The intensification of pesticide used in agriculture, although essential for crop productivity and the preservation of agricultural products, raises serious concerns due to its potential effects on human health and ecosystems. In Côte d’Ivoire, dessert banana cultivation relies on the use of plant protection products, whose environmental fate remains poorly documented. This study aims to compare the levels of contamination in environmental matrices (soil, water, sediment, and air) in three dessert banana production areas (Banacomoé, Elima, and Niéky) using level I of the Equilibrium Criterion (E.Q.C) multimedia model developed by Mackay. The results of the study showed that soil is the most contaminated matrix when pesticides are used, with log10 (mass) values ranging from 1.5 to 6. In fact, the Niéky and Banacomoé areas have a contamination order of matrices given as: soil > water > sediment > air; unlike the Elima area, where the order is as follows: soil > sediment > water > air. Taking specific volumes into account, a difference is observed between the areas through an increasing gradient of overall contamination, with Niéky < Banacomoé < Elima, with maximum concentrations of 0.44, 2.3 and 7.7 mmol·m⁻3, respectively. Analysis of the active substances common to the three areas identified four molecules (mancozeb, oxamyl, glyphosate and chlorothalonil), whose relative abundance depends on the area. The results also showed that level I of the E.Q.C. model is a relevant tool for assessing the spatial distribution of contaminants in environmental matrices and comparing the impact of pesticides in agricultural areas.
This article analyzes the evolution and effectiveness of Morocco’s anti–money laundering and Counter–Terrorist Financing and Proliferation (AML/CFTP) framework in response to growing exposure to transnational financial crime and international regulatory obligations. As Morocco has become increasingly integrated into global financial markets, it has undertaken significant legal and institutional reforms, centered on Law No. 43-05 on the fight against money laundering and its major amendment in 2021, aimed at aligning national legislation with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. The study adopts a qualitative methodology based on documentary analysis of legislation, regulatory texts, institutional publications, and FATF/MENAFATF mutual evaluation reports, supported by an examination of financial intelligence and judicial indicators. The analysis focuses on the three pillars of the Moroccan AML/CFTP system: preventive obligations imposed on reporting entities, the financial intelligence function performed by the National Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and the investigative and prosecutorial role of law enforcement and judicial authorities. The findings show substantial progress in technical compliance and institutional structuring, reflected in improved operational indicators and Morocco’s removal from the FATF grey list. Nevertheless, challenges persist in inter-agency coordination, risk-based supervision, and the conversion of financial intelligence into consistent judicial outcomes. The article concludes that sustaining effectiveness requires reform.
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) and XML (Extensible Markup Language) represent two fundamental approaches to data structuring, each optimized for distinct computational paradigms. This study provides a systematic comparative analysis based on four key parameters: syntactic structure, performance metrics (file size and parsing speed), validation capabilities, and ecosystem adoption. Quantitative measurements demonstrate that JSON generates files 30-50% smaller than XML and achieves parsing speeds 2-10 times faster, making it optimal for REST APIs, mobile applications, and microservices where performance is critical. Conversely, XML’s sophisticated validation through XSD schemas, namespace support, and transformation capabilities via XSLT render it indispensable for regulated sectors requiring semantic rigor—including legal documents, standardized B2B exchanges, and long-term digital archives. The analysis reveals that these formats are not competitors but complementary tools: JSON embodies pragmatic efficiency for application-oriented exchanges, while XML provides structural integrity for complex document ecosystems. Recent evolutionary developments—including JSON Schema (RFC 8927) and JSON-LD for semantic annotations, alongside XML simplifications—demonstrate contextual adaptation rather than convergence. The findings establish that optimal format selection depends on project-specific constraints: data complexity requirements, validation needs, performance thresholds, and target ecosystem integration. This study contributes a structured decision-making framework enabling architects to select appropriate formats based on empirical criteria rather than ideological preferences.
The objective of this research is to understand and explain the potential link between the formalization of inter-organization relationships and trust between members of the relationship. These two concepts are described in the literature as complementary, given their shortcomings when considered independently. To conduct this research, we first present the literature on both concepts, then formulate hypotheses using a hypothetical-deductive approach, and collect information from 54 cooperative SMEs. We observe a positive relationship between contract formalization and trust. However, there is no relationship between monitoring and control provisions and trust.
Potable water supply remains a critical issue in the peri-urban areas of Kinshasa, particularly in the Mpasa 2 district (Nsele municipality), which is characterized by unconsolidated sandy formations. This study investigates the technical and geotechnical aspects of water well drilling in sandy environments, with a focus on borehole stabilization techniques and the hydraulic performance of completed wells. The methodology integrates field observations, grain-size distribution analyses, and interviews with drilling practitioners. Results indicate that inappropriate drilling and stabilization methods result in borehole collapse, tool loss, and diminished hydraulic efficiency. Based on these findings, best-practice recommendations are proposed to improve the sustainability and performance of future wells in similar geological settings.
Natural fermented beverages exhibit high physicochemical complexity due to microbial activity, which makes quality control challenging when using conventional methods that are often destructive, time-consuming, and poorly suited to turbid media. This study evaluates the feasibility of the SLIPI-1p (Structured Laser Illumination Planar Imaging – single phase) method as a non-destructive optical tool for monitoring the fermentation of natural beverages. Four commonly consumed plant-based matrices were investigated: pineapple, orange, apple, and bissap (Hibiscus sabdariffa), all subjected to spontaneous fermentation over a ten-day period.
The optical extinction coefficient μₑ was measured daily using the SLIPI-1p setup and compared with conventional physicochemical parameters, namely pH and soluble solids content (°Brix). The results show a systematic increase in μₑ throughout the fermentation process for all beverages studied. This increase is strongly correlated with the decrease in °Brix, reflecting sugar consumption, as well as with the reduction in pH associated with progressive acidification of the medium. Statistical analyses reveal strong linear correlations between μₑ and °Brix, with coefficients of determination reaching up to 0.99 depending on the beverage matrix.
These findings demonstrate that the SLIPI-1p method is capable of reliably detecting the biochemical and structural transformations associated with fermentation, even in highly turbid media. The speed, robustness, and non-invasive nature of this approach offer promising prospects for the development of rapid optical quality control tools suitable for both artisanal and industrial contexts.
Building materials are a natural resource that humankind has used since time immemorial to improve living conditions. The origin of these materials, as well as their chemical composition, compels us to examine their radiological characteristics in a city with a high concentration of radioactive minerals such as uranium and its decay products. To address radiation problems in homes and buildings in the city of Kolwezi, given that a large portion of these materials originates from artisanal mining sites or industrial waste, this study aims to be educational by providing insights into the various radiological characteristics of the quarry known as the Kananga-East deposit. The study encompasses an assessment of radioactivity (dose rate) and the analysis, using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), of 50 samples from the different formations observed in the quarry. The results indicate that 97% of the samples have a gamma index (Ig) < 1, suggesting a low contribution to ambient natural radioactivity. However, two samples (HKK23 and JK17) slightly exceed the threshold of 1, requiring particular vigilance. The article concludes that the materials from Kananga-East do not constitute a significant radiological hazard for end users, but recommends careful management of atypical areas.
School dropout among girls in rural areas is a major obstacle to sustainable development, as it perpetuates poverty, reinforces gender inequalities, and limits women’s economic empowerment. This phenomenon results from several interconnected factors that gradually lead to school abandonment.
One of the main causes is household poverty, which often forces families to prioritize child labor over education, particularly for girls. Early and sometimes forced marriages, as well as adolescent pregnancies, are also significant factors contributing to school interruption, especially in contexts of social and economic vulnerability.
The school environment further exacerbates the problem. In rural areas, long distances between home and school, the lack of institutions offering attractive technical or vocational programs, as well as insecurity and harassment, discourage continued education. Cultural factors also play a key role, including the low value placed on girls’ education and the low literacy levels of parents, which limit their ability to support schooling.
The consequences are significant. Economically, illiteracy restricts access to stable employment and confines women to informal and low-income jobs. Financially, it reduces their participation in savings systems and microcredit opportunities. From a health perspective, it leads to lower use of maternal and child healthcare services, increasing health risks. Ultimately, it contributes to an intergenerational cycle of poverty and exclusion.
To address these challenges, several solutions are proposed, including awareness campaigns targeting families and communities, financial support for vulnerable households, improvement of school infrastructure through nearby schools and boarding facilities, as well as teacher training and remedial education programs.
In the peripheral neighborhoods of Lubumbashi, women's economic empowerment is a determining factor in social and family balance. By gaining access to income-generating activities such as small-scale trade, crafts, or informal services, women strengthen their contribution to household expenses, notably in terms of food, children's education, and health. This increased participation improves living conditions and reduces families' economic vulnerability.
However, this empowerment is accompanied by transformations in family dynamics. While it promotes greater participation of women in decision-making and strengthens their status within the household, it can also generate tensions related to the redefinition of traditional gender roles, particularly in contexts where socio-cultural norms remain conservative.
Moreover, the burden of work is a major challenge, with women having to reconcile economic activities and domestic responsibilities. Despite these constraints, economic empowerment appears overall as a positive lever for family stability, promoting household resilience and better resource management. Thus, it contributes to the emergence of new social and family balances, based on greater complementarity of roles within the household.
This petrographic study conducted in the eastern part of the Yaouré trough aims to characterize lithological diversity and to specify the mineralogical and textural features of the geological units. The methodology combines field observations (mapping and macroscopic description of outcrops) with petrographic analyses in thin sections, allowing the identification of mineralogical composition, textures, and alterations. The results reveal a wide variety of volcanic rocks (dacites, basaltic andesites, pillow lavas, pyroclastics), metasedimentary rocks (quartzites, cherts, sandstones, carbonate tuffs, tourmaline bearing chloritoschists, cataclasites), and intrusive rocks (microgranites, granites, gabbros, diorites, granodiorites). Microscopic observations highlight a notable abundance of carbonate phases, associated with chloritization, sericitization, and silicification. These hydrothermal alterations, often linked to episodes of fracturing and fluid circulation, indicate an environment favorable to gold mineralization. The observed lithological organization, marked by effusive and explosive volcanic sequences intruded by late plutonic bodies, fits within the Birimian geological framework. It confirms the inclusion of the studied area in this domain and emphasizes a context conducive to the circulation of mineralizing fluids and the formation of gold deposits.
The Moroccan banking sector faces an unprecedented competitive inflection with the anticipated entry of Revolut — Europe’s largest digital bank, valued at $45 billion with over 60 million global customers. Drawing on industry data, regulatory disclosures, and global research on neobank disruption patterns, this paper analyzes the competitive landscape of Morocco’s banking industry and proposes a comprehensive strategic response framework for incumbent institutions. The sector’s high market concentration — three banks controlling 62% of total assets — combined with low digital penetration (online banking at 2.68% in 2024) and a five-million-strong diaspora generating MAD 117 billion in annual remittances creates both acute vulnerability and significant opportunity. Five strategic imperatives are identified: accelerated digital transformation, enhanced customer experience design, strategic fintech partnership development, proactive regulatory navigation, and niche market specialization. A four-phase implementation roadmap with investment benchmarks is provided. The analysis demonstrates that Moroccan banks, leveraging their institutional trust, regulatory expertise, and comprehensive service portfolios, can not only withstand neobank disruption but emerge as regional digital banking leaders — provided that strategic responses match the scale and velocity of the disruption.
This study aims to identify the factors explaining the low participation of women with disabilities in sports, particularly in competitive events in French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa.
The research is based on observations from international sporting competitions involving persons with disabilities. In most sports delegations participating in various African competitions, women remain significantly underrepresented compared to men. This situation affects the majority of Sub-Saharan African countries and appears to be particularly pronounced in Senegal.
A qualitative research approach was adopted to gather stakeholders’ perspectives on this phenomenon. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Participants included key members of the Senegalese Para-Sport Federation, namely the President, the Secretary General, the National Technical Director, a national coach, three female international athletes, and three male athletes.
The findings reveal several factors contributing to the low participation rate of women in sports competitions. These include inactive or underperforming regional leagues, the underutilization of specialized centers, a shortage of specialized equipment and qualified technical personnel, and the combined burden of physical disability and gender-related barriers. These factors collectively limit access to sports participation and competitive opportunities for women with disabilities.
Several solutions may be considered to improve the situation. The most important is the expansion of grassroots sports participation through the activation of all regional leagues. In addition, increasing the number of national competitions, organizing events for younger age categories, and strengthening the training of technical staff in para-sports could contribute significantly to enhancing female participation and promoting inclusion in competitive sports.
To identify sensitive plant communities and species at risk of extinction in the context of mining activities in the Oumé department, this study was initiated and carried out using surface and transect survey methods. Similarly, the assessment of the project’s negative impacts on vegetation and flora was carried out using three (3) criteria. The overall aim of this study is to analyse and assess the impact of gold mining on flora and vegetation, in order to identify vulnerable plant communities and species at risk of extinction. The results identified six (6) vegetation types, including a dense, well-preserved forest. A total of 493 plants species belonging to 322 genera and 87 families were recorded. Among the identified flora, there are two (2) species threatened with extinction (Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. and Omphalocarpum ahia A.Chev.) and 13 vulnerable species, including Entandrophragma utile (Dawe & Sprague) Sprague, Milicia regia (A.Chev.) C.C.Berg, Nesogordonia papaverifera (A.Chev.) Capuron ex N.Hallé and Terminalia ivorensis A.Chev. Vegetation types such as dense forests, degraded forests, fallow land and agricultural plots (food crops, cocoa fields) all constitute habitats in which human activity is particularly significant. During the various phases of the project, the flora and vegetation at the study site and within the project area will be completely destroyed. Based on the findings of this study, the recommended course of action is to encourage local communities to practise agroforestry using these endangered species, or to spare and then preserve, as far as possible, the few wooded areas observed around the sites.
Soybean yield in the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.) does not exceed 800 kg/ha. The present study focused on the application of calcium, phosphorus, and potassium to improve growth and yield components.
The experimental cultivar was TGX1830-20, adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the cultivation areas in the southwest and central regions of the D.R.C. The growth and yield components evaluated in this trial were stem thickness and length, number of nodes and pods, and finally seed dry weight. The results obtained show that the application of the three minerals improved all the parameters tested. The application of the three minerals (Ca, K, and P) to the soil made it possible to reach one ton of soybean grain per hectare in the absence of the preferred species Bradyrhizobium japonicum.
Acute malnutrition remains a major public health problem in the Central African Republic, particularly in the Nana Gribizi region. To improve early management and prevent nutritional deterioration, an integrated community based approach has been implemented. The study aims to assess the impact of this approach on the prevention and management of malnutrition.
The study, conducted in Ouandago in the commune of Nana Outa, is qualitative in nature. It involved the local community and health personnel. The sample included various groups: caregivers of malnourished children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, heads of households, community leaders, model mothers, community volunteers, and health workers. Data were collected from the malnutrition treatment register and through interviews, then entered Excel 2016 and analyzed using Epi Info version 7.
The age of malnourished children ranged from 6 to 55 months, with boys being predominant in both periods (54% and 58.3%). Comparing the nutritional situation before the integration of the community approach in 2021 with that of 2023—two years after implementation, the number of malnutrition cases significantly decreased, dropping from 871 in 2021 to 503 in 2023. The prevalence of severe acute malnutrition fell from 3.1% to 1.7%, moderate acute malnutrition from 12.57% to 5.9%, and global acute malnutrition from 15.6% to 7.5%.
The community based approach clearly improves nutritional care. Thanks to Model Mothers and community volunteers, good nutritional practices have improved, and the prevalence of acute malnutrition has decreased.
The objective of this study is to provide a technical, economic, and thermal analysis of how to optimize the performance of an existing grid-connected solar photovoltaic system that supplies electricity to a mechanical vapor-compression refrigeration unit. The electrical grid is introduced as a supplementary backup source, activated when photovoltaic generation and storage are insufficient to meet the refrigeration load. The analysis is conducted in two phases: first, an experimental study of the thermal behavior of the refrigeration unit’s components, and second, a simulation using «Homer Pro» and «Schémaplic V6.0» software. The modeling incorporates the compressor’s actual consumption profile, local climate data, and the characteristics of the photovoltaic system and the grid. The results showed that connecting the electrical grid to an existing photovoltaic system powering a single-phase refrigeration unit improves operational continuity and reduces temperature fluctuations by enabling rapid cooling from 30 °C to -5 °C in less than 2 hours. The PV/grid hybrid system has the lowest net present value, estimated at $22,158, as well as a levelized cost of energy of $0.08/kWh, compared to a standalone photovoltaic system, which has a significantly higher overall cost. From a technical standpoint, the hybrid system enables a total electricity generation of 23.48 MWh/year shared between the photovoltaic system and the national grid, with a renewable energy share of approximately 64.8 %, while ensuring an energy reliability of nearly 193 %.
This study investigates the influence of the water-to-cement ratio (W/C) on the physical, mechanical, and hydraulic properties of permeable concrete. The raw materials Portland cement, clean lagoon sand, and 5/15 mm gravel were characterized through granulometric analysis, sand equivalent tests, Los Angeles and Micro-Deval resistance, and density measurements. The sand exhibited a fineness modulus of 2.33, a curvature coefficient of 1.02, and a uniformity coefficient of 2.72, confirming its suitability for concrete production. Aggregate resistance values (Los Angeles = 28; Micro-Deval = 5) indicated satisfactory durability. Concrete mixtures were prepared with constant proportions of sand, cement, and gravel, while varying water content to achieve W/C ratios between 0.30 and 0.68. Fresh concrete properties were assessed using the Abrams cone slump test, while hardened concrete was evaluated for porosity, density, compressive strength, tensile strength, and permeability. Results showed that slump increased with W/C, ranging from stiff (0–5 cm) to fluid (>20 cm). Porosity decreased with increasing W/C, stabilizing around 12% at W/C ≥ 0.52, while density peaked at 2.43 g/cm3. Mechanical strength was maximized at intermediate ratios (0.43–0.52), with compressive strength reaching 25.8 MPa and tensile strength 3.24 MPa. Conversely, permeability was highest at low ratios (0.30–0.34, ≈10⁻6 m/s) and dropped to ≈10⁻8 m/s at higher ratios. These findings highlight a fundamental compromise between permeability and strength. For drainage applications such as sidewalks and pavements, low W/C ratios (0.30–0.34) are optimal, while intermediate ratios (0.43–0.52) are preferable for structural performance. The study confirms that tailoring W/C ratios is essential for balancing hydraulic efficiency and mechanical durability, paving the way for future optimization using alternative binders and sustainable materials.
This study analyzes the potential impacts of stratospheric aerosol injection on extreme precipitation in Senegal, West Africa. Outputs of two global climate models from CMIP5 (HadGEM2-ES and IPSL-CM5A-LR), involved in the GeoMIP G3 experiment, are used and compared with the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. Nine extreme precipitation indices recommended by the joint Ccl/WCRP/JCOMM Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI), (R1mm, R10mm, R20mm, RX1DAY, RX5DAY, R95P, R99P, CWD, and CDD) are analyzed during the rainy season June to September (JJAS). First, climate models were evaluated in terms of their capacity to simulate summer extremes precipitation during the historical period (1981-2000), and secondly its changes were examined between the near-term (2030-2049), mid-term (2050-2069), and long-term (2070-2089) relative to the baseline period. Results show that the ensemble mean of the models accurately reproduces the spatial distribution of extremes precipitation in Senegal despite some biases. Historical trends show a significant increase in intense rainfall in the south and a persistence of dry conditions in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Future projections under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios reveal a decrease of the number of rainy days and a shift in the spatial distribution of extreme precipitation toward the southern and southeastern regions of the country. However, the G3 geoengineering experiment significantly mitigates these changes by slowing the decline in the frequency of extreme precipitation over the country. It is therefore essential that policymakers integrate the geoengineering approach into a comprehensive strategy, combining it with ambitious actions to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change.
The sustainability of vegetation is closely linked to anthropogenic practices, climate, and investments in environmental management. The objective is to help prioritize the impacts of anthropogenic practices and rainfall on ecosystem evolution. Following the rainfall gradient, a diachronic analysis of Landsat images from November or December for the years 1986, 1999, 2013, and 2018 was carried out. These cloud-free satellite images from Landsat 7 to 8 bands were downloaded from the USGS website: http://www.earthexplorer.usgs.gov/. Processed according to supervised classification, a Pearson correlation matrix relating to land cover types (rock outcrop, irrigated crop, rain-fed crop, fallow land, water body, forest reserve, shrub savanna, shrub steppe) was established. The results show that anthropogenic practices influencing vegetation change are highly diverse.
In the context of climate change, the ecosystems of protected areas are becoming increasingly important both for the preservation of biodiversity and for the livelihoods of local communities. Consequently, it is essential to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of protected areas. This approach allows for the analysis and understanding of evolving phenomena by simultaneously integrating their spatial dimension and their variation over time, thus constituting an essential tool in geography. It also offers the possibility of representing and modeling trends as well as geographic structures at different temporal scales, thereby facilitating informed decision-making. The objective of this literature review is to provide an overview of the available scientific data on plant diversity and the trends in spatiotemporal dynamics associated with the nine nature reserves in Niger. Thus, this approach highlights the need to conduct retrospective and participatory studies for the sustainable management of these ecosystems in Niger.
This article examines the determinants of agricultural professionalization in Senegal based on an empirical study conducted in the Kédougou region, characterized by the predominance of low-intensity family farms. In this context marked by structural constraints particularly low human capital, limited market access, and still-fragile organizational structures agricultural professionalization emerges as a key lever for transforming the agricultural sector. The analysis relies on a mixed methodological approach combining descriptive statistics, the construction of an Agricultural Professionalization Index (API) using Principal Component Analysis, and econometric estimation. The data are drawn from surveys conducted among 347 producers who are members of producer organizations, complemented by interviews with institutional stakeholders. The results highlight a predominance (50%) of middle-aged producers (35-50 years), mostly male (56%), characterized by low levels of formal education (only 1% with higher education), but relatively benefiting from technical training and sustained organizational engagement (67%). Farms are predominantly small-scale (81% below 5 hectares), family-based, oriented toward cereal production, with land access largely inherited (59.9%). The findings reveal that agricultural professionalization is significantly influenced by human capital, organizational commitment, and the structural and economic characteristics of farms. They also demonstrate a strong complementarity among these dimensions, reflecting the multidimensional nature of the professionalization process. These results underscore the need to strengthen producers’ capacities, consolidate producer organizations, and improve the structural conditions of farms in order to support the sustainable transformation of Senegal’s agricultural sector.
This study is a contribution to the characterization of poultry farming systems in rural areas in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in the commune of Korhogo, northern region of the country. To contribute to improving poultry productivity, a descriptive survey was carried out on the breeding sites. It took into account 80 poultry farming sites. The breeders were interviewed using a questionnaire. The results showed that the poultry farmers met raise poultry in chicken coops (100%) built in cement, including in a semi-intensive system. Poultry farmers were mainly men (94%) compared to 6% women. The actors were dominated by Sénoufo (65%) from the region and Malinké (16%), Peulh (8%) and others (11%). Adults (84%), most of them illiterate (65%), took up the activity without any training in poultry farming. Their main source of motivation for breeding was economic gain (85%). The farms had feeders, waterers and nesting boxes for laying hens. They brought feed supplements to their subjects and drinking water. 98% of deaths are caused by avian diseases and those despite medical and health prophylaxis measures.The intervention of veterinarians and supervisory agents on the sites visited was estimated at 29% and 20% respectively. Thus, the lifting of constraints linked to this sector could contribute to the improvement of poultry productivity in the Korhogo zone and in Côte d’Ivoire in general.
The management and sustainability of engineering structures represent a critical challenge for road networks in West Africa, where early degradation of these structures generates considerable maintenance costs and safety risks. This study statistically analyzes a database of 1,055 engineering structures inspected across all 14 regions of Senegal, using the French IQOA (Image Qualité des Ouvrages d’Art) assessment framework. The aim is to establish the relationship between construction deficiencies (insufficient cover, concrete surface defects, incomplete drainage systems, honeycombing) and accelerated structural degradation. Results show that 33% of structures are in satisfactory condition (class 1), 46% exhibit minor disorders (class 2), 9% require specialized maintenance (class 2E), and 11% are in structurally concerning condition (classes 3 and 3U). The analysis reveals that construction-related deficiencies — particularly insufficient reinforcement cover and waterproofing defects — are significantly associated with the most severe degradation classes, especially in coastal saline environments. These findings provide unprecedented empirical evidence for improving construction practices and maintenance strategies in West Africa.
Introduction: The Health System Development Project is one of the performance-based financing strategies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in line with the national health development plan and universal health coverage. This study was conducted to assess the contribution of the Health System Development Project to the financial accessibility of healthcare for households in the Masina 1 health zone.
Methods: This study is quasi-experimental and employed a quantitative approach. It was conducted in three health areas of the Masina 1 health zone, which is supported by the Health System Development Project, and two health areas of the N’djili health zone, which is not supported, covering the period from 2017 to 2021. The sample consisted of 403 household heads, including 243 from the Masina 1 health zone and 160 from N’djili. Data were collected through interviews. Bivariate analysis was performed using SPSS and STATA software with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Support from the Health System Development Project made healthcare financially accessible to households in the Masina 1 health zone, with 4.2 times higher accessibility compared to those in the unsupported N’djili health zone (OR = 4.2 [3.8–4.5]). The results indicate that from 2019 to 2021, project support improved coverage in CPS by 23.79%, deliveries by 10.88%, curative care by 6.71%, first prenatal consultation (CPN 1) by 2.16%, fourth prenatal consultation (CPN 4) by 4.2%, health facility revenue by 3.32%, and health facility MEG capital by 7.55% in Masina 1.
Conclusion: With support from the Health System Development Project, households in the Masina 1 health zone became 4.2 times more financially able to access healthcare compared to those in the N’djili health zone, which does not receive support.
Okara, or soybean residue, is a by-product of artisanal soy milk production, which is still underutilized in rabbit feeding in Benin. In the context of expensive soybean seeds and soybean meal, the high-protein potential of okara deserves to be explored as an economic alternative. To assess the effect of dried-okara-based diets on bioeconomic performances of growing rabbits, a four-week experiment was conducted with twenty-seven weaned rabbits of eight-week-old. Based on their live weight, rabbits were allocated into three homogeneous groups of nine each. They were fed respectively with three dried okara based diets containing 0% (A0); 10% (A10) and 20% (A20) of okara. Proximate analysis of dried okara revealed 26% of crude protein content. One-way analysis of variance showed that dried-okara-based diets slightly reduced appetite, while significantly improving average daily gain (19.73 and 21.72 g) and feed conversion ratios (3.28 and 3.67) in rabbits fed A10 and A20 compared to respectively 17.69 and 4,43 in A0. Economically, feed cost per kilogram of live weight gain significantly decreased, from 451 FCFA (A0) to 344 FCFA (A20). These results highlight the interest of dried okara as a local valuable protein feedstuff, usable up to 20% in growing rabbit balanced diets without a need of soybean meal.
Aquaculture supplies nearly half of the fish consumed worldwide. However, in Côte d’Ivoire, this sector remains underdeveloped despite abundant water resources, largely due to the poor quality of feed, which limits the growth and survival of fingerlings. This study compares the effects of three premixes (Fish Growth, Vitaflash, and GBX) on the growth and health of 1,200 Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. The fingerlings were reared in hapas for 30 days in pond 1 at the Jean LOROUGNON GUÉDÉ University training farm in Daloa, using four test diets in duplicate: a control diet and three diets enriched with 2% premix. The fingerlings were fed three times daily. Water physicochemical parameters and fingerling growth metrics were recorded every two weeks. The pond water had an average temperature of 27.6°C, a pH of 7.5, and an average oxygen level of 5.5 mg/l. These results showed that these parameters were favorable for raising Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Conserning the premixes, results indicated that the GBX premix yielded the best outcomes for mortality (2.8%), weight (20.5 g), and length (10.3 cm). While GBX appears to be the most effective premix. In summary, this study recommends the use of GBX in commercial feed formulations for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).
A geochemical study carried out using Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) on six samples of carnallitite salts from well 3 of the Kanga permit, northwest of Pointe-Noire, confirmed the carnallitic nature of these salts. Indeed, the strong correlations between magnesium (Mg2+) and chlorine (Cl-), as well as between magnesium (Mg2+) and potassium (K+), preferentially promoted the precipitation of carnallite at the expense of bischofite. This result is related to brine homogenization and climatic aridity, which favored intense evaporation. The weak correlation observed between potassium (K+) and chlorine (Cl-) explains the absence of sylvite, as the latter acted as a catalyst in the formation of carnallite. The strong correlation between calcium (Ca2+) and sulfur (S2+) favored the formation of anhydrite beds intercalated within finely stratified halite layers of the confined phase. The strong correlation between iron (Fe3+) and silicon (Si4+), in the presence of aluminum (Al3+), led to the formation of ferriferous smectite (berthierine). The significant presence of Cl- and Na+ indicates a marine source, while Fe2+, Al3+, Si4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, S2+, Ni2+, Mo2+, Mn2+, and P5+ indicate a fluvial source from rivers draining schist-limestone formations.
Family planning is a fundamental component of reproductive health and an important driver of sustainable development. It enables couples and individuals to freely determine the number and spacing of their children, thereby contributing to the reduction of maternal and child mortality, the improvement of family well-being, and the empowerment of women. Despite the efforts made by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and its partners, the use of modern contraceptive methods remains low, particularly in rural areas.
This study examines the sociocultural factors influencing the adoption of family planning among married women in the Kabongo Territory, Haut-Lomami Province. Based on a review of scientific literature, the findings indicate that several barriers limit access to and use of family planning services. These factors include social norms favoring large families, gender inequalities in household decision-making, religious and cultural beliefs, and insufficient knowledge of contraceptive methods. The influence of family members and the wider community also plays a significant role in the acceptance and use of contraception.
Furthermore, limited reproductive health services, long distances to healthcare facilities, and economic constraints increase difficulties in accessing family planning methods. This situation contributes to the persistence of low contraceptive prevalence in rural areas compared with urban settings.
The findings highlight the need for an integrated approach that takes local sociocultural realities into account. Strengthening community awareness, involving religious and traditional leaders, improving access to reproductive health services, and promoting women’s education are essential strategies for increasing the adoption of family planning in the Kabongo Territory.
The lack of systematic data to assess the role of associated species in cocoa agroforests in improving household living conditions is an obstacle to their promotion. Our study provides the first comprehensive analysis in Côte d’Ivoire of the contribution of cocoa-based agroforests to the economy of cocoa-bean-producing households. Our findings show that the average weekly income of female traders ranges from 620 CFA francs for taro to 25,800 CFA francs for plantains in young cocoa plantations, while it ranges from 630 CFA francs for mangoes to 12,800 CFA francs for avocados in mature cocoa plantations. More than 55% of the female traders surveyed say they are very satisfied, compared to 20.95% who say they are not satisfied with their profits. Additionally, the women highlighted difficulties related to road infrastructure, the purchase prices paid by wholesalers, the management of unsold inventory, and product availability, which hinder the normal development of the sector for products derived from crops associated with cocoa. With income from sales, wives share household expenses with their husbands, and female heads of households provide for their families. This contribution to household expenses allows them to participate in family decision-making. Domesticating the most profitable companion species will enable women to become more financially independent and improve their households’ living conditions.
This article assesses the level of mastery of primitive tenses of Latin verbs among second upper grade literary pupils in the city of Bunya. The study adopts an evaluative approach supported by statistical analysis and focuses on a sample of 143 pupils from seven literary secondary schools, selected through simple random sampling.
Data were collected through a questionnaire focusing on the identification of primitive tenses of verbs extracted from the textbooks in use. The results reveal a very low level of mastery, with an overall failure rate of 92.30%, and no school reaching the pass threshold of 50%.
Regular verbs and paradigms are relatively better mastered than deponent, irregular, and third conjugation verbs. These findings emphasize the need to reinforce teaching practices and monitor learning in Latin verbal morphology.
The Latin verb is conjugated based on three themes, namely the theme of the present, perfect, and supine, depending on whether it expresses an unfinished or completed action. The perfect theme comprises several types of radicals derived from different formations. This study analyzes the reduplication perfect theme of Latin verbs, a morphological formation that appears to deviate from the theme of the infectum. It aims to establish the morphological link between the present and perfect by highlighting the linguistic mechanisms and their derivation.
Therefore, this analysis will, on one hand, help understand that the perfectum theme originates from the radical of the infectum, despite their morphological dissimilarity, and on the other hand, to indicate that the evolution of Latin over time must have influenced its morphology. This phenomenon can only be explained through a diachronic-synchronic approach. Through this approach, it is evident that the perfectum t theme is formed based on the infectum theme and that the morphological dissimilarity arises either from the morphophonology of the infectum theme with the redoubled syllable, certain linguistic phenomena like apophony, assimilation, or from the evolution of Latin over time.
This study will contribute to the teaching of Latin conjugation. Highlighting the linguistic phenomena that have contributed to the morphology of the perfect theme will further clarify the learner’s understanding of the reduplication perfect.
A cross-sectional approach, based on the observation of 13 classes of 7th and 8th grade basic education, was used to describe the pedagogical support strategies implemented by physical science/chemistry teachers in assisting students from some schools in Bunia during the treatment of learning situation examples. The results, derived from data collected using an observation grid and analyzed through percentages and the chi-square test, revealed that teachers predominantly relied on the explanatory approach to the detriment of experimentation. The examples of situations provided by the teacher are not clearly presented, and students are not always given sufficient time to reflect on them. Despite these limitations, a real level of student participation and a certain degree of autonomy in their work were observed in several classes. Time management, interaction, and discipline remain at an average level. Overall, the study highlights that pedagogical support strategies influence how learning situations are handled, but their effectiveness is still blocked by practices that do not align with the situation-based approach. Thus, we recommend reinforcing continuous teacher training, ensuring the regular availability of teaching resources in schools, and providing better support to teachers in their pedagogical practices.
This study examines the interannual variability of ocean circulation in the equatorial Atlantic, with a particular focus on the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) and its interactions with sea surface temperature (SST) and precipitation over West Africa. The analysis is based on SODA v2.2.4 ocean reanalysis data for the period 1900–2008 and CRU TS precipitation data spanning 1901-2022. Results reveal significant spatio-temporal variability in EUC depth and highlight strong relationships between EUC fluctuations, SST anomalies in the equatorial Atlantic, and rainfall variability over West Africa. Two main phases characterize the evolution of the EUC. From 1900 to 1960, the EUC exhibits increased depth, indicating a strengthening of ocean circulation. In contrast, the period 1961–2008 is marked by a shallower EUC and weakened circulation. The eastern basin shows greater sensitivity of EUC depth to interannual rainfall variability compared to the western basin, consistent with stronger SST variability in this region. During 1900–1960, a deeper EUC, especially in the eastern basin, is associated with a pronounced Atlantic SST dipole (warmer in the north and cooler in the south), leading to a northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). This results in increased rainfall over the Sahel and reduced precipitation over the Gulf of Guinea. Conversely, during 1961–2008, a shallower EUC corresponds to a reversal of this precipitation pattern. However, the precipitation dipole weakens in the eastern basin, likely due to changes in large-scale atmospheric circulation.
Pearl millet downy mildew, also known as pearl millet leprosy, green ear disease, or witch’s broom, is caused by the pathogen Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet and is the most devastating disease affecting pearl millet. It can cause grain yield losses of 20 to 40%. The study evaluated the effect of sowing date on pearl millet downy mildew infection at the CERRA in Maradi during the 2025 winter season. The experimental design consisted of a single block repeated three times according to three (3) sowing dates: July 1, 14, and 24, 2025. The spacing between blocks is 2 m. Each block consists of 256 millet plots covering an area of 225 m2. Within each block, five (5) subplots, each consisting of 9 millet plots, are laid out in an X-shaped pattern. The plant material used consisted of a single variety of pearl millet, HKP. At physiological maturity, the incidence, severity, and impact of downy mildew were recorded on the nine (9) plots of each experimental plot, and after harvest, biomass, ear, and grain yields were determined. The results revealed that early-sown crops suffered less from downy mildew, exhibiting the lowest rates of incidence (1.82%), severity (0.9%), and impact (2.22%), compared to 41.67%, 26.11%, and 20.73% for late-sown crops. Furthermore, the highest yields were obtained at the first sowing date, with biomass, ear, and grain yields of 745.4 kg ha⁻1, 673.3 kg ha⁻1, and 442.2 kg ha⁻1 respectively, compared to 483.6 kg ha⁻1, 443.6 kg ha⁻1 and 277.6 kg ha⁻1 on the third sowing date. This study shows that late sowings were subject to greater pressure from downy mildew, causing a considerable decline in yields. Thus, for ecological management of downy mildew in millet, early sowing is recommended.
In northern Côte d’Ivoire, water reservoirs are subject to increasing anthropogenic pressure due to the intensification of agricultural and pastoral activities. This study aims to analyze the seasonal dynamics of eutrophication in the waters of Lake Nafoun, located in the Poro region. The methodology consisted of water sampling during two campaigns: one during the dry season (April 2025) and another during the rainy season (September 2025), followed by physicochemical analyses in the laboratory. The results show that nutrient concentrations (NO2⁻, NO3⁻, NH4⁺, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and PO43⁻) are significantly higher during the dry season than during the rainy season. Chlorophyll a content exhibits a similar trend. According to the OECD (1982) classification, the trophic state during the dry season ranges from eutrophic to hyper-eutrophic, while during the rainy season, it ranges from mesotrophic to hyper-eutrophic. These findings highlight the determining influence of seasonal variations on the degree of eutrophication of Lake Nafoun and underscore the need for integrated water resource management strategies in the Sahelian-Sudanian zones of West Africa.
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