West African Countries Research Articles

Apprenticeship Reforms in West Africa: An Outcome-Process Evaluation of a Pilot Dual Training Model-Based Apprenticeship Reform Scheme in Ghana

Context: Faced with deep challenges with access to formal education, many West African countries are increasingly taking steps to reform their informal apprenticeship systems to make them a quality skills development alternative for their teeming youth. A review of the literature shows that although different countries in the region are deploying different reform strategies, what is emerging as a dominant reform model is the "dual training model" (DTM), a collaborative arrangement in which the task of training apprentices is shared between informal trainers (master craftspersons, under their respective trade associations) and formal vocational training institutions (FVTIs). This paper presents an outcome-process evaluation of a DTM-based apprenticeship reform programme piloted in Ghana. Methods: Designed as a case study, the paper adopts an interpretivist approach, relying on diverse sources of data, both secondary and primary. Secondary data includes journal articles, attendance registers of participants, memorandums of understanding, relevant media reports, websites, and official reports by all relevant actors. The primary data originated from in-depth interviews with fourteen (14) key informants, as well as from overt and covert observations of respondents. Results: At the outcome level, the paper shows that the programme has largely failed in transferring new skills or in changing dominant poor practices among trainees, foundational objectives of the programme. At the process level, the paper revealed deep flaws in implementation; these are discussed in detail in an attempt to clarify the programme outcomes. Conclusion: The paper concludes that although the dual training model remains a potentially viable reform model in informal apprenticeships, its success ultimately depends on the quality of implementation, which in turn depends on the strength and quality of inter-stakeholder collaboration in programme design and implementation.

Impact of herd mobility on brucellosis seroprevalence and spread risk resulting from cross-border transhumance.

Cross-border livestock mobility through transhumance is mainly practiced in West African countries for seasonal access to resources and market. Cross-border herds are involved in the dynamic of transboundary animal diseases among them brucellosis taken as model. Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease causing abortion. This study explores the seroprevalence of brucellosis according to mobility and infection spread between Mali and Côte d'Ivoire in the context of seasonal cross-border transhumance. From February to April 2021, a transversal serological survey of brucellosis was conducted on 521 cattle from 111 transhumant herds and 283 cattle from 59 sedentary herds, all from Mali. The global individual seroprevalence for Brucella spp. in transhumant and sedentary cattle from Mali was 8.2% (95% CI=6.0-10.5). At herd level, seroprevalence was 21.2% with a significant variation between transhumant (11.7%) and sedentary (39.0%) herds. For herds in transhumance, cattle seropositivity was associated with a previous infection suspected by herdsmen odds ratio (OR=4.4; 95% CI=1.1-18.1) and unknown abortion aetiology (OR=4.3; 95% CI=1.0-17.3). The departure region (coming from Sikasso) and previous brucellosis infection or unexplained abortion could be used to predict Brucella infection in transhumant herds with a probability of around 60%. The risk of brucellosis introduction in host regions was high despite the individual animal seroprevalence of 3.6% and a low sale rate in transhumant cattle. The findings suggest that testing transhumant during border control and survey of cattle markets and sales could improve risk control of the spread of disease at regional scale.

Predictors of maternal health services uptake in West African region: a multilevel multinomial regression analysis of demographic health survey reports

BackgroundPursuant to studies, receiving the three key maternal health services (Antenatal Care, Skilled Delivery Service, and Postnatal Care) in a continuum could prevent 71% of global maternal deaths. Despite the Western African region being known for its high maternal death and poor access to maternal health services, there is a dearth of studies that delve into the spectrum of maternal health services uptake. Hence, this study aimed to assess the level and predictors of partial and adequate utilization of health services in a single analytical model using the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data (2013–2021).MethodsThis study was based on the appended women's (IR) file of twelve West African countries. STATA software version 16 was used to analyze a weighted sample of 89,504 women aged 15–49 years. A composite index of maternal health service utilization has been created by combining three key health services and categorizing them into ‘no’, ‘partial’, or ‘adequate’ use. A multilevel multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the effects of each predictor on the level of service utilization. The degree of association was reported using the adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval, and statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.Results66.4% (95% CI: 64.9, 67.7) and 23.8% (95% CI: 23.3, 24.2) of women used maternal health services partially and adequately, respectively. Togo has the highest proportion of women getting adequate health care in the region, at 56.7%, while Nigeria has the lowest proportion, at 11%. Maternal education, residence, wealth index, parity, media exposure (to radio and television), enrolment in health insurance schemes, attitude towards wife beating, and autonomy in decision-making were identified as significant predictors of partial and adequate maternal health service uptake.ConclusionThe uptake of adequate maternal health services in the region was found to be low. Stakeholders should plan for and implement interventions that increase women's autonomy. Program planners and healthcare providers should give due emphasis to those women with no formal education and from low-income families. The government and the private sectors need to collaborate to improve media access and increase public enrolment in health insurance schemes.

Parentage analysis and comparison of cocoa families derived from bi-parental crosses and open-pollination for vigor and precocity in recommended cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) clones in Ghana

ABSTRACT Bi-parental hybrids (BPHs) are recommended cocoa planting materials in Ghana and other West African countries. However, the inability to produce enough BPHs to meet farmers’ demand makes it almost impossible to avoid open-pollinated families (OPF) in the supply chain. To study the effects of OPF on cocoa production, parentage analysis, vigor, and precocity of seven BPHs generated from a 4 × 2 North Carolina II (NC II) incomplete mating design were compared with eight OPFs. The 15 cocoa progenies together with two checks of Guiana (GU) origin were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications across five contrasting locations for stem diameter increment (SDI) and number of pods per tree (NP). Parentage analyses at 75 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci of leave samples from the 17 progenies revealed that the BPHs were of the appropriate female and male parents, while the OPF had varying number of male parents. The pollination effect (bi-parental vs open-pollinated progenies) was not significantly different for both traits, but the BPH was relatively better and surpassed on average the OPF by 3.5% for SDI and 7.8% for NP. Crosses involving GU 144/ C, T63/967, and T65/238 as females in both the OPF and BPH showed predominantly higher performance than those with PA 7 and T79/501 for both traits. Among the promising female parents, GU 144/C is the only one that is not in the seed gardens and could be added to parental clones currently used in producing cocoa varieties in the seed garden.

TRIPS‐PLUS provisions in the economic partnership agreements with the EU: The CARIFORUM's experience and lessons for West Africa

AbstractNegotiation for the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and six African, Caribbean and Pacific (APC) regions has been ongoing for over a decade. These negotiations are at different phases in the seven APC regions and have faced significant challenges, hindering ratification in most of them. However, the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) is the first regional group to have completed the process. It is currently implementing the EPA. Most significantly, CARIFORUM is the only region to have negotiated and ratified a comprehensive EPA that goes beyond trade in goods to include other elements such as services and intellectual property. This paper seeks to understand why CARIFORUM opted for a comprehensive EPA with the EU. Keeping in mind the downsides of intellectual property (IP) globalization, it fleshes out lessons, particularly on IP rights, that West African countries, and other non‐Caribbean ACP regions, can draw from the CARIFORUM's experience to adequately equip themselves in anticipation of negotiations with the EU for their EPAs.

Monetary Integration Across West Africa: Is the Region Ripe for a Monetary Union?

This study investigates the possibility of forming a monetary union across West Africa. This was achieved by employing the structural VAR framework. Data on real GDP, inflation, and exchange rate were used to represent supply, monetary, and demand shocks from the period 1986 to 2020. The impulse response and variance decomposition results showed that shocks affecting the West African region are idiosyncratic, while the residuals of the structural VAR were used to compute the correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficient revealed that the demand and monetary shocks were symmetric across WAEMU countries and asymmetric for the rest of the region. The study suggests that the West African region is not ripe for a monetary union. However, the study opined that the WAEMU countries are the closest to forming a West African monetary union and a piecemeal approach may be adopted such that the WAEMU countries are the first to form the union, while the rest may join when they meet the convergence criteria. In essence, West African countries’ central banks need to focus on harmonizing their monetary policies and remove all barriers to factor mobility for the synchronization of shocks and for all countries to meet the convergence criteria.

Evaluative study of a MOOC on knowledge translation in five French-speaking countries.

Over the past few years, the RENARD research team has observed a sharp increase in the need for knowledge translation (KT) training. Given the high demand, it has been nearly impossible for the team to provide training entirely in person, and so a massive open online course (MOOC) was developed. Its aim is to promote the use and appropriation of the KT process by practitioners, decision-makers, and others in the public sphere. The goal of this study was to evaluate the MOOC by collecting users' opinions, reactions, appropriation, and practice changes. A qualitative research design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews (n = 16) with professionals from Canada, France, and three West African countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal) who had taken the MOOC. All interviews were subjected to thematic content analysis. The MOOC content was generally appreciated and reused by the respondents. The results revealed one main motive for completing the course: the immediate opportunity to apply their learning in their practice environments. However, most respondents deplored the lack of interaction among learners and expressed the need for coaching with an instructor to deepen the topics covered during the course. The results also revealed connection and accessibility issues linked to the Internet network and unstable access to electricity in West African countries. The study highlights the potential of MOOCs for the acquisition of knowledge and competencies by KT professionals. Several recommendations and avenues of exploration were formulated to optimize and improve future designs of MOOCs on KT.

Contraceptive Utilization and Its Associated Factors Among Married Women in West African Countries: A Population-Based Survey Using Multinomial Logistic Regression.

The international development agenda emphasizes universal access to family planning, as seen in Sustainable Development Goal 3.7. However, the use of modern contraceptive methods remains low in developing countries, specifically in West Africa. This study aimed to assess the current status of contraceptive use in the region, focusing on different methods. We analyzed Demographic and Health Survey data from 13 West African nations (2012-2022) involving 117,165 married women. Using binary and multiple multinomial logistic regression, we identified key factors associated with contraceptive use. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were utilized, and significance was determined at p ≤ 0.2 for binary regression and p < 0.05 for multiple multinomial regression. About 80.86% of women did not use any method, while 16.56% of women used modern methods. Maternal age of 35-49 years (RRR=0.77, 95% CI, 0.72,0.82), had given first birth after 20 years (RRR=0.80,95% CI, 0.77,0.83), cohabitation after 20 years old (RRR=1.24,95% CI, 1.18,1.29), being employed (RRR=1.38,95% CI, 1.33,1.43), women who have from 3-5, and more than five living children (RRR=2.06,95% CI,1.97,2.16, and (RRR=2.57, 95% CI, 2.42,2.74), primary(RRR=1.59, 95% CI, 1.52,1.66), secondary/higher education (RRR=2.08, 95% CI, 1.99,2.18), antenatal visit (RRR= 1.38, 95% CI 1.28,1.49), institutional delivery(AOR=1.42, 95% CI, 1.35,1.49), husband working status (RRR=1.39, 95% CI, 1.28,1.51), media exposure(RRR=1.23, 95% CI, 1.19,1.28), visited health facility more than once (RRR=1.09, 95% CI, 1.05,1.13), rural women (RRR=0.89,95% CI,0.85,0.93), female households (RRR=0.79, 95% CI,0.76,0.83), richer (RRR=1.42, 95% CI,1.33,1.51), and richest wealth indexes (RRR=1.69,95% CI,1.58,1.82) were associated. This study revealed a low level of contraceptive use among women in West Africa. Strengthening maternal reproductive health services, such as antenatal care, institutional delivery, and health visits, while also targeting mass media and disadvantaged women, has the potential to significantly increase the adoption of modern contraception techniques.

Are they tools? Anglophone West African countries’ students’ misconception of media literacy and critical thinking for combating misinformation

Are they tools? Anglophone West African countries’ students’ misconception of media literacy and critical thinking for combating misinformation

Prevalence of pretreatment HIV resistance to integrase inhibitors in West African and Southeast Asian countries.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) have been recently recommended as the preferred first-line option for antiretroviral treatment initiators in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in response to the growing circulation of resistant HIV to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). In this study, we estimated the frequency of pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) to INSTIs in West Africa and Southeast Asia. Using samples collected from 2015 to 2016, and previously used to assessed PI, NRTI and NNRTI resistance, we generated HIV integrase sequences and identified relevant INSTI PDR mutations using the Stanford and ANRS algorithms. We generated 353 integrase sequences. INSTI PDR frequency was low, 1.1% (4/353) overall, ranging from 0% to 6.3% according to country. However, frequency of PDR to any drug class was very high, 17.9% (95% CI: 13.9%-22.3%), and mostly associated with a high level of NNRTI PDR, 9.7%, and a moderate level of NRTI PDR, 5.3%. Our results support the recent introduction of INSTIs in LMICs to improve treatment outcome in these settings, but also stress the need for effective actions to prevent uncontrolled emergence of drug resistance to this drug class.

Network power and mental health policy in post-war Liberia.

This article traces the influence of network power on mental health policy in Liberia, a low-income, post-conflict West African country. Based on key informant interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis, the work uses an inductive approach to uncover how a network of civil society groups, government officials, diasporans and international NGOs shaped the passage, implementation and revision of the country's 2009 and 2016 mental health policies. With relations rooted in ties of information, expertise, resources, commitment and personal connections, the network coalesced around a key agent, the Carter Center, which connected members and guided initiatives. Network power was evident when these actors channelled expertise, shared narratives of post-war trauma and mental health as a human right, and financial resources to influence policy. Feedback loops appeared as policy implementation created new associations of mental health clinicians and service users, research entities and training institutes. These beneficiaries offered the network information from lived experiences, while also pressing their own interests in subsequent policy revisions. As the network expanded over time, some network members gained greater autonomy from the key agent. Network power outcomes included the creation of government mental health institutions, workforce development, increased public awareness, civil society mobilization and a line for mental health in the government budget, though concerns about network overstretch and key agent commitment emerged over time. The Liberian case illustrates how networks need not be inimical to development, and how network power may facilitate action on stigmatized, unpopular issues in contexts with low state capacity. A focus on network power in health shows how power can operate not only through discrete resources such as funding but also through the totality of assets that network linkages make possible.

Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal on Local Guinea Fowl Breeder Hens Performance, Egg Quality, and Blood Parameters

Breeding local guinea fowl has the potential to address protein malnutrition and alleviate poverty in West African countries. The current study aimed to examine the effects of incorporating Moringa oleifera leaf meal into the diet on hematology and biochemical parameters as well as the productive performance of local guinea fowl breeders in Togo. Thus, 512 local guinea fowls (22 weeks of age with an average weight of 1176.7 ± 2.9 g), comprising 384 females and 128 males, were examined for 31 weeks. The fowls were randomly assigned to four dietary groups, namely M0, M1, M2, and M3 containing 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in diets, respectively. Each group had 4 replicates of 32 fowls. During the study, feed intake, body weight, egg-laying rate, and feed conversion ratio were weekly recorded. Blood samples for hematology and biochemical analysis were taken from 12 females (3/replicate) at 34 and 50 weeks of age. Eggs were collected for the quality evaluation. Results showed that feed intake was comparable across all groups during the rearing period (23 to 33 weeks of age). However, it significantly decreased in fowls of the M2 and M3 during the laying period (34 to 50 weeks of age). The live weight of fowls in M3 was significantly higher than other groups before the laying period. The egg production, yolk ratio, and shell ratio of the birds in the M1 were like that of M0 and higher than that of M2 and M3. The feed conversion ratio was not significantly different between groups during the laying period. However, the albumen ratio and haugh unit were improved by feeding Moringa leaves especially at level 1.5%. The level of white blood cells and lymphocytes decreased by feeding the Moringa leaves at 1%. Neutrophils and platelet levels were comparable across groups. Total proteins, albumin, and transaminases increased in Moringa groups (M1, M2, M3), especially in M3. It was concluded that the use of Moringa oleifera leaves at 0.5% improved egg-laying performance in local guinea fowl. Moreover, 1% and 1.5% of incorporation improved the quality of eggs. Keywords: Blood parameter, Breeder, Guinea fowl, Egg quality, Moringa oleifera

Evidence from temperature analog for traditional and economic cities in Nigeria: implications for sustainable city-related actions

Responding to the threats of climate change by cities requires taking relevant actions that will communicate future conditions in reliable and effective manner for sustainable and transformational climate actions. We used the analog approach to assess the geographical shifts and changes in average temperature conditions for six traditional and economic cities under different climate scenarios (Mitigated and Unmitigated scenarios). We calculated the similarity in temperature between each pixel for the current (2021–2050) and future (2041–2070) conditions of the cities, with every pixel globally in the historical (1971–200) period. Our analysis revealed that; (1) the temperature of the cities in the current and future periods will be similar to conditions of another place on the globe during the historical period; (2) Kano city will experience even more drastic changes because of the low level of similarity to other places; (3) the new places found with similar temperature conditions are generally to the south of the corresponding cities thus indicating warming. The overall results show that the analogues of the cities are within the domain of the global tropical zone which occurs around the equator. Drawing from the interaction between cities and their analogues, we highlighted sustainable city related actions such as the incorporation of urban designs and policies to enhance human thermal comfort as adaptation and solution strategies. While future research might apply qualitative studies and additional data to support the analog results, our findings can guide the understanding and application of the analog approach into environmental issues in Nigeria and other West African countries in accordance to sustainable city goals (SDG 11).

The Fulani in Nigeria and their Herding System: Is it an Agro-Business or a Culture?

The Fulani ethnic group is a Nilo-Saharan language spoken over a large area of westAfrican countries (Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Cameroon and Senegal). The Fulani have long history of herding and in Nigeria; the practice is enmeshed in their culture. This study seeks to investigate the Fulani culture and their herding system; is it an agrobusiness or a culture? The study being a nonexperimental research adopted survey research design. Data were elicited from array of documentary facts drawn from both published and unpublished materials. The study revealed that herding is supposed to be subsumed as an agro-business but it has been enmeshed in the culture of the Fulani’s herders in Nigeria. The study also found that the policies of Nigeria government on herding seem to treats the Fulani herding system as more of a culture and most of the policies of the state on herding are not properly planned and do not augur well with other users of land resources. The study recommends among others the need to introduce modern herding practices among the Fulani herders and they should be educated to embrace modern realities of the 21 centuries (urbanization, population outburst, intense increase on land resources, climate change, etc.) modern practices of herding (Ranching, Cow colony, Fattening, etc.).

Cross-sectional study on intention to be vaccinated against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Benin and Senegal: A structural equation modeling (SEM).

Vaccination is considered one of the solutions to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, a small proportion of the population were fully vaccinated in Benin (20.9%) and Senegal (7.6%) by December 2022. This study explores the determinants of intent to vaccinate. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study of 865 Beninese and 813 Senegalese aged 18 years and older. Marginal quota sampling by age, gender and region was adopted. Data collection, using a survey instrument based on the Random Digit Dialing method, was conducted from December 24, 2020, to January 16, 2021, in Senegal and from March 29 to May 14, 2021, in Benin. The questionnaire used the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Health Belief Model. The influence of factors was assessed using a structural equation model based on a diagonally weighted least squares estimator to account for ordered categorical data (Likert scales). In Benin and Senegal, the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 is influenced by distinct factors. In Benin, social influence (β = 0.42, p = 0.003) and perception of vaccine safety (β = -0.53, p<0.001) play pivotal roles, suggesting those socially influenced have a higher vaccination intention. In Senegal, vaccination intentions are primarily driven by positive attitudes towards the vaccine (β = 0.65, p = 0.013) and social influence (β = 0.25, p = 0.048). This underscores the importance of individual beliefs, personal perceptions, and supportive social contexts in decision-making. Notably, positive vaccination attitudes and perceptions in both countries are strongly tied to increased social influence. While nuances exist between Benin and Senegal regarding factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intentions, both nations underscore the pivotal roles of social influence and individual vaccination perceptions. Emphasizing trust in vaccine safety and promoting positive attitudes through effective communication are crucial for enhancing vaccination uptake in these West African countries.

EDITORIAL

The February issue of Al-Burhan journal commences with an illuminating exploration into the profound realm of Maqāṣid al-Qur’ān. This meticulous analysis unveils the inherent noble goals of preservation, justice, compassion, and knowledge within the Quranic framework. By adeptly integrating expert insights and diverse methodologies, the study not only sheds light on the nuanced understanding of Maqāṣid but also accentuates its enduring relevance across varied contexts and epochs. It eloquently advocates for a just and compassionate way of life rooted in Islamic principles, fostering harmony among diverse communities, while poignantly emphasising the Qur’ān’s profound significance as a timeless source of divine wisdom.&#x0D; The subsequent article ventures into an examination of critical thinking from a Quranic perspective, highlighting the deficiencies in conventional education systems. It stresses the imperative of integrating ethical, moral, and spiritual dimensions into traditional frameworks, recognising knowledge beyond the empirical. Drawing parallels between Quranic teachings and Western models, the research aims to promote a comprehensive approach to critical thinking. By prioritising moral and spiritual growth alongside technical skills, it challenges prevailing educational paradigms and advocates for holistic development.&#x0D; Understanding the communication methods of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) holds paramount importance for both Muslims and non-Muslims seeking to emulate his sunnah. Through a comprehensive archival study of ahadeeth in Sahih Al-Bukhari, the subsequent article unveils quantitative insights into the verbal and nonverbal communicative elements employed by the Prophet. This research provides valuable insights into Prophet Mohammad's communicative example, guiding successful messaging and adherence to his Sunnah.&#x0D; The halal certification process undergoes a thorough analysis in the fourth article, utilizing Quranic verses and Shariah principles as guiding benchmarks. By focusing on legislation, practicality, harm elimination, and positive impact, the research evaluates market leaders across various sectors. It emphasises the necessity of incorporating Shariah principles in understanding customer demand, especially in sectors such as processed food and clothing. Ultimately, the research aims to foster economic and social growth through the production and consumption of more halal products and services.&#x0D; The fifth article delves into the importance of applied research in driving societal change, particularly in addressing pressing issues such as food shortages exacerbated by population growth. Despite the absence of explicit mention in the Qur’an, the study adeptly demonstrates the relevance of applied research in enhancing agricultural productivity. Through illuminating examples from diverse contexts, the research highlights the indispensable role of applied research in addressing societal issues and fostering tangible positive transformations.&#x0D; A nuanced exploration of human evolution from an Islamic standpoint is presented in the sixth article, navigating the tensions between scientific theories and religious beliefs. By highlighting the centrality of mankind's creation in Islamic theology and contrasting it with evolutionary concepts, the article prompts critical reflection and scholarly inquiry. It highlights the importance of a thorough understanding of both Islamic teachings and biological evidence in addressing this contentious issue.&#x0D; The seventh article offers a comprehensive examination of women's political engagement in Iraq post-2003, shedding light on their significant strides despite facing numerous challenges. Through historical, descriptive, and political analysis, the text underscores the noteworthy involvement of Iraqi women in governmental and parliamentary roles, showcasing their ongoing efforts to promote progress within the political system.&#x0D; Moving to the first Arabic article in this issue, the study meticulously examines the foundational principles of political authority in Islam. It highlights the consensus among Islamic scholars regarding the state's role in ensuring the welfare and happiness of citizens, emphasizing justice, trustworthiness, truth, and freedom in political governance.&#x0D; The ninth article addresses the humanity of individuals in their interactions with people of diverse faiths, emphasizing humane relations devoid of violence, extremism, and selfishness. By illuminating the Prophet's (SAW) interactions with non-Muslims, the research seeks to promote justice and generosity that transcend religious, sectarian, societal, and cultural boundaries.&#x0D; Finally, the insightful study delves into the religious dimension of the African identity crisis, examining the resistance against Western colonization in West African countries. Through a theoretical framework grounded in historical sources, the research underscores the enduring influence of figures who resisted colonial encroachment, preserving Islam's significance in Gambian society.&#x0D; In summary, the February edition presents an array of scholarly contributions that meticulously examine various facets of Islamic thought, historical narratives, and contemporary challenges, all deeply rooted in the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah. These articles collectively enrich the understanding while fostering rigorous discourse, transcending the confines of academia to engage a broader audience.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Nurul Jannah Zainan Nazri&#x0D; Editor&#x0D; Al-Burhan Journal of Qur’an and Sunnah Studies&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Comparing the whole life cycle carbon impact of conventional and biogenic building materials across major residential typologies in Ghana and Senegal

Across West African built environments, patterns of high greenhouse gas emissions are driven by the widespread importation of high embodied carbon building materials by a largely self-built industry and recurring operational carbon costs driven by increased access to fossil-fuel based energy services. Using a whole life cycle assessment (LCA) of major residential typologies in two case-study West African countries, Ghana and Senegal, this paper compares the greenhouse gas emissions of imported building materials with local alternative biogenic and geogenic materials within conventional housing typologies. Results indicated that locally sourced biogenic and geogenic materials may be rendered ineffective in buildings if future typologies do not address the effective space density, passive design strategies and increased renewable energy-use. For the building typology with the highest carbon footprint, the Ghanaian detached house, the substitution of conventional building materials with non-fired earth masonry did not have any significant impact. As shown in the housing typology with the lowest operational to embodied carbon ratio, the Senegalese vertical housing case study, optimizing the thermal mass design of earthen building envelopes can significantly drive down lifetime operational carbon emissions. For tropical low-rise building typologies dominated by high roof area to building volume ratios, roof insulation could drive down operational carbon of the building by a factor of 4 to 5. Although each additional storey results in approximately 10–12 % increase in greenhouse gas emissions, the vertical expansion of housing represents an important driver in reducing greenhouse gas emissions per capita.

Analysing the Role of Globalisation in Environmental Degradation of West African Countries: A Method of Moments Quantile Regression Approach

Abstract Motivated by the need to achieve a sustainable environment as entrenched in the Sustainable Development Goals and the conflicting evidence in the literature, this study scrutinises the effect of different components of globalisation on the environmental degradation of West African nations within the Environmental Kuznets Curve framework. Fully modified ordinary least squares, dynamic ordinary least squares, and the method of moments quantile regression of Machado and Silva (2019) are deployed as the estimation techniques. In the panel, cross-sectional dependence and non-normality are established. The findings from the quantile regression reveal a significant positive impact of economic growth on environmental degradation. The square of economic growth has an insignificant negative influence on environmental degradation. Thus, the EKC hypothesis is not valid in West African nations. Aggregate globalisation significantly influences environmental degradation, while economic and political globalisation significantly negatively impacts environmental degradation across the quantiles. However, social globalisation negatively impacts environmental degradation at a lower quantile (10–50 %), while at a higher quantile, the impact is positive. Natural resources significantly affect environmental degradation, while energy consumption in the region benefits the environment. Nevertheless, urbanisation has a different impact on environmental degradation in the area. The results of these studies are robust to other methods of estimation. The implications of the study are discussed.

Trade openness and structural change dynamics in West African countries

In this study, we investigate the contribution of trade openness to the structural change process in ECOWAS countries. Our findings suggest that the production structural change process is significantly and positively affected by the extent of trade openness. Higher openness levels are associated with more production reshuffling between sectors. However, this impact is found to be nonlinear. After a threshold of 147.64% of trade openness, the effect reverses. Considering the labor structural change, results suggest that more openness tends to trigger the reshuffle of labor toward less productive sectors. This effect reverses after the openness reached a level of 152.42%. Moreover, exports contract, whereas imports trigger the reshuffling of domestic production factors. So, focusing on industrial-friendly import policies should be a priority for ECOWAS Countries. For labor, exports as well as imports trigger the reshuffling of labor towards less productive sectors. These findings emphasize the importance of external effects in the structural change process in ECOWAS countries. Our analysis suggests that given the basic structure of export products, as long as their increases would fail to develop manufacturing sectors, their ability to shift labor towards more productive sectors would be limited. Also, as imports promote the retail sector, which is less productive, this limits their effect to trigger a desirable labor structural change.

Genomic Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants from Clinical Isolates during the COVID-19 Epidemic in Mauritania.

The rapid genetic evolution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly challenged public health authorities worldwide, including in Mauritania. Despite the presence of the virus in Mauritania, only one study described its genomic variation during the course of the epidemic. The purpose of the present study was to document the genomic pattern of SARS-CoV-2 variants from clinical isolates during the COVID-19 outbreak in Mauritania, from September to November 2021. The whole genomes from 54 SARS-CoV-2 strains detected in nasopharyngeal swabs with a cycle threshold value ≤ 30 were successfully sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the Illumina protocol. The mean genome coverage (±standard deviation) was 96.8% (±3.7). The most commonly identified clade was 21J (57.4%), followed by 21D (16.7%), 20A (11.1%), and 20B (9.2%). At the level of lineages, the majority of the samples were Delta variants with the sub-lineage AY.34 (or B.1.617.2.34). Among the 54 SARS-CoV-2 isolates that were successfully sequenced, 33 (61.1%) came from vaccinated individuals, and 21 (38.9%) were from unvaccinated individuals. Several SARS-CoV-2 variants were present in Mauritania between September and November 2021. As Mauritania, like many West African countries, is resource-limited regarding viral genome sequencing facilities, establishment of mutualized sub-regional sequencing platforms will be necessary to ensure continuous monitoring of mutations in viral genomes and track potential reduction in COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, increased transmissibility, and disease severity.