Rural African Communities Research Articles

Library and Information Services in Marginalised and Under-Resourced Communities in South Africa: Ecosystem Services and Their Implications

AbstractDaunting backlogs in terms of the library and information resource-provision in communities remain a stumbling block for all people, particularly youths, to have equitable access to information as a commodity to satisfy their dynamic and diverse ever-evolving information needs. In South Africa, the system of ruling called apartheid, also known as separate development, was officially nullified by the first democratic elections in 1994. All people including those in under-served rural communities need equitable access to information in varied formats for personal growth and development however, in the library and information services (LIS) sector, existing divisions, barriers or boundaries impede diverse users with wide-ranging information needs to fulfil them. User groups of libraries are currently divided along the still-prevailing historical divisions, an example being how university libraries are traditionally intended to cater for the information needs of their students, academics and administrative staff. Despite fulfilling their teaching needs, university libraries are also expected to cater for the research needs of students and academics to fulfil research projects, presenting university libraries as existing solely for teaching and research purposes. The key findings of the study are that most LIS are still distinctly divided with regard to their user-groups and ecosystems, with collaborations and partnerships very minimal in the LIS sector in South Africa. The study concludes that these distinct divisions deny multiple users the opportunity to equitably access information resources to meet their information needs daily. The study recommends that, based on the literature review, a holistic interconnected complex network of libraries working and existing as an ecosystem can be a viable solution to provision of LIS in resource-poor rural South African communities where there is inadequate resource-provision. The study also recommends borderless and seamless access to all libraries to enable multiple and diverse users to satisfy their dynamic and ever-changing information needs.

Breeding system, gene dispersal and small-scale spatial genetic structure of a threatened food tree species, Pentadesma butyracea (Clusiaceae) in Benin

Pentadesma butyracea Sabine, a rain forest food tree species, plays a vital role in the socio-economic livelihood of some West African rural communities due to its various products. However, its scattered populations are threatened in Benin. Defining appropriate conservation strategies requires a good knowledge of mating patterns and their consequences for population genetics. The outcrossing rate, levels of correlated paternity and fine-scale spatial genetic structure of adults and maternal sibships were estimated for one small population and three large populations in Benin using microsatellite markers. Similar outcrossing rates (88–95%) were found in all populations, showing that P. butyracea is mainly an outbreeding species. We found no evidence of inbreeding depression from a decay of inbreeding with age. The spatial genetic structure within the large populations (Sp statistic = 0.003–0.038) was consistent with isolation-by-distance expectations, showing that gene dispersal is spatially limited. Limited pollen dispersal is highlighted by the decay of the degree of correlated paternity between sibships with spatial distance. The mean pollen dispersal distance was estimated between 50 m and 450 m, but up to 21% pollen may migrate from external sources. The smallest population displayed slightly higher correlated paternity than the large populations (r p = 0.37 vs. r p = 0.17–0.30). In conclusion, our results suggest that small populations may show a reduction in sire numbers in seed, while the fragmented populations, large and small, are connected through gene flow. There is little inbreeding and no evidence of inbreeding depression.

The development of a community reintegration outcome measure to assess people with stroke living in low socioeconomic areas

Introduction: Aims: The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate an interview–administered questionnaire to assess community reintegration for black people with stroke in low socioeconomic rural and urban South African communities. Methods: A sequential mixed methods design was used. A qualitative approach using semi–structured interviews with adults with stroke and/or their caregivers was undertaken to conceptualize and generate community reintegration interview items. Thereafter quantitative methods including the Delphi technique, nominal groups, factor analysis and internal consistency statistics were used to test the validity and reliability of the outcome measure. Results: Thirty–two interviews (13 urban, 19 rural) generated 67 items. These were reduced to 44 categorized under eight domains during three rounds of the Delphi technique and two nominal group meetings. Factor analysis (FA) and internal consistency statistics on the remaining items, resulted in a two part outcome measure, one for a rural and the other an urban community. The internal consistency of both measures was good (alpha coefficient = 0.95). The new outcome measure, the Maleka Stroke Community Reintegration Measure (M–SCRIM) was compared to the Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcomes to establish construct validity (urban r = 0.88, p lessthan 0.001; rural r = 0.95, p lessthan 0.001). Conclusion: The M–SCRIM is a valid, reliable interview–administered measure to assess community reintegration following stroke for people living in low socioeconomic communities in South Africa. With further refinement it could be validated for use in other developing countries with similar cultures.

The effect of geography and class on livelihoods in South Africa

Development discourse is dotted by calls to reduce poverty and inequality, yet little has been done to determine the factors perpetuating such socio-economic ills. This study investigates the effect of geography and economic class on household livelihoods in the case of selected South African rural communities. A survey was conducted with a total of 164 responses being usable, and data were subjected to analysis of covariance as well as to logistic regression. The results show that the further away a household is to an urban centre, the lower the total per capita income (well-being) and the more likely it depends on transfer income despite literature considering farming to be high value livelihood strategy. Wealth as measured through economic class and livestock show that wealthier families have access to more income generating activities. The results have implications on development policies, favouring spatial economic development strategies that seek rural-urban linkages.

Corporate Social Responsibility Intervention Of One Mining Operator: A Community Development Case In Bojanala District, South Africa

The South African economy constantly experiences work stoppages, is gradually losing its pride and currently experiences decisive anomalous moments underpinning new operational perceptions. Mining organisations seem to be blamed for not doing enough social capital development initiatives, particularly in underdeveloped communities. This study examines in depth the role of a mining company’s involvement in an identifiable community in South Africa’s Bojanala District. Specifically, the study evaluates the steps followed in identifying needs and the usefulness of a mining-project designed to enhance capacity-building opportunities for young South Africans; a sustainable development initiative. Qualitative action research was used in this study to ensure a participatory approach of the data gathering processes to personal and professional transformation. Action research phases were followed in the manner of Maree (2014). The findings suggest that expectations for community development projects are greater in rural and peri-uburban South African communities. It was found that participants had a general inability to read, write, speak, listen and apply the mathematical proficiency that is needed in order to function effectively in an employment environment. The youth unemployment rate in the Bojanala District can be attributed to the gap between their level of education and the employment requirements. The miners are deemed to have a responsibility towards their communities and it is the youth of these same communities that look towards the mines for employment. Mining companies can contribute to education, skills development and training of the youth. If community engagement is taken seriously as a CSR strategic approach, this would enhance positive inter-relations between the mining companies and their communities.

Identification of pests and assessment of their damage on Carapa procera and Lophira lanceolata in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Nontimber forest products are a source of income for women in rural African communities. However, these products are frequently damaged by insect pests. The present study investigates the diversity and damage rates of insect pests that attack Carapa procera seeds and Lophira lanceolata fruits. The experiment was set up in western Burkina Faso and, for C. carapa, consisted of pests collected from seeds that had fallen to the ground and from stockpiled seeds. For L. lanceolata, pests were collected from fruits on the trees, and on the ground. The collected samples were sent to the laboratory to estimate the proportion of damaged seeds/fruits and rear the insects. The results showed that Ephestia spp., Tribolium castaneum, Oryzeaphilus spp., and Tenebroides mauritanicus were the pests of Carapa procera seeds and Lophira lanceolata fruits. Ephestia spp. was recorded as the main pest of both C. procera and L. lanceolata, whereas T. castaneum was only detected from seeds of L. lanceolata. For C. procera, the stocks were the most infested (29 %) by Ephestia spp. The infestation rate of fruits of L. lanceolata by Ephestia spp. on trees (31.42 ± 3.75 %) was less than the rate of fruits by T. castaneum on the ground (44.00 ± 3.5 %). The different body sizes of Ephestia spp. may indicate the occurrence of two putative species, one from C. procera and another one from L. lanceolata. This work provides important information that could contribute to the setting up of a local-scale sustainable management framework for oil tree pests in Burkina Faso and surrounding countries.

Rarity of Heart Failure in a Traditional African Population. A Rural Community Based Study

<p>BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is common globally and increases with age. Among Caucasians it affects mainly the elderly, but the middle-aged in Africa. Statistics are usually hospital based, missing those in the population unable to present in hospital for various reasons. Population statistics of HF for sub-Saharan Africa are hardly available. This was to assess the population prevalence of HF in a rural sub-Sahara African community and get a truer picture of HF morbidity.</p><p>METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from a population study of cardiovascular disease risk factors in rural Nigeria; on self-reported HF as part of general history, physical examination and related laboratory investigations</p><p> RESULTS: Of the 840 subjects, 231 were men; 8 (0.95%) of whom were in HF (2M, 6F); and aged between 50 to 90 years. All the men were above 65 years while 2 of the women were less than 65 years. Four were hypertensive, 3 had hypertension and diabetes; while 1 the oldest had neither. They all denied tobacco and alcohol use. Most of the affected women were multiparous.</p><p>CONCLUSION: HF is infrequent in rural Nigeria with a prevalence of 0.95%. Hypertension was a prominent risk factor, with co-morbid diabetes. The absence of tobacco /alcohol history, anaemia and low rate of kidney disease confirms that a constellation of risk factors is required for HF among hypertensives. The earlier presentation and greater involvement of women (in the background of multiparity) supports the notion that repeated pregnancy and child-birth place higher disease burden of hearts of women.</p>

Positive Fatherhood: A Key Synergy for Functional Early Childhood Education in South Africa

AbstractThis paper presents findings from an empirical study of fathers’ involvement in the preschool education of children in one South African rural community. Both the social capital and the bio...

Significance of social capital in collaborative management of natural resources in Sub-Saharan African rural communities: a qualitative meta-analysis

Social capital is regarded as a critical asset for attaining common goals that may otherwise be unattainable in community-based schemes. A better understanding of social capital dimensions influencing stakeholder participation in collaborative management of natural resources is vital to help policy-makers design programmes that would be more attractive to participants. This paper explores the role of community participation in natural resources management. It specifically examines the extent to which social capital can be instrumental in enhancing collaborative management of community conservation schemes in Sub-Saharan Africa. We adopted a systematic review of the literature on the role of participation in CBRM, which then forms the basis of a qualitative meta-analysis. The meta-analysis reveals several key social capital variables important for stakeholder participation in community-based resource management schemes including; fairness of rules, dispute resolution procedures, inclusivity, sociability and open dialogue.

Social network characteristics and resource access among formerly displaced households in Lira, Uganda.

In rural African communities, the support of extended family, friends, and neighbours is essential in borrowing or leveraging land, labour, food, and money, especially at times of social and financial turmoil. Little is known, though, about the nature of the networks and the conditions under which they may generate greater support in post-conflict communities. This study, conducted in the Lira district of northern Uganda, examined the composition, proximity, and size of the networks that households utilise to gain access to resources during and after resettlement. Network structures with more kin and co-resident ties were found to offer greater resource access to households in post-conflict settings. Furthermore, there was a lack of meaningful linkages outside of a person's own village, especially with regard to households whose head has no or a low level of education. These findings enhance understanding of the specific role of relationships in social support for resource access among households in post-conflict communities.

African American Perspectives and Experiences of Domestic Violence in a Rural Community.

Relatively few studies have explored domestic violence from a multiplicity of African American perspectives, experiences, and socio-demographic backgrounds within rural African American communities. Community-based participatory action research methods were used to explore domestic violence perceptions of African Americans with heterogeneous backgrounds and experiences of violence. Ten focus groups were held throughout the community with 52 diverse women (n = 33) and men (n = 19) living in the northwest region of Arkansas. Demographic data were collected from 47 women (n = 28) and men (n = 19) participating in focus groups regarding their perceptions and experiences of domestic violence, media messages, help-seeking behaviors, and services. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Three major themes emerged, including (a) a heightened awareness of race, gender, and class differences; (b) imbalanced and mixed messages from media; and (c) multi-systemic dynamics influencing abusive behavior and relationships. Results indicate that study participants' perspectives and experiences with domestic violence reflect a complex interrelated gamut of societal, community, familial, and individual dynamics. Participant recommendations related to interpersonal dynamics, media messages, and societal influences are reported with implications for practice, policy, and future research.

Psychosis and help-seeking behavior in rural KwaZulu Natal: unearthing local insights.

BackgroundGrowing interest in strategies regarding early intervention for psychosis has led to a parallel interest in understanding help-seeking behavior, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Nevertheless, few LMIC studies have examined individuals with psychosis in non-urban, non-hospital settings. Using the perspective of formal and informal community service providers, we aimed to uncover descriptions of people with psychosis in a rural South African community and illuminate the potential complexities of their help-seeking journeys.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study of 40 key informant interviews and seven focus groups with stakeholders (traditional leaders, traditional healers, religious leaders, health care nurses, heads of non-governmental organizations, schoolteachers, community caregivers) in a rural Zulu community (Vulindlela). Thematic analysis of the data was performed using the inductive analysis approach.ResultsInterviewees discussed 32 individuals with probable psychosis in their community and provided rich descriptions of their symptoms. A complex picture of help-seeking behavior, primarily involving informal mental health service providers, emerged. Over half of the reported cases had no contact with formal health services in the course of their help-seeking journey; while more than two-thirds never attended a hospital and only 1 in 8 accessed a psychiatric hospital.ConclusionsOur results highlight the important role of informal care providers in LMICs as well as the need for more research on mental illness and local providers in non-hospital contexts. Community stakeholders can contribute to a fuller understanding of these issues, thereby assisting in the creation of appropriate and effective mental health interventions for rural South African communities like Vulindlela.

Adaptation of a Modified DASH Diet to a Rural African American Community Setting.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among African Americans in the U.S., with high blood pressure and obesity being two of the main determinants. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet is effective in changing behaviors associated with these health concerns, but has not been adapted to community settings. Men on the Move: Growing Communities (MOTMGC) was evaluated using a quasi-experimental cross-sectional design. Surveys were conducted with rural African Americans aged ≥18 years prior to the intervention (2008) and at the end of the project (2013), with the final analysis conducted in 2015. Using a community-based participatory research approach, MOTMGC provided culturally appropriate education and changes to the environment to improve access to fruits and vegetables, low-fat, and low-sodium foods. Declines in prevalence of overweight and obese respondents and hypertension were seen in the intervention but not the comparison county. Participants with high levels of participation reported eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, a greater variety of fruits and vegetables, less salt, and seasoning their vegetables with less fat more often than those who did not participate in educational activities. Participants reported that as a result of their access to MOTMGC gardens, they were more likely to eat more fruits, vegetables, and locally grown food, and less processed food and fast food. Adapting the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet to community settings through culturally appropriate community-based efforts can improve dietary behaviors, BMI, and blood pressure.

Abstract 2582: Cervical cancer screening in rural East Africa

Abstract Purpose: Cervical cancer screening (CCS) programs in rural east African communities often go unused by a majority the women residing in these areas. Most HIV-positive and HIV-negative women don't go for cervical cancer screening despite referrals at Bagamoyo District Hospital (BDH), Tanzania. The focus of this study was to understand what the patient barriers are to attending cervical cancer screening clinics. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 114 female patients over the age of 18 within the BDH's Care and Treatment Center (CTC). A small sample of 15 patients was also approached from within the reproductive health clinic (RHC). Participants were asked about their age, religion, parity, marital status, village of birth, village of residence, education, and number of previous screens, why they decided to go (or not go) to screening, and how they first heard of cervical cancer as well as cervical cancer screening. We also gathered data on the number of times each patient had been previously screened, the date of the most recent screen, as well as the referral date for the next screen. Using this information, we then attempted to match the individual's records with that of the CCS clinic's records. Results: The average age of women varied significantly between HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative patients (43 and 31, respectively). HIV-Positive women significantly varied among their education status. Parity and age varied significantly when comparing the screened women to those never before screened. When comparing by screen history, 22% of HIV-positive women had never been screened and all 15 (100%) of HIV-negative women had never had prior screening. Of the reasons given as to why women had not attended prior screening HIV-positive women reported that 36 (31.58%) think they were at risk; 25 (21.93%) had no reason; 20 (17.54%) didn't know when to go; and 19 (16.67%) didn't know where to go. As for the HIV-negative women, 11 (73.33%) said they didn't know where to go; 4 (26.67%) reported they didn't know when to go; 6 (40%) didn't think they were at risk. When analyzing reasons for not attending screening by whether or not prior screening had occurred, we found that most of the women who had never been screened reported to not know when or where to go for screening (36%). Conclusion: There are many potential explanations that play a role in the low cervical cancer screening attendance rates. There are issues surrounding education, accessibility, and funding. Due to the high prevalence of HIV in these areas, it is important to address these issues in order to minimize the impact of cervical cancer. We found lack of education and knowledge about the screening program at BDH was the main explanation for why women did not utilize the screening services. Citation Format: Autumn Cummings, Brianna Rooney, Robert Chamberlain, Amr Soliman, Crispin Kahesa. Cervical cancer screening in rural East Africa. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2582.

An in-depth study of the ICT ecosystem in a South African rural community: unveiling expenditure and communication patterns

There is no doubt of the contributions made by mobile phones and mobile network operators in increasing access to communications in rural areas of developing countries. Yet how affordable is this ubiquitous access in such an ICT ecosystem? Using data from two stratified random surveys conducted in a South African rural community, this paper provides a unique in-depth picture of the expenditure and communication patterns of its dwellers. Results show a high access ratio of people using mobile phone services weekly and a high proportion of disposable income dedicated to a very constrained set of mobile phone services. Factors such as mobile phone charging and the extra charges added by airtime resellers contribute to increase the communication costs. This data and its analysis can be used by the following: regulators and government agencies to better design their policy implementations to provide universal service and access; competing industry players to understand the dynamics within rural communities to better target their products; civil society organizations to use it as a case in their efforts to make affordable communications a constitutional right.

Rethinking Land Endowment and Inequality in Rural Africa: The Importance of Soil Fertility

Summary Access to land has been a major emphasis of previous work on socioeconomic differentiation within rural African communities. Land endowment has generally been measured in terms of area without much consideration to variation in the qualities of land at the level of village territories. Building from work on the variation of soil fertility, this paper considers the potential relationship between soil fertility variation and wealth inequality within rural communities in Sahelian West Africa. The management history, yields, and characteristics (livestock and land wealth, labor, tenure security, cropped area) of the households managing and owning 181 sampled fields within two village territories in southwestern Niger are analyzed to evaluate the relative importance of land area and soil fertility in affecting the ability of households to produce food and the factors that affect household investments into soil fertility. Soil fertility variation is found to play a major role in the crop production achieved in the study area. This variation results in part from contemporary and historic investments by farmers largely through manure application. Manuring rates are found not to be affected by the extent of land owned or managed nor by the security of land tenure. Instead, these investments are determined by livestock wealth, the major store of wealth in rural parts of the Sahel. These findings point to a major mechanism for increased inequality in areas where subsistence cropping prevails—a mechanism that is mediated through soil fertility variation.

HIV and/or AIDS awareness among adolescents in a South African at-risk rural community.

BackgroundThe devastating effects of HIV and/or AIDS are widely documented. Despite ongoing efforts to address the challenges associated with the pandemic, the impact on children orphaned because of the disease, as well as on adolescents, remains problematic. More specifically, orphaned adolescents living in poverty are particularly vulnerable and are often exposed to, for example, emotional and physical abuse and transactional sexual exploitation. Against this background, the importance of informed awareness among adolescents is continually emphasised, yet the outcomes of awareness campaigns require ongoing research.ObjectivesThe main objective of this study was to explore HIV and/or AIDS awareness among adolescents living in a rural community in South Africa, in the Chris Hani District of the Eastern Cape Province. Sixteen adolescents (aged 12–24) who had lost one or both of their parents because of HIV and/or AIDS-related reasons were purposefully selected to participate in the study.MethodFor this qualitative investigation, we implemented a descriptive case study design. Semi-structured individual interviews, observation and field notes were used to collect and document data, and inductive thematic analysis was completed using the software programme Atlas.ti 7.ResultsThe three themes that were identified relate to HIV and/or AIDS awareness, disclosure of parents’ HIV and/or AIDS status and experiences of adolescents surrounding the death of their parents. Adolescents of the community viewed HIV and/or AIDS as an infectious disease that can lead to death; however, this can be prevented by avoiding at-risk sexual behaviour. Schools and family members were the main sources of information regarding HIV and/or AIDS to the participants. Even though parents tended not to disclose their HIV and/or AIDS status, adolescents became aware of their parents’ status when reading about this on their parents’ medical report cards or when being told about the status by others following the death of their parents. For adolescents, their parents’ deaths were associated with the parents being chronically ill or showing visible signs of deterioration such as weight loss.ConclusionThe study concludes that even though current campaigns and informative interventions have seemingly succeeded in ensuring HIV and/or AIDS awareness among adolescents – also those in remote areas – continued educational campaigns are important. Such initiatives may prove to be beneficial by focusing on ways that parents can discuss HIV and/or AIDS-related issues with their children and disclose an HIV-positive status.

Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Plants Used Traditionally as a Source of Food

Many indigenous plants have also been used as a source of food and medicine in many African rural communities in the past. The study investigated the antimicrobial activity, phytochemical constituent, and antioxidant activity of selected traditional plants used traditionally as a source of food and medicine. The methanol and water extracts of different plant parts were analyzed for phytochemicals using standard phytochemical screening reagents while the broth microdilution assays were used to analyze antimicrobial activities. Alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenes were found in one or more of the plant extracts, and all the plant extracts demonstrated scavenging activities. The back extracts of Sclerocarya birrea and the leaf extracts of Garcinia livingstonei exhibit the best antioxidant activities, while the water and methanol back extracts of S. birrea and G. livingstonei were the most active against all the tested foodborne bacteria.

Abstract A27: Recruitment methods for engaging rural African American populations in community-based research

Abstract There is a paucity of data on African Americans in community-based research secondary to difficulties in recruitment. These challenges include transportation, outreach barriers, fear and mistrust of researchers, lack of knowledge about disorder/issue under study, and lack of incentives. We hypothesized that we could improve recruitment in rural African American women by engaging community centers such as churches, community health centers, and doctor's offices. Over a 1 month period, we sought to recruit 40 women for a community based research project with a primary outcome of increasing activity in rural African American women (45-70 years old) with knee pain. The outlets used to recruit these women included: five churches with a community liaison, many primary care physicians' offices, and a newspaper ad. In 1 month, 67 women expressed interest in our program by initiating contact. Of those 67 women, 42 were eligible and 37 were enrolled. Of the 42 eligible women, 24 were recruited from churches, 11 through word of mouth, 3 from physicians' offices, and 3 from the newspaper ad. Lack of literature on how to recruit in rural African American communities is a significant barrier to research participation among African Americans. In this project, we provide a reproducible recruitment process for engaging rural African American women in community based research. While our primary focus was knee pain, this recruitment process can easily be translated into other areas of community based research including cancer and cardiovascular disease among others. Citation Format: Michelle Scott, Tamara Huff, Monica Albertie, Gerardo Colon-Otero. Recruitment methods for engaging rural African American populations in community-based research. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A27.

HIV and/or AIDS awareness among adolescent orphans in one of the South African rural communities

HIV and/or AIDS awareness among adolescent orphans in one of the South African rural communities