European Scientific Journal, ESJ
Not a member yet
14433 research outputs found
Sort by
Analyse de la perception sociale autour des Foyers de Renforcement des Activités de Nutrition Communautaire (FRANC) dans les régions du Bafing et du Kabadougou au nord-ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire
Get PDFLe Foyer de Renforcement des Activités de Nutrition Communautaire (FRANC) est une structure opérationnelle permanente mise en place par la communauté pour résoudre elle-même les problèmes de nutrition et de développement intégré de la petite enfance qu’elle rencontre. Cette recherche qualitative se propose d’identifier la perception sociale limitant ou favorisant l’adhésion des communautés au projet FRANC dans les régions du Bafing et du Kabadougou, au nord-ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire. Les instruments utilisés dans cette perspective ont été le focus group et l’entretien semi-directif, adressés aux populations bénéficiaires, aux responsables locaux et administratifs. Les résultats indiquent que le FRANC est perçu par les bénéficiaires comme une garderie où l’on peut déposer l’enfant afin de vaquer à ses occupations domestiques et agricoles. Les volontaires évoquent des difficultés de motivation dues à l’absence de compensation financière. Les sessions de réhabilitation sont conduites de manière irrégulière, ce qui pénalise la continuité de la prise en charge. Toutefois, on note une amélioration au niveau de l’hygiène environnementale, alimentaire et corporelle, comme efforts de capitalisation.
The Foyer de Renforcement des Activités de Nutrition Communautaire (FRANC) is a permanent operational structure set up by the community to solve its own nutrition and integrated early childhood development problems. The aim of this qualitative research is to identify the social perceptions that limit or encourage community support for the FRANC project in the Bafing and Kabadougou regions of north-west Côte d'Ivoire. The instruments used for this purpose were focus groups and semi-structured interviews, addressed to beneficiary populations and local and administrative officials. The results indicate that FRANC is perceived by beneficiaries as a day-care center where children can be dropped off to attend to their domestic and agricultural chores. Volunteers report difficulties in motivation due to the lack of financial compensation. Rehabilitation sessions are conducted irregularly, which penalizes continuity of care. However, there has been an improvement in environmental, dietary, and personal hygiene, as capitalization efforts
The Seasonal Assessment of Heavy Metals Pollution in the Waters of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Seas of Morocco
Get PDFHeavy metal pollution in marine environments poses a major risk to ecosystems and human health due to the persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of metals. The current study aimed to analyze the seasonal patterns of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) in seawater samples from two Moroccan coastal regions, Mediterranean Coast (Nador) and Atlantic Coast (Casablanca), during autumn and spring of the 2023-2024 season. A total of 36 water samples were collected from each coast and were analyzed using ICP-AES following the WHO and USEPA guidelines. The data showed that during both coastal regions, Cd concentrations were 0.002 mg/L to 0.020 mg/L, which is above the WHO limit of 0.003 mg/L. Pb concentrations were also higher than the WHO guideline of 0.01 mg/L and reached 0.036-0.120 mg/L, particularly in Casablanca. On the other hand, Fe and Zn concentrations of 0.010-0.255 mg/L and 0.061-0.255 mg/L, respectively, were within safe limits. Seasonal changes showed greater Cd and Pb concentrations in autumn, most likely due to industrial discharges and agricultural runoff. The study raises alarm on the high levels of Cd and Pb contamination in the Mediterranean region and the need to develop policies to properly manage wastewater, regulate industries, and conduct biomonitoring of marine species
Civic Education as Economic Infrastructure: The Way Towards Economic Development
Get PDFRespect for rules is a structural pillar of well-functioning societies and modern economies, serving as a prerequisite for stability, trust among economic actors, and sustainable development. However, compliance cannot be assumed to arise spontaneously or emerge only when convenient. Rather, it is the result of long-term educational and cultural processes deeply embedded in social institutions, most notably the family and the school system. This paper explores the importance of educating individuals to respect rules as a strategic investment in collective well-being, social cohesion, and institutional quality. Drawing on an institutionalist perspective, it argues that when rule compliance is learned early and through consistent experiences, it fosters trust in institutions, civic engagement, and economic legality. Family and School - as the primary interface between individuals and the normative system - play a crucial role in shaping both civic and social capital. Scholars such as Heckman, North, Acemoglu, and Nussbaum have shown that investments in early childhood education and schooling have positive effects on economic productivity, crime reduction, and democratic participation. If well-designed and widely implemented, education for rule compliance can strengthen the moral and economic foundations of contemporary democracies, promoting a model of development that is fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable. This contribution aims to reaffirm the centrality of education policies - especially those focused on respect for rules and people - as tools for preventing illegality and driving development. It emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts among schools, families, and public institutions to build a citizenry that is aware, cooperative, and respectful of the rules that govern both economic and social life
Territorializing Aquatic Biodiversity: Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) and Elasmobranch Distribution in the Kango Estuary (Gabon)
Get PDFElasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are ecologically and socio-economically important, yet their distribution in Central African estuarine systems remains poorly understood. This study investigates the spatial and seasonal distribution of elasmobranchs in the Komo Estuary (Kango, Gabon) using Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 artisanal fishers, complemented by participatory mapping and GIS analyses. Four focal species were identified: Fontitrygon ukpam, F. margaritella, Carcharhinus leucas, and Sphyrna lewini. Among them, F. ukpam was the most widespread and abundant, extending from estuarine to upstream freshwater zones, whereas C. leucas and F. margaritella were concentrated in hot, saline lower-estuary waters. S. lewini was rarely reported. No statistically significant differences were detected between wet- and dry-season assemblages, although the data suggest a descriptive tendency toward slightly higher richness during the dry season. Temperature and salinity emerged as primary abiotic drivers, while prey availability, turbidity, and fishing pressure likely modulated these patterns. Spatial analyses (Kernel Density Estimation, Moran’s I, LISA, Getis-Ord Gi*) revealed localized hotspots and species aggregations not detectable through conventional surveys, underscoring the potential of LEK as a robust spatial dataset. Beyond documenting ecological distributions, fisher knowledge reflects lived territorialities, linking species ecology with social appropriation of aquatic environments. This research demonstrates the dual ecological and geographical value of LEK, contributing to biogeography by clarifying species–environment relationships, and to environmental geography by showing how local practices shape spatial perceptions of biodiversity. It also identifies priority estuarine sectors for monitoring and co-management in data-poor tropical systems
Quantification des mutations des formations végétales 2002- 2022 dans la moitié sud du Parc National de la Comoé, au Nord de la Côte d’Ivoire par imagerie spatiale
Get PDFLe Parc National de la Comoé, situé au nord de la Côte d’Ivoire, est un écosystème riche mais soumis à des pressions anthropiques et climatiques malgré son statut protégé. Cette étude analyse l’évolution de l’occupation du sol dans la moitié sud du parc entre 2002, 2012 et 2022, à partir d’images satellitaires LANDSAT. La méthodologie multi-temporelle, validée par des matrices de confusion, permet de quantifier les changements entre classes d’occupation du sol. L’étude de la dynamique végétale dans la partie sud du Parc National de la Comoé (2002-2022) révèle deux phases contrastées. De 2002 à 2012, une forte diminution des forêts denses (-51%) avec une légère hausse des savanes. De de 2012 à 2022, une régénération partielle des forêts denses (+47%) et des forêts claires/savanes boisées (+33,5%) avec une légère baisse des savanes. Sur l’ensemble de la période (2002-2022),, les savanes arbustives affichent la plus grande stabilité (89,6%) alors que les formations forestières sont plus vulnérables aux mutations, accompagnée d’une légère augmentation des sols nus attestant des pressions anthropiques et climatiques. Par ailleurs, le réseau hydrographique a considérablement augmenté, illustrant des changements structurels importants. Ces résultats reflètent l’influence combinée de facteurs naturels et humains. Malgré une résilience certaine, la fragmentation des habitats et les pressions persistantes imposent une gestion intégrée, notamment la restauration des corridors écologiques et la gestion des feux, pour assurer la conservation biologique à long terme.
Comoé National Park, located in northern Côte d’Ivoire, is a rich ecosystem but faces anthropogenic and climatic pressures despite its protected status. This study analyzes land cover changes in the southern half of the park between 2002, 2012, and 2022 using LANDSAT satellite imagery. The multi-temporal methodology, validated by confusion matrices, quantifies changes between land cover classes. The vegetation dynamics reveal two contrasting phases. From 2002 to 2012, dense forests strongly declined (-51%) while savannas slightly increased. From 2012 to 2022, partial regeneration occurred in dense forests (+47%) and in open forests/wooded savannas (+33.5%), accompanied by a slight decrease in savannas. Over the entire period, shrub savannas showed the greatest stability (89.6%), whereas forest formations were more vulnerable to change, alongside a slight increase in bare soils, indicating human and climatic pressures. Additionally, the hydrographic network has been significantly expanded, illustrating major structural changes. These results reflect the combined influence of natural and human factors. Despite evident resilience, habitat fragmentation and ongoing pressures require integrated management, notably ecological corridor restoration and fire management, to ensure long-term biological conservation
Mobilité et circulation dans les villes d’Afrique Centrale (Kinshasa, Douala, Brazzaville)
Get PDFConfrontées à une urbanisation rapide et souvent incontrôlée, les villes d'Afrique centrale connaissent de profonds changements dans leurs systèmes de mobilité. Cet article analyse la dynamique du trafic et des déplacements dans trois villes de la sous-région : Kinshasa (République démocratique du Congo), Douala (Cameroun) et Brazzaville (République du Congo). Cette étude montre comment l'urbanisme, les pratiques informelles et les politiques publiques influencent les habitudes de mobilité quotidiennes et les conditions de circulation. Dans le cadre de cette étude, nous avons utilisé une approche comparative et une méthodologie mixte avec des enquêtes de terrain menées par trois enquêteurs sous notre supervision dans les trois grandes villes (n = 750 utilisateurs interrogés : 300, 250, 200). Nous avons également mené des entretiens semi-structurés avec les acteurs du transport (conducteurs, autorités locales, syndicats) et avons observé directement les pratiques de déplacement (itinéraires, horaires, modes de transport utilisés) dans les villes étudiées. Nous avons réalisé des analyses spatiales à partir de cartes des flux et des infrastructures. Les données collectées ont été traitées à la fois quantitativement (statistiques descriptives, recoupements sociodémographiques) et qualitativement (analyse thématique des discours et des rapports). Les résultats mettent en évidence des caractéristiques communes, mais aussi des spécificités locales telles que la prédominance des transports informels dans la ville de Kinshasa (70 % des trajets), dans la ville de Douala (65 %) et dans la ville de Brazzaville (60 %). Ces modes de transport comprennent les taxis collectifs, les motos-taxis et les minibus. Il ressort que que le temps moyen de trajet soit de 1 heure et 45 minutes à Kinshasa, 1 heure et 15 minutes à Douala et 1 heure à Brazzaville. À Kinshasa, la répartition modale est de 40 % pour la marche, 50 % pour les transports informels et 10 % pour les véhicules privés. L'accès limité aux transports formels dans les quartiers périphériques signifie que 75 % des habitants dépendent exclusivement de la marche ou des motos-taxis. Les inégalités en matière d'accès à la mobilité font que 60 % des femmes déclarent se sentir en insécurité lorsqu'elles utilisent les transports. Les personnes âgées et les personnes handicapées sont largement exclues des systèmes de transport. L'état des infrastructures routières à Kinshasa est de 25 % de routes pavées, dans la ville de Douala, il est de 35 %, et à Brazzaville, il est de 28 %. En termes de congestion urbaine, Kinshasa perd environ 150 millions de dollars par an en productivité en raison des embouteillages (Banque mondiale, 2023).
Des politiques publiques insuffisantes, avec moins de 1,5 % des budgets municipaux consacrés à la mobilité, et un manque de coordination entre les parties prenantes (jusqu'à cinq institutions différentes sans synergie). Nous proposons plusieurs axes d'amélioration à court, moyen et long terme grâce à la reconnaissance et à la réglementation des transports informels avec la mise en place de systèmes d'octroi de licences, la formation des conducteurs et l'intégration progressive dans les politiques de transport urbain. Le développement d'infrastructures appropriées avec l'asphaltage et l'entretien des routes secondaires, la création de voies réservées aux transports publics (BRT, bus articulés) et d'aménagements pour les piétons et les cyclistes. La promotion d'une mobilité inclusive. La planification stratégique et la gouvernance intégrée. L'innovation numérique et la gestion intelligente des flux. Cet article a également souligné que la mobilité urbaine en Afrique centrale se trouve à un tournant : entre débrouillardise et désorganisation, mais aussi entre résilience locale et opportunités d'innovation. L'amélioration de la mobilité dans ces villes nécessite une approche intégrée, inclusive et durable, mobilisant à la fois les acteurs institutionnels, les usagers et le secteur privé.
Faced with rapid and often uncontrolled urbanization, cities in Central Africa are undergoing profound changes in their mobility systems. This article analyzes traffic and travel dynamics in three capitals in the subregion: Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), Douala (Cameroon), and Brazzaville (Republic of Congo). This document shows how urban organization, forms of informality, and public policies influence daily mobility practices and traffic conditions. In this research, we used a comparative approach and a mixed methodology with field surveys conducted by three investigators under our supervision in three major cities (n = 750 users surveyed, 300, 250, 200). We conducted semi-structured interviews with transport stakeholders (drivers, local authorities, unions) and made direct observations of travel practices (routes, schedules, modes used) in the cities studied. This document shows how urban organization, forms of informality, and public policies influence daily mobility practices and traffic conditions. In this research, we used a comparative approach and a mixed methodology with field surveys conducted by three investigators under our supervision in three major cities (n = 750 users surveyed, 300, 250, 200). We conducted semi-structured interviews with transport stakeholders (drivers, local authorities, unions) and made direct observations of travel practices (routes, schedules, modes used) in the cities studied. These modes include shared taxis, motorcycle taxis, and minibusses. The average commute time is 1 hour and 45 minutes in Kinshasa, 1 hour and 15 minutes in Douala, and 1 hour in Brazzaville. In Kinshasa, the modal split is 40% walking, 50% informal transport, and 10% private vehicles. Limited access to formal transport in outlying neighborhoods means that 75% of residents rely exclusively on walking or motorcycle taxis. Inequalities in access to mobility: 60% of women report feeling unsafe when using transportation. The elderly and disabled are largely excluded from transportation systems. The state of road infrastructure in Kinshasa is 25% paved roads, in the city of Douala it is 35%, and in Brazzaville it is 28%. In terms of urban congestion, Kinshasa loses approximately $150 million per year in productivity due to traffic jams (World Bank, 2023). In terms of weak public policies, less than 1.5% of municipal budgets are devoted to mobility, and there is a lack of coordination between stakeholders (up to five different institutions without synergy). This article proposes several avenues for improvement in the short, medium, and long term through the recognition and regulation of informal transport with the implementation of licensing systems, driver training, and gradual integration into urban transport policies. The development of appropriate infrastructure with asphalting and maintenance of secondary roads, the creation of dedicated lanes for public transport (BRT, articulated buses), and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. The promotion of inclusive mobility. Strategic planning and integrated governance. Digital innovation and smart flow management. This article also highlighted that urban mobility in Central Africa is at a crossroads: between resourcefulness and disorganization, but also between local resilience and opportunities for innovation. Improving mobility in these cities requires an integrated, inclusive, and sustainable approach, mobilizing institutional actors, users, and the private sector
Influence of waste management infrastructure on source segregation of medical waste at a major referral hospital in Western Kenya
Get PDFMedical wastes generated by healthcare facilities, such as sharps, and chemical, pathological, infectious, and pharmaceutical wastes, are hazardous and have been known to cause various infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human-Immune Virus (HIV). Various studies in MW have established that source segregation is an effective step in managing hospital waste and, therefore, the most important step in reducing health hazards and environmental pollution. Hospitals are therefore required to put in place sufficient infrastructure such as personal protective equipment, storage as well as waste transportation equipment at strategic points within each department or floor. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is a major facility in western Kenya, generating approximately 68% of medical waste in Kisumu County. A recent public health study in western Kenya established that 72% of cleaners at JOOTRH were treated for sharps injuries while needle prick injuries accounted for 69% of wounds that occurred among waste recyclers in common dumping sites in Kisumu County. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of waste management infrastructure on source segregation of medical waste at the JOOTRH. This was a descriptive survey that involved a sample size of 112 nursing officers, 41 doctors, 13 laboratory technicians, 20 clinical officers, and eight heads of departments. Semi-structured questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data from healthcare workers and heads of departments, respectively. Findings showed that Hospital waste management infrastructure (β=.513) has a significant (p<0.05) influence on source segregation of medical waste, and contributes approximately 38.4% unit changes in source segregation of medical waste at JOOTRH (R2=.384). The study concludes that delays in procurement processes have led to instances of inadequacies in PPE and waste collection containers, causing cases of waste-related injuries. The study findings should inform policy formulation for effective source segregation of medical waste generated by healthcare facilities, thereby reducing associated injuries
Etude diagnostique de la fertilisation du concombre à San Pedro au Sud-Ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire
Get PDFIl y a un déficit en fruits et légumes en Côte d’Ivoire selon Bon et al (2018). Il peut être dû à plusieurs raisons. L’objectif de cette étude est de montrer que, la mauvaise combinaison des doses d’engrais organique et inorganique pourrait contraindre l’atteindre du rendement référentiel moyen du concombre qui est 20 tonnes/ha. Dans cette optique, à l’issu d’une préenquête, 30 productrices de concombre du groupement Yobié-Nien de DAFCI de San Pedro ont été interrogés individuellement à travers un questionnaire. Le logiciel R a été utilisé. Le test non paramétrique de comparaison de la moyenne (t) de Mann Whitney a montré que la moyenne de masse d’azote apportée par les productrices de 100,76 ±79,79 kg/ha est significativement inférieure à la valeur référentielle qui est 150 kg/ha. Le même test a présenté un rendement moyen de 5,62 ± 2,98 t/ha significative inférieure à la valeur référentielle qui est 20 t/ha. La corrélation positive faible (0,48) entre la masse d’azote total et le rendement a montré que la masse total d’azote contenue dans la fiente de poulets +sciure et le NPK 12 22 22 n’a pas optimisé le rendement de la majorité des productrices. En perspective, dans le cadre de la recherche, les données de la productrice 1, serviront de bases pour la détermination de la masse d’azote qui permettra de couvrir les besoins du concombre à travers des essais pour atteindre le rendement référentiel de 20 t/ha. Cette démarche pourrait être appliquer à d’autres cultures et pourrait contribuer à résoudre le problème du déficit en fruits et légumes pour une sécurité alimentaire durable en Côte d’Ivoire.
There is a deficit in fruits and vegetables in Ivory Coast, according to Bon et al (2018). It may be due to several reasons. The objective of this study is to show that the poor combination of doses of organic and inorganic fertilizer could constrain the achievement of the average reference yield of cucumber, which is 20 tons/ha. With this in mind, 30 producers who specifically produce cucumber from the Yobié-Nien group of DAFCI of San Pedro were interviewed individually through a questionnaire. R software was used. The non-parametric test for comparison of the mean (t) of Mann-Whitney showed that the average mass of nitrogen provided by the producers of 100.76 ± 79.79 kg/ha is significantly lower than the reference value which is 150 kg/ha. The same test presented an average yield of 5.62 ± 2.98 t/ha, significantly lower than the reference value, which is 20 t/ha. The weak positive correlation (0.48) between the total nitrogen mass and yield showed that the total nitrogen mass contained in chicken manure + sawdust and NPK 12 22 22 did not optimize the yield of the majority of producers. In perspective, in the research framework, the data of producer 1 will serve as a basis for determining the nitrogen mass that will cover the needs of cucumber through trials to achieve the reference yield of 20 t/ha. This approach could be applied to other crops and could contribute to solving the problem of fruit and vegetable deficit for sustainable food security in Côte d'Ivoire
L’impact de l’attachement au lieu sur l’intention comportementale des touristes: revisiter et recommander la destination d’Agadir
Get PDFCette étude s’inscrit dans le champ des recherches sur le comportement du consommateur appliquées au tourisme, en explorant le rôle de l’attachement au lieu dans la formation de l’intention comportementale des touristes. L’objectif principal est d’évaluer l’influence de cet attachement sur deux dimensions clés : l’intention de revisiter et celle de recommander la destination. Un modèle théorique a été développé et testé empiriquement à l’aide de la modélisation par équations structurelles (SEM), sur la base de données recueillies auprès d’un échantillon de visiteurs. Les résultats empiriques confirment que l’attachement au lieu constitue un déterminant significatif et positif de l’intention comportementale. Ces résultats mettent en évidence l’importance des variables affectives dans le processus décisionnel post-visite. Les implications de ces constats sont notables pour la gestion des destinations touristiques, notamment en matière de stratégies de fidélisation et d’amélioration de l’expérience visiteur. En conclusion, cette recherche souligne la nécessité d’intégrer les dimensions émotionnelles dans la conception des politiques de marketing territorial.
This study contributes to the field of consumer behavior in tourism by examining the influence of place attachment on tourists' behavioral intentions. Specifically, it investigates how emotional bonds with a destination affect two key outcomes: the intention to revisit and the intention to recommend the destination. A conceptual model was developed and empirically tested using structural equation modeling (SEM), based on data collected from a sample of visitors. The findings confirm that place attachment is a significant and positive predictor of both revisit and recommendation intentions. These results underscore the critical role of affective factors in post-visit decision-making. The study offers valuable insights for destination management, particularly in enhancing visitor loyalty and improving the overall tourist experience. Ultimately, the research highlights the importance of incorporating emotional dimensions into territorial marketing strategies
Addressing the self-directed learning culture gap in Kenya's Junior School Science Curriculum
Get PDFThis is a philosophical study and involves conceptual analysis of existing documents on Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), Kenya’s curriculum reforms and self-directed learning culture (SDLC). The study mainly focuses on how the curriculum reforms and curriculum for Kenyan CBC junior schools integrate science, and the current theoretical instructional model has promoted the development of SDLC. The data collected and analyzed is theoretical. This conceptual analysis applies the Kantian critical judgment theory model to analyses the data collected and assess findings using the reflective self-directed instructional model (RSIM). RSIM has standard sub-themes and learning strategies used in assessing SDLC. Key sub-themes and learning strategies used as standard are self-motivation, self-reflection, self-regulation, active learning, metacognition, and collaborative community of inquiry. Key theoretical premises and claims, co-premises, propositions, and supporting evidence are developed using the categories scrutinized and analyzed. According to the analysis, the study reveals a significant gap in the integration of SDLC within the CBC reforms and curriculum design. The study, therefore, proposes a novel instructional model to address this shortfall