The objective of this study is to understand the diversity of edible wild species sold on the markets of Bangui. To do this, ethnobotanical surveys on the marketing of these resources were carried out from September to December 2023 with 150 sellers installed in six popular markets in Bangui. In total, 86 plant species have been recorded distributed in 69 genera and 41 different families. The analysis of the results showed that the Leguminosae family is the richest (8 species); fruits (68.43%) and leaves (22.12%) are the most sold plant organs; edible fruits (45.16%) remain the most predominant category of uses; these species are mainly trees (55.83%) and are more present in forest ecosystems (52.33%). It also appears that these wild food plants were not only consumed for nutritional needs but also for the traditional treatment of 45 pathologies. These results demonstrate that there is still a high diversity of spontaneous food species in the Central African Republic. Given the dual nutritional and therapeutic interest of these resources, and also in the face of socio-economic issues and the change in food culture in urban areas, the promotion of this precious heritage is necessary and essential. Such an approach would be an opportunity both economically and nutritionally for local populations, particularly women. Also, it would be beneficial to deepen research on the phytochemistry of some spontaneous food plants with medicinal properties in order to achieve the manufacture of improved traditional medicines accessible to all.
A study carried out at the INERA Mvuazi research center aimed to assess the influence of peel content in fresh cassava roots in order to recommend optimal methods for selecting high-performance clones, thereby reducing post-harvest losses due to peel. The aim was also to determine the genetic variability of varieties under selection at IITA/INERA Mvuazi with regard to their peel content.
The results revealed that peels influence fresh weight of peeled roots and dry yield, with variations ranging from 20% to 25% and 18% to 27% respectively at 12 and 15 months after planting (MAP). Significant genetic variability was observed for peel content at 15 MAP, where the Rav variety showed a lower percentage of fresh peel (17.50±0.7%) compared to the MVZ 2008/0330 (267.50±10.6%), MVZ 2008/002 (217.50±24.7%), and OBAMA (205.00±28.2%) varieties. Despite these differences, dry yields remained similar for all varieties.
At 15 MAP, the ranking of varieties according to unpeeled fresh root weight changed significantly after peeling. The Rav variety achieved a fresh peeled root weight of 825.00±7.0 kg per ton of unpeeled root, outperforming the OBAMA (795.00±28.2 kg), MVZ 2008/022 (782.50±24.7 kg), and MVZ 2008/0330 (732.50±10.6 kg) varieties, the latter having the lowest weight.
In conclusion, we recommend that breeders and processors give preference to the Rav variety for the development of high-performance clones and processing into by-products, in order to minimize post-harvest losses linked to peelings.
This study aims to assess the current state of the drinking water supply system in the city of Amtiman, evaluating both its performance indicators and the quality of the distributed water. Following this assessment, a technical proposal is presented, along with a cost estimate for optimization to ensure a continuous drinking water supply to the city’s residents. To this end:
The Epanet software was used to model the network.
The reservoir, performance indicators, and population estimate were determined using an analytical method. The results obtained show that it is necessary to (i) construct an additional 300m3 elevated reinforced concrete reservoir to serve the estimated 69,706 inhabitants in 2044, (ii) extend the water distribution network to 14,816 km, for a total of 20,347 km, and (iii) drill 6 new boreholes capable of pumping at least 40m3/h each, connected by a 140mm diameter HDPE supply pipeline. The total cost of the rehabilitation amounts to 975,798,050 FCFA.
Women’s participation in sports governance remains a major issue in Senegal and, more broadly, in Africa. Although legislative and symbolic advances (notably the 2010 parity law) have led to some progress, their actual presence in decision-making positions remains limited. This article offers a cross-analysis of two cases: the Senegalese Volleyball Federation, often cited as a relative model of openness, and the Senegalese Rugby Federation, where resistance is more pronounced. We clarified and strengthened the methodological protocol, justified the comparative choice of the two federations, and introduced more measurable empirical data to support the analyses. Drawing on semi-structured interviews and field observations, we highlight the organizational and socio-cultural obstacles faced by women leaders, as well as the strategies they develop, such as female solidarity, alternative leadership styles, and mentoring. The study reveals contrasting results, supported by specific comparative examples, which provide a clearer understanding of the mechanisms through which gender relations are reproduced or transformed. It also shows that the strategic use of digital media can serve as a potential lever to enhance the visibility and legitimacy of women in sports governance. In addition, the comparative analysis indicates that the disciplinary context and the historical trajectories of federations strongly influence women’s access to decision-making positions and their capacity to bring about lasting change.
Faecal sludge recovery, an option that is increasingly being explored in the context of faecal sludge (BV) management. This study is part of this framework and tests the effect of BV scum compost, ash from BV incineration and NPK fertilizer (10-10-20), on cabbage. For the methodology, a Fischer block culture device was set up with 6 treatments (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5). These treatments are organised in 4 replicates, with three factors (dose of compost, compost plus ash and NPK fertiliser) in 24 elementary plots of 4 m2. The parameters for monitoring vegetative growth are: leaf height, number of leaves, crowding, diameter at the neck, nitrogen content. And the production parameters are: the average weight of the fruit, the diameter of the fruit and the yield. For cabbage, chemical fertilizer (2.61 t/ha) is better in terms of size, number of leaves and nitrogen content with 54.37 cm respectively; 19,12; 0.64. The best yield is obtained with the dose of chemical fertilizer at a rate of 31.59 t/ha. As fertilisers, BV scum compost alone and BV scum compost plus ash are beneficial for plants, but for crops such as cabbage, they cannot replace chemical fertiliser (NPK).
The concept of genetic information has long been integrated into Life and Earth Sciences curricula in Morocco. However, the teaching materials commonly used in classrooms remain insufficient to effectively communicate the dynamic nature of chromosomes during the cell cycle. Chromosomal behavior in mitosis and meiosis is consistently identified as one of the most challenging topics for high school students in biology. This research focused on identifying the key factors that hinder students’ understanding of chromosome dynamics at the secondary level. It also aimed to evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of the didactic tools used in classrooms to represent these biological processes. The present study was conducted using an observation grid applied to two science classes. The findings reveal persistent misconceptions among students. The research advocates for pedagogical strategies that incorporate dynamic models, guided reasoning, and conceptual scaffolding to promote a deeper and more accurate understanding of chromosomal dynamics.
This research focused on assessing the chemical constituents of bauxite from Sangarédi, the dominant mining locality of Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG), in an effort to assess the contributions of the constituents in deciding the final quality of exported products. Sampling was performed as a whole (from the deposit and intermediate stockpiled, and stockpiled for sale); then selected samples underwent analysis by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) in the laboratory. The study was completed based on alumina (Al2O3), and reactive silica (SiO2) whose variation can affect the sustainability and ultimately the profitability of a bauxitic ore in the Bayer process, which is the valorisation process of the ore.
The study results indicate that alumina is relatively stable, with an average content of 49.66 %, which is very much like the contractual specification of 50.01 ± 1.5 %; approximately 90 % of the samples fall within the acceptable tolerance range, and it shows that the ore has good export quality. However, reactive silica is unstable and too high, with an average content of 2.38 %, which exceeds the contractual specification of 2.01 ± 0.3 %; only 40 % of the samples conform with the standard, while 60 % are above the standard. This non-conformance created over-consumption of caustic soda and reduced alumina yield, which was detrimental to the international competitiveness of Sangarédi bauxite.
The proposed corrective actions are strengthening continuous quality control, improving stockpile homogenization, avoiding contaminations during handling and transport, and implementing differentiated deposit management.
In sum, this study has shown that controlling the variability of reactive silica is a tactical lever for better compliance with contractual specifications, enhancing the value-added of exported products, and consolidating Guinea’s role as the leading bauxite producer in the world.
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