Selecting indicators of drought impacts: the importance of context

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarra Kchouk ◽  
Pieter van Oel ◽  
Lieke Melsen
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Drought Impacts ◽  
Direct Linkage ◽  
Drought Indicators ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Drought Early Warning

<p>Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS) and Drought Monitoring Systems (DMS) are the principal tools used to tackle drought at an early stage and reduce the possibility of harm or loss. They are based on the use of drought indicators attributed to either : meteorological, agricultural and hydrological drought. This means that it is mostly hydro-climatic variables that are used to determine the onset, end and severity of a drought.  Drought impacts are rarely continuously monitored or even not included in DEWS and DMS. In this configuration, the likelihood of experiencing impacts is linearly linked to the severity of climatic features only. The aim of our study is to question the direct linkage between the delivery of hydro-climatic information and the detection of drought impacts and their severity. We reviewed scientific literature on drought drivers and impacts and analyzed how these two compare. We conducted a bibliometric analysis based on 4000+ scientific studies sorted by geographic area in which selected (i) drought indicators and (ii) impacts of drought were mentioned. Our review points toward an attachment to a conceptual view of drought by the main and broader use of meteorological (computed and remotely sensed) drought indicators. Studies reporting impacts related to food and water securities are more localized, respectively in Sub-Saharan Africa and Australasia. This mismatch suggests a tendency to translate hydroclimatic indicators of drought directly into impacts while neglecting relevant local contextual information. With the aim of sharpening the information provided by DEWS and DMS, we argue in favor of an additional consideration of drought indicators oriented towards the SDGs.</p>

scholarly journals A review of drought indices: predominance of drivers over impacts and the importance of local context

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarra Kchouk ◽  
Lieke A. Melsen ◽  
David W. Walker ◽  
Pieter R. van Oel
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Drought Indices ◽  
Drought Event ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Drought Impact ◽  
Drought Impacts

Abstract. Drought monitoring and Early Warning Systems (DEWS) are seen as helpful tools to tackle drought at an early stage and reduce the possibility of harm or loss. They usually include indices attributed to meteorological, agricultural and/or hydrological drought: physically based drought drivers. These indices are used to determine the onset, end and severity of a drought event. Drought impacts are less monitored or even not included in DEWS. Therefore, the likelihood of experiencing drought impacts is often simply linearly linked to drivers of drought. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity of the assumed direct linkage between drivers of drought and drought impact. We reviewed scientific literature on both drivers and impacts of drought. We conducted a bibliometric analysis based on 5000+ scientific studies in which selected drought indices (drivers) and drought impacts were mentioned in relation to a geographic area. Our review shows that there is a tendency in scientific literature to focus on drivers of drought, with the preferred use of meteorological and remotely sensed drought indices. Studies reporting drought impacts are more localised, with relatively many studies focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and Australasia for impacts with regard to food security and water security, respectively. Our review further suggests that drought-impacts studies are dependent on both the physical and human processes occurring in the geographic area, i.e. the local context. With the aim of increasing the relevance and utility of the information provided by DEWS, we argue in favour of additional consideration of drought impact indices oriented towards sustainable development and human welfare.

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRIES

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 156-177
Author(s):  
Aliyu Alhaji Jibrilla
Keyword(s):  
Financial Development ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Institutional Quality ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Pooled Mean Group ◽  
Sub Saharan

This study addresses the question of financial development and institutional quality influence on the environmental sustainability of some 13 countries from the sub-Saharan Africa. Relying upon pooled mean group (PMG) for panel data, we provide evidence which suggest that both financial development and institutional quality are statistically significant determinants of per capita carbon dioxide emissions in the region. More specifically, we found that without healthy institutions and sound financial system sub-Saharan African countries might not avoid environmental degradation experienced by advanced nations during their early stage of economic progress. Our results also support the EKC hypothesis in the region.  In addition, the paper also shows that more openness to FDI inflows is good for the environment across the SSA. These findings suggest the need for institutional and financial service reform that supports robust environmental conservation.

Assessing Assets Among Street-Connected Youth: New Angles With Participatory Methods in Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 619-651
Author(s):  
Laura R. Johnson ◽  
Christopher F. Drescher ◽  
Sophia H. Assenga ◽  
Rachel J. Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Contextual Information ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Street Youth ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Participatory Methods ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Use Of Time ◽  
Northern Tanzania ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
High Level

Street-connected adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa have been neglected in scholarly research. Extant literature is largely problem focused. This study describes strengths and assets among street-connected youth in Tanzania, using a participatory, mixed methods approach. Adolescents ( N = 38, 13-17 years) in a rehabilitation center for street youth in Northern Tanzania completed a Swahili version of the Developmental Assets Profile (DAP). They engaged in participatory activities designed to capture multiple perspectives and promote maximal engagement. A subsample of youth ( n = 8) took part in photovoice to elucidate contextual details. Although exploratory, we expected (a) participants would have lower scores on the external versus internal domain of the DAP; (b) qualitative methods would support the DAP and provide complementary, contextual information; and (c) participatory methods would be important for providing varied perspectives and engaging youth in the research process. Results revealed a moderately high level of assets, with strengths in constructive use of time and commitment to school. External assets were higher than internal assets; however, different assets were emphasized across different methods. Overall, results supported the DAP framework. The participatory approaches effectively engaged youth and illuminated the culture and context of their development.

Breast cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: 1,000 patients with primary breast cancer in Addis Ababa followed for up to 5 years.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 580-580
Author(s):  
Eva Johanna Kantelhardt ◽  
Peter Zerche ◽  
Pietro Trocchi ◽  
Assefa Mathios ◽  
Anne Reeler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Right Censoring ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Endocrine Treatment ◽  
Worst Case Analysis ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Stage 1

580 Background: There is little information on breast cancer (BC) patients (pts) receiving standardized treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluates pts presenting 2005-10 at the University Radiotherapy Center in Addis Ababa, the only institution in the country offering standardized radiotherapy, systemic therapy and free endocrine treatment (ET) during that time. Methods: All pts with histologically verified BC were included. Ethical approval was obtained. Axios/AstraZenaca provided free ET. Therefore, the majority of pts underwent regular follow-up (FUP). We analyzed survival at 18 months by means of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. We assumed right-censoring to be unrelated to the risk of metastasis. In a worst case sensitivity analysis, we considered all censored pts developing metastasis. Results: Pts with primary diagnosis between July 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2010 were included (n=1303). The majority of pts were female (95.2%), most (52.3%) postmenopausal. Mean age was 44.1yrs (20-88yrs). Stages 1-4 presented in 3/19/53/25% respectively (36% unknown). Grade 2 tumors were seen in 434 out of 574 pts (58%). Estrogen receptor was pos. in 251 out of 381 pts (66%). Most M0-pts (n=942) underwent surgery (84%), received chemotherapy (59%), and received ET (63%). Median FUP was 18.4 months, 186 events (metastases) occurred. Metastasis-free survival (MFS) was 86%. Worst case analysis on censored observations revealed that MFS declined down to 52%. Pts with early stage 1/2 showed a better MFS than pts with stage 3 disease (93 to 77%). Surgery (no surgery 78% vs surgery 87%) and ET (79% vs 89%) improved MFS. The 5-year MFS for stage 1/2 was 78% and stage 3 was 38%. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first presentation of clinical features in 1300 pts with BC in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most pts in Addis Ababa (AA) are <45yrs and present at stage 3/4. Differences to 5-year MFS from Europe stage 1/2 around 90% (AA 78%) and stage 3 around 70% (AA 38%) are smaller in pts treated with surgery and ET. This data is consistent with overall survival in a treated pt cohort from Uganda stage 1/2: 74% and stage 3/4: 39% (n=285) (Gakwaya Brit J Cancer 2008). Policies should focus on earlier presentation and access to care.

scholarly journals Demographic Dividend in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): A Far-Fetched Dream?

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sixtus Cyprian Onyekwere
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Demographic Dividend ◽  
African Region ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Social Amenities

This research was set out to assess whether ‘demographic dividend’ is a far-fetched dream for most countries in Sub Saharan Africa. To achieve this aim, the research draws from a wide range of secondary sources, including data from publications as well as past research and evidence gathered from this study shows that the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region is still at the early stage of demographic transition thereby lagging when compared to other regions. The research concluded by aligning with the position that achieving demographic dividend may be a far-fetch dream for most countries in the Sub Saharan African region. Some policy recommendations were made with key emphasis on education, dulling out of modern and safe contraception, bridging the gap of gender inequality and investing in social amenities.

scholarly journals Open source geoprocessing tools and meteorological satellite data for crop risk zones monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziana De Filippis ◽  
Leandro Rocchi ◽  
Patrizio Vignaroli ◽  
Maurizio Bacci ◽  
Vieri Tarchiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Open Source ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Precipitation Forecast ◽  
Drought Risk ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Risk Zones ◽  
Sub Saharan

In Sub-Saharan Africa analysis tools and models based on meteorological satellites data have been developed within different national and international cooperation initiatives, with the aim of allowing a better monitoring of the cropping season. In most cases, the software was a stand-alone application and the upgrading, in terms of analysis functions, database and hardware maintenance, was difficult for the National Meteorological Services (NMSs) in charge of agro-hydro-meteorological monitoring. The web-based solution proposed in this work intends to improve and ensure the sustainability of applications to support national Early Warning Systems (EWSs) for food security. The Crop Risk Zones (CRZ) model for Niger and Mali, integrated in a web-based open source framework, has been implemented using PL/pgSQL & PostGIS functions to process different meteorological data sets: a) the rainfall precipitation forecast images from Global Forecast System (GFS) b) the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Rainfall Estimation (RFE) for Africa c) Multi-Sensor Precipitation Estimate (MPE) images from EUMETSAT Earth Observation Portal d) the MOD16 Global Terrestrial Evapotranspiration Data Set. Restful Web Services upload raster images into the PostgreSQL/PostGIS database. PL/pgSQL functions are used to run the CRZ model to identify installation and phenological phases of the main crops in the Region and to create crop risk zones images. This model is focused on the early identification of risks and the production of information for food security within the time prescribed for decision-making. The challenge and the objective of this work is to set up an open access monitoring system, based on meteorological open data providers, targeting NMSs and any other local decision makers for drought risk reduction and resilience improvement.

scholarly journals Maternal and Perinatal Mortality in the 21st Century

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-146
Author(s):  
Aris Antsaklis
Keyword(s):  
Perinatal Mortality ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Maternal Mortality Ratio ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Maternal Deaths ◽  
Neonatal Deaths ◽  
Live Births ◽  
Sub Saharan

ABSTRACT The maternal mortality ratio measures how safe it is to become pregnant and give birth in a geographic area or a population. The total number of maternal deaths observed annually fell from 526,000 in 1980 to 358,000 in 2008, a 34% decline over this period. Similarly, the global MMR declined from 422 in 1980 to 320 in 1990 and was 250 per 100,000 live births in 2008, a decline of 34% over the entire period and an average annual decline of 2.3%. More specifically, in 1990 around 58% of maternal deaths worldwide occurred in Asia and 36% in sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast, in 2008, 57% of global maternal deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa and 39% in Asia. In Europe, the main causes of death from any known direct obstetric complication remains bleeding (13%), thromboembolic events (10.1%), complicationassociated birth, hypertensive disease of pregnancy (9.2%), and amniotic fluid embolism (10.6%). Preterm birth is the most common cause of perinatal mortality (PNM) causing almost 30% of neonatal deaths, while birth defects cause about 21% of neonatal deaths. The PNM rate refers to the number of perinatal deaths per 1,000 total births. Perinatal mortality rate may be below 10 for certain developed countries and more than 10 times higher in developing countries. Perinatal health in Europe has improved dramatically in recent decades. In 1975, neonatal mortality ranged from 7 to 27 per 1,000 live births in the countries that now make up the EU. By 2005, it had declined to 8 per 1,000 live births. We need to bring together data from civil registration, medical birth registers, hospital discharge systems in order to have European Surveys which present exciting research possibilities. How to cite this article Antsaklis A. Maternal and Perinatal Mortality in the 21st Century. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):143-146.

scholarly journals ‘Global mental health’: systematic review of the term and its implicit priorities

BJPsych Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Supriya Misra ◽  
Anne Stevenson ◽  
Emily E. Haroz ◽  
Victoria de Menil ◽  
Karestan C. Koenen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Sub Saharan

Background The term ‘global mental health’ came to the fore in 2007, when the Lancet published a series by that name. Aims To review all peer-reviewed articles using the term ‘global mental health’ and determine the implicit priorities of scientific literature that self-identifies with this term. Method We conducted a systematic review to quantify all peer-reviewed articles using the English term ‘global mental health’ in their text published between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2016, including by geographic regions and by mental health conditions. Results A total of 467 articles met criteria. Use of the term ‘global mental health’ increased from 12 articles in 2007 to 114 articles in 2016. For the 111 empirical studies (23.8% of articles), the majority (78.4%) took place in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the most in Sub-Saharan Africa (28.4%) and South Asia (25.5%) and none from Central Asia. The most commonly studied mental health conditions were depression (29.7%), psychoses (12.6%) and conditions specifically related to stress (12.6%), with fewer studies on epilepsy (2.7%), self-harm and suicide (1.8%) and dementia (0.9%). The majority of studies lacked contextual information, including specific region(s) within countries where studies took place (20.7% missing), specific language(s) in which studies were conducted (36.9% missing), and details on ethnic identities such as ethnicity, caste and/or tribe (79.6% missing) and on socioeconomic status (85.4% missing). Conclusions Research identifying itself as ‘global mental health’ has focused predominantly on depression in LMICs and lacked contextual and sociodemographic data that limit interpretation and application of findings. Declaration of interest None.

scholarly journals Open source geoprocessing tools and meteorological satellite data for crop risk zones monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziana De Filippis ◽  
Leandro Rocchi ◽  
Patrizio Vignaroli ◽  
Maurizio Bacci ◽  
Vieri Tarchiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Open Source ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Precipitation Forecast ◽  
Drought Risk ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Risk Zones ◽  
Sub Saharan

In Sub-Saharan Africa analysis tools and models based on meteorological satellites data have been developed within different national and international cooperation initiatives, with the aim of allowing a better monitoring of the cropping season. In most cases, the software was a stand-alone application and the upgrading, in terms of analysis functions, database and hardware maintenance, was difficult for the National Meteorological Services (NMSs) in charge of agro-hydro-meteorological monitoring. The web-based solution proposed in this work intends to improve and ensure the sustainability of applications to support national Early Warning Systems (EWSs) for food security. The Crop Risk Zones (CRZ) model for Niger and Mali, integrated in a web-based open source framework, has been implemented using PL/pgSQL & PostGIS functions to process different meteorological data sets: a) the rainfall precipitation forecast images from Global Forecast System (GFS) b) the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Rainfall Estimation (RFE) for Africa c) Multi-Sensor Precipitation Estimate (MPE) images from EUMETSAT Earth Observation Portal d) the MOD16 Global Terrestrial Evapotranspiration Data Set. Restful Web Services upload raster images into the PostgreSQL/PostGIS database. PL/pgSQL functions are used to run the CRZ model to identify installation and phenological phases of the main crops in the Region and to create crop risk zones images. This model is focused on the early identification of risks and the production of information for food security within the time prescribed for decision-making. The challenge and the objective of this work is to set up an open access monitoring system, based on meteorological open data providers, targeting NMSs and any other local decision makers for drought risk reduction and resilience improvement.

scholarly journals A Review of A Bioenergy Policy Implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Opportunities and Challenges- A Case of Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Temitope E Odetoye ◽  
Elijah O Ajala ◽  
James Omotayo Titiloye
Keyword(s):  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Global Environmental ◽  
Sub Saharan

In response to the global recognition of bioenergy as a significant source of renewable energy necessary for mitigating the global environmental challenge, the Governments of various African countries are starting to develop their economic and energy policies towards the adoption, development, production, and utilization of biomass for production of biofuel in some African communities. Although, Government’s role and policy have been identified as key factors for effective adoption of biomass energy, the implementation, its production, and utilization is not yet at fully blown stage in most countries of sub-Saharan African. Despite the challenges of non-competitive price of biofuel with fossil fuel and threat of electronic vehicle induced biofuel demand decrease, biofuel has potentials for alternative uses worthy of consideration in African countries. This paper reviews the current developments in adopting biofuel production and utilization in some sub-Saharan African countries, identifying the causes of being at the early stage, despite the enormous potential. This paper also recommends a strategy for achieving a relatively rapid outcome in bioenergy policy implementation in sub-Saharan African. Keywords— Bioenergy, biodiesel, biofuel, biomass, policy, Sub-Saharan African

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