Countries In West Africa Research Articles

Monkeypox: A Little-Studied Biological Threat to Russia

Monkeypox is a natural focal zoonosis of rodents and monkeys living in the Congo Valley (clade CB) and West Africa (clade WA). The special interest in monkeypox is due to its pandemic spread, which began in May 2022. The aim of this article is to consider the danger of monkeypox due to the lack of knowledge about its nature, as well as existing achievements in the treatment and prevention of this disease. The information was collected mainly from English-language sources available through the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The study was conducted in the following areas: the epidemiology of monkeypox outbreaks until May 2022; taxonomy and origin of monkeypox virus (MPV); morphology and life cycle of poxviruses; ecology and epidemiology of MPV; the clinical picture of monkeypox in humans with natural infection; monkeypox clinic in European homosexuals; clinical picture and pathomorphology of monkeypox in animals with artificial infection; immunoprophylaxis and therapy of monkeypox. It has been established that until May 2022 the appearance of MPV into non-endemic countries was limited to single cases of the disease. Because of that, the monkeypox pandemic that began in May 2022 looks atypical. The low-contagious MPV (WA) that caused it did not occur in Nigeria until 2017. Its spread was facilitated by a new mechanism of infection through organized homosexual contacts. Therefore, monkeypox should no longer be considered a rare disease geographically limited to the countries of West and Central Africa. It is also necessary to take into account the possibility of activating the natural reservoirs of other poxviruses, as well as the realization of their epidemic potential through immunodeficient human populations, which reach 20% of the total population in the developed countries. At present, there are no vaccines or drugs whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in epidemic foci of MPV with immunodeficient populations. Serious efforts should be made to identify man-made outbreaks of monkeypox; to the identification of possible zoonotic hosts of MPV in Russia; factors that support MPV in ecosystems; host factors that determine the severity of the disease, as well as facilitating animal-to-human and human-to-human transmission

Predicting the habitat suitability of the invasive white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis; Newstead, 1906 (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) using bioclimatic variables.

The white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is an invasive pest that threatens the production of several crops of commercial value including mango. Though it is an important pest, little is known about its biology and ecology. Specifically, information on habitat suitability of A. tubercularis occurrence and potential distribution under climate change is largely unknown. In this study, we used four ecological niche models, namely maximum entropy, random forest, generalized additive models, and classification and regression trees to predict the habitat suitability of A. tubercularis under current and future [representative concentration pathways (RCPs): RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 of the year 2070] climatic scenarios, using bioclimatic variables. Models' performance was evaluated using the true skill statistic (TSS), the area under the curve (AUC), correlation (COR), and the deviance. All models sufficiently predicted the occurrence of A. tubercularis with high accuracy (AUC ≥ 0.93, TSS ≥ 0.81 and COR ≥ 0.77). The random forest algorithm had the highest accuracy among the four models (AUC=0.99, TSS=0.93, COR=0.90, deviance=0.26). Temperature seasonality (Bio4), mean temperature of the driest quarter (Bio9), and precipitation seasonality (Bio15) were the most important variables influencing A. tubercularis occurrence. Models' predictions showed that countries in east, south, and west Africa are highly suitable for A. tubercularis establishment under current conditions. Similarly, Mexico, Brazil, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia are also highly suitable for the pest to thrive. Under future conditions, the suitable areas might slightly decrease in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa under both RCPs. However, the range of expansion of A. tubercularis is projected to be higher in Australia, Brazil, Spain, Italy, and Portugal under the future climatic scenarios. The results reported here will be useful for guiding decision-making, developing an effective management strategy, and serving as an early warning tool to prevent further spread toward new areas. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

SYNOPTIC REVIEW OF FORESTRY AND FOREST PRODUCTS TRADE AND PRODUCTION IN AFRICA

Aims to valuate Africa's forestry and forest products, namely Wood Forest Products (WFPs) and Non-wood Forest Products (NWFPs) in the sixteen (16) West African countries.The study identified a systematic assessment of the most common forest products (wood and non-wood forest products) considering the available data on the national forest reserves of the selected countries in West Africa. The study also revealed the need for biodiversity conservation of the available forest reserves to help mitigate the impact of global warming targeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 13- Climate Action. This is focused on integrating climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning signs into the national policies, improving forest planning and management education, awareness-raising, and institutional capacity within the sub-region. Keywords: Forestry; Forest Management; Forest Products; Land-Use; West Africa.

Bibliometric analysis of publications in the Scopus database concerning relations between Russia USA in 2016 and 2021

The article provides an overview of publications on relations between Russia and USA. The advantages of reviewing publications through the Scopus database are outlined, as well as aspects that need to be considered when compiling a search query within the selected research subject. The dynamics of the number of publications for 2016–2021, the main sources, authors, organizations funding sponsors and keywords were identified. It is determined that the greatest interest in the topic is manifested by the United States, Russia, and Great Britain. Apart from the countries of West, East and Central Africa, at least one article on relations between Russia and USA was published in almost all other states during the selected period. The results obtained proved the relevance of the study, since nothing was found in any of the indicators that would go beyond the scope of the study.

Cocoa production under climate variability and farm management challenges: Some farmers' perspective

In the last decade, the global demand for cocoa beans and its bi-products has risen three times faster than population growth, and a 20% growth prediction by industry forecasts over the next decade. This increase in global demand shows that the cocoa production sector remains pivotal in the policy and research agenda of major cocoa-producing countries in West Africa. In this study, we assessed the causes of low cocoa production in the South West Region of Cameroon. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to interview 201 cocoa farmers. The ordinary least square results revealed that farm size, labour, capital, and education as well as modern practices such as farmer spraying pests and diseases, and harvesting of infested pods, mistletoe, and water shoot significantly affected output. The chi-square test statistics indicated that gender, education, farming experience, capital, farmer spraying pests and diseases, harvesting of infested pods, mistletoe, and water shoots, the number of times they prune cocoa tree branches, and frequent harvesting of ripe cocoa pods significantly affected cocoa production under climate variability. The results further revealed that the cocoa yield levels are significantly below the maximum attainable yields, with yield increase primarily attributed to an increase in area harvested. Hence, with increasing vulnerability in the cocoa sector, it is necessary to formulate climate-smart cocoa production policies that consider sustainable farm management practices, institutional factors, as well as socio-economic factors to boost cocoa production.

Factors Influencing the Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding in West and Central Africa

ObjectivesTo disseminate knowledge of social and behavioral factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding to guide national nutrition programs in West and Central Africa.MethodsWe searched literature up to August 2018 using pre-defined search terms on PubMed, Google Scholar, Popline and The Cochrane Library. We identified 225 references, representing 19 of the 24 countries in West and Central Africa. Most were from Nigeria (n = 108) and Ghana (n = 45). We used thematic content analysis to synthesize quantitative and qualitative findings separately.ResultsFactors influencing exclusive breastfeeding in first 6 months of life were divided into individual, setting and structural levels using the 2016 Lancet conceptual model. Socio-economic attributes, perceptions, beliefs and mother-infant interactions were important at the individual level. Misconceptions around breastmilk's quality and availability (quantity) were factors that influenced mothers to give infants water or other liquids. At the setting level, women's autonomy and grandmothers influenced infant feeding decisions in many families. At the structural level, work was an obstacle to achieving exclusive breastfeeding for women in both formal and informal sectors. Social norms generally supported breastfeeding; however, exclusive breastfeeding was challenged by multiple beliefs, including that giving water quenches thirst and “water is life”.ConclusionsThis work provided a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed and grey literature on the “Factors Influencing the Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Giving Water in West and Central Africa”. The review provides insights on facilitators as well as the many reasons preventing exclusive breastfeeding and provided evidence for the Stronger With Breastmilk Only regional initiative. Disseminating this knowledge among government stakeholders and their partners will mobilize action to achieve the exclusive breastfeeding WHA 2025 and SDG 2030 targets in the subregion, where only one-third of infants (0–5 months) receive breastmilk only (UNICEF, 2021).Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation through Alive & Thrive, managed by FHI Solutions, and UNICEF, West and Central Africa RISING Initiative.

Satellite, drone and video camera multi-platform monitoring of coastal erosion at an engineered pocket beach: A showcase for coastal management at Elmina Bay, Ghana (West Africa)

Regular monitoring of coastal areas is a prerequisite to evade any imminent erosive disaster. However, data-driven decisions become more uncertain when a monitoring platform is unable to capture events of a certain frequency. Erosion along Ghana’s coastline is endemic as in most of the Gulf of Guinea countries in West Africa. The current challenge is how to document and understand the dimensions of erosion despite limited human and logistical capacity. In the present study, shoreline change was assessed by an intensive multi-platform data collection strategy deployed for a year at Elmina Bay, Ghana through the use of drones, a shore-based camera, Sentinel satellite images and a dumpy level. The potential causes and areas of erosion at Elmina were clearly identified at a very fine scale by our sediment budget calculations. While a section of the beach in front of the Elmina Castle was adequately protected by the presence of jetties , downdrift of the larger unprotected portion of the beach was out of balance with high erosion rates. Furthermore, the results revealed that frequent, local video cameras and drones are more effective for operational monitoring of shoreline changes at all time scales. Satellite imagery is also a potential alternative tool, but its low temporal resolution, compared with video cameras, makes it unsuitable for detecting daily or event-based beach changes, and is of low accuracy for practitioners and management decisions.

Geographical distribution of hard ticks (Acari:Ixodidae) and tick-host associations in Benin, Burkina-Faso, Ivory-Coast and Togo

Knowledge of ticks and associated pathogens is crucial to assess the risk of exposure of humans and animals to pathogens. For this review, we collected relevant data from published articles and field collections to provide an update on the biodiversity of ticks, and tick-host associations in four countries of West Africa: Benin, Burkina-Faso, Ivory-Coast, and Togo. The literature review was done according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was limited to literature published from 1953 to 2021 in English and French sources. Out of 104 articles retrieved, only 41 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The final database included a total of 53,619 adults, nymphs and larval ticks belonging to 24 species and five genera (Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus) that were collected from 23 different species of wild and domestic animals. This is the first record of Ixodes aulacodi and Rhipicephalus simpsoni in Benin, together with two new host records for A. latum. This checklist allows an update on tick-host associations and provides information on the diversity of ticks in West Africa.

Impact of aerosols on photovoltaic energy production using a spectrally resolved model chain: Case study of southern West Africa

The potential for photovoltaic (PV) power generation in the sun rich countries of West Africa is vast, and could play a vital role in increasing the region's electricity supply. In this context it is important to study the effect of atmospheric aerosols on solar irradiance and PV power. Based on an analysis of the aerosol optical properties for Cotonou, Benin from the DACCIWA measurement campaign, we investigate the impact of aerosols on PV power for polycrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon technology using a spectrally resolved model chain. The model considers both spectral effects on global irradiance due to different aerosol properties as well as the spectral response of different PV technologies. First, we study the contribution of various aerosol types (mineral dust, biomass burning and anthropogenic pollution) that were classified based on the DACCIWA data analysis. Subsequently, we present differences between these imaginary aerosol scenarios and the real case of a biomass burning outbreak on July 13, 2016 in Benin.The results show that aerosol emissions due to the biomass outbreak on the day of the case study in Cotonou lead to solar flux losses of up to 55%, which correspond to a reduction in photovoltaic power of up to 81% for the polycrystalline cell and 78% for the amorphous cell. The relative impact of aerosols differs depending on aerosol type and concentration, and is larger for high solar zenith angles than at noon. For the situation studied in Cotonou, Benin, we are able to show that the inclusion of spectral aspects makes a significant difference when calculating the PV power. Comparing the effects of aerosols on the photovoltaic power between the two technologies, we find that during the morning and evening hours, when there is more diffuse irradiance, the amorphous cell suffers a greater reduction in power (36%) than the polycrystalline cell (27%). Conversely, in the middle of the day, we observe a greater PV power reduction of 12% for the polycrystalline cell compared to that for the amorphous cell (8%).

Assessment of knowledge on Lassa fever disease among caregivers presenting to a tertiary Institution in a Lassa fever endemic region, Southeast Nigeria

Background: Lassa fever disease is an infectious disease with high case fatality occurring in countries in West, Central, and East Africa. It is endemic in Nigeria and Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria. Knowledge of the cause, mode of transmission, and clinical presentations are invaluable in disease prevention and control.Objective: The study was therefore aimed at assessing the level of knowledge of Lassa fever disease among caregivers that presented at children out-patient in a tertiary hospital in Ebonyi State.Methods: It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out within 6 months (May-October 2018 ) . An Interviewer - administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographics and level of knowledge on Lassa fever disease.Results: Although 356 (92.7%) of the 384 respondents have heard of Lassa fever disease, only 205 (53.4%) had good knowledge of the disease. The mean age of participants was 33.22 ± 7.53; male to female ratio 1:2.4. Respondents within 36 and 45 years were rated highest (65.0%) in good knowledge of the disease. More males (61.9%) than females (49.8%) knew about Lassa fever disease. Similarly, caregivers (67.7%) from the upper socioeconomic class had better knowledge of the disease compared to 43.0% observed among their colleagues in the lower socioeconomic class. There were significant relationships between knowledge of Lassa fever disease and age (p= 0.026), gender (p=0.030), and socio-economic class (p< 0.001).Conclusion: There is a huge gap in knowledge of Lassa fever disease among participants especially among female caregivers and those of lower socio-economic class. Public enlightenment on Lassa fever disease should be intensified in these groups of people

A readiness assessment for the prevention of alcohol-related harm in West Africa: A new methodological approach to inform practice and policy.

Alcohol-related harm is a growing concern globally and particularly in West Africa. However, tools for assessing the readiness for prevention of alcohol-related harm in low-resource settings have been lacking. We modified the WHO tool, the Readiness Assessment for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment Short Form (RAP-CM), to assess readiness for the prevention of alcohol-related harm across West Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in the fall of 2020, distributed by the West Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance to their member alliances and stakeholders, predominantly community-based organizations (CBOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), across 7 countries in West Africa (N=140). The survey included modified measures from the RAP-CM short form. In terms of general readiness, the overall adjusted aggregate score for West Africa was 45.0% (ranging from 42.9% in Liberia to 52.7% in Senegal). Of the ten domains assessed (on a 0-10 scale), across all countries, knowledge of alcohol-related harm prevention (8.3) and legislation, mandates, and policies (6.7) received the highest readiness scores. The lowest readiness scores were observed for human and technical resources (2.5), attitudes toward preventing alcohol-related harm (2.7), and the will to address the problem (2.9). Our results demonstrate substantial variability across domains in the readiness to address alcohol-related harm with clear strengths and limitations for future priority setting and capacity building. The barriers to progress include attitudes toward alcohol-related harm prevention, lack of willingness to address the problem, and limited human and technical resources available. These barriers need to be mitigated to address the high burden of alcohol-related harm in the region and to inform both practice and policy.

Assessing Issues in Water Resources Use within Countries in West Africa

Assessing Issues in Water Resources Use within Countries in West Africa

Rural-urban difference in the prevalence of hypertension in West Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Urbanisation is considered a major contributor to the rising prevalence of hypertension in West Africa, yet the evidence regarding rural-urban differences in the prevalence of hypertension in the region has been mixed. A systematic literature search of four electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, African Journals Online, and WHO’s African Index Medicus; and reference lists of eligible studies was carried out. Original quantitative studies describing the rural-urban difference in the prevalence of hypertension in one or more countries in West Africa, and published in English language from the year 2000 to 2021 were included. A random effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the odds ratio of hypertension in rural compared to urban locations. A limited sex-based random effects meta-analysis was conducted with 16 studies that provided sex-disaggregated data. Of the 377 studies screened, 22 met the inclusion criteria (n = 62,907). The prevalence of hypertension was high in both rural, and urban areas, ranging from 9.7% to 60% in the rural areas with a pooled prevalence of 27.4%; and 15.5% to 59.2% in the urban areas with a pooled prevalence of 33.9%. The odd of hypertension were lower in rural compared to urban dwellers [OR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.66-0.83; p < 0.001]. The pooled prevalence of hypertension was 32.6% in males, and 30.0% in females, with no significant difference in the odds of hypertension between the sexes [OR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.8-1.05, p = 0.196]. Comprehensive hypertension control policies are needed for both rural, and urban areas in West Africa, and for both sexes.

Language Indigenization in Terms of Language Contacts (Based on the Nigerian English Variant)

The purpose of the article is to identify the specifics of the English language Indigenization procedure on the territory of Nigeria, one of the largest countries in West Africa. The research work has the complex system to analyze the cultural and linguistic processes, which are manifested in the study under the influence of cultural factors and its influence on the language functioning. The practical work part is based on the analysis of the language thematic groups “National food” and “National clothes” presenting the specific features of Nigerian English. The results show, Nigerian English has a wide range of words denoting local realities and reflecting the adaptation of the English language to the Nigerian culture peculiarities, which are the process of indigenization. All in all, English words with new lexical meanings, words from Nigerian languages, and Portuguese loanwords have been used for naming local food and clothing elements.

News Media Trust and Sources of Political Information in West Africa: Mainstream vs. New Media in Ghana and Nigeria

Like many other developed democracies, most democratic countries in West Africa are facing challenges of trust in news media for political information, particularly with the emergence of the non-mainstream media - new social media. Previous research revealed that alternative news media trust is correlated with lower levels of trust in news in Africa and that the presence of private media have failed to offer alternative sources to government media. This paper for the first time seeks to investigate reasons for the increase in distrust in news media among the mainstream and non-mainstream media in West African Ghana and Nigeria, which is the main source for political information in the region. We conducted the study through online surveys for the audience of news media in Ghana and Nigeria who are interested in political news and are frequent users of both mainstream media and new social media for political information. We found out that even though people in these two countries use social media as an alternative source of obtaining political information, yet, they largely still trust mainstream media news for political information rather than social media.

A Review of Viruses Infecting Yam (Dioscorea spp.).

Yam is an important food staple for millions of people globally, particularly those in the developing countries of West Africa and the Pacific Islands. To sustain the growing population, yam production must be increased amidst the many biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant viruses are among the most detrimental of plant pathogens and have caused great losses of crop yield and quality, including those of yam. Knowledge and understanding of virus biology and ecology are important for the development of diagnostic tools and disease management strategies to combat the spread of yam-infecting viruses. This review aims to highlight current knowledge on key yam-infecting viruses by examining their characteristics, genetic diversity, disease symptoms, diagnostics, and elimination to provide a synopsis for consideration in developing diagnostic strategy and disease management for yam.

Heterogenous Factors of Adoption of Agricultural Technologies in West and East Africa Countries: A Review

This review brings to light, extensive body of research on the evolvement of agricultural technology in Sub-Saharan Africa with focus on adoption studies in West and East Africa countries. The review highlights historical green revolution events and the heterogeneity in the determinants of the adoption of agricultural technology. Three key popular indicators in adoption studies were reviewed for their heterogeneity; this includes land, extension &amp;amp; social institutions, and gender in light of comparison of studies in West and East Africa. The review shows that there is so much to be gained from enhancing the understanding of the heterogeneity that exists in key popular indicators in adoption studies considering the importance of adoption of agricultural technology in reducing poverty and food insecurity and the evolving impact of climate change and other human attributes that has defined the modification of various agricultural technology. Also, the review highlights the need to tailor extension and social learning toward existing heterogeneity to aid in promoting the adoption of agricultural technology. An important highlight includes the need to be wary of the downsides of the earlier green revolution while driving the efforts of new green revolution in West and East Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa in general.

LAMP4yaws: Treponema pallidum, Haemophilus ducreyi loop mediated isothermal amplification − protocol for a cross-sectional, observational, diagnostic accuracy study

IntroductionYaws, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue, is a neglected tropical disease targeted for eradication by 2030. Improved diagnostics will be essential to meet this goal. Diagnosis of...

Inadequate hypertension control rates: A global concern for countries of all income levels.

Inadequate hypertension control rates: A global concern for countries of all income levels.

Rare diseases in underdeveloped countries of West Africa. Are they really rare?

Background This article comprises a systematic review of the literature that aims at researching and analyzing the frequently applied guidelines for structuring national databases of epidemiological surveillance for motor neuron diseases, especially Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Methods We searched for articles published from January 2015 to September 2019 on online databases as PubMed - U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine, Scopus, Science Direct, and Springer. Subsequently, we analyzed studies that considered risk factors, demographic data, and other strategic data for directing techno-scientific research, calibrating public health policies, and supporting decision-making by managers through a systemic panorama of ALS. Results 2850 studies were identified. 2400 were discarded for not satisfying the inclusion criteria, and 435 being duplicated or published in books or conferences. Hence, 15 articles were elected. By applying quality criteria, we ...