Africa Research Articles

Mitogenomic Characterization of South African Leopards and the Effect of Past Climatic Events

Revealing phylogeographic structure is important for accurate subspecies delineation and understanding a species’ evolutionary history. In leopards (Panthera pardus), there are currently nine subspecies recognized. On the African continent, only one subspecies occurs (P. p. pardus), although mitochondrial DNA from historical samples suggests the presence of three putative continental clades: (1) West Africa (WA), (2) Central Africa (CA), and (3) Southern Africa (SA). So far, whole genome data did not recover this phylogeographic structure, although leopards in the southern periphery of their distribution range in Africa have not yet been investigated in detail. The Mpumalanga province of South Africa is of particular interest, as here, the CA and the SA clade possibly meet. The aim of this study was to characterize the first mitogenomes of African leopards from Mpumalanga, to help clarifying how South African leopards fit into continental patterns of genetic differentiation. Complete mitogenomes from nine leopards, including a strawberry leopard, were assembled de novo and included in phylogenetic analysis, in combination with 32 publicly available mitogenomes. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses identified two deeply diverged putative clades within South Africa, which were more genetically distinct than two subspecies in Asia. The clades dated back to 0.76-0.86 million years ago, indicating that they originated during the climatically unstable Mid-Pleistocene, as seen in other large mammals. The Pleistocene refuge theory states that the maintenance of savanna refugia in East and Southern Africa promoted the divergence between populations. As such, leopards may reflect the unique climatic history of southern Africa, which has resulted in eminent and endemic genetic diversity.

EXAMINING THE CRITICAL ROLE OF YOUTH'S PARTICIPATION AS CATALYSTS FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF DEVELOPMENT

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the critical role of youth participation as catalysts for sustainable social and economic drivers of development in Africa.   Theoretical Reference: The study adopted the theory of Positive Youth Development to contexualise the aim of the study. The study argues that, youth workers and other service providers using a youth development approach would be able to analyze the theories in this study and determine what influences their practice, anticipate the results of their interventions, choose the best course of action at each stage of the process, and explain their actions when working with young people.   Method: Through the application of qualitative research techniques, the study primarily used peer-reviewed secondary sources available within the public domain. Since they provided the researchers with a great opportunity to connect with the body of knowledge already in existence and allowed the researchers to gain insight into the thoughts and experiences of other scholars regarding the area of study. Hence advanced searches of baseline literature were used to collect qualitative data.   Results and Conclusions: The literature review examined the vital role that young people play as engines for long-term social and economic development in several African. The study argued that youth involvement promotes project ownership and sustainability and increases young people's ability to meet their basic needs.   Implications of Research: Unemployment has caused Africa a lot of woes as youths embrace violence rather than embarking on projects that would benefit the continent. The paper concluded that unless impediments to the actualisation are expunged, the African continent will still take its back seat in this era of unprecedented development. Originality/ Value: The study made the case that young people must be involved as advisors, collaborators, and stakeholders if development initiatives are to be effective and representative. To guarantee that young people are engaged, it is not enough to rely just on one-time conversations; there needs to be an ongoing process.

Epidemiological Aspects and Basic Directions of the Protective Medications against Monkeypox Development

Relevance. After smallpox eradication, in conditions of population immunity to orthopoxviruses absence, Monkeypox virus became most significant orthopoxvirus, pathogenic for humans. Therefore the generalization of data on the areas of infection outbreaks, human diseases and methods of prevention and treatment of monkey pox is important task. Aim. To characterize the problem of monkeypox in the world based on an analysis of foreign scientific publications over the past 20 years. Materials and methods. The work used publications presented in the main international medical information databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, etc. To analyze the publications, the analytical epidemiological method was used. Results and discussion. Monkeypox virus, obtained and identified in 1958, by genetic and phenotypic differences divides on two clades: West-African with lethality 3.6% and Central-African (Congo Basin) with lethality 10%. Monkeypox virus transmission to men happens in two ways, either from animal-to-human or human-to-human. Monkey pox is endemic only on African continent, but In 2003 year the first outbreak, numbering 47 confirmed cases, was occurred in non-endemic country – USA and the largest monkeypox outbreak began in Nigeria in September 2017 year and continue to the present. Comparison of the genome sequences of strains, isolated from patients in non-endemic countries, showed, that it genetically close to West-african strains, belong to II clades and were descended from a common ancestor. Many cases of disease in humans in the current outbreak have been traced to sexual transmission especially among men, who identify ourselves as gay or bisexual. The basis method for identification of agent in present time is PCR-RT targeting on the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor gene. Usually monkeypox of human is mild, self-limiting disease. The symptoms of monkeypox are varied and non-specific. One of the most frequently observed clinical symptoms is lymphadenopathy. Most patients recover during some weeks. However, specific antiviral treatment – tecovirimat (S-246) and brincidofovir (CMX-001) – may be used for seriously ill or immunocompromised individuals. For prophylactic disease in present time are use vaccines JYNNEOSTM, ACAM2000R and Aventis Pasteur (APSV). Conclusion. General vaccination against monkeypox don't develop accordingly to modern recommendations WHO. Ring vaccination is recommended to conduct for suppression of spread virus in nidus of infection among population. Timely international coordination is needed to prevent the global spread of a disease with epidemic potential.

Does environmental knowledge and performance engender environmental behavior at airports? A moderated mediation effect

Does environmental knowledge and performance engender environmental behavior at airports? A moderated mediation effect

Application of Genomic Medicine in Africa: 14th Conference of the African Society of Human Genetics and the 2nd International Congress of the Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics, Rabat, Morocco 2022.

The 14th African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) Morocco Meeting and 2nd International Congress of the Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics (SM2GH), held in Rabat, Morocco, from December 12 through 17, 2022, brought together 298 attendees from 23 countries, organized by the AfSHG in collaboration with the SM2GH. The conference's overarching theme was "Applications of Genomics Medicine in Africa," covering a wide range of topics, including population genetics, genetics of infectious diseases, hereditary disorders, cancer genetics, and translational genetics. The conference aimed to address the lag in the field of genetics in Africa and highlight the potential for genetic research and personalized medicine on the continent. The goal was to improve the health of African populations and global communities while nurturing the careers of young African scientists in the field. Distinguished scientists from around the world shared their recent findings in genetics, immunogenetics, genomics, genome editing, immunotherapy, and ethics genomics. Precongress activities included a 2-day bioinformatics workshop, "NGS Analysis for Monogenic Disease in African Populations," and a Young Investigators Forum, providing opportunities for young African researchers to showcase their work. The vast genetic diversity of the African continent poses a significant challenge in investigating and characterizing public health issues at the genetic and functional levels. Training, research, and the development of expertise in genetics, immunology, genomics, and bioinformatics are vital for addressing these challenges and advancing genetics in Africa. The AfSHG is committed to leading efforts to enhance genetic research, coordinate training, and foster research collaborations on the continent.

Corruption and Good Governance in Africa: A Hermeneutical Analysis

Human beings are social and communal animals and cannot but live in an ordered society and have interactive relationships, hence good governance, which is essential for their well-being and development. This fact grounds their forming governmental apparatus to coordinate the things that are common to them; otherwise, violence and warfare may continue unabated. Good governance does not just happen. Those elected or appointed into positions of governance need to be effective, efficient and exhibit an ethical character to ensure that the good life constitutive of the promotion of human rights, provision of social facilities, and all that provide a better life for the people are in place. In the African continent, many of those in governance, instead of working for the public good to ensure a better life for their citizens, serve their private and parochial interests to the detriment of the welfare of the people by engaging in massive corruption. Corruption, especially political and public, has grave effects on the economy and the lives of the people all over the continent. Massive corruption has siphoned public funds for development projects and lodged them in foreign banks. This has led to poverty and underdevelopment, weakened sustainable development goals, caused youth restiveness, led to forced migration, poor environmental growth, and loss of millions of lives. Problematized in this paper is a continent endowed and blessed with natural and human resources but remains the poorest, most undeveloped continent in the world because of corruption. The paper used hermeneutics and critical analytic methods to examine corruption as an impediment to good governance in Africa. The hermeneutics method was used to interpret, decipher, and highlight the importance of this work’s principal concepts. The critical-analytic method was used to rationalize the arguments. The paper found that massive corruption is decimating the continent and that there is a need to combat it to ensure good governance. It concluded that combating corruption will help create a better continent where people enjoy a good life and democratic entitlements

CHALLENGES OF THE IMPLEMENTING THE AFRICA AGENDA 2063: A SYNOPSIS

This article investigates the implementation and practicality of the Africa 2063 agenda, which is seen as Africa's roadmap and grand plan for transforming Africa into a future global superpower. Agenda 2063 includes not just Africa's Future Aspirations, but also critical Flagship Programs that may increase Africa's economic development and growth while also contributing to the continent's rapid change. The African continent is rife with problems that both current and previous governments have failed to solve. To mention a few, these issues include poverty, malnutrition, bad health care systems, low living standards, poor infrastructure, political instability, and weak economies characterized by low economic development. It cannot be contested that the Africa 2063 agenda is a critical strategy embraced by African Leaders to build a better Africa for its residents, and if executed effectively and efficiently, it has the potential to alter the African continent.

Mapping coffee base countries in the world:

The agricultural sector has an important role in the world economy, including the coffee commodity in the plantation subsector. More than 80 countries on the continents of Africa, America and Asia produce coffee and involve more than 100 million people in the process. The growth rate of coffee on these three continents also shows positive values. The aim of this research is to map the countries that are the basis for coffee in the world and look at the prospects for coffee in these countries. The novelty of the research lies in comparing coffee production during the 2017-2022 period in coffee producing countries on three continents, namely Africa, America and Asia. The analysis used to achieve research objectives is Location Quotient (LQ), Dynamic Location Quotient (DLQ) analysis and a combination of both. The research results show that there are 28% of countries on the African continent that have LQ values ​​> 1, 31% on the American continent and 16% on the Asian continent. The DLQ value which shows the prospects for coffee commodities in the future can be seen that on the African continent there are 10 countries that have a DLQ value > 1, while on the American continent there are 13 countries and on the Asian continent there are 9 countries. The American continent has more countries in the Mainstay category (39%), compared to other continents, this indicates that the prospects for coffee commodities on the American continent are quite good in the future.

Embodied grace: The implications of the incarnation to public practical theology in Sub-Saharan Africa

Christian incarnation, illustrated through the example of Jesus Christ, involves the embodiment of God, the guardian of all creation and the manifestation of Christian beliefs. This divine incarnation operates through boundless love and concern, as demonstrated in God’s choice to intimately connect with humanity, as noted in John 3:16. Although global challenges abound, it is evident that sub-Saharan Africa faces unique difficulties, hindering its inhabitants from experiencing the fullness of life intended by God. There is a need to find solutions to the challenges faced by the African continent. In the context of sub-Saharan Africa, the question is: How can practical public theology, informed by the incarnation, be practised in tackling the challenges people face in Africa? The study addresses this inquiry, presenting the implications of the incarnation doctrine as a means to tackle African challenges. It posits incarnation as a foundation for comprehending God’s love for Africans and proposes practical ways for resiliently confronting their adversities. The article draws upon existing literature in the field of public practical theology to underpin the core argument of its thesis.Contribution: This article contributes to the discussion on how theology should be used to address people’s concrete challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. The doctrine of incarnation is a unique example whose implications can help the enhancement of addressing people’s challenges in Africa.

The Relationship Of Parenting Patterns And Parental Knowledge With Speech Delay In Preschool Age Children At Hermina Padang Hospital 2023

WHO 2021 reports that more than 300 million children under 5 years of age do not fulfill their development potential and most of them are children living on the Asian and African continents. Data from Hermina Hospital, the prevalence of Speech Delay in 2023 is 150 cases. In one day of research, 15 respondents were obtained. The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between parenting patterns and parental knowledge and speech delay in preschool-aged children at Hermina Hospital. Padang.This type of research uses quantitative methods with a cross sectional analytical design. The research was conducted in March – August 2023 at Hermina Padang Hospital. The research population was all mothers who had preschool children aged 3-5 years at Hermina Padang Hospital. The sampling technique was Accedental Sampling. Data collection used primary and secondary data. Univariate analysis used descriptive statistical tests and Bivariate analysis used the chi square test.The results of this research are based on the results of the Chi square test (α= 0.005) showing that there is no significant relationship between Parenting Patterns (p-value = 0.188) and there is a significant relationship between Parental Knowledge (p-value 0.032) and Speech Delay.It was concluded that there was still a lack of maternal knowledge about the importance of parenting styles and parental knowledge in children's growth and development. It is hoped that from the results of this research, parents can pay more attention to children's growth and development and that health workers can serve as a reference for improving services in reducing the incidence of speech delays.

The Curse of Natural Resources Paradox of Abundance: the Case of Venezuela

In the middle of the 20th century, interest in the study of growth arose and the development of the world's economies, especially those on the African continent. The independence of African people after the second world war showed how lack of industrialization and high dependency of natural resources brought a very low economic growth in most of these countries. Although the abundance of natural resources can mean wealth and prosperity to a nation, inefficient exploitation of these resources makes this event a curse and not a blessing. For this reason, the theory of the curse of natural resources appears, which explains the fact that countries rich in these resources are much more vulnerable to low rates of growth and development. In this sense, the present study examines how it materializes this economic phenomenon in Venezuela Finally, it will be shown how institutional weakness and inefficient exploitation of comparative advantage of the territory have become the biggest obstacles to get rid of the curse of natural resources.

The social life of illegality: Suspicion and surveillance against African migrants in urban India

AbstractThe turn of the 21st century has witnessed a rising trend of migration from the African continent to cities across India. Accompanying such flows have been racial tensions and policing spectacles, including incidents of violence, vandalism, and evictions against African migrants and their pathologization as “illegal.” These subtle yet pervasive forms of migrant policing by state and citizen actors constitute what I call the social life of “illegality” that is characterized by distinctive modes of suspicion and surveillance. Based upon ethnography conducted in an “unplanned” settlement of Delhi cohabitated by both African and Indian residents, I illuminate how caste‐race‐religion informed indexes of difference contribute to the multi‐sensorial racialization of African migrants as suspicious. In emplacing such dynamics within changing spatial economies and the moral anxieties accompanying such transitions, I further demonstrate quotidian practice of microsurveillance against African migrants as sustaining their position as rent‐paying clients who are nonetheless maintained in their racial alterity. The social life of “illegality” thus refocuses attention on the sensorial and emplaced registers that illegalize migrants, above and beyond documentation, thereby furthering a discussion on migrant “illegality” as enmeshed within racialized imaginaries, urban transformations, and alternate modes of governmentality.

Bond Market Development and Infrastructure Investment Gap: Lessons for the African Continent

This paper, seeks to draw lessons for the African continent based on the experiences of three pioneer countries in bonds issuance for infrastructure financing. Theoretical foundation: The preferred habitat theory served as the study's lenses.it focuses on the bond market participants' choices for bonds as a financing option. Methodology: The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature using the SALSA framework, which is a search, appraisal, synthesis, and analysis framework. Findings; There is a pressing demand for bond market development in Africa. Developed and developing economies widely utilize bonds to bridge worldwide infrastructure investment gaps. Whereas some African nations have embraced them, there is still a lot to be done. Amongst others, is the need to familiarize with the various bonds available as a financing tool for infrastructure, the contribution of bond markets globally, the motivation for various bond market participants not disregarding the bond market processes and enablers. Practicability: This study solely employed a secondary literature analysis; other researchers can do the same investigation using different methods like the qualitative techniques that entail interviews or quantitative approaches. It also highlighted the bond processes and enablers based on the experiences of three countries that pioneered bond issuance. Further research can look at more or different countries for drawing lessons. Originality; This is the first article to present an overview of bonds, bond market participants, processes and enablers. As well as, the first paper to draw lessons for African countries based on the first-time experiences of Senegal, South Africa and United states of America.

El Nacionalismo en la Lucha por la Independencia de las Colonias en África (Angola)

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of Nationalism on the struggle for Independence in the colonies in Africa, with particular emphasis on the case of Angola. The objective of this work is to assess the changes that took place on the Continent from 1888 to 1910, marked by the conquest and occupation of almost the entire African Continent by Western imperialist powers; followed by the effective implementation and installation of the colonial system as an administrative system in the second half of the century. XIX, division and definition of geographic spaces. In fact, the year 1910 was essentially characterized by the consolidation and exploitation of that system, causing major distortions in the economic, social and cultural structures of the dominated territories. The appeal written at the Manchester Congress (1945) to the colonized peoples, expressly advised that all colonies should be freed from foreign imperialist control, both political and economic, and fight by all means to achieve these objectives. The use of qualitative research based on bibliography related to these themes, the inductive-deductive method allowed the (construction) of ideas of a passive Africa, embodied in the emergence of movements that aimed at the overthrow of the colonial system. In effect, with the end of World War II, the process of decolonization began, resulting in a more reinvigorated, radical and consequential African nationalism. This means a more conscious, enlightened and enlightening continental nationalism, better structured and politically framed and represented internationally and with qualitatively higher levels of political and cultural organization, with the year 1960 being marked as the year of Africa, with the outbreak of the various independence of respective African countries and consequent recovery and affirmation of socio-historical, political and cultural identity, hidden by colonization.

A REVIEW OF SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGIES IN AFRICAN ECONOMIES

This comprehensive review delves into the dynamic landscape of small business growth strategies within the diverse economies of Africa. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in driving economic development and fostering job creation across the continent. However, the challenges faced by these enterprises are multifaceted, ranging from limited access to finance and market constraints to regulatory hurdles. This review examines a spectrum of strategies employed by small businesses to overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable growth. The study analyzes various financial mechanisms that facilitate small business growth in African economies. From traditional banking channels to innovative fintech solutions, the review explores the evolving landscape of financial inclusion and assesses its impact on SME development. Additionally, the role of government policies and interventions in creating an enabling environment for small businesses is scrutinized, shedding light on successful models that have spurred entrepreneurial growth. Market access is a critical determinant of small business success, and this review investigates the strategies employed by SMEs to penetrate local and international markets. From leveraging digital platforms to forming strategic partnerships, the examination reveals the importance of adaptability and innovation in overcoming market entry barriers. Furthermore, the study explores the impact of technology adoption on small businesses, highlighting the transformative power of digital tools in enhancing efficiency, reaching new customers, and optimizing operational processes. In the context of the African continent's unique socio-cultural and economic diversity, the review also delves into the significance of knowledge transfer and skills development. Collaborative initiatives, mentorship programs, and educational interventions are assessed for their role in equipping entrepreneurs with the capabilities required for sustainable growth. In conclusion, this review synthesizes current literature on small business growth strategies in African economies, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach that integrates financial inclusion, policy support, technological innovation, and capacity building to foster a vibrant small business ecosystem and contribute to overall economic development in Africa. Keywords: Small Business, Growth, Strategies, Economies, Development.

Bibliometric analysis and visualisation of research on life cycle assessment in Africa (1992–2022)

Abstract Purpose Life cycle assessment (LCA) has found wide applicability as a tool for assessing the environmental impacts of human activities in different fields such as manufacturing, mining, transportation, oil and gas, construction, and medicine. Despite the wide applicability of LCA globally, the uptake and use of the tool in Africa remains limited. This research is motivated by the need to explore the continental structure of life cycle assessment to ascertain the level of knowledge and research; collaboration amongst institutions, countries, and authors; keyword co-occurrence; thematic evolution; and bibliographic coupling. Methods Publications related to life cycle assessment were retrieved and cleaned from the Scopus database with the language restricted to English and only countries recognised by the African Union. VOSviewer (version 1.6.19) visualisation tool was used to construct and visualise the network maps of researchers, co-occurrence, co-authorships, and keywords. On the other hand, Bibliometrix was employed to carryout descriptive analysis and thematic evolution and to extract bibliographic information. Results and discussion In total, 616 research publications between 1992 and 2022 were retrieved. The results show that research on the subject matter picked up from 2004 and has been on the upward trend. South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria are the top countries carrying out LCA research on the continent. In addition, the top authors, affiliations, and funders also come from these countries. It was also noted that there were low levels of cooperation between authors on the African continent; rather, they collaborate more with researchers in Europe, America, and other parts of the world. The built environment, construction industry, alternative energy, agriculture, and waste management and recycling are the major themes of research on the continent. Conclusion Life cycle assessment is gaining traction amongst researchers in Africa, albeit slowly. Considering the continents’ role in the future especially in providing critical raw materials needed for the transition to a carbon-neutral society in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), rapid uptake and embedding life cycle thinking in every sector of the African economy are needed. However, there is an urgent need to equip researchers with the skills to facilitate the development of a life cycle inventory (LCI) database at countries or continental level.

Comparing daily, circalunar and seasonal activity patterns of cheetah Acinonyx jubatus in response to livestock presence in Botswana

Animal activity patterns vary on a daily, circalunar and seasonal scale in response to abiotic (e.g. light availability and temperature) and biotic factors (e.g. predation and competition). In the presence of humans and their livestock, carnivores, for example, have been found to become more nocturnal. The aim of this paper is to compare daily, circalunar and seasonal activity patterns of cheetah Acinonyx jubatus in the western Kalahari of Botswana between areas where there is no livestock present (i.e. game farms with a relatively low risk of cheetah mortality) and areas where livestock is present (i.e. cattle farms with a higher risk of cheetah mortality). Using two years of camera trap data, we recorded 88% of cheetah observations on game farms and 12% on cattle farms. Our results showed that cheetahs were more nocturnal in the absence of cattle and more crepuscular on cattle farms compared to game farms. Overall, cheetah activity on cattle farms showed a peak in activity after inferred cattle activity and before human activity during the day, specifically during the dry season. We recommend management strategies on a local scale such as temporal zoning of grazing activities during the different seasons or keeping cattle in an enclosure at night. This study sheds new light on our understanding of the impact of land use on free‐ranging carnivores in the face of livestock expansion on the African continent.

Reviewing Southern Africa’s Status as a Developmental Region through Governance and Development

This case study discusses how the democratic governance principles and norms impact development in the SADC, and how institutional and structural reforms require greater participation by society to address the governance challenges encountered in this subregion of Africa. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to examine and assess the relationship between SADC’s governance, democratic principles and norms, development plans and processes. A comparative analysis was conducted using SADC’s key democratic achievement connected to policies, processes, and remaining challenges. Subsequently, the key causes of SADC’s slow development on the African continent were explored, focusing on the failure to institutionalise liberal democratic governance consistently during postcolonial transition periods, speculating SADC’s slow development. The findings suggest that SADC is impacted by democratic principles, norms, and processes, such as local governance, civil society, and decentralisation of power. Bearing in mind Southern Africa’s economic frailty, elevated levels of civil unrest and poor service delivery, SADC authorities require a strong sub-regional governance strategy supported by robust national programmes to determine and overcome the factors hindering the institutionalisation of democratic principles in SADC, and promote strengthened institutional capacity. The unambiguous progression towards the consolidation of democracy, within the SADC, has impacted the governance and development successes of the region, resulting in democratic values and practices remaining shallowly rooted, and slow progress toward open and transparent governance.

An investigation into Toxoplasma gondii at the human-livestock-wildlife interface, South Africa.

Interface areas shared by humans, domestic and wild animals may serve as high transmission contexts forToxoplasma gondii.However, knowledge about the epidemiology ofT. gondiiin such areas is currently limited. The present study assessed the seroprevalence ofT. gondiiin different hosts from Mpumalanga, South Africa. Furthermore, we investigated the local knowledge and related practices aboutT. gondiiby conducting a questionnaire study in the community. Blood samples were obtained and analysed forT. gondiiantibodies using a commercial multispecies latex agglutination kit. The seroprevalence detected in humans (n= 160; patients showing signs of acute febrile illness), cats (n= 9), chickens (n= 336) and goats (n= 358) was 8.8%, 0.0%, 4.2% and 11.2%, respectively. Seroprevalence in impalas (n= 97), kudus (n= 55), wild dogs (n= 54), wildebeests (n= 43), warthogs (n= 97) and zebras (n= 68) was calculated at 5.2%, 7.3%, 100.0%, 20.9%, 13.4% and 9.1%, respectively. The questionnaire revealed that 63.0% of household owners were subsistence farmers, and 35.9% were pet owners. A high level of female participation was found (75.3%) when compared to male participation (24.7%). The results show a low circulation ofT. gondiiin the domestic cycle and suggest the presence of possible bridges between the wildlife cycle and the surrounding domestic cycle.Contribution:The study contributes to identifying transmission patterns and risk factors ofT. gondiiwithin human and animal populations. This topic fits within the scope of the journal presenting original research in veterinary science, with the focus on wild and domestic populations on the African continent on a topic of universal importance.

Insights into the Geographical Origins of the Cabo Verde Green Monkey.

The green monkey Chlorocebus sabaeus, L. 1766, native to West Africa, was introduced to the Cabo Verde Archipelago in the 16th century. Historical sources suggest that, due to the importance of Cabo Verde as a commercial entrepôt in the Atlantic slave trade, establishing the precise place of origin of this introduced species is challenging. Non-invasive fecal samples were collected from feral and captive green monkey individuals in Cabo Verde. Two mitochondrial fragments, HVRI and cyt b, were used to confirm the taxonomic identification of the species and to tentatively determine the geographic origin of introduction to the archipelago from the African continent. By comparing the new sequences of this study to previously published ones, it was shown that Cabo Verde individuals have unique haplotypes in the HVRI, while also showing affinities to several populations from north-western coastal Africa in the cyt b, suggesting probable multiple sources of introduction and an undetermined most probable origin. The latter is consistent with historical information, but may also have resulted from solely using mtDNA as a genetic marker and the dispersal characteristics of the species. The limitations of the methodology are discussed and future directions of research are suggested.