Nomadic Communities Research Articles

Disruption of Pastoral Nomadism: The Impacts of Russian Colonialism on the Kazakh Steppe during the 19ᵗʰ and 20ᵗʰ Centuries

This study examines the multifaceted impacts of Russian colonization on the Kazakh Steppes during the 19ᵗʰ and 20ᵗʰ centuries. The colonization process caused significant destruction in various fields in the region, including migration routes, livestock herds, socioeconomic life, trade networks, housing and dietary patterns of nomadic communities. Russian expansionism, aimed at establishing control over the steppe, led to the blockage of ancient migration routes and the restriction of nomadic economic resources. The blockage of migration routes, forced transition to capitalism, forced sedentarization and interaction with sedentary life transformed the livestock herds of the nomads. Socio-economic life and trade were restructured by the Tsardom for reasons such as integration into the Russian Empire market, change of commercial centers and concentration of wealth. The changing structure of pastoral nomadism also led to transformations in housing and diet. Comprehending the complex dynamics of Russian colonialism on the Kazakh Steppe will reveal the destruction of nomadic life by scrutinizing the historical and contemporary sociocultural landscape of the region.

Struggles of vehicle residents in Squamish: Challenging the capitalist and colonial institution of housing

In this conversation, Thomasina Pidgeon discusses her decision to live in a vehicle in Squamish, north of Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada. This was a choice originally driven by the lack of affordable housing, but she continued with it after falling in love with life on the road. Her story sheds light on the broader issues of housing, gentrification, and societal attitudes toward non-sedentary life choices. For Thomasina, living in a vehicle offered a sense of freedom for her and her daughter, despite occasional problems, as well as a deep connection with nature that conventional housing couldn’t provide. However, as Squamish has grown more gentrified, particularly after the 2010 Olympics, the town has increasingly cracked down on vehicle residents, categorising them as unhoused and treating them as a problem. These restrictive regulations, according to Thomasina, are part of a larger system that prioritizes property values and profits over human needs, echoing colonial practices that forced nomadic communities to settle for the benefit of those in power. Her story calls for a shift in how we think about housing, urging us to go beyond housing as a capitalist and colonial institution, and towards a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that lead to the so-called housing crisis. Despite facing stress and anxiety due to these crackdowns, Thomasina continues to advocate for the rights of vehicle residents with the organization Vehicle Residents of Squamish, and to connect different struggles from Palestinian solidarity work to struggles against an LNG terminal.

Antenatal Care Services Uptake and Associated Factors in Somaliland: Further Analysis of the 2020 Somaliland Demographic Health Survey

Purpose Antenatal care (ANC) is vital to maintain the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. It was linked to a positive pregnancy experience. However, ANC uptake remained low in Somaliland, and no study has been conducted to assess possible predictors. Hence, the current study aimed to determine the level of ANC utilization and to identify its associated factors in Somaliland. Materials and Methods Somaliland Demographic Health Survey (SLDHS) Data 2020 were used. A weighted sample of 3,192 women aged 15-49 years participated in the study. The survey used a two-stage cluster design for sample selection. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency and percentage and multilevel multinomial logistic regression analysis were carried out to determine associated factors and statistical significance was declared by p< 0.05. Results The findings showed that 62.4% (95% CI: 60.7-64.1) of the women did not utilize ANC services, while 23.4% (95% CI: 21.9, 24.9) partially utilized and 14.2% (95% CI: 13.0, 15.4) adequately utilized ANC services. The odds of adequately utilizing ANC service decreased by a factor of 0.88 for women aged 35 and above compared to 15 - 24 year old women (AOR= 0.88, 95% CI: 0.61, 1.26). Women with higher educational levels had significantly higher odds (AOR=4.31, 95% CI: 1.54, 12.02) of adequately utilizing ANC compared to those with no formal education. The employment status, marital status, household wealth index, residence and region were also found to be associated with the utilization of Antenatal care. Conclusion The study showed low adequate utilization of ANC services in Somaliland. The variables, including age, education, wealth index, marital status, employment status, residence and region, were significantly associated with ANC utilization. Governmental and non-governmental organizations should enact a strategy with targeted intervention focusing on women from nomadic and rural communities, those from poor households, and low educational levels.

Newly adopted dromedary husbandry systems and breeding practices in the Algerian northern Sahara

Background: Traditional nomadic livestock farmers have adopted new lifestyles, management methods and husbandry practices to improve their livestock income and enhance the value of camel products, whose benefits are increasingly being recognized worldwide. Driven by a rising demand for camel products among urban consumers, these changes include a strong tendency for nomadic communities to settle near urban centers, the temporary stationing of part of the camel herd in urban and peri-urban areas, and the intensification of production in these areas. Aims: This paper aims to present the newly adopted dromedary husbandry practices, and discuss the products and services provided by dromedaries. Methods: Between September 2020 and March 2021, formal and informal interviews were carried out in three locations in the Algerian northern Sahara with 11 camel breeders, whoheld a total of 537 dromedaries (average 48.8 ± 4.36). Results: The study identified three types of dromedary farming systems: 70% of the farms were peri-urban,semi-intensive dairy farms established to meet the rising demand for camel milk, 23% were settled, intensive, peri-urban feedlot farms producing all categories of fattened dromedaries, especially young males, and 7% were settled, urban, and peri-urban dromedary racing farms dedicated to breeding dromedaries for racing and riding during local festivals, activities anchored in the traditions of the native population. The surveyed farms primarily generated income from the sale of milk and live animals, with manure and wool also contributing to their earnings. The food resources used for dromedaries were natural pastures, crop residues and harvest residues. Conclusion: The intensification of dromedary breeding appears essential to ensure the sustainability of this animal resource as it can improve reproductive potential, milk production, and the availability of young calves for fattening farms. The changes in practices identified in this study are enabling breeders, who are managing their livestock in guarded and semi guarded camel production systems, to increase their income.

Unveiling the mask of Financial Exclusion: A Micro-Level Analysis of Gaddis and Gujjars Tribal Communities Financial Inclusiveness.

Financial exclusion is a pervasive issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, hindering their economic growth and development. Despite efforts to promote financial inclusion, many individuals remain excluded from formal financial services, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality. This study seeks to unveil the mask of financial exclusion by examining the micro-level factors that influence individual financial inclusiveness. Using a mixed-methods approach, analyze data from a survey of 382 non nomadic tribal community individuals in a developing country, supplemented by in-depth interviews with 90 nomadic tribal respondents. The results of this study reveal that financial exclusion is a complex phenomenon driven by a range of factors, including socioeconomic characteristics, financial literacy, and access to financial infrastructure. This study also find that existing measures of financial inclusion, such as account ownership and credit access, mask the true extent of financial exclusion, as many individuals with formal financial accounts still face significant barriers to using these services. This study contributes to the literature on financial inclusion by providing a nuanced understanding of the micro-level factors that shape individual financial inclusiveness. This research argue that policymakers must move beyond aggregate measures of financial inclusion and instead focus on addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by excluded individuals. By doing so, policymaker can create more effective policies to promote financial inclusion and reduce poverty and inequality

Response of Species Diversity and Stability of Typical Steppe Plant Communities on the Mongolian Plateau to Different Grazing Patterns

ABSTRACTGrasslands represent a major biome on Earth and play a vital role in ecosystem functioning and dynamics. However, owing to the variations among grassland types, the impact of grazing on plant community diversity and stability remains unclear. This study is based on the typical steppe of the Mongolian Plateau. Field sampling and data analysis were combined to qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the structural characteristics, species diversity, and stability of plant communities under varying grazing intensities, that is, four‐season nomadic, two‐season rotational, and sedentary grazing (FSNG, TSRG, and SG, respectively). The results indicated that FSNG pastures exhibited the largest number of plant species while FSNG and TSRG pastures exhibited relatively high importance values for the primary dominant species. Carex duriuscula, Chenopodium glaucum, and Cleistogenes squarrosa were prominent in SG pastures, with C. duriuscula having the largest importance value. The mean height, cover, and aboveground biomass of plant communities in FSNG were significantly higher than those in SG (p < 0.05), with no significant difference observed between FSNG and TSRG. FSNG also demonstrated the highest Shannon–Wiener, Simpson, and Pielou indexes. The Shannon–Wiener and Simpson indexes between the FSNG, TSRG, and SG pastures showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Nomadic plant communities displayed positive loosely interspecific traits, suggesting independence and positive succession. Conversely, communities in TSRG and SG exhibited negative correlations and higher instability. The stability analysis ranked community stability as FSNG > TSRG > SG, suggesting that judicious grazing practices could enhance grassland stability. The findings reveal that grazing patterns influence plant community composition and function and that FSNG pastures promote higher species diversity, perennial dominance, and overall stability compared with TSRG and SG pastures.

Entanglements, ontologies, and grinding stones at the medieval site of Handoga (Djibouti)

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the role and meaning of grinding artefacts in Handoga (Djibouti), a medieval town that flourished between the 13th and 16th centuries in a territory previously occupied by nomadic communities. The technical-morphological and morphological-functional studies conducted on the sample suggest that the management of tools related to agriculture followed an approach characterized by minimal care through the different stages of the objects’ lives. This situation, contradictory to what could be expected in a town that had been sedentary for centuries, has been used to reflect on the interrelations between these objects and their users, following Hodder’s concept of entanglement. The analyses conducted on Handoga’s tools point that contrary to what could be expected, some processes such as sedentarization, which are usually conceived as univocal or inevitable can be negotiated or even rejected, and the material-human interactions built around them can also be untangled, if desired.

How Digital Nomad Communities Can Empower Rural Revitalisation

The potential of digital nomad communities to support sustainable development and rural revival is examined in this research. Digital nomads are remote workers who travel and work from different places using technology. They provide skills, creativity, and cross-cultural interchange to rural areas. The desire for flexible lifestyles and worldwide trends toward remote work are congruent with the emergence of digital nomadism. Conversely, rural rejuvenation tackles issues including depopulation and economic downturns in rural areas, which are frequently made worse by urbanization and globalization. Rural communities can benefit from the new technology, varied businesses, and cultural enrichment that digital nomads can bring. Nonetheless, issues like geographical limits and infrastructure shortcomings must be resolved. The effective integration of digital nomads into rural areas requires policy support, teamwork, and new approaches. Rural communities may support economic growth, cultural preservation, and sustainable development by utilizing the skills and resources of digital nomads.

Nomadic responses to rainfall: Nighttime light evidence from wadis in Djibouti

This study examined the association between human activities and precipitation in dry areas, focusing on nomadic people in Djibouti. Nomadic communities often lack access to essential social services, and water resource management is crucial for their survival and social welfare. Understanding how they respond to variations in water availability could contribute to effective policy implementation. Using satellite-derived information, this study found that nighttime light brightness increased in response to precipitation around wadis, with potential water spring locations, and decreased with distance from a wadi. Specifically, we observed no effect when the distance was more than 5 km. Furthermore, no effect of precipitation was found in urban areas, while a positive effect was found in remote areas. These findings suggest that the activity of nomadic people increases around wadis in response to increased water resource availability, indicating that water supply is important for settlement projects because it can reduce water-seeking costs and improve social welfare. This study provides the first empirical evidence using satellite data and statistical analysis to show that water availability is critical for nomadic communities which can inform better resource management and policy decisions in African countries.

The Nexus of Climate Change, Food Insecurity, and Conflict in Somalia: A Comprehensive Analysis of Multifaceted Challenges and Resilience Strategies

Climate change poses a significant threat to Somalia’s food security and stability. This review examines the complex interplay between climate change impacts, food insecurity, and conflict in Somalia. Recent climate data and forecasts paint a concerning picture: the rainfall probabilistic forecast for April- June 2024 indicates a high likelihood of above-normal rainfall across much of Somalia, thus increasing the flood risks. Concurrently, temperature forecasts project above-normal temperatures, potentially exacerbating drought conditions between the rainy seasons. Historical climatology data reveal Somalia’s vulnerability, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C and significant seasonal variations affecting agriculture and water resources. These climate trends, combined with ongoing political instability and weak governance, have created a storm of challenges. This perspective explores how recurrent droughts and floods disrupt agricultural production, decimate livestock, and displace vulnerable populations, particularly those affecting rural and nomadic communities. It also examines how environmental stress exacerbates poverty and conflict, thereby creating a vicious cycle of vulnerability. This analysis draws on recent data on poverty rates, food expenditure patterns, and climate-related displacement, to illustrate the multifaceted nature of the crisis. Finally, this perspective proposed recommendations for building climate resilience, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable development in Somalia, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that combine immediate humanitarian assistance with long-term adaptation strategies.

Cross-border perception of Bayising (Pansheng 板升) among government officials in Ming China

The Mongol Yuan dynasty in China officially came to an end in 1368 with the withdrawal of the Mongols from the capital city Daidu (Beijing) and their retreat to the steppes. Nevertheless, a protracted series of military campaigns and conflicts between the Ming court and the Eastern Mongols, Oirat Mongols, and various other Mongol tribes continued for about 200 years. This article examines the discourse surrounding Bayising, where a group of Chinese people settled on Mongolian territory and served the Mongols during the mid-16th and early-17th centuries. The primary population of Bayising consisted of Chinese individuals who had either fled from China or were captives taken by the Mongols from China in border raids. Bayising embodies a unique interaction between China and nomadic communities in a transitional zone between the steppe and agricultural land, where conventional trading and tribute systems encountered difficulties in establishment. After the signing of the 1571 peace treaty, Bayising gradually receded from the focus of the Ming court. Through an analysis of historical documents and records, this article unveils the perspectives held by Ming officials regarding Bayising. Additionally, it probes into how these perspectives influenced Ming China’s foreign relations and national security policies concerning the Mongols. The emergence of Bayising was rooted in a distinctive historical context. Moreover, Bayising played an important role not only in shaping Sino-Mongol relations but also in facilitating cooperation between nomadic and agricultural communities in the absence of official trade channels. Neither repatriation nor military intervention proved to offer fundamental solutions to the Bayising issue in the ongoing confrontation between the Mongols and the Ming court. However, the establishment of normalised and stabilised trade, facilitated by a mutually beneficial peace treaty, emerged as a definitive solution that ultimately benefited both parties. This intricate interplay between geopolitical dynamics and cultural exchanges underscores the complexity of historical narratives, emphasizing the enduring impact of the Ming officials’ perception of the Mongols on regional stability and economic prosperity.

IMPACTS OF SABAH’S TOURISM ON THE STATELESS PALA’U IN SEMPORNA, SABAH

Abstract Semporna, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is renowned for its eco-tourism attractions. It is also the dwelling place of a significant population of stateless sea gypsies, locally referred to as the Pala’u. The Pala’u are a nomadic seafaring community that has resided for generations on their traditional houseboats, known as Lepa, while navigating the southeastern coastline of Borneo. Despite prevailing legal restrictions against the involvement of the stateless Pala’u in tourism activities, their mere presence in Semporna has captivated numerous tourists, attracting them to visit Semporna. This engagement has opened up employment opportunities and income sources for the Pala’u. As tourism continues to grow in Semporna, Sabah, the participation of the Pala’u in Sabah’s tourism has exerted significant influences on the well-being of this minority indigenous group. This study adopted a qualitative approach and, drawing on data gathered from key informant interviews and secondary sources, explored the participation of the Pala’u in Sabah’s tourism. The research posits that Malaysia should formulate a specific policy to regulate the involvement of the Pala’u in tourism, as they persist as an unofficial tourist attraction in Semporna despite the prevailing prohibition. Given their historical and cultural significance, the Pala’u warrant distinctive consideration within the legal framework to govern their participation in tourism so as to grant them essential access, means of sustenance, and protection from exploitation and criminal activities.

(Dis)comfortably numb in energy transitions: Gauging residential hard-to-reach energy users in the European Union

Hard-to-reach energy users – those who are difficult to reach, underserved, or hard to engage or motivate – are a vital concern for just energy transitions. Previous studies in the Global North have suggested three major residential groups, namely vulnerable households, high-income households, and tenants and landlords, for which one-size-fits-all policies have proven largely unsuccessful. Still, more research is needed to identify hard-to-reach groups and to understand households' decision-making processes. In this context, we review the literature to systematise a theoretical framework, proposing thirteen profiles for vulnerable households (low-income, low education, rural, multi-family, elderly, young, single parents, migrants, unemployed, ill-health and disabilities, ethnic minorities and indigenous groups, homeless and informal settlements, travellers and nomadic communities), two for high-income households (high-income, sumptuous spenders), and two for tenants and landlords (tenants, landlords). We select indicators to gauge these audiences in the European Union. Results suggest that a substantial share of households may be hard-to-reach, with several profiles (e.g., low-income, tenants) individually accounting for 30 % of the population. Relevant variations are found across Member States. Furthermore, a significant population share intersects at least two profiles, compounding the barriers to their engagement. These households require targeted and tailored policies and interventions to address their needs, which are broadly discussed. The hard-to-reach concept can be useful to inform policymakers and practitioners. Data gaps emerge for marginalised and wealthy groups. Heterogeneity and intersectionality add further complexity. Future research can fill these gaps while taking on multi-scalar, plural, and inclusive approaches to identify and engage hard-to-reach households.

Effects of Climate Change on the Traditional Nomadic Lifestyle in Mongolia

This paper examines the effects of climate change on the traditional nomadic lifestyle in Mongolia, focusing on the environmental shifts, changes in herding practices, economic consequences, social and cultural impacts, and the adaptation and coping strategies employed by herders. Key climate changes such as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns have led to significant environmental challenges, including desertification and water scarcity, which directly affect grassland ecosystems. These changes have disrupted seasonal migration patterns and grazing practices, impacting livestock health and productivity. The economic stability of herders is threatened by reduced income and increased costs, prompting diversification of economic activities. Social and cultural structures are also shifting, with traditional knowledge being both preserved and transformed to meet new challenges. The integration of traditional practices with modern technologies and innovations is crucial for building climate resilience. Policy and support mechanisms, including disaster preparedness, sustainable land management, financial support, education, and international collaboration, are essential to support the resilience and sustainability of Mongolia’s nomadic herding communities.

The two-year epidemiological investigation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the nomadic population of Fars province, Southern Iran: An ecological study (February 20, 2020, to February 19, 2022)

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of traveling populations, yet little is known about the health status of nomadic communities. This ecological study aimed to investigate the health status of the nomadic population in Fars Province, Iran, during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsNomadic Information Registration System (NIRS) data were used to compare COVID-19 diagnostic tests, confirmed cases, referrals, hospital admissions, deaths, and vaccination coverage between the nomadic and general populations. Non-parametric chi-square test was used for data analysis. ResultsIn Fars Province, COVID-19 diagnostic tests were performed on 2.73 % of the nomadic population and 40 % of the general population. The test positivity rate was 23.91 % for the nomadic population and 29.3 % for the general population. The case fatality ratio (CFR) for COVID-19 was 9.24 % for the nomadic population and 1.29 % for the general population. Additionally, only 41.83 % and 24.35 % of the nomadic population had received the first and second doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, respectively, which were lower than the general population's rates of 65.65 % and 59.71 %. ConclusionThe nomadic population in Fars Province received suboptimal COVID-19 care compared to the general population.

Nomadic Roots and Contemporary Realities: An Exploration of the Waghri Community in Punjab

Nomadism persists as a relevant phenomenon in contemporary society. This study delves into the Waghri community, a nomadic community that originally hails from Gujarat but settled in Punjab for the past three or four generations. Having encountered stigmatisation during the British rule, the community was labelled a criminal tribe in the Bombay Presidency. This study aimed to understand the culture, belief and practice dynamics of the Waghri community, shaped by their nomadic history and current circumstances. Furthermore, it seeks to delve into their experiences with historical stigmatisation, contemporary adaptation strategies and the cultural forces moulding their identity and means of sustenance. This study was carried out in the urban areas of Punjab under the national project of the Anthropological Survey of India entitled Ethnographic Study of 226 De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities. The data were collected using snowball and random sampling methods. The tools used for data collection included a structured schedule, focus group discussions and individual interviews. The findings of the study reveal that the migration of the Waghri community, driven by the pursuit of enhanced livelihoods, has resulted in a widespread presence across India, featuring various sub-castes distinguished by traditional occupations and territorial affiliations. Remarkably, these sub-castes lack social hierarchies, uniting around their common clan deity rather than fostering internal divisions. Devotees of the goddess Durga, the community now identifies as Devipujak. Engaged in the trade of recycling second-hand clothes, they have established harmonious ties with the neighbouring communities, predominantly residing in urban areas, as their livelihood depends on middle and upper-middle-class families. Despite facing stigma in their native Gujarat, the Waghri community finds acceptance in Punjab, where they are recognised more as Gujarati than Waghri. Economically disadvantaged and educationally marginalised, the community leads a precarious existence unaccounted for by the government. This study illuminates their resilience in preserving cultural traditions amidst uncertainties about their future. Their adaptation strategies, including social cohesion and niche economic activity, offer insights into social mobility, identity negotiation, and the complex realities of marginalised communities in India.

Multilevel analysis on prevalence and associated factors of modern contraceptive uptake in Somaliland: based on The Somaliland Health and Demographic Survey 2020

IntroductionContraception is the deliberate prevention of unwanted pregnancy through various contraceptive methods. Its uptake is low in Sub-Saharan African countries, particularly in east Africa. This might be linked to the high prevalence of unwanted pregnancies and the high fertility rate in the area. Although studies reporting the prevalence and associated factors of modern contraceptive uptake are available in other African countries, no study has been conducted in Somaliland. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess its prevalence and associated factors in Somaliland using Somaliland Health and Demographic Survey (SLHDS) data.Methods and materialsThe study used Somaliland Demographic Health Survey (SLDHS) 2020 data. The survey was a national-level survey using a cross-sectional study design. A total of 3656 reproductive-age women were included in the current study. To determine independent predictors of modern contraceptive uptake, a multi-level multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. Random effect analysis, standard error (SE) and intra-cluster correlation (ICC) were computed.ResultsThe proportion of modern contraceptive uptake among reproductive age groups in Somaliland is 1%. Modern contraceptive uptake is significantly associated with the residence, educational level and wealth index of participants. Women from nomadic communities had lower odds (AOR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.66) of modern contraceptive uptake compared to those from urban areas. Being in the highest wealth quintiles (AOR: 17.22; 95% CI: 1.99, 155.92) and having a tertiary educational level (AOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.29, 9.11) had higher odds of using the modern contractive method compared to those with the lowest wealth quintiles and non-formal education, respectively.ConclusionThe prevalence of modern contraceptive uptake in Somaliland was very low. It is associated with the level of education, wealth index and residence of the women.

Behavioural faecal exposure pathways in a nomadic lifestyle :

Background: Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is the cornerstone for health and growth at all stages of life in maintain health and increase in life span. Poor sanitation has led to disease increase in microorganisms such as Escherichia coli. Sanitation is influenced in a community by factors such as perception, behavioral practices such as open defecation and disposal of these waste. This study aimed to identify behavioral faecal exposure pathways in the nomadic community of Turbi ward. Methods: Mixed method approach using qualitative and quantitative research methods was applied in this study to assess exposure pathways and related behavior among the nomadic community of Turbi ward. Thematic data analysis was used to analyze data generated from behavioural observations. Data was presented using graphs and pie charts. Results: A total of 100 households were sampled and about 68% (n=100) of population use surface water for domestic. Turbi manyatta had the highest with 30% (n=100), followed by Kambi Nyoka at 16%(n=100) and the least was Shurr manyatta at 2% (n=100). Surface water was the dominant source of water for these community. About 76% (n=100) of the households did not treat their water before use for domestic purposes and due to scarcity of water the community store water in jerricans for more than one week. About 87% of the residents reported not washing hands before milking animals. Open defecation was the predominant method of waste disposal among the five selected Manyattas, accounting for 95% (n= 100). There was significant relationship between practicing open defecation and using surface water without treatment for domestic purpose at p-value 0.032 (95% CI), using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test. Conclusion: The study revealed that the study community’s behavioral practices exposes them to faecal exposure due to habitual practice of open defecation, throwing waste to the bush, open burning, drinking untreated surface water and not washing hands before milking animals. There is need for advocacy on social behavior change, and strategies on health promotion targeting Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

The dromedary in Algeria: An evolution at times of multifunctionality

In Algeria, camels are one of the greatest resources and reservoirs of the Saharan territory. Despite a past that testifies to their predominant role in a hostile environment, this species has been comparatively obscured by the prominence of other livestock. Their legendary sobriety makes them the emblematic animal of merchant caravans, renowned for their versatility. Currently, peri-urban farms have developed on the outskirts of Saharan cities, and their commercial purpose cannot overshadow other values associated with dromedaries. Indeed, the growth in camel populations has been accompanied by an evolution in livestock systems. The significant increase in demand for camel products, revealed by the socio-economic changes within nomadic communities, has contributed to modifying breeding practices and logics, which in turn have affected the various camel functions. In other words, this represents a dimension of renewal through the developed products and services provided, which prove to be valuable assets. It is in this perspective that this contribution is situated, offering a synthesis that attempts to highlight the scope of camel farming in the Algerian Sahara. The objective of this study is to show the importance of the dromedary concerning its polyfunctionality through the products it supplies and the services it provides.

Spatial analysis of modern contraceptive use among women who need it in Ethiopia: Using geo-referenced data from performance monitoring for action.

The challenge of achieving maternal and neonatal health-related goals in developing countries is significantly impacted by high fertility rates, which are partly attributed to limited access to family planning and access to the healthcare systems. The most widely used indicator to monitor family planning coverage is the proportion of women in reproductive age using contraception (CPR). However, this metric does not accurately reflect the true family planning coverage, as it fails to account for the diverse needs of women in reproductive age. Not all women in this category require contraception, including those who are pregnant, wish to become pregnant, sexually inactive, or infertile. To effectively address the contraceptive needs of those who require it, this study aims to estimate family planning coverage among this specific group. Further, we aimed to explore the geographical variation and factors influencing contraceptive uptake of contraceptive use among those who need. We used data from the Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia (PMA Ethiopia) survey of women of reproductive age and the service delivery point (SDP) survey conducted in 2019. A total of 4,390 women who need contraception were considered as the analytical sample. To account for the study design, sampling weights were considered to compute the coverage of modern contraceptive use disaggregated by socio-demographic factors. Bayesian geostatistical modeling was employed to identify potential factors associated with the uptake of modern contraception and produce spatial prediction to unsampled locations. The overall weighted prevalence of modern contraception use among women who need it was 44.2% (with 95% CI: 42.4%-45.9%). Across regions of Ethiopia, contraceptive use coverage varies from nearly 0% in Somali region to 52.3% in Addis Ababa. The average nearest distance from a woman's home to the nearest SDP was high in the Afar and Somali regions. The spatial mapping shows that contraceptive coverage was lower in the eastern part of the country. At zonal administrative level, relatively high (above 55%) proportion of modern contraception use coverage were observed in Adama Liyu Zone, Ilu Ababor, Misrak Shewa, and Kefa zone and the coverage were null in majority of Afar and Somali region zones. Among modern contraceptive users, use of the injectable dominated the method-mix. The modeling result reveals that, living closer to a SDP, having discussions about family planning with the partner, following a Christian religion, no pregnancy intention, being ever pregnant and being young increases the likelihood of using modern contraceptive methods. Areas with low contraceptive coverage and lower access to contraception because of distance should be prioritized by the government and other supporting agencies. Women who discussed family planning with their partner were more likely to use modern contraceptives unlike those without such discussion. Thus, to improve the coverage of contraceptive use, it is very important to encourage/advocate women to have discussions with their partner and establish movable health systems for the nomadic community.