Food tree species consumed during periods of food shortage in Burkina Faso and their threats

Aim of study: Edible products from tree species were identified in Burkina Faso and their contribution to the diet in the lean season was assessed. The main threats affecting most consumed food tree species were also documented.Area of study: Six villages across two phytogeographic regions of Burkina FasoMaterial and methods: Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews, including a 7-day dietary intake recall targeting women; semi-structured interviews targeting key male informants.Main results: The number of edible tree products consumed was found to vary according to phytogeographic region and ethnic group. A few tree species played a disproportionally greater role in the diet and were characterized by very high frequency of consumption by the majority of households in both phytogeographic regions and across ethnicities: Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa and Vitellaria paradoxa. These species are not critically endangered at country level but they are perceived as scarcely available at local level. Considering that the main threats on priority tree species (fires, drought, pest and diseases) vary across regions, to maintain sustainable sources of nutrients in the landscape, mitigation measures should be diversified and adapted to local pressures.Research highlights: Priorities for conservation are emerging clearly, but research efforts should also target underutilized tree species for their potential to diversify nutrient-poor diets.

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Functions of farmers’ preferred tree species and their potential carbon stocks in southern Burkina Faso: implications for biocarbon initiatives

10.1101/344408 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Kangbéni Dimobe ◽

Jérôme E. Tondoh ◽

John C. Weber ◽

Jules Bayala ◽

Karen Greenough ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Burkina Faso ◽

Tree Species ◽

Woody Species ◽

Carbon Stocks ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Adansonia Digitata ◽

Design Data ◽

South Central ◽

Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration ◽

Potential Carbon

AbstractThe success of terrestrial carbon sequestration projects for rural development in sub-Saharan Africa lies in the (i) involvement of local populations in the selection of woody species, which represent the biological assets they use to meet their daily needs, and (ii) information about the potential of these species to store carbon. Although the latter is a key prerequisite, there is very little information available. To help fill this gap, the present study was undertaken in four pilot villages (Kou, Dao, Vrassan and Cassou) in Ziro Province, south-central Burkina Faso. The objective was to determine carbon storage potential for top-priority woody species preferred by local smallholders. We used (i) participatory rural appraisal consisting of group discussions and key informant interviews to identify priority species and functions, and (ii) landscape assessment of carbon stocks in the preferred woody species. Results revealed over 79 priority tree and shrub species grouped into six functions, of which medicine, food and income emerge as the most important ones for the communities. For these functions, smallholders overwhelmingly listed Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Afzelia africana, Adansonia digitata, Detarium microcarpum, and Lannea microcarpa among the most important tree species. Among the preferred woody species in Cassou and Kou, the highest quantity of carbon was stored by V. paradoxa (1,460.6 ±271.0 kg C ha−1 to 2,798.1±521.0 kg C ha−1) and the lowest by Grewia bicolor (1.6±1.3 kg C ha−1). The potential carbon stored by the preferred tree communities was estimated at 5,766.2 Mg C ha−1 (95% CI: 5,258.2; 6,274.2 Mg C ha−1) in Kou and 6,664.0 Mg C ha−1 (95% CI: 5,810.2; 7,517.8 Mg C ha−1) in Cassou. The findings of this study will help design data-based development of biocarbon projects, which are rare in the West African Sahel despite being considered as one of the most impactful climate change resilient strategies.

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Factors and actors for enhancing community flood resilience

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment ◽

10.1108/ijdrbe-12-2016-0056 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 153-169 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Imon Chowdhooree ◽

Ishrat Islam

Keyword(s):

Built Environment ◽

Drainage System ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Reclaimed Land ◽

Content Type ◽

Governmental Organization ◽

System A

Purpose Enhancing community flood resilience is a critical aspect of flood risk management that requires a systematic process of capacity building through incorporating mitigation measures. The inhabitants of South Rishipara, a riverside settlement of Bangladesh, are accommodating themselves in a flood-prone location through modifying their built environment. The purpose of this study is to conduct a detailed investigation regarding the built environment development and find out roles of different actors and contributing factors for enhancing community flood resilience. Design/methodology/approach This case study-based post-positivist research uses multiple lines of inquiries, which include focus group discussions, transect walks, in-depth semi-structured interviews, pair-wise comparisons and a questionnaire survey, mostly in a participatory appraisal manner to obtain data about community experiences and perceptions. Findings About 66.7 per cent of respondents identified themselves as severely affected by flood before the recent development with increased elevation of land, flood protection walls, reclaimed land from the river, underground drainage system, a new layout of plots and houses of better quality. In the post-development situation, not a single respondent identified him/ her in that condition. “Coordination and cooperation among GOs, NGOs and donor agency” (GO: governmental organization; NGO: nongovernmental organization) and “awareness about the flood vulnerability” were identified as key factors and the NGO was identified as the key actor for enhancing community flood resilience by the survey participants. Originality/value This research, through exploring the nuanced relationship between built environment development and community resilience, will contribute to address uncertainties associated with community capacities to respond to risks.

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Local Perception of Ecosystem Services and their Conservation in Sudanian Savannas of Burkina Faso (West Africa)

10.21203/rs.3.rs-818596/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Assétou Nabaloum ◽

Dethardt Goetze ◽

Amadé Ouédraogo ◽

Stephan Porembski ◽

Adjima Thiombiano

Keyword(s):

Ecosystem Services ◽

Burkina Faso ◽

Plant Species ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Principal Component ◽

Vulnerability Index ◽

Anthropogenic Pressure ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Adansonia Digitata

Abstract Context: In Burkina Faso, Sudanian savannas are important ecosystems for plant diversity conservation. However, population migration from the north due to desertification and insecurity has increased human density and caused an intensification of anthropogenic pressure on southern savannas. This study aims to investigate local population's knowledge on ecosystem services (ES), and perception on their conservation. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews focused on informants’ knowledge on ES and ecosystem conservation issues were conducted. Informants were selected according to the sociocultural groups and sex in three land use intensity levels: the communal area of Dano (CAD), the Total Wildlife Reserve of Bontioli (TWRB) and the Game Ranch of Nazinga (GRN). The use value and vulnerability index of each plant species were determined. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were conducted to identify the particular knowledge of the different groups.Results: Overall, 163 plant species were cited for fifteen ES. Provisioning services were the most cited (100%) followed by regulating services (92.47%). Entire plants were exclusively used in conservation services (protection against wind, for shading, soil fertility, erosion prevention, tourism and religion). The ten species which contribute most to ES were Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Diospyros mespiliformis, Adansonia digitata, Lannea microcarpa, Faidherbia albida, Khaya senegalensis, Afzelia africana, Ficus sycomorus, Pterocarpus erinaceus. Seven of them were identified as highly vulnerable. Migrants and natives around the GRN share the same knowledge, while migrants in the TWRB used the ES only to a small extent due to restricted contact with the native population. Migrants and natives of GRN have more knowledge on crafts services while the native of CAD and TWRB exploit the services that sustain the quality of the agricultural land and insure their primary needs. To reduce further degradation, the different communities suggested unanimously raising awareness on the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem preservation. The most quoted motivations to preserve ecosystems were vegetation sustainability and village development.Conclusion: This study documented important local knowledge-based information to guide domestication of local multipurpose species and the initiation of communities to practice best management strategies for sustainable conservation of biodiversity.

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The Costs of Introducing the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccine into the National Immunization Programme in Senegal (NéoVac Study)

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050521 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 521

Author(s):

Andréa Gosset ◽

Marie Libérée Nishimwe ◽

Mamadou Yaya Diallo ◽

Lucas Deroo ◽

Aldiouma Diallo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Weighted Average ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Cost Information ◽

African Countries ◽

Training Costs ◽

Country Level ◽

Immunization Programme ◽

Financial Costs ◽

Birth Dose

Some African countries are still reluctant to introduce the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose (HepB-BD) into their expanded program of immunization (EPI), partly because of logistical, economic, and cost information constraints. To assist decision-makers in these countries, we assessed the economic and financial costs of HepB-BD introduction in Senegal in 2016. We performed a micro-costing study in a representative sample of Senegal’s EPI sites at all levels in 2018. Information on EPI and HepB-BD activity-related inputs and costs was collected using standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Using inverse probability weighting, we computed weighted average costs associated with HepB-BD introduction for each EPI level, country-level aggregated costs and estimated costs per newborn. Economic and financial costs from a government perspective were estimated in US dollars for 2015, 2016 and 2017. Total economic costs were USD 143,364 in 2015, USD 759,406 in 2016 and USD 867,311 in 2017, while financial costs were USD 127,745, USD 82,519 and USD 29,853, respectively. When annualizing pre-introduction and initial training costs, the economic (financial) cost per vaccinated newborn was USD 2.10 (USD 0.30) in 2016 and USD 1.90 (USD 0.20) in 2017. Our estimates provide valuable information to implement HepB-BD in Sub-Saharan African countries that have not yet integrated this vaccine.

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The Importance of Perceived Relevance: A Qualitative Evaluation of Patient’s Perceptions of Value and Impact Following a Low-Intensity Group-Based Pain Management Program

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57010046 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

pp. 46

Author(s):

Joshua W. Pate ◽

Elizabeth Tran ◽

Seema Radhakrishnan ◽

Andrew M. Leaver

Keyword(s):

Pain Management ◽

Qualitative Evaluation ◽

Management Program ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Patient Beliefs ◽

Pain Management Program ◽

Westmead Hospital ◽

Group A ◽

Perceived Relevance ◽

Beliefs And Attitudes

Background and objectives: Limited evidence exists exploring perceptions of which aspects of a pain management program are perceived as valuable and impactful. The aim of this study was to explore patient beliefs about which aspects of a pain management program were valued and/or had perceived impact. Materials and Methods: One-on-one structured interviews were conducted with 11 adults three months after their completion of the Spark Pain Program at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Concepts in the transcripts were inductively identified and explored, utilizing thematic analysis to better understand their relevance to the study aim. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) “The program overall was positive, but…”; (2) “I valued my improved knowledge and understanding of pain, but…”; (3) “I valued the stretching/relaxation/pacing/activity monitoring”; and (4) “I valued being part of a supportive and understanding group”. Participants reported that they liked being treated as an individual within the group. A lack of perceived personal relevance of key messages was identified in some participants; it appears that patients in pain programs must determine that changes in knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes are personally relevant in order for the changes to have a significant impact on them. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into aspects of a pain management program that were perceived as valuable and impactful, areas that “missed the mark”, and hypotheses to guide the implementation of service delivery and program redesign.

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Women’s Struggle for a Voice in Local Governance: Challenges for Veiled Women in Haryana, India

Indian Journal of Gender Studies ◽

10.1177/09715215211030585 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 097152152110305

Author(s):

Saroj Rani

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Political Participation ◽

Qualitative Methods ◽

Local Governance ◽

Local Level ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Depth Interview ◽

Governance Challenges ◽

Experiences Of Women

This study explores the experiences of women as voters and political representatives at the local level. It includes women’s stories which capture the challenges they faced, their resistance and aspiration for change. The study also looks at men’s perception of women’s political participation. The study uses a feminist perspective with qualitative methods. Tools such as in-depth interview, focus group discussions and observations were used to gather data and information.

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Characterising Local Knowledge across the Flood Risk Management Cycle: A Case Study of Southern Malawi

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11061681 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1681 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Robert Šakić Trogrlić ◽

Grant Wright ◽

Melanie Duncan ◽

Marc van den Homberg ◽

Adebayo Adeloye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Management ◽

Local Knowledge ◽

Flood Risk ◽

Local Level ◽

Flood Risk Management ◽

Group Discussions ◽

The Social ◽

Underlying Causes ◽

Complex Knowledge

People possess a creative set of strategies based on their local knowledge (LK) that allow them to stay in flood-prone areas. Stakeholders involved with local level flood risk management (FRM) often overlook and underutilise this LK. There is thus an increasing need for its identification, documentation and assessment. Based on qualitative research, this paper critically explores the notion of LK in Malawi. Data was collected through 15 focus group discussions, 36 interviews and field observation, and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that local communities have a complex knowledge system that cuts across different stages of the FRM cycle and forms a component of community resilience. LK is not homogenous within a community, and is highly dependent on the social and political contexts. Access to LK is not equally available to everyone, conditioned by the access to resources and underlying causes of vulnerability that are outside communities’ influence. There are also limits to LK; it is impacted by exogenous processes (e.g., environmental degradation, climate change) that are changing the nature of flooding at local levels, rendering LK, which is based on historical observations, less relevant. It is dynamic and informally triangulated with scientific knowledge brought about by development partners. This paper offers valuable insights for FRM stakeholders as to how to consider LK in their approaches.

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Exploring the potential for introducing home monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy into maternity care: current views and experiences of staff—a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037874 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. e037874

Author(s):

Lisa Hinton ◽

James Hodgkinson ◽

Katherine L Tucker ◽

Linda Rozmovits ◽

Lucy Chappell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Maternity Care ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Home Monitoring ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Team Members ◽

Registration Number ◽

In Pregnancy

ObjectiveOne in 20 women are affected by pre-eclampsia, a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, death and premature birth worldwide. Diagnosis is made from monitoring blood pressure (BP) and urine and symptoms at antenatal visits after 20 weeks of pregnancy. There are no randomised data from contemporary trials to guide the efficacy of self-monitoring of BP (SMBP) in pregnancy. We explored the perspectives of maternity staff to understand the context and health system challenges to introducing and implementing SMBP in maternity care, ahead of undertaking a trial.DesignExploratory study using a qualitative approach.SettingEight hospitals, English National Health Service.ParticipantsObstetricians, community and hospital midwives, pharmacists, trainee doctors (n=147).MethodsSemi-structured interviews with site research team members and clinicians, interviews and focus group discussions. Rapid content and thematic analysis undertaken.ResultsThe main themes to emerge around SMBP include (1) different BP changes in pregnancy, (2) reliability and accuracy of BP monitoring, (3) anticipated impact of SMBP on women, (4) anticipated impact of SMBP on the antenatal care system, (5) caution, uncertainty and evidence, (6) concerns over action/inaction and patient safety.ConclusionsThe potential impact of SMBP on maternity services is profound although nuanced. While introducing SMBP does not reduce the responsibility clinicians have for women’s health, it may enhance the responsibilities and agency of pregnant women, and introduces a new set of relationships into maternity care. This is a new space for reconfiguration of roles, mutual expectations and the relationships between and responsibilities of healthcare providers and women.Trial registration numberNCT03334149.

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The Role of Religious Fundamentalism in the Intersection of National and Religious Identities

Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology ◽

10.1017/prp.2018.25 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Susilo Wibisono ◽

Winnifred Louis ◽

Jolanda Jetten

Keyword(s):

National Identity ◽

Religious Identity ◽

National Identities ◽

Religious Fundamentalism ◽

Religious Movements ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Religious Identification ◽

National Identification ◽

The Way

Indonesia has seen recent expansions of fundamentalist movements mobilising members in support a change to the current constitution. Against this background, two studies were conducted. In Study 1, we explored the intersection of religious and national identity among Indonesian Muslims quantitatively, and in Study 2, we qualitatively examined religious and national identification among members of moderate and fundamentalist religious organisations. Specifically, Study 1 (N= 178) assessed whether the association of religious and national identity was moderated by religious fundamentalism. Results showed that strength of religious identification was positively associated with strength of national identification for both those high and low in fundamentalism. Using structured interviews and focus group discussions, Study 2 (N =35) examined the way that self-alignment with religious and national groups develops among activists of religious movements in Indonesia. We found that while more fundamentalist activists attached greater importance to their religious identity than to any other identity (e.g., national and ethnic), more moderate activists represented their religious and national identities as more integrated and compatible. We conclude that for Indonesian Muslims higher in religious fundamentalism, religious and national identities appear to be less integrated and this is consequential for the way in which collective agendas are pursued.

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