce more features that describe the dynamics of the disease for the control strategies that protect the above vulnerable groups. The model analysis is done and equilibrium points are analyzed to establish their local and global stability. The threshold of the disease, the control reproduction number, is established for which the disease can be eliminated. First Published Online: 14 Oct 201

AFRICAN INDIGENOUS AND TRADITIONAL VEGETABLES IN TANZANIA: PRODUCTION, POST-HARVEST MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING

Indigenous and traditional African vegetables (AITVs) are important sources of nutrition for sub-Saharan Africans (SSA), especially the low-income and food insecure. The U.S. Agency for International Development directed Horticulture Collaborative Research Support Program, now named the Horticulture Innovation Lab, builds international partnerships for fruit and vegetable research to improve livelihoods in developing countries. For this Programme a study was carried out to provide baseline information on AITVs in Tanzania and to determine research needs. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in four regions of Tanzania with a total of 160 sellers and producers of AITVs, with attention to post-harvest management. Key concerns were demographics, i.e. who is growing, transporting, and selling AITVs, AITV identities and quantities, production, harvest, transport, wholesale and retail patterns, processing, and surplus. Common AITVs are greens of amaranths, nightshade, cowpea, cucurbits, Ipomea , cassava tree, spider flower and Ethiopian mustard; plus African eggplant and okra fruits. Ninety six percent of sellers and 71% of producers were female. Most AITVs are sold in roofed open markets, secondarily on streets by mobile or semi-mobile sellers. Amaranth was the number one seller for 83% of sellers. Issues covered were: (i) cultural practices, AITV plot size, seed sources, irrigation and pesticide use; (ii) post-harvest: harvest to market storage and transport times and modes, grading, packaging and bundling, and washing; and (iii) marketing: retail markup, price variation by season, year and region, average daily sales; cell phone use, retail space size and cost, retailer storage, remainders, processing and less common AITVs. OLS regression was done to elucidate factors affecting sales volume and regional differences. Post-harvest losses of AITVs do not appear to be significant as the value chain participants demonstrate an acute knowledge of consumer demand and daily market dynamics.Les l\ue9gumes indig\ue8nes et traditionnelles africaines (AITVs) constituent une source importante de nutrition pour l\u2019Afrique sub-saharienne, sp\ue9cialement \ue0 bas revenus et \ue0 ins\ue9curit\ue9 alimentaire. Le programme de soutien \ue0 la recherche collaborative de l\u2019agence internationale am\ue9ricaine pour le d\ue9veloppement, aussi appel\ue9 \u2018Horticulture Innovation Lab\u2019 institue des partenariats internationaux pour la recherche sur les fruits et les l\ue9gumes pour am\ue9liorer les conditions de vie dans les pays en voie de d\ue9veloppement. Une \ue9tude \ue9tait conduite afin d\u2019\ue9tablir une information de base sur AITVs en Tanzanie et d\ue9terminer les besoins en recherche. Une enqu\ueate \ue9tait conduite dans quatre r\ue9gions de la Tanzanie avec un total de 160 vendeurs et producteurs de AITVs, avec attention \ue0 la gestion post-r\ue9colte. La question la plus importante concernait la d\ue9mographie, par exemple, qui cro\ueet, transporte et vend AITV, identit\ue9s et quantit\ue9s de l\u2019AITV, production, r\ue9colte, transport, grossistes et d\ue9taillants, transformation et surplus. Les AITVs usuels sont des amarantes, morelles, pois cajan, cucurbites, Ipomea , manioc, cl\ue9ome et moutarde \ue9thiopienne. A ceci s\u2019ajoute les aubergines africaines et les fruits d\u2019Okra. Quatre vingt seize pour cent des vendeurs et 71% des producteurs \ue9taient des femmes. La plupart d\u2019AITVs sont vendus dans des march\ue9s t\uf4l\ue9s ouverts sur les rues par des vendeurs mobiles ou semi-mobiles. Les amarantes \ue9taient les plus vendues (83%). Les probl\ue8mes rencontr\ue9s \ue9taient: (i) pratiques culturales, la taille des parcelles sous AITV, sources des semences, utilisation des pesticides et de l\u2019irrigation; (ii) post-r\ue9colte: de la r\ue9colte au magasin du march\ue9 et temps et mode de transport, cat\ue9gorisation, emballage et empaquetage, et le lavage, et (iii) promotion sur le march\ue9: fixation des prix des d\ue9tails, variation des prix par saison, ann\ue9e et r\ue9gion, ventes moyennes journali\ue8res, utilisation des t\ue9l\ue9phone cellulaires, la taille et le co\ufbt de l\u2019espace pour vente des produits, le magasin des petits vendeurs, les produits restants apr\ue8s vente, la transformation et les AITVs les moins communs. La r\ue9gression d\u2019OLS \ue9tait faite apr\ue8s vente pour \ue9lucider les facteurs qui affectent le volume des ventes et les diff\ue9rences r\ue9gionales. Des pertes post-r\ue9coltes d\u2019AITVs ne paraissent pas \ueatre significatives \ue9tant donn\ue9 que les participants dans la chaine des valeurs font montre d\u2019une connaissance suffisante sur la demande du consommateur et les dynamiques quotidiennes du march\ue9

Dialogue to address the roots of resource competition: Lessons for policy and practice

Conflict management is an intrinsic element of natural resource management, and becomes increasingly important amid growing pressure on natural resources from local uses, as well as from external drivers such as climate change and international investment. If policymakers and practitioners aim to truly improve livelihood resilience and reduce vulnerabilities of poor rural households, issues of resource competition and conflict management cannot be ignored. This synthesis report summarizes outcomes and lessons from three ecoregions: Lake Victoria, with a focus on Uganda; Lake Kariba, with a focus on Zambia; and Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. Partners used a common approach to stakeholder engagement and action research that we call “Collaborating for Resilience”. In each region, partners assisted local stakeholders in developing a shared understanding of risks and opportunities, weighing alternative actions, developing action plans, and evaluating and learning from the outcomes. These experiences demonstrate that investing in capacities for conflict management is practical and can contribute to broader improvements in resource governance