Region Of West Africa Research Articles

Evaluation of Chickpea Production under Different Management of Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilizer

Background: Chickpea is a prominent leguminous crop cultivated in the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region. Historically, it is planted during the spring season as a rainfed crop in the area, characterized by its unpredictable and frequently inadequate precipitation. Methods: To examine the impact of various levels of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer on the yield and yield components of the Adel cultivar of chickpea, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with four replications at the research farm in Jolgeh Rokh District in Torbat-e Heydarieh (35.19 N, 59.45E) throughout the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. The experimental treatments included three levels of nitrogen: 30, 75 and 150 kg ha-1 as urea fertilizer. The irrigation was applied at three levels: full irrigation, one supplementary irrigation at the flowering stage and two supplementary irrigations at the flowering and pod filling stages. The studied traits included grain yield, biological yield, the number of pods per plant, and the number of seeds per pod. Result: Our results showed that different levels of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer had a significant effect on the number of seeds per pod, pods per plant and biological and grain yield. The interaction effect of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer was significant for all studied traits. In this study, the interaction between the full irrigation treatment and 75 kg N ha-1 resulted in a significant increase in all traits (except biological yield) compared to other treatments. Furthermore, one irrigation at the flowering stage with 150 kg N ha-1 caused a significant decrease in all of the studied traits. The combination of full irrigation and 150 kg N ha-1 treatment had the highest biological yield (8.9 t ha-1), while its grain yield was 1854 kg ha-1. Therefore, by maintaining moisture levels during the critical period of chickpea growth and utilizing balanced nutritional levels, particularly nitrogen at rates of 30 and 75 kg ha-1, the yield of chickpea can be increased.

Task-sharing to promote caregiver mental health, positive parenting practices, and violence prevention in vulnerable families in Sierra Leone: a pilot feasibility study

Abstract Background The prevalence of household violence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is high, and exposure to violence has significant adverse effects on both mental health and child development across generations. Evidence-based services to improve parenting practices and reduce household violence in LMICs are scarce, particularly across rural regions of West Africa. This study explored the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of an evidence-based home-visiting intervention to promote early childhood development and reduce household violence—the Family Strengthening Intervention for Early Childhood Development and Violence-Prevention (FSI-ECD + VP)—among vulnerable families in rural regions of Sierra Leone. Methods Eighty dual-caregiver households in the Makeni region of Sierra Leone were included in the study (N = 160 caregivers; 73% female). Eligibility criteria included having at least one child aged 6–36 months and elevated scores (> 62.5) on the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Community Health Workers (CHWs) employed in the Makeni region completed a 3-week FSI-ECD + VP training. Families were randomized to receive either the FSI-ECD + VP or treatment as usual (TAU). Research assistants blinded to treatment assignment assessed caregiver mental health, caregiver-child interactions, and household violence at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up time points. Results Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data showed that caregivers, CHWs, and supervisors generally perceived the intervention as beneficial, feasible, and acceptable. Mixed effects models showed that caregivers who received the FSI-ECD + VP had significantly improved caregiver-child relationship outcomes compared to TAU as assessed by the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment and the Observation of Caregiver-Child Interactions at post-intervention. Preliminary data also suggests that caregivers receiving the FSI-ECD + VP were less likely to have experienced intimate partner physical violence during the post-intervention period, and had lower symptoms of anxiety and depression at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions FSI-ECD + VP delivery by CHWs in Sierra Leone may be feasible and acceptable; it may also help improve caregiver-child interactions and reduce the likelihood of household violence among vulnerable families with young children. Task-sharing approaches may help increase acceptability and access to evidence-based behavioral interventions that promote early childhood development and violence prevention among families in rural regions of Sierra Leone and other similar settings. Trial registration The study is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 03045640; 07/22/2020). This study follows the Consort 2010 guidelines for reporting of clinical trials.

Anti-microtubular activity of total alkaloids and aqueous extract of Detarium microcarpum a medicinal plant harvested in Mali.

Detarium microcarpum, is a species confined to drier regions of west and central Africa used to treat various diseases including cancer. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites (alkaloids) The aim of this work is to study the effect of total aqueous extracts and alkaloid fractions from D. microcarpum leaves, bark and roots on Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. 'Bright Yellow 2' (BY-2) tobacco cell line GFP-TuA3 expressing a N-terminal fusion of GFP. The plant was harvested in two different regions of Mali with a contrasting climate. The effects of the extracts on the microtubules was followed by spinning disc confocal microscopy. We showed that the anti-microtubular effect of the extracts is dose-dependent, depends of the sampling site and the part of the plant used. Total alkaloids extracted of D. microcarpum bark have more effect on microtubules than leaf and root. The bioactivity-guided fractionation should be used to screen out the biologically active compounds of the total alkaloid extracts of the bark of D. microcarpum.

Wild Lathyrus—A Treasure of Novel Diversity

Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a climate-smart legume crop with adaptation to fragile agroecosystems. The genus Lathyrus is recognized for its vast genetic diversity, encompassing over 160 species, many of which are cultivated for various purposes across different regions of the world. Among these, Lathyrus sativus is widely cultivated as food, feed, and fodder in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) regions. Its global cultivation has declined substantially due to the stigma posed by the presence of neurotoxin β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP) in its seeds and green foliage. Overconsumption for a longer period of grasspea seeds harvested from landraces may lead to a neurological disorder called neurolathyrism in humans. ODAP is an obstacle for grasspea expansion, but crop wild relatives (CWRs) have been found to offer a solution. The incorporation of CWRs, particularly Lathyrus cicera, and landraces into breeding programs may reduce the ODAP content in grasspea varieties to a safer level. Recent advances in genomics-assisted breeding have expanded the potential for utilizing challenging CWRs to develop grasspea varieties that combine ultra-low ODAP levels with improved yield, stability, and adaptability. Further progress in omics technologies—such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—along with genome sequencing and editing, has greatly accelerated the development of grasspea varieties with reduced or zero ODAP content, while also enhancing the plant’s agronomic value. This review highlights the significance of utilizing CWRs in pre-breeding programs, and harnessing advanced tools and technologies to enhance the performance, adaptability, and resilience of grasspea in response to changing environmental conditions.

The Vochysiaceae family in a Cerrado fragment in the Mato Grosso, Brazil

The family Vochysiaceae A.St.-Hil. (Order: Myrtales) has been reported to occur in South and Central America and the equatorial region of West Africa. Six genera and approximately 160 species belonging to this family occur in Brazil. The objective of the present study was to morphologically describe the species of Vochysiaceae that occur in the Cerrado fragment of the Federal University of Rondonópolis (UFR), to present identification keys and boards with images and illustrations, in addition to include taxonomic comments and on the distribution of species. For this, monthly surveys and collections were carried out in the area, which resulted in the description of five species: Qualea grandiflora Mart., Qualea multiflora Mart., Qualea parviflora Mart., Vochysia cinnamomea Pohl and Vochysia divergens Pohl. The present study contributed to expand knowledge about the Vochysiaceae family and the flora of the region, in addition to being able to serve as a subsidy for discussions on the preservation of the Cerrado.

New Fermatean Fuzzy Distance Metric and Its Utilization in the Assessment of Security Crises Using the MCDM Technique

The problem of insecurity is a global phenomenon that has several forms like terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, etc. Insecurity has taken hold in the Sub-Saharan Region of West Africa, especially in Nigeria, for over two decades. Nigeria’s security crisis is more pronounced in the Northern Region, with a new wave in the North-Central Region of Nigeria. It is herculean to assess insecurity in the North-Central Region of Nigeria because of the region’s fuzzy or imprecise nature of insecurity. This constitutes the rationale for deploying the Fermatean fuzzy technique to assess insecurity due to the capacity of the Fermatean fuzzy scheme to handle imprecision. To this end, a new Fermatean fuzzy distance metric is presented to evaluate insecurity in the North-Central Region of Nigeria using a multi-criteria decision-making technique. To express the logic for creating the new Fermatean fuzzy distance metric, some existing Fermatean fuzzy distance metrics are discussed, along with their drawbacks. The mathematical properties of the new technique are discussed, and the new method is applied computationally to assess insecurity in the North-Central Region of Nigeria. The data for the security assessment are collected via Fermatean fuzzy linguistic variables using the opinions of security experts and analyzed using the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, which is a commonly used multi-criteria decision-making method. Finally, the numerical validity of the new technique is expressed with comparative results, and the finding shows the benefit of the new distance approach over the existing methodologies. The outcome of the work will provide reliable traveling advisories for safe voyages within the region.

Multi-scale drought variability over West Africa and the associated large-scale circulation patterns

This study addresses the critical research gap in understanding regional drought dynamics in West Africa (WA) using advanced multivariate wavelet coherence (MWC) techniques, revealing critical insights into the complex interplay between large-scale climate indices and regional drought patterns. Utilizing the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI), we examined drought characteristics across WA from 1950 to 2018. Our analysis revealed significant drying trends across all seasons, with the Arid zone experiencing the most severe and prolonged drought (158 months) from August 1981 to September 1994, affecting 79.77% of the area. The entire WA region faced its most extensive drought during this period, impacting over 60% of the study area. MWC analysis demonstrated enhanced drought predictability when combining climate indices, particularly the Southern Oscillation Index with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, yielding high Average Wavelet Coherence values of 0.52 (SPEI) and 0.53 (scPDSI), with substantial Percentage Area of Significant Coherence of 40.19% and 43.68%, respectively. These findings highlight the crucial role of oceanic-atmospheric interactions in modulating drought conditions across WA. Our results provide valuable insights for improving drought forecasting and management strategies in the region, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that consider multiple climate indices and their combined effects on drought dynamics.

Leveraging machine learning and Landsat time series for high-resolution mapping of mining-induced vegetation changes in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Quarries are open pit mines, where construction materials such as granite and clay are extracted from the earth's surface, leading to a major disturbance of vegetation and subsequent degradation of ecosystem services. Assessing mining-associated degradation over time remains a challenge. This paper uses a temporal series of Landsat satellite image extracted from Google Earth Engine (GEE) for monitoring mining effects on land cover around the West African city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. We conducted a binary classification of quarry and non-quarry using Landsat 9 images. To account for varying quarry patterns, we applied the LandTrendr algorithm to analyze images from 1990 to 2022, mapping annual vegetation disturbance and recovery. This generated high-resolution land cover maps with over 90 % accuracy across 257 quarries (38 km²). LandTrendr identified disturbance years with 87 % accuracy and assessed recovery in abandoned quarries. Remote sensing accuracy was validated through fieldwork and analysis of historical aerial photos. Our findings revealed that major disturbances coincided with new quarrying activities, particularly during urban expansion from 2005 to 2019, with NDVI decreasing by 0.3 in active mining areas. Vegetation recovery was observed in 23 % of the abandoned quarries, with NDVI increases by 0.15 within five years post abandonment, particularly in clay quarries. The strongest recovery occurred in given up abandoned from 2015 to 2019, aligned with increased conservation efforts. Our approach offers valuable insights into mining impacts and vegetation resilience in semi-arid environments, informing sustainable urban planning and environmental management in rapidly transforming regions of West Africa.

Genetic dissection and genomic prediction of drought indices in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes.

Drought constitutes the main obstacle to agricultural productivity in the Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) region, notably leading to substantial reductions in wheat yields due to terminal water stress. The adoption of drought-resistant wheat varieties appears to be a vital strategy to maintain wheat production in the face of climatic challenges. In this context, a study was conducted utilizing a set of 198 elite bread wheat genotypes developed at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). This set of elite genotypes was evaluated at the Sidi Al-Aidi station in Morocco over two years (2021-2022), under rain-fed and irrigated conditions. Phenotypic assessments for grain yield and drought indices were performed, alongside genotyping the population using 15k SNP markers. These preparatory steps facilitated a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and genomic prediction, leveraging the Mixed Linear Model (MLM) to pinpoint marker-trait associations (MTAs) and candidate genes pertinent to grain yield and drought indices. The results manifested substantial variations in both grain yield and drought indices among the genotypes tested. Grain yield performance ranged from 0.34 to 2.57 t/ha under rain-fed conditions and 1.12 to 4.57 t/ha under irrigated scenarios. The comprehensive analysis identified 39 significant MTAs (p < 0.001) and 14 putative genes associated with drought indices and grain yield. Noteworthy is the marker “wsnp_Ex_c12127_19394952” on chromosome 5B, which displayed a significant correlation with grain yield in rain-fed environments. Furthermore, the most prominent marker linked to tolerance index (TOL) was “BobWhite_c42349_99”, situated on chromosome 5A and associated with the TraesCS5A02G498000 gene. This gene plays a critical role, encoding for catalase protein crucial for response to hydrogen peroxide. These markers could be used for marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs targeting drought tolerance.

Participatory Mapping of Ethnoecological Perspectives on Land Degradation Neutrality in Southern Burkina Faso

In the Sahel region of West Africa, land degradation has raised concerns about the threat of desertification, leading to the establishment of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 1994. Over time, the focus has shifted from simply combating desertification to a more comprehensive international program focused on preserving the health of our land by offsetting any damage with restoration efforts by 2030 to sustain ecosystem functions and services. This balancing process—which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—is known as Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). We examine Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) patterns, namely degradation and rehabilitation processes, by integrating participatory mapping with high-resolution satellite imagery with local stories, observations, historical records, and existing studies. The data elicited an understanding of the processes driving land degradation and adaptation strategies among three distinct ethnic groups of crop and livestock farmers in the village of Yallé in southern Burkina Faso. Some of these people were originally from this region, while others moved from places where the land was already degraded. Participants in the study had diverse experiences and perceptions of land degradation, its drivers, and adaptation strategies, which were influenced by their ethnicity, livelihood activities, and life experiences. These differences highlight the impact of cultural and socioeconomic factors on how people view land degradation, as well as the role of local knowledge in managing the environment. The study emphasizes the necessity of incorporating ethnoecological perspectives into projects focused on Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) to better understand land degradation and improve land management. This integration can significantly contribute to strengthening global sustainability and community resilience.

A comprehensive review on chemical and pharmacological potential of Synsepalum dulcificum (Schumach. &amp; Thonn.) Daniell

The fruit of plant Synsepalum dulcificum(Schumach. &amp; Thonn.) Daniell, is found native to tropical regions of West Africa, and vernacularly recognized as the “Miracle Fruit” by Africans. The property of the plant has traditionally been employed in many food industries, besides its ethnopharmacological significance. The phytochemical analysis from literature reveals that various parts of plant contains many bioactive components including alkaloids, lignans, phenolic acids, glycoproteins and flavonoids. Recent studies exhibit its pharmacologicalpotential such as antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-hyperuricemia and anti-convulsant properties. Therefore, this review aims to systematically summarizes scientific evidences with the therapeutic, ethnopharmacological and traditional claims found in literature. However, the data acquired is still very imperfect, thus future research is hopeful to discover the precise mechanism of action of its bioactive components to explore chemical constituents, and their nutraceutical and clinical uses of this multipurpose plant to employ its valuable effects on human beings.

Coups, Regional Security Complexes and the Impact of Nigeria’s Peacekeeping in West Africa, 1960–2022

Over the years, Africa has continued to experience conflicts caused by civil wars and the tussle for power through military coups. Despite having the Mediation &amp; Security Council within ECOWAS, it has been unable to create sustainable peace within the region. The many porous borders between the countries further exacerbate the complexities of its regional security. The consequences of these problems usually affect neighbouring countries, thereby resulting in regional security complexes and the consequent challenges of peacekeeping operations. This paper uses historical, descriptive and comparative analysis by focusing on coups as precursors to security challenges in the region of West Africa and the resulting peacekeeping operations by countries such as Nigeria. Based on the premise of ECOWAS, it introduces some conflicts caused by coups; the challenges of Regional Security Complex in West Africa and the examination of Nigerian Peacekeeping efforts. Furthermore, it offers some recommendations towards sustainable regional peace. Results show that there is a need for the African Union (AU) to do more to secure the continent. Reliance on non-African countries to support its internal security problems has become counterproductive. It recommends that Nigeria should temporarily suspend its peacekeeping operations and channel its resources towards addressing its internal security challenges; that the AU must establish a standing army as a quick response force to address the various continental crises before they become exponential threats and that ECOWAS should implement its common currency plan. Finally, the African Union must develop best practices that can alleviate poverty and guarantee security in line with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Monkeypox: A Growing Global Health Challenge and the Need for Vigilant Preparedness

The Ongoing Public Health Challenge of Monkeypox Monkeypox is relatively a new threat to the global community as it has brought into focus the issue of improved surveillance and response to infectious diseases[1]. Initially, a rather exotic zoonotic pathogen limited to certain regions of Central and West Africa, monkeypox is being detected in the countries that previously did not report its occurrence, which creates new challenges for the health care systems of the world[2]. Understanding the Disease Monkeypox is an infectious disease that results from the attack of monkeypox virus which is in the Ortho poxvirus group of the virus family Poxviridae though the smallpox virus has been eradicated. The disease has some symptoms are similar to smallpox and includes fever, body aches, and rash that goes through different stages. Despite the fact that monkeypox is less severe when compared with smallpox, significant morbidity and potentially mortality cannot be ruled out[3]. Direct human-to-human transmission is by contact with infected body fluids, aerosols, or fomites such as used clothing, beddings among others. Recent epidemics have been experienced in the urban areas as this makes it easier for the virus to spread due to high population densities. This has transformed the disease from one which affected isolated African communities to a problem in developed, globally connected cities[4]. Why Should We Be Concerned? The stoppage of smallpox vaccination has exposed the people to Ortho poxviruses such as monkeypox. The constant risk of getting zoonotic diseases due to factors such as deforestation, urbanization and close interaction with animals means that diseases, which are mainly associated with animals, can easily infect human beings. Furthermore, the flexibility in the global interconnectivity of today’s world through travel and business has facilitated the spread of the virus across the borders. In 2022, 34 monkeypox cases were reported in European countries, the Americas, and other areas of the world, where the disease had not been identified[5, 6]. The Public Health Response To this recent outbreak of the disease, the WHO and the CDC have scaled up awareness campaigns and encouraged surveillance as well as put in place measures to contain the spread of the disease. Mass vaccination campaigns using smallpox vaccines that work against monkeypox have been intensified in the affected countries, however, there are several problems with implementing this approach: the difficulties of delivering vaccines in time and the scarcity of the vaccines themselves[7]. These are important in educating communities on how to avoid the disease and this include avoiding contact with sick persons, washing hands regularly and consulting a doctor when experiencing early symptoms of the disease. It also means that health systems need to be ready and able to identify such patients and isolate them to avoid spreading of the virus[8, 9]. Looking Forward The spread of monkeypox in the non-endemic countries is a cause of concern and questions the efficiency of our societies’ prevention, detection, and controlling of infectious diseases. Even as the current outbreaks have informed the world of the virus, it is important to note that this is not a one-off case[10]. Zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to people, will remain a threat into the future as people increase in numbers and expand their living space into the domain of wildlife. The fight against monkeypox is the fight against all other infectious diseases that can be most effectively fought for with a proper approach and mutual cooperation of all countries[11]. Monkeypox is not as dangerous as some other infectious diseases but looking at the example of how this disease affected people one can conclude that public health cannot be unguarded. Prevention of such diseases in the future would require increased investment in the global health care system, outcome of research on new diseases and vaccination exercises. We cannot afford to wait for another pandemic to happen in order to start acting[12, 13].

Sustainable ruminant nutrition in West Africa by in vitro characterization of cashew apple by-products

Cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale L.) are planted for primarily their nuts, but they also generate apples which are mostly thrown away due to their astringent taste. The current study aimed to explore the possible utilization of cashew apple by-products (CABP) in West Africa as an alternative feedstuff for small ruminants’ nutrition. To achieve this aim, five parts of cashew apple by-products (whole, up, down and middle part, and pomace) of two cashew varieties (red and yellow) were collected in two different agroecological zones (Sudanian Zone, SZ and Sudano-Guinea Zone, SZ) to be characterized for the chemical composition, including polyphenols and sugars, and the in vitro fermentation pattern. In general, the results showed that CABP characteristics depend more on sampling area than on variety. The dry matter (DM) in SZ and SGZ varied from 12.76 to 26.10 % and 7.41–22.9 %, respectively. The pomace showed the highest crude protein, lipids, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content (SZ: 9.48, 3.94 and 31.66 % DM; SGZ: 14.03, 4.94 and 34.12 % DM, respectively) but the lowest nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) and sugar for both zones. Regarding the in vitro fermentation, the organic matter degradability (dOM) was higher in the middle part (73.73 %) and whole apple (61.62 %) of SZ and SGZ, respectively. In contrast, the pomace from both zones showed the lowest in vitro fermentation parameters. The total polyphenols were more concentrated in the CABP from SZ (whole: 2736 μg/g DW; pomace: 3813 μg/g DW) compared to those from SGZ (whole: 1755 μg/g DW; pomace: 1374 μg/g DW). Results suggest that CABP should be collected in each cultivation zone regardless of variety, separating pomace from other by-products and may be used as alternative feedstuff for small ruminants during the dry season in the West Africa region.

Gender and adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in West and Central Africa: New evidence and emerging gaps.

The West and Central Africa (WCA) region is a natural resource-rich, 24-country, contiguous area with a population of nearly 500 million people. The median age for the region is currently 18 years and approximately one-third of its population is aged between 10 and 24 years. If current demographic trends in the region persist, its population will reach 1.5 billion by 2050. At that time, WCA will not only have the largest number of young people globally, but it will also be the only part of the world whose population of young people will continue to increase1. Many countries in the region are also or have recently been involved in armed conflicts, which have devastated infrastructure, displaced people, stifled development, and more importantly, resulted in myriad deaths and morbidities.

Small Pelagics in West Africa face the multiple challenges of food security, wealth creation and regional governance

The aim of this article is to present the multidimensional challenges associated with the exploitation of small pelagic fish in the West Africa region. The method involved collecting statistical data on the production and trade of these fish from research centres located in countries along the West African coastline. Field surveys were also conducted with experts and key stakeholders in fisheries to gather qualitative information on fisheries resource governance and working conditions within the value chain. These empirical data are enriched by a narrative review of scientific literature. Our results show an average annual production of small pelagic fish estimated at 1.3 million tonnes. Although this performance has improved over the past decade, primarily due to increased catches in Mauritania, it remains insufficient to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. Indeed, per capita consumption of small pelagic fish has decreased by two kilograms over the past decade, currently standing at five kilograms per individual per year. The trade deficit in pelagic fish is increasing. This situation is set to worsen in the coming years due to various factors such as the current state of overexploitation of pelagic stocks, degradation of marine ecosystems, and climate change. Additionally, the emergence of fishmeal and fish oil industries, as well as the lack of adequate port infrastructure, hampers the value addition of the small pelagic fish value chain for human consumption. On the governance front, several challenges remain. Current public policies are often directive and ineffective, particularly concerning artisanal fisheries. The management of migrant fishers also remains problematic, exacerbating the pressure on already vulnerable stocks. Despite the establishment of regional institutions, interviews with experts highlight a lack of integration and synergy in fisheries resource governance. In a context where issues of food security and climate change are becoming increasingly urgent, it is imperative to design and implement robust regional strategies to address these critical challenges.Haut du formulaire Bas du formulaire

An Eco-Friendly and Low Cost IoT based Room Temperature Control by Fan Speed Regulation for Tropical Use

This work presents an Internet of Things (IoT) based room temperature monitoring and control system by fan speed regulation developed for use in rooms of tropical regions of West Africa. In this work, cutting-edge technologies were integrated, including IoT, and cloud- based monitoring to create a system capable of dynamically remote controlling fan speed based on real- time temperature data. The Dallas DS18B20 Waterproof Temperature Sensor serves as the cornerstone for accurate temperature monitoring. A Microcontroller (Node MCU ESP8266) with Wi-Fi Module facilitates IoT connectivity, allowing users to remotely monitor and control the system through the Blynk Cloud and the Blynk App. A 12V DC table fan, driven by a MOSFET which is being controlled through Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) by the microcontroller, enables fine- tuned speed adjustments. A 16x2 LCD display provides real-time feedback on current temperature and fan speed percentage, enhancing user awareness. The microcontroller programming involves the implementation of an adaptive algorithm for dynamic fan speed control based on the room temperature, user settings and some preset parameters conditioned for tropical region of West Africa. By dynamically adjusting fan speed based on real-time temperature data, the system optimizes energy consumption, providing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. The circuit was designed and simulated in Proteus software, the code was written in Arduino IDE, tested on breadboard, implemented finally on Veroboard and all fitted inside a suitable box. After testing the system, it worked as expected and it was observed that the fan speed increases as the room temperature increases and vice versa. Also, the fan speed depends both on the room temperature and the set threshold value. It was also observed that the speed of the fan is at its maximum when the temperature is above 40°C. Thus, the developed system is good for room temperature control in the tropical region of West Africa.

Employing child-focused evaluation methods across West and Central Africa – A UNICEF Experience

Background: This article explores the strategies that the UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO) has implemented in order to fulfil children’s rights through evaluations.Objectives: It intends to support evaluation managers and practitioners by discussing challenges and proposed corrective actions encountered when adapting adult-centric evaluation processes into child-friendly ones, both in development and humanitarian settings.Method: The UNICEF WCARO leveraged on insights shared by evaluation practitioners, academics, and children’s organisation representatives during the 2019 Symposium on Child-Centred Evaluations held in Senegal. Three years later, it led to a series of reflective sessions between UNICEF evaluation managers and external consultants to capture lessons learned and insights to improve evaluation practice.Results: The UNICEF WCARO’s evaluation practice has shifted from a rather marginal integration of child-focused methods in its evaluations to a more substantial mainstreaming of such methods. This article highlights how important it is to engage children during all key phases, while keeping ethical considerations into account.Conclusion: Implementing child-focused evaluations enhances the inclusivity of evaluation processes under the prism of 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, this article underscores the significance of integrating children’s perspectives to strengthen equity-based approaches in contemporary evaluation and enhance the validity of evaluation results.Contribution: This article contributes practical insights and tips on adapting data collection tools for children, fostering active participation, and navigating ethical considerations. UNICEF WCARO’s experience serves as a valuable reference for organisations seeking to amplify the voices of the most vulnerable in their evaluation processes.

Quantifying future climate extreme indices: implications for sustainable urban development in West Africa, with a focus on the greater Accra region

Climate change leading to Climate extremes in the twenty-first century is more evident in megacities across the world, especially in West Africa. The Greater Accra region is one of the most populated regions in West Africa. As a result, the region has become more susceptible to climate extremes such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts. The study employed the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 models in simulating climate extreme indices under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios (SSPs) over West Africa between 1979 and 2059 as exemplified by the Greater Accra region. The study observed a generally weak drought in the historical period and expected to intensify especially under SSP585 in Greater Accra. For instance, continuous dry days (CDD) reveal an increasing trend under the SSPs. Similarly, the overall projected trend of CDD over West Africa reveals an increase signifying a more frequent and longer drought in the future. The flood indices revealed a surge in the intensity and duration of extreme precipitation events under the SSPs in the region. For instance, R99pTOT and Rx5days are expected to significantly increase under the SSPs with intensification under the SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585. A similar trend has been projected across West Africa, especially along the Guinean coast. The study foresees a gradual and intensifying rise in heatwave indices over the Greater Accra region. The warming and cooling indices reveal an increasing and decreasing trend respectively in the historical period as well as under the SSPs particularly within urban centers like Accra and Tema. Most West African countries are projected to observe more frequent warm days and nights with cold nights and days becoming less frequent. Expected effects of future climate extreme indices pose potential threats to the water, food, and energy systems as well as trigger recurrent floods and droughts over Greater Accra. The findings of the study are expected to inform climate policies and the nationally determined contribution of the Paris Agreement as well as address the sustainable development goal 11 (Sustainable cities) and 13 (Climate action) in West Africa.

Pottery décor as networks on the Middle Niger, Mali

ABSTRACT This paper reports on an attempt to analyse decorative techniques on archaeological pottery from the Middle Niger region of West Africa as knowledge exchange networks. The twelfth-century AD state of this network is modelled and analysed and then compared to its ninth-century counterpart. The analysis shows how knowledge about pottery decoration was propagated within networks of different sizes and intensities, from local, well-connected networks to more loosely tied long-distance connections. The article shows how the perspective of network analysis differs from, and can fruitfully complement, previous treatments of ceramic décor distribution in the region. It adds a novel perspective to what the distribution of archaeological ceramics in this region reflects and contributes to the generation of hypotheses that can be further tested by fieldwork.