scholarly journals Quality determinates of rice price in open bag markets in Sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bailey Peterson-Wilhelm ◽  
Lawton Nalley ◽  
Alvaro Durand-Morat ◽  
Aaron Shew ◽  
Francis Tsiboe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Consumer Welfare ◽  
Quality Attributes ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rice Price ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Rice Samples ◽  
Sub Saharan

PurposeWeaknesses in the grades and standards system in low-income countries across Sub-Saharan Africa undermine the transparency of agricultural markets. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana and Mozambique rice is predominately sold in open bags and if rice price does not reflect its quality, then inefficiencies may lead to consumer welfare losses. Importantly, it is possible that impoverished communities are priced out of the market due to inflated and inefficient prices. The objective of this study is to examine determinates of rice price by estimating the impact of selected rice quality attributes on rice prices in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Mozambique.Design/methodology/approachWe collected 363 rice samples from open air markets in Bukavu (DRC), Nampula (Mozambique) and across Ghana in 2019. Each rice sample was analyzed in a food science lab for the quality attributes: percentage of chalk and brokens, chalk impact, length and length-to-width ratio. We used multiple regression analysis to estimate if and to what extent quality attributes were the drivers of price.FindingsFindings suggest that there are irregularities in the Ghanaian market for broken rice and that regardless of quality, imported rice is priced higher than domestic rice. In the DRC and Mozambique, our results indicate price is driven by length and length-to-width ratio in the former and length-to-width ratio in the latter.Research limitations/implicationsRice samples were purchased from market vendors and thus consumer preferences for attributes were not revealed.Originality/valueThese results provide valuable insight to policymakers regarding the need for proper labeling and regulation of open bag rice sales in an effort to increase consumer welfare and improve food security.

Conflicts in Biafra, Katanga and Cabinda as a result of the geopolitical legacy of colonialism

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (10-3) ◽  
pp. 238-246
Author(s):  
Olga Dzhenchakova
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Economic Factor ◽  
Colonial Period ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Impact

The article considers the impact of the colonial past of some countries in sub-Saharan Africa and its effect on their development during the post-colonial period. The negative consequences of the geopolitical legacy of colonialism are shown on the example of three countries: Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Angola, expressed in the emergence of conflicts in these countries based on ethno-cultural, religious and socio-economic contradictions. At the same time, the focus is made on the economic factor and the consequences of the consumer policy of the former metropolises pursuing their mercantile interests were mixed.

scholarly journals Historical and current distribution, population size and possible migration routes of the Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea in Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
STEVEN W. EVANS ◽  
H. BOUWMAN
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Total Current ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Migratory Routes ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Migration

SummaryThe Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea is restricted to sub-Saharan Africa, its population size previously estimated at fewer than 1,500 pairs, and is classified as Vulnerable. A better understanding of its current distributional range, population size, protection status and migration routes would improve our ability to conserve the species and the grassland and wetland habitat on which it depends. We now estimate that the Blue Swallow population in the 1850s may have numbered between 1,560 and 2,300 pairs. Based on an assessment of available data, we now estimate the total current Blue Swallow population at 1,006 pairs or 2,012 individuals, an estimated 36–56% decline over the last 150 years. There may be three separate Blue Swallow sub-populations and seven separate migratory routes between their breeding and non-breeding grounds. The Blue Swallow’s range in South Africa and Swaziland has contracted by 74%. The majority of Blue Swallows occupy unprotected areas on their non-breeding grounds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Kenya. The Blue Swallow population in Africa will continue to decline unless the causes of reduction in Blue Swallow habitat quantity and quality can be stopped and sufficient and additional habitat set aside to sustain viable Blue Swallow populations throughout their range.

Lung function in children with sickle cell disease from Central Africa

Thorax ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 604-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Arigliani ◽  
Robert Kitenge ◽  
Luigi Castriotta ◽  
Pathy Ndjule ◽  
Vincenzo Barbato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Sickle Cell Anaemia ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Restrictive Pattern

Lung function in patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) living in sub-Saharan Africa is largely unknown. Anthropometry and spirometry were cross-sectionally evaluated in patients with SCA (HbSS) aged 6–18 years and in schoolchildren from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Global Lung Initiative 2012 spirometry reference values were used. A total of 112 patients and 377 controls were included. Twenty-six per cent of patients with SCA had spirometry findings suggestive of a restrictive pattern and 41% had a FEV1 z-score <5th percentile. Wasting, increasing age and female sex were independently associated with increased risk of restrictive spirometry pattern in patients with SCA. Longitudinal studies could clarify the prognostic meaning of these findings.

scholarly journals The Epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax Among Adults in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Nationally-Representative, Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas F. Brazeau ◽  
Cedar L. Mitchell ◽  
Andrew P. Morgan ◽  
Molly Deutsch-Feldman ◽  
Oliver John Watson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Mitochondrial Genomes ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Duffy Negative ◽  
Malaria Risk Factors ◽  
Population Genetic Analyses

ABSTRACTBackgroundReports of P. vivax infections among Duffy-negative hosts have begun to accumulate throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this growing body of evidence, no nationally representative epidemiological surveys of P. vivax in sub-Saharan Africa nor population genetic analyses to determine the source of these infections have been performed.MethodsTo overcome this critical gap in knowledge, we screened nearly 18,000 adults in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for P. vivax using samples from the 2013-2014 Demographic Health Survey. Infections were identified by quantitative PCR and confirmed with nested-PCR. P. vivax mitochondrial genomes were constructed after short-read sequencing. Risk factors, spatial distributions and population genetic analyses were explored.FindingsOverall, we found a 2.96% (95% CI: 2.28%, 3.65%) prevalence of P. vivax infections across the DRC. Nearly all infections were among Duffy-negative adults (486/489). Infections were not associated with typical malaria risk-factors and demonstrated small-scale heterogeneity in prevalence across space. Mitochondrial genomes suggested that DRC P. vivax is an older clade that shares its most recent common ancestor with South American isolates.InterpretationP. vivax is more prevalent across the DRC than previously believed despite widespread Duffy-negativity. Comparison to global and historical P. vivax sequences suggests that historic DRC P. vivax may have been transported to the New World on the wave of European expansion. Our findings suggest congolese P. vivax is an innocuous threat given its relatively flat distribution across space, lack of malaria risk factors, and potentially ancestral lineage.FundingNational Institutes of Health and the Wellcome Trust.

scholarly journals Sachet water consumption as a risk factor for cholera in urban settings: Findings from a case control study in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 2017–2018 outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. e0009477
Author(s):  
Placide Mbala-Kingebeni ◽  
Florian Vogt ◽  
Berthe Miwanda ◽  
Tresor Sundika ◽  
Nancy Mbula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
P Value ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Control Study

Background Behavioural risk factors for cholera are well established in rural and semi-urban contexts, but not in densely populated mega-cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. In November 2017, a cholera epidemic occurred in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where no outbreak had been recorded for nearly a decade. During this outbreak, we investigated context-specific risk factors for cholera in an urban setting among a population that is not frequently exposed to cholera. Methodology/Principal findings We recruited 390 participants from three affected health zones of Kinshasa into a 1:1 matched case control study. Cases were identified from cholera treatment centre admission records, while controls were recruited from the vicinity of the cases’ place of residence. We used standardized case report forms for the collection of socio-demographic and behavioural risk factors. We used augmented backward elimination in a conditional logistic regression model to identify risk factors. The consumption of sachet water was strongly associated with the risk of being a cholera case (p-value 0.019), which increased with increasing frequency of consumption from rarely (OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.9–5.2) to often (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.6–9.9) to very often (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.0–16.7). Overall, more than 80% of all participants reported consumption of this type of drinking water. The risk factors funeral attendance and contact with someone suffering from diarrhoea showed a p-value of 0.09 and 0.08, respectively. No socio-demographic characteristics were associated with the risk of cholera. Conclusions/Significance Drinking water consumption from sachets, which are sold informally on the streets in most Sub-Saharan African cities, are an overlooked route of infection in urban cholera outbreaks. Outbreak response measures need to acknowledge context-specific risk factors to remain a valuable tool in the efforts to achieve national and regional targets to reduce the burden of cholera in Sub-Saharan Africa.

scholarly journals Under the Radar: Epidemiology of Plasmodium ovale in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cedar L Mitchell ◽  
Nicholas F Brazeau ◽  
Corinna Keeler ◽  
Melchior Kashamuka Mwandagalirwa ◽  
Antoinette K Tshefu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Plasmodium Ovale ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
South Central ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Malaria Species ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Plasmodium ovale is an understudied malaria species prevalent throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. Little is known about the distribution of ovale malaria and risk factors for infection in areas of high malaria endemicity. Methods Using the 2013 Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Demographic and Health Survey, we conducted a risk factor analysis for P. ovale infections. We evaluated geographic clustering of infections and speciated to P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri through deep sequencing. Results Of 18 149 adults tested, we detected 143 prevalent P. ovale infections (prevalence estimate 0.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], .59%–.98%). Prevalence ratios (PR) for significant risk factors were: male sex PR = 2.12 (95% CI, 1.38–3.26), coprevalent P. falciparum PR = 3.52 (95% CI, 2.06–5.99), and rural residence PR = 2.19 (95% CI, 1.31–3.66). P. ovale was broadly distributed throughout the DRC; an elevated cluster of infections was detected in the south-central region. Speciation revealed P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri circulating throughout the country. Conclusions P. ovale persists broadly in the DRC, a high malaria burden country. For successful elimination of all malaria species, P. ovale needs to be on the radar of malaria control programs.

scholarly journals Genomic analysis of pathogenic isolates of Vibrio cholerae from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2014-2017)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonid M. Irenge ◽  
Jerôme Ambroise ◽  
Prudence N. Mitangala ◽  
Bertrand Bearzatto ◽  
Raphaël K.S. Kabangwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vibrio Cholerae ◽  
East Africa ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Genetic Relatedness ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Past ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
El Tor

AbstractBackgroundOver the past recent years, Vibrio cholerae has been associated with outbreaks in Sub Saharan Africa, notably in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study aimed to determine the genetic relatedness of isolates responsible for cholera outbreaks in eastern DRC between 2014 and 2017, and their potential spread to bordering countries.Methods/Principal findingsPhenotypic analysis and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were carried out on 78 clinical isolates of V. cholerae associated with cholera in eastern provinces of DRC between 2014 and 2017. SNP-based phylogenomic data show that most isolates (73/78) were V. cholerae O1 biotype El Tor with CTX-3 type prophage. They fell within the third transmission wave of the current seventh pandemic El Tor (7PET) lineage and were contained in the introduction event (T)10 in East Africa. These isolates clustered in two sub-clades corresponding to Multiple Locus Sequence Types (MLST) profiles ST69 and the newly assigned ST515, the latter displaying a higher genetic diversity. Both sub-clades showed a distinct geographic clustering, with ST69 isolates mostly restricted to Lake Tanganyika basin and phylogenetically related to V. cholerae isolates associated with cholera outbreaks in western Tanzania, whereas ST515 isolates were disseminated along the Albertine Rift and closely related to isolates in South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. Other V. cholerae isolates (5/78) were non-O1/non-O139 without any CTX prophage and no phylogenetic relationship with already characterized non-O1/non-O139 isolates.Conclusions/SignificanceCurrent data confirm the association of both DRC O1 7PET (T)10 sub-clades ST69 and ST515 with recurrent outbreaks in eastern DRC and at regional level over the past 10 years. Interestingly, while ST69 is predominantly a locally endemic sequence type, ST515 became adaptable enough to expand across DRC neighboring countries.Author’s summaryCholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. After originating in Asia, the disease spread across sub-Saharan Africa, notably Democratic Republic of the Congo. The aim of our study was to assess the transmission pattern of V. cholerae strains prevailing in eastern DRC, and determine their genetic relatedness to strains from other African countries and other parts of the world. Between 2014 and 2017, we isolated V. cholerae from fecal samples of patients with acute diarrhea in eastern DRC, and subsequently examined the DNA of the bacteria. The results show that they all clustered in two genetic groups (ST69 and ST515) falling within the third transmission wave of the current seventh pandemic El Tor (7PET) lineage and T10 introduction event in East Africa. The genetic signature of ST515 may be involved in its adaptation to environmental conditions found in eastern DRC, and contribute to its extended geographic distribution. Indeed, unlike the locally endemic ST69, ST515 is spreading extensively through DRC cross-border countries such as South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. This plainly justifies a regional strategy to strengthen the fight against cholera in eastern Africa.

scholarly journals Epidemio-therapeutic Survey on Malnourished Children Aged 0-5 Years Old in the Gbado-Lite Health Zone (Nord Ubangi Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-28
Author(s):  
Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua ◽  
Guy Kumbali Ngambika ◽  
Blaise Mbembo-wa-Mbembo ◽  
Ruphin Djolu DJoza ◽  
Gédéon Ngiala Bongo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Malnourished Children ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Health Zone ◽  
Sub Saharan

Child malnutrition is one cause of death worldwide, but the greatest burden is borne by African countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo, despite its wealth of biodiversity, is confronted with this phenomenon which seriously hinders its development. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in The Nord Ubangi Province from 01 to 31 December 2016 on a population of 133 malnourished children aged 0 to 5. The results show that the 2 to 3 year old age group (25-36 months) was the most affected by malnutrition. The most affected children were male, at 52.63%. Most of these children, 24.8%, resided in rural areas around Gbadolite. The majority of their parents, 61.6%, was farmers or only engaged in housework. 78.9% of respondents had edema in their bodies, and 91.7% did not meet the appetite test. These children were subjected to antibacterial treatment outside of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (ATPE). After this treatment, the cure rate was satisfactory at 73.6%.

scholarly journals A case study of the first pregnant woman with COVID-19 in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Etienne Kajibwami Birindwa ◽  
Guy Mulinganya Mulumeoderhwa ◽  
Olivier Nyakio ◽  
Guy-Quesney Mateso Mbale ◽  
Serge Zigabe Mushamuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Introduction Vertical transmission of covid-19 is possible; its risk factors are worth researching. The placental changes found in pregnant women have a definite impact on the foetus. Case presentation We report a case of a 25-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2 (2 alive children), with a history of two caesarean deliveries, who was infected by the SARS-CoV-2 during the last term of her pregnancy. She gave birth by caesarean at 34 weeks of gestation to a newborn baby also infected with SARS-CoV-2. The peri-operative observations noted several eruptive lesions in the pelvis, bleeding on contact. Microscopic examination of the foetal appendages revealed thrombotic vasculopathy in the placenta and in the umbilical cord vessels. Conclusion This case is one of the first documented cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. We strongly suggest obstetricians to carefully examine the aspect of the peritoneum, viscera and foetal appendages in affected pregnant women.

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