Upper Nile Research Articles

The effectiveness of a proposed unit in Radiation Physics for developing literacy of radioactive pollution risks among students of the physics Department Faculty of Education، Upper Nile University and Juba University - Republic of South Sudan

The effectiveness of a proposed unit in Radiation Physics for developing literacy of radioactive pollution risks among students of the physics Department Faculty of Education، Upper Nile University and Juba University - Republic of South Sudan

Xylopia nilotica (Annonaceae) in Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda, with a review of the genus in North Eastern Tropical Africa

Based on written records and specimens of the new species, Xylopia nilotica D. M. Johnson & N. A. Murray (2018), described from Uganda and west of the Nile in Sudan and South Sudan, we have mapped the species. We find that it also occurs east of the Nile in South Sudan and in western Ethiopia. Its habitats range from open rain forest to open woodland. Modelling the potential distribution of X. nilotica suggests that it occurs in the periphery of the upper Nile basin, but it is probably undercollected. The potential distributions of X. longipetala (a Guineo-Congolian species) and X. holtzii Engl. (an East African coastal species), distinct but previously considered conspecific with X. nilotica, only marginally overlap with that of X. nilotica, which is endemic to the countries Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, and Ethiopia, apparently a unique pattern of endemism. The new information does not change the assessment of X. nilotica as Vulnerable (VU). Other species of Xylopia in North Eastern Tropical Africa are X. rubescens Oliver and X. thomsonii Oliver in the Equatoria region of South Sudan, and X. rubescens, X. staudtii Engl. & Diels, and X. aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. in Uganda. A record of X. aethiopica in Ethiopia is based on false label information on the only known specimen.

Опыт применения ГИС для анализа конфликтного потенциала территории: на примере вооруженного конфликта в Южном Судане после провозглашения им независимости (2011–2022 гг.)

The purpose of the study is to highlight the key factors that explain the nature and causes of permanent interreligious and interethnic conflicts in South Sudan in 2011–2022 and using them to classify the territories of South Sudan according to conflict potential. The article describes the experience of using geographic information systems to analyze key factors (ethnic composition of the population, number of refugees, food security index and oil infrastructure) that make up the territory’s conflict potential (in connection with the armed conflict in South Sudan after its declaration of independence). A comprehensive study of historical, demographic, ethnic, religious, economic and social factors that became the causes of the conflict, allows understanding the dynamics of economic processes in Sudan, and applying the experience gained when taking into account other conflicts in the region, including new possible options in Sudan and South Sudan. The author identifies the most conflict-prone areas of South Sudan — Manyo, Maiwut, Melut and Bayley in the Upper Nile states, in which there are interethnic conflicts between the Nuer and Shilluk tribes, low levels of food security, as well as developing oil reserves and oil pipelines. The results of the study can be used in the process of rapid response and proactive actions aimed at preventing crisis situations in those regions of South Sudan where the risk of emerging more complex problems is high.

Effect of exercise training on Type 2 diabetes management and lipid profile

Objective: To evaluate the effect of exercise training on glycemic control and levels of lipid among diabetic patients. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in Upper Nile University, Sudan from January 2022 to April 2023. It was registered on Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (the registration reference is IRCT20230827059278N1). Forty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were allocated to the intervention group from the Jaber Abuelez Diabetic Center and Sameer Primary Healthcare Center, and the control group was taken from Tooty Primary Healthcare Center and Shambat Primary Healthcare Center. For a whole year, the intervention group had exercise instruction. Lipd profile and HgA1c were assessed before and after the exercise training to evaluate the effect. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Results: Exercise training resulted in a significant decrease in levels of triglycerides (-42.11, p<0.05), LDL (-8.92, p<0.05), HDL (+4.5 for males and +8.96 for females, p<0.05), and HbA1c (mean difference: -0.6, p<0.01). There was a significant reduction in LDL (-10.22, p<0.05), HbA1c (-0.69, p<0.05), and triglycerides (-33.07, p<0.01). Conclusion: The exercise training is a useful strategy for maintaining lipid profiles and controlling blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The Impact of Institutional Capacity on Public Performance in Upper Nile State, South Sudan

Purpose: This study explored the critical relationship between institutional capacity and public performance in the context of Upper Nile State of South Sudan, focusing on the central role of the state in public governance and sustainable development.
 Methodology: Through an extensive review of the literature, this study highlights the challenges facing public institutions and highlights the transformative potential of institutional capacity building. The purpose of this study was to reveal the complex relationship between institutional capacity and public performance in Upper Nile State, highlighting the role of institutional strengthening in improving public service delivery and overall governance. The research methods used included an in-depth literature search, providing a comprehensive review of research materials.
 Findings: The findings highlight the critical role of institutional capacity building in addressing governance challenges in Upper Nile State. Strong institutions not only improve the efficiency of service delivery, but also promote transparency, accountability and responsiveness to public needs. Good governance, effective leadership and alignment with the broader goals of good governance highlight the importance of institutional capacity building. This research helps us understand how to overcome governance challenges and improve public performance, with a particular focus on institutional capacity. The study highlights the intrinsic link between a country's governance environment and the strength of its institutions, revealing gaps in institutional capacity such as human resources, financial management, governance structures and infrastructure. These shortcomings have led to suboptimal public services, limiting access to services, creating inefficiencies and corruption, all of which have a direct impact on the well-being of the state's citizens. Furthermore, the study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive institutional strengthening efforts in Upper Nile State, including investment in human resources, financial management reforms and improved governance structures. This focus on institutional capacity is essential to address governance challenges, improve public services and contribute to a prosperous future for the people of Upper Nile State.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Furthermore, this study bridges the gap between theory and practical recommendations. It aligns the theory of institutional capacity with concrete results and shows how strengthening institutional capacity can solve identified management problems. This resource provides policy makers and practitioners with a practical road map to improve governance and public service delivery in Upper Nile State and continue to build strong and capable institutions to empower the people of the state. It emphasizes the importance of national and international efforts.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products to Local People Livelihoods in Melut Area, Upper Nile State, South Sudan

Kereste dışı orman ürünleri (NTFP'ler), Güney Sudan'ın Upper Nile Eyaleti'nin uzak bir bölgesinde, epik olarak geçim ihtiyaçlarının karşılanmasında önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Orman dışı ürünler, hem yerel hem de ulusal düzeyde önemli ürünler olmalarına rağmen, genellikle göz ardı edilen mallardır. Ormanlar aynı zamanda biyolojik çeşitliliğin zengin yataklarıdır ve çok sayıda fakir insanlara yemek pişirmek ve evlerini ısıtmak için yakıt sağlarken, orman temelli birçok kişiye nakit gelir kaynağı sağlar. Bu çalışma, Kuzey Upper Nile Eyaleti, Melut İlçesi çevresindeki kırsal alanlarda gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma, Güney Sudan'ın Upper Nile Eyaleti, Melut bölgesindeki doğal ormanın etrafındaki yerel halk için kereste dışı orman ürünlerini (NFTP'ler) araştırılmıştır. NFTP'lerin satışından elde edilen gelir, diğer hane halkı ihtiyaçları için giderlerin karşılanmasında önemlidir. Ayrıca, orman ürünleri, özellikle diğer gelir getirici fırsatların bulunmadığı yerlerde, insanların nakit ihtiyaçlarına katkıda bulunmaktadır. Bu tür malzemeler, ürünler sadece NFTP'leri değil, aynı zamanda kereste ürünlerini de içerirken, karşılık işi gibi orman tabanlı hizmetlerle de para kazanılabilir. Tarım, çalışma alanında baskın faaliyettir ve kereste dışı orman ürünleri sömürüsüne yönelik bir ortaklık faaliyetidir. Bu çalışma, çalışma alanının yerel topluluğunun ahşap, konut malzemeleri ve yiyecek için doğal kaynaklara bağlı olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Hanehalklarının, çeşitli amaçlar için diş etleri ve reçineler de dahil olmak üzere orman ürününün satışına ilişkin değerlendirmeleri. Tarımsal gelir, çalışma alanındaki hanehalkının gelirine ikinci katkıyı temsil etmektedir. Yerel halk, geçim ve kereste ve NTFP'ler satarak gelir elde etmek de dahil olmak üzere iki talebini karşılamak için orman ürünleriyle ilgili ürünleri hasat etmiştir.

Health Insurance Premium and Fixed Assets in Fragile State South Sudan

Many post conflict fragile states have pockets of dwellings that are productive economically. Households in Post Conflict fragile state South Sudan, sustained their wealth by generating income from crop, animal farming, owning a land title and having a permanent building/s. In the three major states of Post Conflict fragile state South Sudan, government salaries are less reliable as a means of income. Households in Bharghazal, Equatoria and Upper Nile states of South Sudan, earned their regular income from agricultural produced, land and property rentals. These sources of income are the livelihood of families in the three former states of Southern Sudan, post the 1983.

Land Use Land Cover Change Detection of Oil Exploration and Production in Melut County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan

This study explores the Land Use Land Cover Change (LULC) of oil industry on environment and local communities in Melut County located in Upper Nile State in South Sudan; as well as engaging the stakeholders in oil sectors to adopt the best techniques of sustainable oil exploration and production in the area. This research is based on remote sensing imageries collected for 2000 and 2018. The satellite imageries data were collected from Landsat-5 TM and Landsat-8 ETM+ for the two points. These satellite imageries were used to reach inaccessible areas in the Area. ENVI 5.1 software was used to analyze the satellite imageries. The results reveal tremendously significant environmental degradation as a result of land use changes over time that leads to deterioration of the livelihoods of the oil producing communities in Melut County. The main contributions to LULC were from exploration and production activities such as drilling, and oil processing. Produced water and oil well pads were the major catastrophes that lead to destruction of croplands, damage of vegetation cover, and contamination of surface and ground water in the area. There are inadequate social services in the areas around oil fields; hence, the areas are characterized by poverty, lack of access to resources, unimproved social amenities and vulnerability to the poor unhealthy conditions in the oil environment. Furthermore, the government should regulate the oil industry by scrutinizing any environmental violation, and heavily fine the non-complying individuals and companies.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation and Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Malakal, Sudan*

Field experiments were conducted for two rainfed seasons(2006 and 2007) and one irrigated season (2008) at the Agricultural Farmof the Upper Nile University in Malakal (Sudan). The objective of theexperiments was to study the effect of each of farmyard manure, waterhyacinth compost, Rhizobium seed inoculation and in dual combinationson groundnut symbiotic performance and growth and yield under bothrainfed and irrigation systems. The organic fertilizers were applied at therate of 15 t ha-1 each. The results showed that each organic manure alonesignificantly increased shoot dry weight, number of nodules plant -1 andpod and hay yields than the control in both rainfed and irrigation systems.Rhizobium seed inoculation with either manure significantly increasedplant shoot and plant root dry weights, plant nodulation, early podformation, absorption of plant N and plant P compared to the control.Moreover, these treatments significantly increased groundnut pod andhay yields over that of the control.

The effects of petroleum wastes in water and local environment in Melut and Maban Counties - Upper Nile State- South Sudan

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of petroleum waste in wastewater and local environment in Melut and Maban Counties in South Sudan. Population of the study is 30,000 people. 265 respondents were selected randomly as a sample of the study. Variables were, wastewater status of citizen, health and effects on the local environment. Data were collected through survey, involving (primary data) which were collected by using questionnaire and (laboratory data) which were collected from waste water in three locations. (SPSS) was used for primary data analysis by using descriptive statistics, while for the laboratory data, Atomic absorption Spectroscopy (AAS700) was used for detecting Hg, As, Pb, Fe and Mn elements levels in wastewater samples. Findings of the primary data showed 94.1% of residents’ respondents noticed the decrease of rains in the study area and 65.9% of them noticed the decrease of temperature. 86.2% of public health employees respondents reported defections of newly born children, 93.8% of them reported infant’s mortality. 90.8% of them reported infertility infections. 75.4% of them reported eyes and skin allergy infections and 66.2% of them reported teeth decay and hair falling infections. 67.7% of the national resource’s employees’ respondents noticed animals drink the wastewater and 83.1% of them reported the death of birds around the petroleum pits. while the laboratory data indicates presence of (Hg, As and Pb) in higher levels compared to the normal international allowed one in wastewater, and the level of (Fe and Mn) were lower. Recommendations are includes avoiding using wastewater near the petroleum wells, treatment of the wastewater for human and animals using and Petroleum companies must abide to the rules of the petroleum work and they have to contribute in the development of local community and awareness.

Changes and variability in rainfall onset, cessation, and length of rainy season in the IGAD region of Eastern Africa

Rainfall onset dates (ROD), rainfall cessation dates (RCD) and length of rainy season (LRS) are crucial for crop production and food security in Eastern Africa yet scantily documented. This paper seeks to investigate the spatial patterns of these parameters. Data used are Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS v2.0) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gridded temperature. Threshold of 1 mm for rainy day, 20 mm over 5 days with at least 3 rain days and dry spell not exceeding 7 days in the next 21 days were used to determine RODs. The Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) and Water Balance (WB) criteria were computed to determine RCDs. The differences between ROD and RCD were used in calculating LRS. The results showed early rainfall cessation over more than 30 counties in Kenya lead to shortened rainy season by 10–20 days during MAM season. Similarly, 20–40 days early onset dates are observed in most counties in upper Nile, Unity, and Jonglei states in South Sudan, while 20–40 days delayed rainfall onset was observed in Khartoum and southern parts of Nile state western Darfur, eastern and Aljazeera states in Sudan, most parts of Ethiopia and Eritrea districts during JJA season. Highlands of western and Nyanza region in Kenya, most parts of Uganda observed rainfall onset by March and no sign of cessation before November. Early cessation over northern Uganda districts was behind shortened LRS, furthermore, the early RODs over western and southwestern Uganda districts increased LRS. Prolonged dry conditions over northern Sudan, southeastern parts of South Sudan, northern Kenya, central Somalia, northern Darfour, Kordofan and northern parts of Sudan exacerbated by significant delayed onset and early cessation of rainfall. These findings are important for rain-fed agricultural planning and food security in the IGAD region of Eastern Africa.

Evaluation of Cold Chain Equipment Platform Solar Fridges Project in Upper Nile State Republic of South Sudan

BACKGROUND: A cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain with uninterrupted chain of activities that maintain a given temperature range that keep and maintain the quality of vaccines. Vaccines move through complex procedures and processes that require special attention and care. Effective cold chain systems require efficient end-to-end vaccine storage, handling, and stock management to maintain vaccines under strict temperature control of between 2 °C and 8 °C (for almost all vaccines). 
 
 METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study design and mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research approach is employed to conducting the research. Data were collected through face to face in-depth interviews and questionnaires from Vaccinators and key persons from IPs. Prior to data collection, ethical approval was obtained from national Ministry of Health, Directorate of planning and M&E, and the University of Rwanda, Research Committee Board. Accordingly, data were collected after seeking the personal consent sought from the participants. 
 
 RESULTS: The key findings from this study showed that the cold chain coverage has been improved compared to the result obtained in EPI coverage survey conducted in 2017. The results revealed that inadequate availability of EPI cold technicians, lack of fridge spare parts, trained staff, and adequate vaccine forecasting was the major challenges at county and the health facility level. 
 
 CONCLUSIONS: The main factor that contributed positively in strengthening vaccines supply chain system in the Upper Nile State was the substantive increase in cold chain coverage. However, the role of the CCEOP in improving immunization coverage is still doubted due to lack of regular preventive maintenance, spare parts, and EPI technicians. The major challenges that affect the vaccines relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability were found to be mainly poor vaccines handling, due to inadequate knowledge on cold chain management.

Anaerobic Digestion Reduces Seed Germination and Viability of Six Plant Species from the Upper Nile Valley, Egypt

Anaerobic digestion (AD) involves the breakdown of a substrate by mixed microbial communities in the absence of free oxygen. This process has many benefits leading to the production of bioenergy (biogas) and fertilizers (bio-fertilizers). Unfortunately, the bio-fertilizer made using AD may be contaminated with weed seeds and may have the potential of infesting the fields to which it is applied. Thus, the goal of this study is to determine the effects of AD on seed germination and viability of two undesirable crop plants (Triticum aestivum and Sorghum bicolor) and four weed species of reclaimed agricultural land near Qena, Egypt (Schouwia purpurea, Polygonum equisetiforme, Amaranthus viridis, and Lotus arabicus). Vegetative biomass of T. aestivum was used as the substrate, and cattle rumen fluid was used as the inoculum. The seeds of the six plants were placed in culture bottles and subjected to AD at 37 ± 2 °C for up to 16 days. Time to first germination (the time required for the first seed to germinate) and the percentage of seeds that germinated varied among the six species. The percentage germination of all six species decreased with increasing duration of AD, with no seeds germinating at 12 or 16 days of incubation. Seeds of T. aestivum and S. bicolor experienced a rapid and significant decrease in the percentage of viable seeds and an increase in the percentage of non-viable seeds. In contrast, even though they did not germinate, some seeds of the other four weed species remained viable, even after 16 days of incubation. Approximately 32% of S. purpurea seeds remained viable at 16 days of incubation. Overall, our results suggested that the application of anaerobic digestate in the reclaimed agricultural lands near Qena, Egypt, is not likely to exacerbate weed infestations in these fields.

Studies On Mosquitoes Anopheles Species Resting Densities Indoors In Kodok Locality, Upper Nile State, South Sudan (2020-2022).

Malaria is a disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected female anopheles mosquito, only the Anopheles genus transmitted malaria to human. Entomological cross sectional studied carried out over 24 months, period from April 2020 to March 2022 in four areas of the Kodok locality in Upper Nile State in South Sudan to determine indoor resting density and seasonal changes in indoor resting density, additionally to number of Anopheles and other mosquitoes in a given room by using pyrethrum spray sheet collection for mosquitoes collection Bi-monthly from descriptive household, eighty houses and dipper for larvae collection from eight breeding sites to establish active larvae breeding site patterns, seasonal density and seasonal change in larvae density , morphological identification and sorting out of mosquitoes species according to species morphologically characteristics by using key identification of Gillies and de Meillon 1968. Total mosquitoes collected were 63644 within eighty houses and identified into species; An. gambiae s.s 68% (43084), An. arabiensis 26% (16840) and other mosquitoes 6% (3720). The density vary between different houses ; An. gambiae s.s 52-67and An. arabiensis 20-28 in rainy (April to October ) season but in dry season (November to March) An. gambiae s.s 2-12 and An. arabiensis 0-5. During the sampling of mosquitoes larvae, a total number 7704 larva collected; anopheles gambiae 88% (6748) and other mosquitoes 12% (956), within eight potential breeding sites, 384 numbers of visit to sites.

Breeding Practices and Traits of Economic Importance for Indigenous Chicken in South Sudan

The current study aimed at generating essential information on breeding practices and traits of the economic importance of indigenous chicken (IC) farmers in the three historical regions of South Sudan (Bhar el Gazel, Upper Nile and Equatoria). Data on perceived important traits according to farmers (n=385), marketers (n=100) and consumers (n=100) were collected and analyzed through computation of indices which represented the average weight of all ranks of a specific trait. The results of the indices indicated that farmers selected body weight (3.16), disease tolerance (3.02), drought tolerance (2.70) and fast growth rate (2.44) for breeding cocks. For hens, high indices were observed on disease tolerance (2.95), hatchability (2.78), egg size (2.63), and egg number (2.48). Large Baladi (LB) and Naked Neck (Na) genotypes were the dominant genotypes raised by 64.8% and 27.7% of all farmers, respectively, for their superiority in mothering ability (40%), heat tolerance (20%) and disease tolerance (17%). Traits perceived by farmers as the primary economic importance were body weight (0.207), survival rate (0.11), egg yield (0.084) and meat quality (0.084). While marketers perceived body weight (0.234), egg yolk colour (0.150), disease tolerance (0.145), and plumage colour (0.133) as the most important traits, consumers emphasize egg yolk colour (0.202), plumage colour (0.204), and survival rate (0.156) as crucial. Body weight had a positive and favourable significant correlation with growth rate (0.561), egg fertility (0.412), disease tolerance (0.062), and a negative and unfavourable correlation with meat quality (-0.191). Meat quality was negatively correlated with fertility (-0.312) and growth rate (-0.381). Prolificacy had positive and favourable correlations with drought tolerance (0.603), disease tolerance (0.091) and heat tolerance (0.091). Regarding the preference rank correlation of marketers and consumers, positive and significant correlations were reported for body weight with growth rate (0.092) and meat quality (0.056). IC ecotypes that can perform well and are adaptable to the local environments in South Sudan should be identified. Selections should be based on traits preferred by farmers, marketers, and consumers.

Languages, Scripts, and Chinese Texts in East Asia

Languages, Scripts, and Chinese Texts in East Asia

Changes in Meteorological Dry Conditions across Water Management Zones in Uganda

This study analysed trends and variability in extreme precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (PET) indices across Uganda. We made use of daily precipitation and temperature datasets from 1979 to 2013 obtained from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) products of the National Centres for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The PET was estimated using the Hargreaves method based on the minimum and maximum temperature. Analysis was focused on the level of Water Management Zones (WMZs). Examples of the extracted extreme climatic indices included the annual maximum number of consecutive days with precipitation intensity < 1 mm/day (CDD1) or < 5 mm/day (CDD5), annual sum of PET for days with PET rate > 5 mm/day (SPETD5), and spell of high evaporative demand (or annual maximum number of consecutive days with PET > 5 mm/day) (CDPET5). Attributes of the variability in meteorological dry conditions were investigated. Trend and variability were investigated using an approach based on the cumulative sum of difference (CSD) between exceedance and non-exceedance counts of data points. The magnitudes of the linear decrease or increase in the precipitation and PET indices were determined using Sen's method. To apply these methods, the CSD-based Sub (Trend) and Variability Analysis Tool (CSD-VAT) was used. The long-term mean of the extracted indices showed Kyoga and Victoria to be the driest and wettest WMZs, respectively. An increase in the number of dry days (indicating increasing severity of meteorological dry conditions) was confined to the Karamoja region or the eastern parts of the Upper Nile and Kyoga WMZs. However, the rest of the country generally experienced negative trends in the precipitation and PET indices. Extreme precipitation indices of Kyoga and the Upper Nile WMZs exhibited consecutive positive and negative sub-trends over the early 1980s and from 1985 to 2013, respectively. Victoria and Albert WMZs mainly exhibited negative sub-trends for both precipitation and PET indices especially from the mid-1980s to the end of the data. Across Victoria and Albert WMZs, we found that the variability in extreme precipitation indices such as CDD1 and CDD5 was significant (p<0.05). However, these WMZs were characterized by insignificant (p>0.05) variability of the PET indices such as SPETD5 and CDPET5. Changes in the precipitation and PET indices were significantly (p<0.05) found to be positively linked to the quasi-biennial oscillation. The meteorological drought indicators were significantly (p<0.05) negatively correlated with the Indian Ocean dipole and Atlantic multidecadal oscillation. Our findings based on NCEP's CFSR data show that variation in sub-trends of the meteorological dry conditions across Uganda resonates well with the changes in some indicators of large-scale ocean-atmosphere conditions. This is important for planning predictive adaptation to the impacts of climate variability on water resources applications which are sensitive to the severity of meteorological dry conditions. Apart from our findings, we introduced a number of extreme PET indices which can be used for analysis of meteorological dry conditions or drought.

Deciphering hydroclimate fluctuations of Nile watershed from Holocene sediment of Manzala lagoon: Bio-geochemical implications

A 19.5-m long Holocene sediment core (MZ-1) was retrieved from Manzala lagoon coast, the depocenter of the Nile Delta. AMS-dating shows the complete Holocene strata of MZ-1, mostly consisting of lagoon muds. The high-resolution dated geochemical elements (major and trace) and bio-markers (n-alkanes) of MZ-1 serve as effective hydroclimate proxies that oscillated during the Africa Humid Period (AHP). Our measurements show the highest value of diagnostic geochemical elements of provenance implications (e.g. Ti/Al, Zr/Al, Cr/Al) prior to 7.5 ka - Period I, indicating the peak period of the AHP, when the African monsoon was intense over the Nile watershed, mainly the East African Plateau (EAP). This is immediately followed by Period II ca. 7.5–4.5 ka, characterized by the highly variable hydroclimatic conditions when the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) withdrew southwards. It is denoted by a sharp drop of many diagnostic elements, then succeeded by a gentle, but highly-fluctuated rise, especially the metallic elements Fe, Ti and Cr of basaltic origins of the Ethiopian Highlands. It ascribes to an instability of the hydroclimate in the Blue Nile watershed due to eastward shift of the Congo Air Boundary (CAB) during the AHP receding. In response, the biomarker (n-alkanes) showed remarkably high terrestrial derived primary productivity in Manzala lagoon during 7.5–4.5 ka, evidently reversal to the Early-Holocene marine-enhanced ecological setting. The high Nile floods triggered by unstable hydroclimate of the Nile watershed, particularly in the Ethiopian Highlands of Period II delivered much terrestrial organic matter to coast, making lagoon water less saline. Minor geo-elemental and biomarker fluctuations occurred after ca. 4.5 ka in response to the post-AHP termination in the upper Nile Basin.

How training is encouraging mothers to deliver in health facilities in Ulang, South Sudan

In South Sudan, health facility delivery coverage is very low despite the presence of health facilities with staff that can conduct deliveries. Some factors like inaccessibility, insecurity, low knowledge of benefits of health facility delivery, poor services, financial challenges, family influence and cultural practices might be some of the reasons that prevent some mothers from delivering in the health facilities. This paper describes how UNICEF with other partners has started training master trainers with Basic Emergency Obstetrics and New Born Care modules in Greater Upper Nile, and includes a case of one mother who benefited from the training.

Modelling the impact of lining and covering irrigation canals on underlying groundwater stores in the Nile Delta, Egypt

AbstractCanal seepage losses can contribute significantly to groundwater aquifers in arid and semi‐arid regions worldwide. In addition, surface water evaporation and evapotranspiration from adjacent riparian vegetation directly affect surface water availability across these regions. This study aims to evaluate interactions between irrigation canals and the Nile Delta groundwater aquifer in Egypt under four operational scenarios: (i) decreased stream flows in the four main diversion canals associated with upper Nile diversions and climate change, (ii) concrete lining of irrigation canals, (iii) combined lining and use of Photo‐Voltaic (PV) Solar Panel covers on canals and (iv) enclosure of the canals in closed conduits. We investigated the effects of these scenarios on regional groundwater supplies and levels using MODFLOW and water budget analyses. Decreased streamflow (scenario 1) resulted in decreased aquifer recharge (from 732 910 to 483 800 m3 day−1) and lower groundwater levels as compared to the base case (present) conditions. Moreover, groundwater flows from the aquifer to the four main canals noticeably increased from 23 176 to 79 364 m3 day−1. Water budget analyses associated with canal lining scenarios (2, 3, &amp; 4) indicated that canal leakage to the aquifer accounted for 146 582, 146 582, and 73 291 m3 day−1 respectively. The changes in canal efficiencies reached 29.3%, 67.1%, 75.3%, and 91.8% while the changes in aquifer recharge efficiencies were 66%, 20%, 20%, and 10% for the four scenarios, respectively. Overall, we found that canals lining is likely the most suitable solution for managing water resources in the Nile Delta. Further aspects to be considered in future studies include the loss of biodiversity along streams embankments due to channel lining.