West African Sub-region Research Articles

Hydrological modelling in data-scarce catchments: Black Volta basin in West Africa

A lumped version of the conceptual HBV–IWS version (Hydrologiska Byrans Vattenbalansavdelning) hydrological model was applied on the Black Volta Catchment in the West African sub-region (a data-scarce catchment) to investigate the performance of the model in the study area. In assessing the robustness of the model and how well it performs in the study area, different optimization methods were used. The Robust Parameter Estimation (ROPE) algorithm was used to generate and calibrate 10,000 best parameter sets in a computer framework with initially set model parameter ranges. The model performed well with an average NS of 0.75 and 0.6 for calibration and validation respectively for subcatchments Lawra and Chache. The performance also improved when a higher weight was given to the low-flows during the optimization. Results also show that the model reacts well to precipitation signals. For a proper management of the water resources and hydropower in the West Africa sub-region and for good policy decisions and investments in water related projects, a robust hydrological model would be essential and crucial for the Black Volta Catchment. The results of this study will be an essential input to a further study in assessing the effects of climate change on the hydrology of the West African sub-region.

Mapping of fourteen high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes by molecular detection in sexually active women in the West African sub-region

The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes (HR-HPV) in women from the general population of five West African countries. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, involving 2133 women from nine cities of five West African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Niger and Togo. Women were screened for precancerous cervical lesions and HR-HPV infection. The detection of HR-HPV was done by a multiplex real-time PCR on extracted viral DNA. The average age of the women in this study was 35.06 ± 10.00 years with a range of 15 to 65 years. The overall prevalence of high-risk HPV infection among general population sample of women in five West African countries was 33.61% (717/2133). The prevalence of dysplasia was 8.81%. In decreasing order of frequency, the genotypes found were: HPV 52 followed by HPV 31, 59, 51, 66, 45, 68, 56, 56, 58, 35, 39, 18, 33 and 16. The prevalence of HPV16/18 (bivalent vaccine types) was 7.02%. This study reveals a high prevalence of HPV 52 in West Africa. The extent and diversity of HR-HPV genotypes in these West African countries deserve special attention for prevention. Key words: High-risk HPV, real time PCR, genotypes, women, epidemiology, West Africa.

Challenges in the Management of Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease in the West African Sub-Region

Challenges in the Management of Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease in the West African Sub-Region

High resistance to reverse transcriptase inhibitors among persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype circulating recombinant form 02_AG in Ghana and on antiretroviral therapy.

This study sought to determine the dominant circulating human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype and associated drug resistance mutations in Ghana.This cross-sectional study was conducted with archived samples collected from patients who received care at 2 hospitals in Ghana from 2014 to 2016. Blood samples were earlier processed into plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells and stored at -80 °C. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from the archived plasma. Two HIV-1 genes; protease and reverse transcriptase, were amplified, sequenced using gene-specific primers and analyzed for subtype and drug resistance mutations using the Stanford HIV Database.Of 16 patient samples successfully sequenced, we identified the predominance of HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG (11/16, 68%). Subtypes G (2/16, 13%), dual CRF02_AG/G (2/16, 13%), and CRF01_AE (1/16, 6%) were also observed. Major nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance mutations, M184I/V, D67N, T215F, and K70R/E were found. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance mutations, K103N, Y181C, V90I, F227L, and V106A were also prevalent. Additionally, and at a lower level, protease inhibitor (PI)-resistance mutations, M46I, I54 V, V82A, L90 M, and I471 V, were also present in the sequences from antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced individuals. Two NRTI-associated drug resistance mutations (DRMs) (D67N and T69N) were present in sequences from 1 ART-naive individual.HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG was most frequently detected in this study thus confirming earlier reports of dominance of this subtype in the West-African sub-region and Ghana in particular. The detection of these drug resistance mutations in individuals on first-line regimen composed of NRTI and NNRTI is an indication of prolonged drug exposure without viral load monitoring. Routine viral load monitoring is necessary for early detection of virologic failure and drug resistance testing will inform appropriate choice of regimens for such patients.

Panel Data Analysis of International Trade in West African Sub Region

West African countries have suffered so much under poor economic growth rate; this issue is largely caused as a result of the poor performance in international trade, which is one of the most essential tools for economic growth. The study investigated the factors influencing international trade in West African Sub region. A Pooled OLS, Fixed Effect Model, and Random Effect Model were adopted to fit the panel regression model for the panel data sets. The study divided the models into three in other to have proper view of factors influencing international trade across West African Sub-region, each model contain the same independent variables and different dependent variables. The result shows that fixed effect model was accurate for the study. Also from the study it was observed that for the first model which use import as dependent variable, gross domestic production, foreign direct investment, and exchange rate are positively significant to import which implies that all the regressor variable influence import across west African sub region positively, while only GDP and FDI are positively significant to export and only FDI is positively significant to trade balance (TB). We therefore conclude that foreign direct investment is the key macro-economic variable that positively influences the policy of international trade across West African over the period of consideration.

Nigeria’s Interventions in West African Conflicts and Regional Security

The achievement of regional security has been a cardinal foreign policy objective of Nigeria since her independence from Britain in 1960. Through the instrumentality of the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria has made an immense contribution towards the achievement of this regional objective of promoting and maintaining regional security. Nigeria’s contribution to regional security in Africa, especially the West African sub-region through mediation and interventions in conflicts has never been in doubt. In her effort to promote and maintain regional security, the country has been able to provide logistics and funding at very crucial moments in the history of ECOWAS. Through constant interventions in conflicts in the West African sub-region, there is no doubt that Nigeria has been able to play a defining role in regional security in the sub-region. This paper discussed the position of Nigeria in West Africa, and her interventions in the sub-region. The paper also examined Nigeria’s contribution to regional security and critically analyse her national interest and interventions in West Africa. Finally, the paper concludes that Nigeria has made immense contributions towards the promotion and maintenance of regional security, and has intervened in almost all the conflicts in West Africa without corresponding positive reward.

Appraising the Monetary Union of the West African Sub-Region and Its Ensuing Implications

There is an ongoing discourse with respect to whether or not the West African Sub Region needs a monetary Union as part of its drive towards a more robust economy and the integration of its people. This discourse is without borders, as it has seen experts from all over the world share their thoughts with respect to this issue. Why is west Africa an important region in global politics and why has immense international attention with respect to her fiscal decisions raised eyebrows? The idea of a Monetary Union as canvassed by the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) through her various institutions and the proposed Launch of the ‘Eco’, which was recently adopted as the name for the proposed currency, at the 55th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, is one of the reasons for this international attention. ECOWAS will not be the first to float a Monetary Union, as there are other regions of the world with various forms of monetary union. Analysts have argued that west Africa does not need a Single Currency, stating that there are other ways by which the region can meet its intended goal without having to float a uniformed currency regime. Others have argued that it is imperative that a monetary union be launched as soon as possible if the sub-region is to indeed achieve maximum integration of its people and shake off completely, the shackles of Colonialism.The purpose of this article is to examine whether,given the current political and economic realities, the west African sub-region needs a monetary union, while pointing out the importance of a monetary union for the region, with recommendations for policy framers. All these are imperative if indeed the benefits accompanying a monetary union vis-a-vis a single currency,are to be effectively harnessed by west Africa.

An Investigation into the Possibility of Producing Fuel Ethanol from Forest Anchomanes (Anchomanes Difformis (Bl.) ENGL.)

One of the factors responsible for the slow growth of the Nigerian Biofuel Programme is the concern trailing the use of cassava, a crop that has food, feed and industrial value in Nigeria, for fuel production. As an alternative feedstock, this study investigates the possibility of producing fuel ethanol from forest anchomanes (FA), Anchomanes difformis (Bl.) Engl., a plant that has no food and feed value in Nigeria. Results showed that FA tubers were rich in carbohydrate, between 70 and Sarkar, 2011 %. The stoichiometric ethanol content of FA varied from 0.032 to 0.054 kg kg -1 of fresh tubers, while the crude FA ethanol had a mean density of Nwachukwu and Simonyan, 2015 1.2 kg/m 3 at 20 °C. This suggests that FA has some potential for fuel ethanol production. This finding is useful to countries in the West African sub-region where FA is found. Keywords : Forest anchomanes tuber; Forest anchomanes starch; Ethanol content; Ethanol density; Nigeria biofuel programme DOI : 10.7176/JETP/10-1-03 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Nexus between healthcare financing and output per capita: Analysis of countries in ECOWAS sub-region

The performances of African countries particularly in West African Sub-region on global-human development indices had been abysmal over the years and have worsened in the face of COVID-19 pandemic....

Treatment of localized prostate cancer and use of nomograms among urologists in the West Africa sub-region.

Introductionthere is a high incidence of prostate cancer among men of African descent. The disease tends to occur at an early age with a tendency to be aggressive. The objective was to determine the practice of urologists in the West African sub-region regarding treatment of localized prostate cancer, the use of nomograms and their perception of the usefulness of nomograms.Methodsthis was a cross-sectional study that involved urologists practicing in the West African sub-region attending urology and surgery conferences of the “Société Internationale d´Urologie”, West African college of surgeons and the Ghana association of urological surgeons. A structured questionnaire was used that sort to ascertain the treatment modalities used for localized prostate cancer and the use of nomograms in the sub-region. The study period spanned the years 2018 and 2019.Resultsfifty-six urologists practicing in eleven West African countries responded. Fifty percent had been in practice for less than 5 years. Sixty eight percent (38/56) had been involved in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Radical prostatectomy was widely available and the treatment modality most used 94.7% (36/38). Nomograms was used by 57.9% of them (22/38) with the Partin tables being the most commonly used nomogram (34.2%). No Locally developed nomogram for treatment of localized prostate cancer was identified.Conclusionradical prostatectomy is the commonest treatment modality used for the management of localized prostate cancer in the West Africa sub-region. Majority of the urologists used nomograms with the Partin tables being the most used.

The civilian vascular trauma in a low-income country: The determinant factors of morbidity and mortality

Background: Civilian vascular injury is relatively common in the West African subregion, but it is highly underreported. Aim/Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the patients managed for civilian vascular surgeries and to determine the factors causing morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study spanning a period of 13 years (2007–2019) of civilian vascular injuries managed in a tertiary hospital in a low-income country. We obtained data from our hospital record department. Data obtained and analyzed were demography, etiology, vessels affected, pattern of presentation, stratification, and treatment. Results: Within the envisaged period, 58 patients were affected in civilian vascular trauma with a mean of 4.5 cases per year. The male-to-female ratio was 0.9:0.1. The age range of patients affected was from 0–10 to 71–80, with the age group of 21–30 years being the most affected. Male was more affected (87.9%). Motor vehicle crashes were the most common etiology agent (42.0%). The femoral artery was the most commonly injured vessel (31.3%). In the pattern of presentation, bleeding with shock was dominant (49.8%). Lateral tarsorrhaphy accounted for the major vascular treatment interventions (30.2%). Conclusion: The outcome was very variable and depended on warm ischemic time, type and/or mechanism of injury, collateral blood supply at the site of injury, and comorbidity.

Third Party Mediation in the Cote D’Ivoire Conflict, 2002-2012

Cote D’Ivoire which was considered as one of the richest and the most stable and peaceful countries in the West African sub-region immediately after independence under the leadership of Felix Houphouet-Boigny, witnessed major leadership crises in the early part of the 21st century. As the economy of the country began to decline after the death of its founding leader, Houphouet Boigny, it started to witness periods of protracted power struggle. The country which enjoyed relative peace after independence under its founding president, started slipping into conflicts under successive leaders in the 21st century. The Cote D’Ivoire conflict which started in 2002 and ended in 2012 attracted the attention of global, regional and sub-regional organisations who volunteered to mediate in the conflict and negotiate peace between the conflicting parties to bring the hostilities to an end. The third party mediation which included the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and France at one time or the other, got involved in mediation efforts aimed at bringing an end to the Ivorian conflict. This paper examines the background of the Cote D’Ivoire conflict and discusses the factors that were responsible for the conflict. The paper also reviews and evaluates third party mediation in the conflict, and concludes that external interests exacerbated the conflict, and that affected the peace process.

The Nexus among Human Capital Development, Institutions and Economic Growth in ECOWAS Sub-Region, Nigeria

This research work examined The Nexus among Human Capital Development, Institutions and Economic Growth in West African Sub-Region. It focused on the impact of human capital development, institutions, and economic growth variables such as human capital, voice of accountability, social security, government effectiveness, rule of law. The study used secondary data obtained from the world development indicator, 2018. The ordinary least square (OLS) econometric techniques were employed. The result of the analysis reveals that human capital exerts a positive and significant influence on economic growth in the region, while the effect of physical capital on GDP is positive, indicating a positive effect of physical capital on economic growth in the region. However, the institutional quality on economic growth is negative and insignificant at the same time. Based on the findings, the study suggests strong investment in Education and Health being significant contributors to economic growth in the sub region to further enhance economic growth and development.

Clinicopathologic Pattern and Outcome of Management of Pancreatic Carcinoma in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Investigating the Effects of Cyber Fraud on Customer Trust for Online Shopping: The Ghanaian Setting

Cyber fraud has become a stumbling block in the development of many countries especially in the developing world as billions of dollars continues to be lost. It’s prevalence in the west African sub-region has stifled the efforts made by governments to bridge the technology gap between nations like Ghana and the west. Online shopping which is a convenient advancement in technology and relatively famous form of transaction in the west requires a considerable level of trust between the customer and the service provider. With the consumer culture theory (CCT) and model of integrative trust as theoretical foundations, this paper adopts a comprehensive two-way generic inductive approach to gather relevant data for analysis to unravel the effects of cyber fraud on the Ghanaian consumers’ trust for online shopping. The methodology encapsulates a systematic and rigorous literature review and documented cases of cyber fraud in Ghana. Results intimated that cyber fraud is a major cause of financial lose in Ghana and has to a large extent affected the Ghanaian consumers’ trust for online shopping and E-transactions in general as only 39% of the populace are revealed to buy online. Poor information technology infrastructure, growth of IT users, and a lack of regulation and training law enforcements were also found to be the underlying causes of why it is challenging to secure information online and hence the lack of trust. Keywords: Cyber Fraud, Trust, Online shopping. DOI : 10.7176/EJBM/11-36-10 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

β‐Carotene‐fortified gari: Processing variables effect on nutritional and sensory qualities

AbstractDifferent proportions of orange‐fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) were used to substitute cassava mash and fermented spontaneously to produce composite gari—a gritty‐crispy ready‐to‐eat food product. Both the amount of OFSP and the fermentation duration (FD) caused significant increases in the β‐carotene content of the composite gari. OFSP addition reduced the luminance while roasting made the composite gari yellower when compared with the cake used. Addition of OFSP negatively affected the swelling capacity of the gari although not significant. The taste, texture, flavor, and the overall preferences for the composite gari decreased due to the addition of the OFSP but FD improved them. The sample with 10% OFSP and FD of 1.81 days was found to produce the optimal gari. One portion of the optimal gari would contribute to 34.75, 23.2, 23.2, 27, 17, and 16% of vitamin A requirements among children, adolescent, adult males, adult females, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, respectively. The study demonstrated that partial substitution of cassava with OFSP for gari production would have the potential to fight the high prevalence rate of vitamin A deficiency among less developed regions of Africa.Practical applicationsGari is a major staple for Ghanaians and people in the West African subregion due to its affordability and swelling capacity. It is mainly eaten raw with water, sugar, groundnut, and milk as gari‐soakings or with hot water to prepare gelatinized food called gari‐kai in Ghana or “eba” among Nigerians. However, gari is limited in β‐carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. Orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is known to contain a large amount of β‐carotene, a vitamin A precursor. There is severe clinical vitamin A deficiency (VAD) prevalence among Ghanaians and many African countries. Therefore, addition of OFSP to gari would have the potential to fight the high prevalence rate of VAD among less developed regions of Africa.

A Critical Review of Drug Trafficking in Guinea – Conakry

The rising trend of the drug trade in Guinea-Conakry began from 2004 and the extent of the illicit trade came to limelight after the military coup in 2008. Many observers then feared that Guinea-Conakry maybe “West Africa Next Narco State”. This paper therefore critically reviewed the trend of drug trafficking in Guinea-Conakry by adopting a desk-review research approach with the reports and evaluations obtained from secondary sources of data analyzed through content analysis. The study found that the “narco-state syndrome” has remained a dangerous trend within the West African sub-region with negative impact and effects in states like Guinea-Conakry that are caught up in the drug trade. This study concluded that Guinea-Conakry is at risk of being captured by drug traffickers as crime governance was noted to be interlinked with drug trafficking with high complicity of higher level elites in the illicit drug trade. The study therefore recommended that government of Guinea-Conakry should address the fragility and weakness of state institutions by putting in place sustainable development policies directed towards improving human security. Also, counter-narcotics framework should prioritize and encourage cooperation between law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that drug use and its consequences are reduced to the barest minimum.

A Critical Review of Evolutionary Trends of Drug Trafficking in Guinea- Bissau

Guinea-Bissau emerged as the most vulnerable drug trafficking country in the West African sub-region beginning from the onset of Cocaine trafficking which started in the early 2000s. This led to the country being dubbed by the global media as “Africa’s First Narco-State”. The study employed a desk-review research approach with the reports and evaluations obtained from secondary sources of data analyzed through content analysis. The study found that prolonged dominant military rule, limited civilian oversight over the security sector, weak institutions and endemic clientelism in Guinea-Bissau remain driving factors that led to the state being used by drug cartels as major trafficking hub for narcotic drugs. The study concluded that Guinea Bissau state qualify as a “Narco State” based on numerous evidential reports on high level corruption and penetration of the highest level of power by drug trafficking networks. The study therefore recommended that policy initiatives by the government of Guinea-Bissau should aim at strengthening the already weakened political economic structure through sustainable development and the provisions of socio-economic needs to the citizenry. Security sector reforms initiatives should be fully operationalized and interdiction strategies tailored towards responding to the challenges of drug trafficking while also targeting its ties with other transnational threats. Finally, the government of Guinea-Bissau should review their drug laws and policies and also ensure that the prosecutions of drug traffickers are made public as deterrence measure to others.

Narcotics Drug Use in West Africa and Its Impact on Human Security

The West African sub-region has increasingly become a consumer and a final destination market for all types of drugs of abuse attributed to regional drug trafficking that has caused a supply-driven increase of narcotic drugs. This paper therefore reviewed the impact of narcotic drug use on human security of states in the West African sub-region and adopted the theory of rational addiction as theoretical framework for analysis. The paper also employed a desk-review research approach with the reports and evaluations obtained from secondary sources of data analyzed through content analysis. The paper found that narcotic drug use is associated with several drug problems that include biological, environmental, behavioral, cognitive and emotional risk factors. The study concluded that narcotic drug use has negative impact on the human security of West African states and recommended that ECOWAS Commission and member states should address the structural, political and socio-economic weaknesses facing states in the region by adopting policy measures aimed at improving human security. Furthermore, drug supply reduction strategies which primarily focus on interdiction actions should be complemented with harm reduction policies that will address public health and developmental challenges.

Value reclamation from informal municipal solid waste management: green neoliberalism and inclusive development in Lagos, Nigeria

ABSTRACTLagos is undoubtedly the cultural capital and economic hub of the West African sub-region. The challenge of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in the megacity has remained intractable due partly to the increasing rate of population growth. While solid waste policy reforms, investments, and management practices in Lagos are in the upswing in the formal economy, the role of the informal economy in engendering sub-regional material linkages and livelihoods remain unexplored. Adopting a multi-stakeholder approach and data from interviews, this study critically examines how value reclamation from informal MSWM advances green neoliberalism and inclusive development. It shows that while informal transboundary trade of recyclable materials in the West African sub-region have previously been left out of analyses of MSWM in Lagos, the informal economy of waste and new investments in MSWM have neoliberal underpinnings beyond the megacity scale. The paper concludes that integrating the informal economy in framing MSWM policy in the megacity offers scope for evolving an inclusive development strategy while also enabling sustainable MSWM in the post-2015 era.