22 research outputs found
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Predicting glacio-hydrologic change in the headwaters of the Zongo River, Cordillera Real, Bolivia
No full textIn many partially glacierized watersheds glacier recession driven by a warming climate could lead to complex patterns of streamflow response over time, often marked with rapid increases followed by sharp declines, depending on initial glacier ice cover and rate of climate change. Capturing such “phases” of hydrologic response is critical in regions where communities rely on glacier meltwater, particularly during low flows. In this paper, we investigate glacio-hydrologic response in the headwaters of the Zongo River, Bolivia, under climate change using a distributed glacio-hydrological model over the period of 1987–2100. Model predictions are evaluated through comparisons with satellite-derived glacier extent estimates, glacier surface velocity, in situ glacier mass balance, surface energy flux, and stream discharge measurements. Historically (1987–2010) modeled glacier melt accounts for 27% of annual runoff, and 61% of dry season (JJA) runoff on average. During this period the relative glacier cover was observed to decline from 35 to 21% of the watershed. In the future, annual and dry season discharge is projected to decrease by 4% and 27% by midcentury and 25% and 57% by the end of the century, respectively, following the loss of 81% of the ice in the watershed. Modeled runoff patterns evolve through the interplay of positive and negative trends in glacier melt and increased evapotranspiration as the climate warms. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that the selection of model surface energy balance parameters greatly influences the trajectory of hydrological change projected during the first half of the 21st century. These model results underscore the importance of coupled glacio-hydrology modeling.This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by American Geophysical Union and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://sites.agu.org/The Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalysis meteorological data can be downloaded from the Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES-DISC, http://disc.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov). Most of the glaciological and meteorological data measured in the watershed that were utilized in this study can be downloaded from the Glacioclim database (http://www-lgge.ujfgrenoble.fr/ServiceObs/). Nonpublic glaciological and meteorological data can be obtained with agreement from the Institute of Research for Development (IRD). The CMIP5 general circulation model output can be downloaded from the World Climate Research Program (WCRP, http://cmippcmdi.llnl.gov/cmip5/). The Landsat Thematic Mapper scenes can be downloaded from the United States Geological Survey (USGS, http://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/). All glacio-hydrological model data presented in this manuscript are available by request through the corresponding author ([email protected]). Surface energy balance observations were provided by Jean Emmanuel Sicart ([email protected])
A change project to promote conflict resolution in order to ensure sustainable development in Africa
No full textThe article describes the idea of a change project (a new course) in higher education. The aim of the change project is to promote traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and strategies in order to ensure sustainable development in Africa. The new program will combine the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and various conflict resolution scenarios by applying the technique of design thinking. The program will involve discussions about types of conflicts in Africa, the real causes of these conflicts, mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution (with special emphasis on the rakiré and the palaver tree) and design thinking. The author intends to implement the program at the Faculty of International Relations of the Ivan Franco National University in Lviv
Review of "Landlords and Lodgers: socio-spatial organisation in an Accra community" by D. Pellow
No full textDeborah Pellow has conducted fieldwork in the Ghanaian capital ofAccra since 1970. Landlords and Lodgers is the culmination of this research, focussing on the dominantly Muslim quarter of Sabon Zongo where the author commenced a long-term project in the early 1980s. The book contains previously published material, but Pellow’s synthesis of the data provides a more comprehensive analysis of the history, social politics and evolution of Sabon Zango’s vibrant urban space. In closely considering the genealogical foundations of the community, the book’s central aim is to describe the spatialisation of changing social relations over the past century and the ways in which cultural values and practices become manifest in the built environment
« Vérité et Justice ! » : Commémoration collective et mobilisation sociale au Burkina Faso
No full textCet article analyse les manifestations qui ont lieu le 13 décembre de chaque année au Burkina Faso en commémoration de l’assassinat en 1998 du journaliste Norbert Zongo et de trois de ses compagnons. La mobilisation suite à l’assassinat s’est transformée en mouvement intitulé « vérité et justice » qui a joué un rôle majeur pour la gauche burkinabè, malgré les tentatives d’étouffer l’affaire par le pouvoir de Blaise Compaoré. Le 13 décembre est devenu une fête alternative à la fête nationale du 11 décembre. Après l’insurrection de 2014 qui mit fin au règne du Président Blaise Compaoré, la lutte contre l’impunité a développé une nouvelle dynamique en fusionnant avec des mouvements qui luttent pour des changements sociopolitiques plus larges. L’observation participante des commémorations et des manifestations, conduite par l’auteur, apporte une analyse pour comprendre la reconfiguration de la gauche burkinabè à Ouagadougou depuis 2014. La commémoration de Norbert Zongo révèle des clivages importants au sein de la gauche, entre les anciens révolutionnaires (« les rouges ») et les jeunes de la société civile (« les insurgés »), même si, depuis quelques années, une convergence s’est formée contre l’impérialisme en général, et plus particulièrement contre la politique française.This article analyzes the demonstrations taking place on December 13 each year in Burkina Faso to commemorate the 1998 assassination of Journalist Norbert Zongo and three of his companions. At the time, the mobilization following the assassination transformed into a movement entitled “truth and justice” which played a major role for the Burkinabe leftist movement, despite attempts to cover up the affair by the regime of President Blaise Compaoré. Over the years, 13 December has become an alternative holiday to the national independence day of 11 December. After the 2014 insurrection that ended the reign of Compaoré, the fight against impunity developed a new dynamic by merging with movements fighting for broader socio-political changes. The author conducted participant observation of commemorations and manifestations that offers an analysis that aims to understand the reconfiguration of the Burkinabe leftist movements in Ouagadougou since 2014. The commemoration of Norbert Zongo reveals significant divisions within the left, between the old revolutionaries (“the reds”) and the young people from civil society (“the insurgents”), even if, in recent years, a convergence has formed against imperialism in general, and more particularly against French politics.</p
Effects of Agroecological Practices (Zaï and Stone-Rows) on Soil Fertility and Sorghum Yield in Response to Effects of Climate Change to Achieve Food Security
No full textThe adoption of sustainable agricultural practices can slow down the degradation of arable land and enhance agricultural productivity, particularly land in the context of climate change. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of agroecological practices, specifically zaï and stone-rows (SR), on soil fertility and sorghum (kapelga variety) productivity in the northern Sudanian zone. The research was conducted in the village of Tanghin in a rural setting with four treatments, namely, zaï (Z), SR, the combination of stone-rows and zaï (CP + Z), and a control plot representing traditional peasant practices. Each of these treatments, selected after a survey of 30 farmers, was replicated four times. Key parameters evaluated in the 0–20-cm soil layer included particle size (at five fractions), organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, exchangeable bases, and pH as well as the sorghum grain yield. The results showed that the managed plots, compared to the control, exhibited a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5–6.8), along with an increase in organic carbon (+0.4%), CEC (+4.16 meq/100 g), and the sum of exchangeable bases (+7.608 meq/100 g). Grain sorghum yields were also increased by nearly 300% on plots managed with SR + Z and by 200% on plots with zaï (Z) and SR, compared to the farmer’s practices. While zaï and SR with organic manure had a positive effect on soil physical (soil layer) and chemical (carbon, nitrogen, and so on) fertility, it was evident that their combined effect was significantly greater. These results highlight the potential of traditional agroecological practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change on soil degradation and food production and suggest a pathway towards sustainable agriculture
EXPERIMENTATION OF AN APPLICATION OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND INVENTORY OF SOYBEAN DISEASES (GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERR.) IN BURKINA FASO
No full text<p>Glycine max (L.) Merr also known as soya or soybean plays an important role in legume production in Burkina Faso. Every year, the country produces an average of 30,000 tonnes of soybean. It is grown for its oilseeds, which are rich in protein, fat, minerals and vitamins, making it an important food and feed crop. In addition, soya production is profitable for growers because it provides a real source of income through marketing operations. The lack of fertile land, adequate rainfall and phytosanitary protection in soya cultivation are not conducive for efficient production. Ignorance and lack of knowledge of the diseases encountered in soya production make it even more difficult to protect the crop, which further limits production.In order to improve knowledge of soybean diseases in Burkina Faso, an inventory of diseases associated with this crop was carried out using a plant pathology diagnostic application. In this study, the Plantix-Crop Doctor application, based on artificial intelligence with deep learning, was used in an Alpha Lattice experimental device. A disease identification form from the Quebec Agriculture and Agri-Food Research Centre was used as a reference. Among the diseases identified were Septoria leaf spot, grey leaf spot, anthracnose, bacterial blight, soybean blight, sudden death syndrome, downy mildew, powdery mildew and soybean rust. This list provides a database of soybean diseases that must be controlled by methods that consider environmental protection. The Plantix - your crop doctor application can be relied on to diagnose soybean diseases so that they can be treated at an early stage.</p><p> </p>
Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum diversity in natural infections by deep sequencing.
No full textMalaria elimination strategies require surveillance of the parasite population for genetic changes that demand a public health response, such as new forms of drug resistance. Here we describe methods for the large-scale analysis of genetic variation in Plasmodium falciparum by deep sequencing of parasite DNA obtained from the blood of patients with malaria, either directly or after short-term culture. Analysis of 86,158 exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms that passed genotyping quality control in 227 samples from Africa, Asia and Oceania provides genome-wide estimates of allele frequency distribution, population structure and linkage disequilibrium. By comparing the genetic diversity of individual infections with that of the local parasite population, we derive a metric of within-host diversity that is related to the level of inbreeding in the population. An open-access web application has been established for the exploration of regional differences in allele frequency and of highly differentiated loci in the P. falciparum genome
Controlled fermentation of the zoom-koom dough using two isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB 1 and LAB 5) as starter cultures: Effect on hygienic, rheological, nutritional and sensorial characteristics of the final product
No full textEducation marginalization in sub-Saharan Africa: policies, politics, and marginality/ Obed Mfum-Mensah.
No full textIncludes bibliographical references and index."This book focuses on education policy framework for educating marginalized children in sub-Saharan Africa. It uses “marginality” as a critical discourse to highlight the complicated ways education policy making in sub-Saharan Africa have constructed and perpetuated marginality in the region since Africa’s encounters with Europe. The book is organized around two parts, each of which discusses a specific dimension of the marginality and education policy nexus. Part I focuses on theorizations of marginality and education. The theoretical framework on marginality and education outlines the definitional and conceptual backgrounds on marginality – the complicated ways policies of the Christian missionaries, colonial governments and postcolonial governments constructed and perpetuated marginality in the region. Part II focuses on addressing the issue of marginality from theory to practice. These chapters highlight the ways policies shaped the educational development, schooling processes, and educational outcomes of selected marginalized communities and groups. Attention is given to schooling in rural communities, the complexities of girls’ education in rural contexts, education of Zongo Muslim communities, violence in school in rural contexts, and education collaboration in rural traditional communities. The book argues that education policies in sub-Saharan Africa fail to address the educational needs of marginalized children because current policy frameworks ae not based on examination of colonial policies which created the existing marginality. In order to implement policies that address policy gaps and meet the educational needs of marginalized children, strong synergies are necessary between education policy makers, other education stakeholders, and marginalized communities."--Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Theorizations on marginality and education -- Introduction : marginality and education policy frameworks in sub-Saharan Africa -- Social structures and children's education in sub-Saharan Africa -- Marginality and colonial discourse in sub-Saharan Africa -- Marginality and postcolonial discourse in sub-Saharan Africa -- Marginality and education : linking policy and practice -- Schooling and marginality in a sub-Saharan African context -- Contextual nuances and girls' education -- Educational development and marginalized Zongo Muslim communities -- Decolonizing curriculum to promote learning -- Education, violence, and marginalized children -- Synergies and education collaboration : from policy to practice -- Policy reflections and education of marginalized children -- References -- Index -- About the author.1 online resourc
Enhancing the use of phosphate rock through microbially-mediated compost transformation to improve agronomic and economic profitability in Sub-Saharan Africa
No full textSoil degradation and limited access to chemical fertilizers partly explain the persistently low crop yields in Sub-Saharan Africa. To provide local farmers with alternative fertilizer options, this study examined the impact of locally sourced fertilizers on sorghum productivity and soil health. Treatments were set up in a completely randomized block design with five replications each. These treatments included Burkina phosphate rock (BPR), calcined BPR (Cal-BPR), triple super phosphate (TSP), four types of phosphocomposts, and an unfertilized phosphate control (Control). The phospho-composts, prepared during 4 months in advance, were as follows: Comp-1 (sorghum straw + BPR + sorghum rhizosphere soil and roots), Comp-2 (sorghum straw + Cal-BPR + sorghum rhizosphere soil and roots), Comp-3 (sorghum straw + BPR + chicken manure), and Comp-4 (sorghum straw + Cal-BPR + chicken manure). They were applied at a rate of 2.5 t ha−1 at sowing, alongside BPR, Cal-BPR, and TSP that provided 23 kg P2O5 ha−1. Urea and potassium chloride were added 15 days after sowing (DAS) to all treatments to standardize nitrogen and potassium levels to 37 kg N ha−1 and 14 kg K2O ha−1. Soil properties were evaluated using the samples collected at 42, 70, and 120 DAS. Rhizosphere soil showed higher bacterial and fungal abundance than bulk soil, particularly in compost treatments. Comp-4 notably improved soil properties, including increased phosphorus-cycling microbial genes, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and pH, and it produced the highest sorghum grain yield. However, Comp-3 offered superior economic benefits, with higher net returns from grain sales. Overall, phosphocomposts improve soil health and boost sorghum yield in Sub-Saharan Africa. Calcined BPR-chicken manure-enriched compost may be used to increase crop yields. However, the study shows that BPR-chicken manure-enriched compost provides a more cost-effective solution for soil revitalization and sustainable food production in infertile soils in the region
