Central Zambia Research Articles

New records, diagnostics and preliminary checklist of the superfamily Pentatomoidea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from the Comoro Islands

The following species are recorded from the Comoro Islands for the first time: 12 species of Pentatomidae: Pentatominae—Anoano pronotalis Cachan, 1952 (from Mayotte), Antestiopsis clymeneis cf. galtiei (Frappa, 1934) (Mayotte), Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister, 1835) (Mayotte), Bathycoelia rodhaini Schouteden, 1913 (Mayotte), Coquerelia ventralis Horváth, 1904 (Mayotte), Eurysaspis transversalis Signoret, 1851 (Anjouan, Grande Comore, Mayotte), Gadarscama ebenaui Reuter, 1887 (Anjouan, Grande Comore, Mohéli, Mayotte), Lerida annulicornis (Signoret, 1861) (Anjouan, Mayotte), Neoacrosternum validum (Horváth, 1904) (Grand Comore, Mayotte), Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mayotte), Piezodorus hybneri (Gmelin, 1790) (Mayotte), and Stenozygum mirabile (Signoret, 1861) (Mayotte); two species of Plataspidae—Brachyplatys hemisphaerica (Westwood, 1837) (Mayotte) and Coptosoma maculatum Westwood, 1837 (Mayotte); and one species of Scutelleridae—Hotea denticulata Stål, 1865 (Mayotte). The endemic pentatomine species Bathycoelia cuneifera Bergroth, 1893, syn. nov., is recognized as a junior subjective synonym of the widely distributed African species Bathycoelia thalassina (Herrich-Schäffer, 1844). The lectotype of B. cuneifera is designated herein. The checklist of the Pentatomoidea of Comoro Islands includes six species of Cydnidae, 21 species of Pentatomidae, two species of Plataspidae, one species of Scutelleridae and 1 species of Tessaratomidae. Of these species, six are endemic to the archipelago, 14 species are subendemic (shared with Madagascar and/or Aldabra Atoll), and nine species are widespread, occurring also on the African mainland (including the cosmopolitan pest Nezara viridula and two species of Bathycoelia Amyot & Serville, 1843 from the Guinean area, all three possibly alien to the archipelago). We document an additional eight species (six species of Pentatomidae, one species of each Scutelleridae and Tessaratomidae) that are identified to generic level only (two recorded from Grand Comore, seven from Mayotte, one of them occuring in both islands). Mayotte is the best sampled island, with 28 recorded species, followed by Grande Comore (11 species), Anjouan (six species), and Mohéli (four species). In addition the following new records are provided: Bathycoelia rodhaini from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon and Zambia, Bathycoelia thalassina from Central African Republic and Ethiopia, and Piezodorus hybneri from Angola (Cabinda) and Sierra Leone. The type locality of Eurysaspis transversalis Signoret, 1851, India: Puducherry, is considered an error as the species occurs only in Madagascar and Comoros. The following plant associations are recorded from Mayotte: Bagrada hilaris on Cleome viscosa (Cleomaceae), Eurysaspis transversalis on Senna singueana (Fabaceae), and Piezosternum sp. on Cucumis sativus (Cucurbitaceae) and Mikania capensis (Asteraceae).

Differences in germination traits of time-separated seed collections of dry forest species from Central Zambia and the potential role of climate

Abstract Time-separated seed collections with a separation period of 12–18 years were used to study recent changes in germination traits and the role of climate factors in seven tropical dry forest (TDF) woody species in Zambia, southern Africa. In all the species, peak and final germination were lower in recent (2016–2021) seed collections than in historic (1998–2005) seed collections during the first germination season. However, in species with seed dormancy, both peak and final germination after one year burial were higher in recent seed collections than in historic seed collections. Three monthly climate factors had significant effects on final germination in the different species and the timing of most of these factors was during seed development and ripening that suggest that these factors operated through mother plants. In species with seed dormancy, post-first-year germination of buried seeds responded to climate factors in the regeneration niche. Climate factors that significantly affected germination included those that changed over the separation period between historic and recent seed collections. This indicates that short-time climatic changes may have the potential to impact germination in TDF woody species of southern Africa. The germination responses to climate factors were both positive and negative and it is not clear whether these are adaptations or not. Further research is required to assess the adaptive significance of these changes in germination traits in TDF species of southern Africa.

Pollination of Disa engleriana (Orchidaceae): Floral modifications for deposition of pollinaria on the abdomen of large bees and wasps

The evolution of complex floral morphology in orchids can be attributed largely to mechanisms that ensure precise placement of pollinaria on the bodies of animal flower visitors. Floral advertisements and rewards also play a key role in selective attraction of animals that are suitable as pollen vectors. Previous studies of the large African orchid genus Disa have demonstrated high levels of pollination system specialization and have identified functions of floral morphology for transfer of pollen, but studies of pollination in members of the tropical clade of Disa sect. Micranthae have been lacking. This clade is characterized by highly unusual floral morphology, including vertical anthers and pronounced spatial separation between a nectar-producing spur located in the centre of the dorsal sepal and the rostellum lobes that serve to attach pollinaria to flower visitors. In a study conducted in central Zambia, I found that the flowers of Disa engleriana are pollinated by large wasps (Eumeninae and Scoliidae) and carpenter bees. These insect groups carry pollinaria near the tip of their abdomen, which contacts the rostellum when the abdomen is tucked under the flower for balance during nectar-feeding. The pollinaria are rigid and project at 90˚ from the underside of the abdomen such that they contact the deeply recessed stigma during subsequent flower visits. This study reveals a new mechanism of pollen transfer in Disa and sheds light on the evolution of the highly complex floral morphology of this large orchid clade

Stakeholder perspectives of PBL and their involvement in the implementation of play pedagogy in selected Schools offering ECE in Southern and Central Zambia

While several studies have been done on parental involvement in early childhood education, gaps still exists relating to the conceptualisation of play and play-based learning in different contexts. The various perceptions of play and play- based learning have a strong influence on their involvement in play-based learning activities involving children in Early Childhood Education. Using a qualitative approach, framed within the interpretive research paradigm, this study revealed a disjuncture between the positive perception held by the stakeholders on play and PBL to the reality of play-based learning in the ECE schools. The researchers asked three questions: 1. What are the perceptions of parents, community, and school administrators (teachers and administrators) regarding play and play-based learning? 2. How do these stakeholders get involved in PBL? 3. And what factors influence their involvement? The researchers collected data through key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussions and classroom observations. The study established that the involvement in PBL varied among stakeholders. For parents and community members their involvement was often based on solicitation by the school administrators and external development agencies - as opposed to volunteering postulated by Epstein’s theory of parental involvement employed in the study. Among the factors that influenced their participation was a general lack of a clear understanding of PBL and their role and functions in PBL and ECE in general. Thus, the study recommends capacity building in PBL for parents, community members and school administrators.

Pollination of Chamaepentas nobilis (Rubiaceae) by long‐proboscid hawkmoths in south‐central Africa: Trait mismatching and floral scent chemistry

AbstractThe evolution of extremely long (>10 cm) floral tubes in angiosperms is closely linked with adaptation for pollination by long‐proboscid hawkmoths. In most cases, pollen is placed on the head or body of these moths, selecting for floral tubes that match or slightly exceed their proboscis length as this ensures contact with reproductive parts of the flower. However, in the case of Chamaepentas nobilis (Rubiaceae), anthers are inserted inside the c. 12‐cm floral tubes and coat the proboscis of visiting hawkmoths with sticky pollen, meaning that insects with proboscides longer than the floral tube can be effective pollinators, despite trait mismatching. Direct observations and camera trapping on granite outcrops in central Zambia showed that C. nobilis was visited both by Agrius convolvuli (proboscis length c. 13 cm) and Xanthopan morganii (proboscis length c. 17 cm), which are the only moth species in Africa that can access the small amounts of dilute nectar at the base of the floral tube. Pollen on the proboscides of captured hawkmoths was confirmed to originate from C. nobilis. Key floral advertising traits of C. nobilis include early evening anthesis, the highly reflective white limbus, and the evening production of scent dominated by oxygenated aromatic and terpenoid compounds known to elicit antennal responses of A. convolvuli. This study shows that that A. convolvuli and X. morganii share floral resources and jointly pollinate C. nobilis, despite their proboscides differing in length and being mismatched with the corolla tube length.

Evaluating the impact of agricultural production efficiency on sustainable development goals in coffee‐producing countries in Africa

AbstractClimate change has directly impacted coffee‐producing regions in Africa. This study uses the two stage Dynamic Network Directional Distance Function (DN‐DDF) and Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) methods to evaluate the efficiency and productivity changes of agricultural production and sustainable development in 19 African coffee‐producing countries from 2014 to 2018. According to the empirical results, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Liberia, Uganda, and Zambia have the highest overall efficiency. This study has three main contributions: (1) using a two‐stage model to evaluate the impact of agricultural production efficiency on sustainable development efficiency, (2) using a dynamic model with forest area as a cross‐period variable to reflect the real‐world phenomenon of coffee relying on forest mixed planting, and (3) objectively evaluating the impact of extreme weather on agricultural production by using rainfall as an exogenous variable to address previous research shortcomings. The results of this study can promote the improvement of agricultural production efficiency in African coffee‐producing countries and provide important reference value for sustainable development goals.

Chlorophytum vespertinum (Asparagaceae, Anthericeae), a New Species from Zambia and Tanzania

Chlorophytum vespertinum Vollesen from Zambia and Tanzania is described and illustrated. The species exhibits characters unique in Chlorophytum Ker Gawl.: pendulous flowers and fruits, flowers that open late in the afternoon and close before midnight, and leaves with a long-extended reflexed or recoiled tip. Its affinities are discussed in the context of recent taxonomic work on the genus. The species is distributed from central northern Zambia to southwestern Tanzania and usually grows on termite mounds in Brachystegia Benth. woodland or in surrounding areas. Chlorophytum vespertinum is assigned a preliminary IUCN Red List status of Vulnerable.

Timing of seasonal influenza epidemics for 25 countries in Africa during 2010–19: a retrospective analysis

Using country-specific surveillance data to describe influenza epidemic activity could inform decisions on the timing of influenza vaccination. We analysed surveillance data from African countries to characterise the timing of seasonal influenza epidemics to inform national vaccination strategies. We used publicly available sentinel data from African countries reporting to the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response FluNet platform that had 3-10 years of data collected during 2010-19. We calculated a 3-week moving proportion of samples positive for influenza virus and assessed epidemic timing using an aggregate average method. The start and end of each epidemic were defined as the first week when the proportion of positive samples exceeded or went below the annual mean, respectively, for at least 3 consecutive weeks. We categorised countries into five epidemic patterns: northern hemisphere-dominant, with epidemics occurring in October-March; southern hemisphere-dominant, with epidemics occurring in April-September; primarily northern hemisphere with some epidemic activity in southern hemisphere months; primarily southern hemisphere with some epidemic activity in northern hemisphere months; and year-round influenza transmission without a discernible northern hemisphere or southern hemisphere predominance (no clear pattern). Of the 34 countries reporting data to FluNet, 25 had at least 3 years of data, representing 46% of the countries in Africa and 89% of Africa's population. Study countries reported RT-PCR respiratory virus results for a total of 503 609 specimens (median 12 971 [IQR 9607-20 960] per country-year), of which 74 001 (15%; median 2078 [IQR 1087-3008] per country-year) were positive for influenza viruses. 248 epidemics occurred across 236 country-years of data (median 10 [range 7-10] per country). Six (24%) countries had a northern hemisphere pattern (Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Morocco, Niger, and Tunisia). Eight (32%) had a primarily northern hemisphere pattern with some southern hemisphere epidemics (Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Togo). Three (12%) had a primarily southern hemisphere pattern with some northern hemisphere epidemics (Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda). Three (12%) had a southern hemisphere pattern (Central African Republic, South Africa, and Zambia). Five (20%) had no clear pattern (Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Rwanda). Most countries had identifiable influenza epidemic periods that could be used to inform authorities of non-seasonal and seasonal influenza activity, guide vaccine timing, and promote timely interventions. None. For the Berber, Luganda, Xhosa, Chewa, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Afan Oromo translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

An Assessment of the Risk Factors Associated with Disease Outbreaks across Tilapia Farms in Central and Southern Zambia

The study investigated the management practices that contribute to disease outbreaks in farmed tilapia in Lusaka and central and southern provinces in Zambia. It was a cross-sectional qualitative study undertaken from January to March 2021 in which questionnaires were administered to 49 farmers to assess their fish health management and biosecurity competence. Data were analysed using means, percentages, ratios, and logistical regression. The results showed that the majority of the farms had high stocking densities (>8 fish/m2, 44.4%), reared Nile tilapia (67.7%), and sourced water for farming from rivers and streams (45.7%). A few farmers measured water quality parameters daily (16.7%) and removed dead fish from ponds daily (20.8%). The stocking density (p = 0.013), fish species (p = 0.031), dead fish disposal methods (p = 0.023), and control of predator birds (p = 0.016) influenced the total mortality recorded on farms, while pond type (p = 0.031 and p = 0.045), water source (p = 0.023), and stocking density (p = 0.027) influenced the duration of a mortality episode. It is evident that some fish health management practices and biosecurity concepts among tilapia farmers in the study area are inadequate and may not contain disease outbreaks or the spread of pathogens.

The Birth and Sociolinguistic Features of Sala Language of Zambia. To What Extent is Sala Language Related to Bantu Botatwe Group of Languages?

The central theme of this study is language contact, ethnic and linguistic construction. The purpose of this paper is therefore, two folds: Firstly, to describe the birth and evolution of Sala language of Central Zambia, both at synchronic and diachronic levels. Secondly, to investigate the sociolinguistic aspects of Sala language in terms of language contact and revitalisation, language maintenance, and geographical variations linked to multilingualism within the speech communities. Much of the bulky data was elicited from interviews through semi-structured interview schedules. Library literature, oral tales, and songs were some of the secondary sources that were used to gather vital and relevant information for this study.

The possibilities of explicit Striga (Striga asiatica) risk monitoring using phenometric, edaphic, and climatic variables, demonstrated for Malawi and Zambia.

Food insecurity continues to affect more than two-thirds of the population in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly those depending on rain-fed agriculture. Striga, a parasitic weed, has caused yield losses of cereal crops, immensely affecting smallholder farmers in SSA. Although earlier studies have established that Striga is a constraint to crop production, there is little information on the spatial extent of spread and infestation severity of the weed in some SSA countries like Malawi and Zambia. This study aimed to use remotely sensed vegetation phenological (n = 11), climatic (n = 3), and soil (n = 4) variables to develop a data-driven ecological niche model to estimate Striga (Striga asiatica) spatial distribution patterns over Malawi and Zambia, respectively. Vegetation phenological variables were calculated from 250-m enhanced vegetation index (EVI) timeline data, spanning 2013 to 2016. A multicollinearity test was performed on all 18 predictor variables using the variance inflation factor (VIF) and Pearson's correlationapproach. From the initial 18 variables, 12 non-correlated predictor variables were selected to predict Striga risk zones over the two focus countries. The variable "start of the season" (start of the rainy season) showed the highest model relevance, contributing 26.8% and 37.9% to Striga risk models for Malawi and Zambia, respectively. This indicates that the crop planting date influences the occurrence and the level of Striga infestation. The resultant occurrence maps revealed interesting spatial patterns; while a very high Striga occurrence was predicted for central Malawi and eastern Zambia (mono-cultural maize growing areas), lower occurrence rates were found in the northern regions. Our study shows the possibilities of integrating various ecological factors with a better spatial and temporal resolution for operational and explicit monitoring of Striga-affected areas in SSA. The explicit identification of Striga "hotspot" areas is crucial for effectively informing intervention activities on the ground.

Unexpectedly high diversity of trypanosomes in small sub-Saharan mammals

The extremely species-rich genus Trypanosoma has recently been divided into 16 subgenera, most of which show fairly high host specificity, including the subgenus Herpetosoma parasitizing mainly rodents. Although most Herpetosoma spp. are highly host-specific, the best-known representative, Trypanosoma lewisi, has a cosmopolitan distribution and low host specificity. The present study investigates the general diversity of small mammal trypanosomes in East and Central Africa and the penetration of invasive T. lewisi into communities of native rodents. An extensive study of blood and tissue samples from Afrotropical micromammals (1528 rodents, 135 shrews, and five sengis belonging to 37 genera and 133 species) captured in the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia revealed 187 (11.2%) trypanosome-positive individuals. The prevalence of trypanosomes in host genera ranged from 2.1% in Aethomys to 37.1% in Lemniscomys. The only previously known trypanosome detected in our dataset was T. lewisi, newly found in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania in a wide range of native rodent hosts. Besides T. lewisi, 18S rRNA sequencing revealed 48 additional unique Herpetosoma genotypes representing at least 15 putative new species, which doubles the known sequence-based diversity of this subgenus, and approaches the true species richness in the study area. The other two genotypes represent two new species belonging to the subgenera Ornithotrypanum and Squamatrypanum. The trypanosomes of white-toothed shrews (Crocidura spp.) form a new phylogroup of Herpetosoma, unrelated to flagellates previously detected in insectivores. With 13 documented species, Ethiopia was the richest region for trypanosome diversity, which corresponds to the very diverse environments and generally high biodiversity of this country. We conclude that besides T. lewisi, the subgenus Herpetosoma is highly host-specific (e.g., species parasitizing the rodent genera Acomys and Gerbilliscus). Furthermore, several newly detected trypanosome species are specific to their endemic hosts, such as brush-furred mice (Lophuromys), dormice (Graphiurus), and white-toothed shrews (Crocidura).

Climate change impacts on maize and soybean yields in Zambia

AbstractProjected changes in temperature and rainfall directly threaten the overall agricultural crop production system in Zambia where 75% of agricultural production is rainfed. This study investigates the effects of future climate on maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields using relatively high spatial resolution downscaled climate data in Central and Eastern Zambia. The Agrometshell model was applied to simulate historical and future crop yields. To account for the effects of climate change on crop yields, global climate models (GCMs) and Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) were used. Most yield functions were significant with R2 values >.7 with p < .05, indicating the model's ability to capture variations in observed data. Mean maize yield change decreased across RCPs and GCMs in Central Province and the decrease amplified in several areas in the far future, suggesting worsening effects into the future. But the projected mean yield changes in Eastern Province remain mostly within the historical range of variability, suggesting that maize yield in this province is less sensitive to climate change. Projected mean soybean yield changes in Central Province consist of a combination of reductions and improvements. Soybean yields in Eastern Province were projected to increase in the near future, shifting to large increases in the far future. Drastic reductions in maize yields are likely to cause major negative effects in the agricultural system because maize is a staple crop in the country. In contrast, soybean showed less sensitivity to future climate and demonstrates the value of diversifying agricultural systems and increasing the sustainability of food production systems.

Factors affecting income generation among smallholder farmers with agricultural cooperative membership in Zambia

This study analysed the effects of cooperative member characteristics on income generation among smallholder farmers in Chibombo district of Central Zambia using logistic regression from a sample size of 398 co-operative members. The aim of the study was to analyze factors affecting income generation among small-holder famers with membership in agricultural cooperatives, and to identify factors that increase their income. Data were collected in May 2020 using a questionnaire. The empirical data indicated that income increased when there were increases in the cultivated area, primary education and cooperative membership period of 5–10 years but decreased with marriage, being widowed and a farming experience period of 5–10 years. The other factors had no significant effect. Thus, the study concludes that increasing cultivated area, duration of cooperative membership and attending at least primary education would better income generation among cooperative members.

Excavations at the Iron Age Village Site of Fibobe II, Central Zambia

Abstract The period from c. AD 900 to AD 1300 in southern Africa is characterized by transitions from small-scale Iron Age mixed economy communities to the beginnings of more intensive food production and eventually the emergence of complex polities. In Zambia, this coincides with the appearance of larger and more permanent agro-pastoralist villages that began participating in Indian Ocean trade networks. Unlike other parts of southern Africa where stone architecture became common, the predominance of wattle-and-daub type construction methods across Zambia have often impeded preservation of Iron Age activity areas. It has therefore been difficult to reconstruct how economic and land-use changes between the Early and Later Iron Ages impacted family and community relationships reflected in intra-site and intra-household spatial organization. Fibobe II, in the Mulungushi River Basin of Central Zambia, is a rare example of an Early-to-Mid Iron Age village site where these spatial patterns may be discernable due to preservation of activity spaces and vitrified remains of wattle-and-daub structures. This paper reports on new investigations following original testing of the site in 1979, confirming preservation of an Iron Age hut with distinct patterning of features, artifacts, and charcoal. These results reaffirm the unique nature of Fibobe II and indicate the potential for programs of household archaeology aimed at studying this important and understudied period in Zambian prehistory.

Fukomys anselli (Rodentia: Bathyergidae)

Abstract Fukomys anselli (Burda, Zima, Scharff, Macholán, and Kawalika 1999) is a bathyergid commonly known as Ansell’s mole-rat. This tooth-digging subterranean rodent lives in cooperatively breeding family groups. It is a small-bodied representative of the genus Fukomys, whose members are distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. Fukomys anselli is endemic to central Zambia and occurs in mesic woodland and agricultural areas. In rural settings, F. anselli is frequently hunted for consumption, but it is unclear whether this significantly impacts its population integrity. Fukomys anselli is listed as “Least Concern” (LC) with a declining population trend by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

An Integrated Assessment of Community Ecological Based Adaptation (CEBA) Options in Agriculture for Climate Change Adaptation, Resilience Building and Sustainability in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Central Zambia

Climate change remains a serious global problem posing a wide range of challenges and impacts which will likely hinder the attainment of the widely discussed sustainable development goals (SDGs). The impacts and threats from a changing climate have the potential to significantly impact all sectors of the global economy and will largely be multifaceted, multidimensional, and multi-sectoral. These adverse impacts will to a greater extent, be manifested at the local and community level where the adaptability capacity is weak and resources are scarce. In the last two decades, there has been growing support and evidence that suggests that local people and communities in partnership with their local governments and NGOs are undertaking community ecological based adaptation (CEBA) practices at both the local and community level which are enhancing their adaptability and resilience capacities to a changing climate. CEBA mechanisms are initiatives and practices that local and rural communities across the developing world are sometimes adopting in partnership with their local government and non-governmental organizations to adapt to a changing climate. However, over the years, these initiatives, experiments, and activities have been poorly actualized, communicated, and there is uncertainty on whether these practices and mechanisms are enhancing the adaptability and resilience capacities of the many poor people in these communities. It is from this background that this paper seeks to assess and analyze present and future climate change impacts on agriculture in Central Zambia and further seeks to appraise the effectiveness of CEBA mechanisms being adopted and utilized in this region. Using community assessment and rural appraisal tools this research paper found that indeed some CEBA practices are innovative and effective and are enhancing the adaptability and resilience of the local people in agriculture in this region. The paper recommends that the advancement, funding, and integration of innovative and effective CEBA practices with scientific knowledge and the ultimate replication and incorporation of these practices into developmental and climate change policies can be one of the most beneficial and effective ways for a sustainable, adaptive, and resilient agriculture sector in the face of a changing and unpredictable climate.

Microbial load of edible termites (macroterme spp.) from collection to marketing in Serenje District, Central Zambia

Edible insects including termites form a suitable alternative for sustainable provision of animal protein to fight protein-energy malnutrition. It is as cardinal to study the food safety of edible termites as it is for any other food stuff. Twenty seven (27) samples were collected and analysed for total viable counts and Enterobacteriaceae. The microbial load was assessed using culture, microscopic and biochemical methods. The isolates identified in this study includeStaphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, yeasts other thanCandida albicans andZygomycetes. Investigation of the total viable counts and Enterobacteriaceae of open air traded edible termites revealed loads higher than those recommended for minced meat 5.7 to 6.7 log10 cfu/g. The mean ranges were between 6.87 and 9.29 log10 cfu/g for total viable counts and 6.64 and 8.537 log10 cfu/g for Enterobacteriaceae. The presence ofE. coli suggests faecal contamination of the sample along the value chain whereasS. aureus, yeasts other thanC. albicans, andZygomycetes indicate unhygienic handling of the food samples. Heat treatments can reduce the loads but may not be effective for enterotoxins and recontamination of the sample is possible. Poor hygiene and sanitation by handlers may contribute to contamination and recontamination of Edible termites. Food safety and hygiene education on processing and handling practices that reduce microbial loads at collection sites, transportation and display points are important especially since termites are sold as ready to eat foods in African open air Markets. Legislation on open defecation, use of toilets and promotion of hand washing hygiene can effectively reduce the risk of contamination with gastrointestinal microflora from faecal matter.

Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Men and Women in Land Conversion Processes in Central Zambia

Zambia’s Lands Act of 1996 provides for the conversion of land rights from customary to leasehold tenure by both Zambian citizens and non-Zambians. This study reports on land conversion processes engaged by rural men and women of Chongwe and Chibombo districts in central Zambia. Data was collected through 85 structured interviews with male and female residents in the two study areas and several key informants. Results show that 75% and 58% of the men and women interviewed had obtained customary land from their village head persons, and 31% and 42% had engaged in land conversion processes. Land conversions have resulted in increased employment opportunities for men; and tenure security for unmarried and widowed women. Ambivalence towards the loss of power by chiefs over subjects with titled land and paying property taxes to the state was evident in both men and women residents in the midst of more secure land tenure rights for their families. Retaining traditional leaders’ authority in the land conversion process perpetuates discriminatory practices against women and privileges village head persons and men while disadvantaging women. Land conversions are engendering changes in matrilineal inheritance patterns more favourable to landowners’ children.

Hydrothermal alteration and Cu–Co mineralization at the peripheral zone (Target H) of the Kitumba iron–oxide copper–gold system, Mumbwa District, Zambia

AbstractTarget H is a new Cu prospect discovered in the Mumbwa district of central Zambia. Copper mineralization in the Mumbwa district is linked to the hydrothermal system associated with the granite‐quartz syenite intrusions of the Hook batholith. The extent of the hydrothermal system has not been documented, but various Cu prospects, including Target H, have been discovered at the margins of the granite‐quartz syenite bodies. The objective of this study is to investigate the geological characteristics of the Target H prospect using petrographic, geochemical, and sulfur isotope data in order to understand the features of mineralization at the margin of the hydrothermal system. The Cu‐ and Co‐rich orebodies are hosted in siltstone and breccia correlated to the Kundelungu Group of the Neoproterozoic Katanga Supergroup rocks. The siltstone consists of alternating beds of sandstone and mudstone that are composed of diagenetic quartz, albite, dolomite, calcite, and muscovite. Breccia occurs parallel to the bedding planes and in the folded and fractured siltstone units. Lithostratigraphy is characterized by three domains: breccia, transition, and host rock, which are defined depending on the proportion of siltstone and breccia. The diagenetic minerals have been modified by hydrothermal alteration, resulting in alteration products controlled by the primary mineralogy of the host rocks: K‐feldspar and muscovite replace albite and muscovite in siltstone, while siderite and hematite replace dolomite and calcite in breccia. Hydrothermal calcite is observed in the veinlets with or without siderite and hematite. Copper mineralization is associated with hydrothermal alteration and occurs as chalcopyrite, bornite, and chalcocite in breccia and stockwork veins. Diagrams correlating geochemistry to lithology show that the bulk of Cu mineralization is hosted in the breccia. An anomalous concentration of Co occurs with Cu in breccia, but the two metals do not show similar enrichment and depletion behaviors. The Cu‐rich orebody forms in hematite‐dominated breccia domain, whereas Co‐rich orebody forms in siderite‐dominated breccia units in the transition domain. In addition to Cu and Co, geochemical data show significant enrichment of Fe, P, Ba, Mo, Pb, W, U, V, and light rare earth elements in the breccia. Sulfur isotopic values of sulfide minerals show lighter δ34S values between 5 and 9‰ in the breccia and heavy δ34S signatures of approximately 17–28‰ in the siltstone. The δ34S values measured from sulfides in the breccia were comparable to the values obtained from the Kitumba deposit, which is located at the center of the hydrothermal system. We propose a magmatic‐hydrothermal origin for the Cu‐ and Co‐rich orebodies in the breccia at Target H. Breccia was the conduit for iron‐oxide‐rich metal‐bearing fluids that originated from the Kitumba deposit. Cooling and reaction of the fluids with dolomite‐rich siltstone triggered a redox reaction that deposited Cu sulfide minerals and an anomalous concentration of Co.