Woody encroachment and forest degradation in sub-Saharan Africa's woodlands and savannas 1982-2006

We review the literature and find 16 studies from across Africa's savannas and woodlands where woody encroachment dominates. These small-scale studies are supplemented by an analysis of long-term continent-wide satellite data, specifically the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series from the Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) dataset. Using dry-season data to separate the tree and grass signals, we find 4.0% of non-rainforest woody vegetation in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding West Africa) significantly increased in NDVI from 1982 to 2006, whereas 3.52% decreased. The increases in NDVI were found predominantly to the north of the Congo Basin, with decreases concentrated in the Miombo woodland belt. We hypothesize that areas of increasing dry-season NDVI are undergoing woody encroachment, but the coarse resolution of the study and uncertain relationship between NDVI and woody cover mean that the results should be interpreted with caution; certainly, these results do not contradict studies finding widespread deforestation throughout the continent. However, woody encroachment could be widespread, and warrants further investigation as it has important consequences for the global carbon cycle and land–climate interactions

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection in pigs, pork and raw pork handlers in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a zoonotic ubiquitous gram-positive bacterium, which causes erysipelas in swine, mammals, birds and erysipeloid in humans. People in contact with animals, animal products or animal wastes are at greatest risk. From June 2013 to December 2015, a multidisciplinary risk assessment was conducted to identify the risks associated with E. rhusiopathiae along the pig value chain in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda. Quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were employed. Serum from 460 pigs and 100 fresh pork samples and human EDTA blood was gathered from 302 raw pork handlers (butchers, abattoir workers and housewives), for microbiology cultures and serology. Six focus group discussions were conducted with 26 butchers/abattoir workers and with 26 housewives. Three key informant interviews were conducted with a health assistant, veterinary officer and a nursing officer. Overall, 308/460 (67%) of the pig sera carried antibodies against E. rhusiopathiae. Forty-five percent (45/100, 45%) of the fresh pork samples were contaminated with E. rhusiopathiae and 30/302 (9.9%) of the raw pork handlers were positive for infection with E. rhusiopathiae. The mean age of the raw pork handlers was 38 years, 21/30 (70%) of men were infected compared to 9/30(30%) of the women. The main risk factor for the infection was the type of raw pork handler. Of the abattoir workers 14/38 (47%) were positive, 9/59 (30%) of the butchers and 7/205 (23.3%) of the housewives were infected with E.rhusiopathiae. This is the first ever report of E. rhusiopathiae in pigs and humans in Uganda and East Africa. Previously, the acute form of swine erysipelas may have been confused for other diseases in pigs reported in Uganda which are characterized acute symptoms such as sudden death (for example, African swine fever). We recommend increasing awareness of the disease among animal and human practitioners as treatment is easy and available and vaccination is possible. However, the disease is still unknown to local veterinarians, clinical doctors, meat inspectors, butchers and laboratory personnel. Proper hygiene, regular pork inspection, use of protective wear among people working/ in contact with animals should be promoted. The study was conducted under the Safe Food, Fair Food project led by the International Livestock Research Institute and carried out with the financial support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, and the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health, led by the International Food Policy Research Institute

Composition of woody species in a dynamic forest-woodland-savannah mosaic in Uganda: implications for conservation and management

Forest¿woodland¿savannah mosaics are a common feature in the East African landscape. For the conservation of the woody species that occur in such landscapes, the species patterns and the factors that maintain it need to be understood. We studied the woody species distribution in a forest¿woodland¿savannah mosaic in Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda. The existing vegetation gradients were analyzed using data from a total of 591 plots of 400 or 500 m2 each. Remotely sensed data was used to explore current vegetation cover and the gradients there in for the whole area. A clear species gradient exists in the study area ranging from forest, where there is least disturbance, to wooded grassland, where frequent fire disturbance occurs. Most species are not limited to a specific part of the gradient although many show a maximum abundance at some point along the gradient. Fire and accessibility to the protected area were closely related to variation in species composition along the ordination axis with species like Cynometra alexandri and Uvariopsis congensis occurring at one end of the gradient and Combretum guenzi and Lonchocarpus laxiflorus at the other. The vegetation cover classes identified in the area differed in diversity, density and, especially, basal area. All vegetation cover classes, except open woodland, had indicator species. Diospyros abyssinica, Uvariopsis congensis, Holoptelea grandis and all Celtis species were the indicator species for the forest class, Terminalia velutina and Albizia grandbracteata for closed woodland, Grewia mollis and Combretum mole for very open woodland and Lonchocarpus laxiflorus, Grewia bicolor and Combretum guenzi for the wooded grassland class. Eleven of the species occurred in all cover classes and most of the species that occurred in more than one vegetation cover class showed peak abundance in a specific cover class. Species composition in the study area changes gradually from forest to savannah. Along the gradient, the cover classes are distinguishable in terms of species composition and vegetation structure. These classes are, however, interrelated in species composition. For conservation of the full range of the species within this East African landscape, the mosaic has to be managed as an integrated whole. Burning should be varied over the area with the forest not being burnt at all and the wooded grassland burnt regularly. The different vegetation types that occur between these two extremes should be maintained using a varied fire regim

Participatory evaluation for environmental indicators

Participatory research has emerged as a powerful tool to identify agro-ecosystem indicators in developing countries. Indigenous knowledge, thus generated complements scientific information to the benefit of all stakeholders. This paper demonstrates the value of participating with farmers and hunters to identify indicators at a local level and how these supplement scientific information. Three examples are provided to demonstrate different degrees of participation and different indicator identification tools. The first shows participatory research to determine farmer constraints in Zambia and to explore the use of kraal manure and inorganic fertiliser in a traditional grassmound farming system. The second study concerns participatory research in rural areas of Bangladesh to explore a wide range of new technologies relating primarily to small-scale rice-based systems. The third study concerns participatory rapid rural appraisal to investigate biodiversity in a forest and a grassland area in Uganda. Participatory processes generate traditional knowledge that is broader and more descriptive than scientific information. Such knowledge can also be used to plan future research. The role of the interactive farmer–researcher process is discussed. It is concluded that participatory research has many benefits provided it is managed tactfully and farmers are encouraged to feel that they own the research process

High prevalence of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection among abattoir workers in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda

Introduction: Erysipelothrix (E.) rhusiopathiae is a ubiquitous gram-positive bacterium, which causes erysipelas in swine, mammals, birds and erysipeloid in humans. A previous study conducted in Kamuli district, identified serotypes 1 and 2 in pigs thus a follow up study in humans aimed at establishing prevalence and factors associated with E. rhusiopathiae infection. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional community-based epidemiological study using quantitative methods of data collection. The study enrolled 302 raw pork handlers (butchers, abattoir workers and cooks) in Kamuli district, Eastern Uganda. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection among the handlers was determined by collecting whole blood for culture. Bacteria were isolated and infection confirmed using biochemical tests and gram staining. In addition, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to establish the risk factors of E. rhusiopathiae infection. Results: The overall prevalence of E. rhusiopathiae infection was 9.9 % (95% CI: 7.4-13). Being a raw pork handler and self-reported alcohol consumption increased the risk of acquiring the infection. Among butchers, the prevalence was 15% (95% CI: 5.9 - 25), abattoir workers 37% (95% CI: 21 - 52) and cooks 3.4% (95% CI: 1.0 - 5.9). Working in the abattoir and butchery made infection 26 times (OR = 26; 95% CI: 5.3 - 129) and 8 times (OR = 8.4; 95% CI: 1.8 - 39) more likely, respectively. Alcohol consumption was associated with E. rhusiopathiae infection (OR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.1 - 15). Conclusion: E. rhusiopathiae infections exist in Kamuli district, Eastern Uganda affecting all categories of raw pork handlers. We recommend that the isolates be serotyped to identify the circulating serotypes and inform the appropriate control measures for the disease in humans

Eastern Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii): Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan 2010-2020

The eastern chimpanzee is classified as “endangered” and of global conservation concern. This publication offers a 10-year plan which, if fully implemented, will go a long way to ensuring the maintenance of viable populations of the eastern chimpanzee across much of its existing range. Chimpanzees are excellent flagship and umbrella species for conservation; protecting their populations and habitat protects innumerable other species