scholarly journals Taxonomy and Translocations of African Mammals: A Plea for a Cautionary Approach

Conservation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-138
Author(s):  
Spartaco Gippoliti ◽  
Jan Robovský ◽  
Francesco M. Angelici
Keyword(s):  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Conservation Units ◽  
Summary Table ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
African Mammals ◽  
Taxonomic Research ◽  
Majority Consensus ◽  
Financial Income

Ecotourism can fuel an important source of financial income for African countries and can therefore help biodiversity policies in the continent. Translocations can be a powerful tool to spread economic benefits among countries and communities; yet, to be positive for biodiversity conservation, they require a basic knowledge of conservation units through appropriate taxonomic research. This is not always the case, as taxonomy was considered an outdated discipline for almost a century, and some plurality in taxonomic approaches is incorrectly considered as a disadvantage for conservation work. As an example, diversity of the genus Giraffa and its recent taxonomic history illustrate the importance of such knowledge for a sound conservation policy that includes translocations. We argue that a fine-grained conservation perspective that prioritizes all remaining populations along the Nile Basin is needed. Translocations are important tools for giraffe diversity conservation, but more discussion is needed, especially for moving new giraffes to regions where the autochthonous taxa/populations are no longer existent. As the current discussion about the giraffe taxonomy is too focused on the number of giraffe species, we argue that the plurality of taxonomic and conservation approaches might be beneficial, i.e., for defining the number of units requiring separate management using a (majority) consensus across different concepts (e.g., MU—management unit, ESU—evolutionary significant unit, and ECU—elemental conservation unit). The taxonomically sensitive translocation policy/strategy would be important for the preservation of current diversity, while also supporting the ecological restoration of some regions within rewilding. A summary table of the main translocation operations of African mammals that have underlying problems is included. Therefore, we call for increased attention toward the taxonomy of African mammals not only as the basis for sound conservation but also as a further opportunity to enlarge the geographic scope of ecotourism in Africa.

scholarly journals An Investigation of the Socio-Economic Benefits of Small-Scale Gold Mining in Malawi

Mining ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-34
Author(s):  
Tiyamike Haundi ◽  
Gift Tsokonombwe ◽  
Steven Ghambi ◽  
Theresa Mkandawire ◽  
Ansley Kasambara
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mining ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Gold Rush ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
The Government

In the recent years, there has been a surge in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in various districts of Malawi. Reports of a gold rush have emerged in various districts, including Mangochi, Lilongwe, Balaka, and lately in Kasungu. There has been persistence by many indigenous communities participating in ASGM activities, yet little is being done by the government to formalize and support the sub-sector. The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of artisanal small-scale gold mining in Malawi and expose the shortfalls so that key stakeholders and policy makers are well informed. A quantitative approach which used semi-structured questionnaires was used and the data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study shows that ASGM is characterized by people with low literacy levels, who use traditional tools (low-tech) and use methods fueled by lack of capital, and deficiency of basic knowledge of mining and geology. The study found that the government could achieve substantial socio-economic development from the sector by: (1) revising the current artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) legislation so that it embraces the customary practices whilst safeguarding the environment and improving the tax collection base; (2) providing support in form of mining related training and education to these communities; (3) leading in transfer of modern technologies for improved extraction; (4) supporting ASM cooperatives in securing credit facilities from financial institutions; and (5) closing the existing knowledge gap for ASM related issues through introduction of mining desk officers in district councils.

scholarly journals Climate Change and Health Preparedness in Africa: Analysing Trends in Six African Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4672
Author(s):  
Samuel Kwasi Opoku ◽  
Walter Leal Filho ◽  
Fudjumdjum Hubert ◽  
Oluwabunmi Adejumo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
African Countries

Climate change is a global problem, which affects the various geographical regions at different levels. It is also associated with a wide range of human health problems, which pose a burden to health systems, especially in regions such as Africa. Indeed, across the African continent public health systems are under severe pressure, partly due to their fragile socioeconomic conditions. This paper reports on a cross-sectional study in six African countries (Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Ethiopia, and Kenya) aimed at assessing their vulnerabilities to climate change, focusing on its impacts on human health. The study evaluated the levels of information, knowledge, and perceptions of public health professionals. It also examined the health systems’ preparedness to cope with these health hazards, the available resources, and those needed to build resilience to the country’s vulnerable population, as perceived by health professionals. The results revealed that 63.1% of the total respondents reported that climate change had been extensively experienced in the past years, while 32% claimed that the sampled countries had experienced them to some extent. Nigerian respondents recorded the highest levels (67.7%), followed by Kenya with 66.6%. South Africa had the lowest level of impact as perceived by the respondents (50.0%) when compared with the other sampled countries. All respondents from Ghana and Namibia reported that health problems caused by climate change are common in the two countries. As perceived by the health professionals, the inadequate resources reiterate the need for infrastructural resources, medical equipment, emergency response resources, and technical support. The study’s recommendations include the need to improve current policies at all levels (i.e., national, regional, and local) on climate change and public health and to strengthen health professionals’ skills. Improving the basic knowledge of health institutions to better respond to a changing climate is also recommended. The study provides valuable insights which may be helpful to other nations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Medical and Economics Benefits of Tele-expertise in Dermatology: Case study in eight Health Centers in Mali.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheick Oumar Bagayoko ◽  
Mahmoud Cissé ◽  
Joseph Aka ◽  
Adama Dicko ◽  
Abdrahamane Anne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Expert Advice ◽  
Financial Benefit ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specialized Care

Abstract Background: Mali, like many Sub-Saharan African countries, is experiencing an acute crisis with respect to the shortage of qualified health professionals. This crisis is even more acute when it comes to specialized medical fields such as dermatology. To address this shortage, a tele-dermatology project has been launched in Mali since 2015 in order to provide access to specialized care to the most remote populations.Objective: The aim of our study is to assess the medico-economic benefits of the pilot phase of this project.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of all requests for expert advice sent to dermatology experts through the "Bogou" tele-expertise platform.The sample consisted of 52 patients at eight remote sites and ten health professionals, including 4 specialists.The economic study was done using a parameter of cost analysis and the professional evaluation of healthcare providers. It compared consultation and transportation fees (on-site and off-site), and used a questionnaire assessing items on a 5-level Lickert scale and open-ended questions to evaluate the satisfaction of health professionals. Data analysis was performed by SPSS v25.Results: During the period, 374 requests for tele-expertise were made for the benefit of 52 patients. 89.3% of requests were answered by specialists, with an average response time of 46 hours 59 minutes and extremes from 7 minutes to 415 hours 4 minutes. Eczema was the most common medical condition diagnosed. 98% of patients had never completed a dermatological consultation because of a lack of means to travel to the only specialized center in the country. Consequently, they were all very satisfied or satisfied with the tele-expertise service. The 52 participating patients in project have realized a great financial benefit. Together they saved an average of 5,824,500 XOF (9429 euros).All the health professionals surveyed also expressed satisfaction with the application. They confirmed that the project has enabled them to strengthen their skills in the management of dermatological pathologies.Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, we can say that tele-dermatology allows access to specialized care and a reduction in the costs of care for patients in remote areas.

Africa's cancer burden to rise without funding shift

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cancer Burden ◽  
Market Expansion

Subject Cancer burden in Africa. Significance Cancer is a growing public health threat in low-income countries, including African states. With the increase in urbanisation, population growth and improving mortality rates, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that by 2020, 16 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed each year, with 70% of those in low-income countries. However, the rise in cancer rates has not been met with changes to aid funding. Global health priorities continue to emphasise infectious diseases, and African countries remain ill-equipped to prevent, diagnose or treat cancer. Impacts Rising consumption of processed foods in urban areas will contribute to an overall rise in non-communicable diseases. African countries are some of the fastest growing markets for tobacco companies as health awareness rises in traditional markets. Global brewers will enjoy significant market expansion in Africa, contributing to increased alcohol consumption. Despite the economic benefits, delayed childbearing and lower fertility in women is set to increase the incidence of breast cancer.

scholarly journals Service Delivery in the Lesotho Tourist Attraction Sector: Are Tourists Satisfied with the Service Provision?

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 677-691
Author(s):  
Boitumelo Caroline Rasethuntsa
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Tourist Attraction ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Tourist Attractions

Tourism has emerged into an economic giant and an engine utilised by African countries to gain economic benefits.  Because tourism is a diverse industry comprising of many subsectors, tourist attractions are regarded as a strategic area of the industry. This study aims to determine the features that attract tourists to Lesotho and establish whether the tourists are satisfied with the service quality provided at local tourist attractions. The study utilised qualitative research approach, and interviews were conducted to gain the insight information regarding the topic under investigation. The findings revealed that the Lesotho landscape and culture are features stimulating destination visitation. Also, the empirical results highlighted that tourist are dissatisfied with the local tourist attractions services including underutilisation of online services, unprofessionalism and lack of skills, under marketing of tourist attractions, and environmental sustainability mismanagement among others. Strategies for improvement are provided based on the findings to enable enhanced management of tourist attractions.

scholarly journals African Big Economies on the Continental Trade Liberalisation and Migration Policy Development

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3(J)) ◽  
pp. 39-47
Author(s):  
Andrew Osehi Enaifoghe ◽  
Harris Maduku
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Migration Policy ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
African Union ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The West ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
To Come ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Total Integration

African countries are faced with a broad spectrum of political and economic challenges that have shadowed hugely in an anticipated socio-economic prosperity. The continent overtime has resolved to come up with a single currency as well as opening borders for trade but none of that has been realised. Polarisation of economic development has caused brain drain within the continent with educated people from poorly governed countries moving across borders (Europe and America), and the same happens with gifted entrepreneurs who search for a country with a better business enabling environment than their own home countries. There is uneven development in Africa with very poor, fragile and better performing countries constituting the continent. This has caused a huge burden on those economies that are doing well as those economies have to create jobs for immigrants as well and for their own people. However, the founding principles of the African Union were basically to bring African countries together and help each other to see through economic and political prosperity across the continent in as much as there are laid out guiding rules.Africa has continued to be a highly protective continent especially amongst itself as most countries still require visas from citizens of other African countries, while countries still impose import duties and all forms of control on imports and practices that are against the foresights of the founding principles of the African Union. This paper acknowledges the efforts that have been done in the West and South of Africa for the formation of regional blocks that desire to achieve socio-economic progress in those regions. The formation of ECOWAS in the WEST and SADC in the South are good strides towards integration efforts in Africa but if the founding objectives of the African Union are to be achieved, member countries still have to do more. This paper recommends the two biggest countries in Africa to make use of their economic power to influence smaller member states to also envision possible socio-economic benefits that can emanate from total integration of the continent. They could make use of the African parliament, African Union summits and other several platforms to lobby for this important goal.

scholarly journals In Need of Care but Providers of Care: Grandparents Giving Fulltime Care to their Grandchildren in Rural Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Neema Stella ◽  
◽  
Nankwanga Annet ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Elderly Person ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Rural Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Systemic Factors ◽  
The Government

Background In most African countries, the elderly face challenges that affect their health and wellbeing and are more pronounced because of the systemic factors of inadequate health care, food insecurity and the general care. Increasing population of the elderly persons in Uganda is raising concern than ever before. The purpose of this paper to ascertain care available to the rural elderly persons and their role as carers for their grandchildren and implications on their wellbeing. Methods This was a qualitative study conducted among the rural elderly aged 60 years and above in eight purposively selected district that included Lira, Nebbi, Kampala, Luwero, Pallisa, Jinja, Mbarara, and Ntungamo. The study sample consisted of 101 elderly person from whom in-depth interviews were conducted. Data was analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis. Results Rural elderly in Uganda face a lot of constraints that include access to healthcare and information, poor economic status, food insecurity and poor nutrition, and poor accommodation and housing conditions. Two broader themes emerged inductively from the analysis that include care available for the rural elderly and providing care to grandchildren. These themes generated several subthemes. Taking care of grandchildren crippled the elderly and reduced the economic benefits. That said some rural elderly were happy and felt fulfilled to care of the grandchildren despite the lack of resources. Conclusion The rural elderly in Uganda are living in doleful conditions with limited care and support. They need care but are the providers of care to the grandchildren. They are frails and may not afford to provide adequate care. They care for grandchildren many of whom are orphans and vulnerable yet they themselves need care. It is important the government and the community re-enforce this care not to put strain on elderly. The rural elderly unique challenges necessitates special targeting and mobilization of resources at the household, local, district and national levels.

scholarly journals MODALIDADES DE GESTÃO DO SISTEMA NACIONAL DE UNIDADES DE CONSERVAÇÃO: ESTUDO DE CASO NOS FAXINAIS DO MUNICÍPIO DE MANDIRITUBA, PR

FLORESTA ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Donicht Fernandes ◽  
Vitor Afonso Hoeflich ◽  
Anadalvo Juazeiro Dos Santos ◽  
Randolf Zachow ◽  
Evaldo Munoz Braz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Income ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Community Forestry ◽  
Forest Policy ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Conservation Units ◽  
National System

O presente trabalho é um estudo de caso sobre o uso sustentável dos recursos florestais por populações tradicionais, envolvendo 137 famílias residentes nos faxinais do município de Mandirituba, estado do Paraná. O objetivo foi analisar a adequação do sistema faxinal no Sistema Nacional de Unidades de Conservação (SNUC) e quantificar os benefícios econômicos associados. Como procedimento de análise de dados, uma matriz descritiva foi desenvolvida a fim de analisar a similaridade das atividades e objetivos das doze categorias do SNUC e do sistema faxinal. A reserva de desenvolvimento sustentável é a categoria de unidade de conservação com características semelhantes às do sistema faxinal, em termos de atividades e objetivos. Os resultados indicaram que a aplicação de instrumentos e programas de política adequados poderiam proporcionar aumento de 350% na renda e qualidade de vida das populações tradicionais. Além disso, a matriz descritiva se mostrou uma ferramenta importante para adequação de possíveis áreas de conservação no SNUC.Palavras-chave: Manejo florestal sustentável, conhecimento e cultura tradicional, Sistema Faxinal, Política Florestal. AbstractModalities of management of the National System of Conservation Units: a case study in the "Faxinais" of the municipality of Mandirituba, PR. The present work is a case study on the sustainable use of forest resources by traditional populations, which involved 137 faxinal families in the municipality of Mandirituba, Paraná State. The objective was to analyze the adequacy of the faxinal system into the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC) and to quantify the associated economic benefits. In relation to the procedures for data analysis, a descriptive matrix was developed in order to analyze the similitude of the activities and goals of the twelve categories of the SNUC and of the faxinal system. We observed that the Sustainable Development Reserve is the conservation unit category with similitude to the faxinal system in terms of activities and goals. Concluded the adequacy, the implementation of instruments of policy revealed the possibility of an increase of over 350% on the average family income and on the life quality of traditional populations. Besides, the descriptive matrix has showed as an important tool for adequacy of possible conservation areas in the National System of Conservation Units.Keywords: Sustainable forest management, traditional knowledge and culture, faxinal community forestry system, forest policy.

Developing Rural Tourism with the Participation of Related Parties in Bac Kan Province

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22
Author(s):  
Le Ngoc Nuong ◽  
Ngo Thi Huyen Trang ◽  
Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang ◽  
Nguyen Tien Lam
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Development Policy ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Rural Tourism ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
The People ◽  
The Government

Tourism development policy will pay attention to stakeholders, especially the people, who play an important role. However, in reality, when people participate in rural tourism development, they are not equipped with basic knowledge and skills in managing and serving tourists. Because the benefits between stakeholders are still not clear, the participation of people in rural tourism development is currently only passive. Active participation need to be directed from the Government and local authorities because the concept that rural tourism development is not only about creating economic benefits but also associated with conservation and preservation, together with keeping and promoting cultural - historical values in rural areas.

scholarly journals Flood Pulsing in the Sudd Wetland: Analysis of Seasonal Variations in Inundation and Evaporation in South Sudan

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
L-M. Rebelo ◽  
G. B. Senay ◽  
M. P. McCartney
Keyword(s):  
South Sudan ◽  
Open Water ◽  
Flood Pulse ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Floodplain Wetlands ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Development Interventions ◽  
Distribution Of Values ◽  
Baseline Information

Abstract Located on the Bahr el Jebel in South Sudan, the Sudd is one of the largest floodplain wetlands in the world. Seasonal inundation drives the hydrologic, geomorphological, and ecological processes, and the annual flood pulse is essential to the functioning of the Sudd. Despite the importance of the flood pulse, various hydrological interventions are planned upstream of the Sudd to increase economic benefits and food security. These will not be without consequences, in particular for wetlands where the biological productivity, biodiversity, and human livelihoods are dependent on the flood pulse and both the costs and benefits need to be carefully evaluated. Many African countries still lack regional baseline information on the temporal extent, distribution, and characteristics of wetlands, making it hard to assess the consequences of development interventions. Because of political instability in Sudan and the inaccessible nature of the Sudd, recent measurements of flooding and seasonal dynamics are inadequate. Analyses of multitemporal and multisensor remote sensing datasets are presented in this paper, in order to investigate and characterize flood pulsing within the Sudd wetland over a 12-month period. Wetland area has been mapped along with dominant components of open water and flooded vegetation at five time periods over a single year. The total area of flooding (both rain and river fed) over the 12 months was 41 334 km2, with 9176 km2 of this constituting the permanent wetland. Mean annual total evaporation is shown to be higher and with narrower distribution of values from areas of open water (1718 mm) than from flooded vegetation (1641 mm). Although the exact figures require validation against ground-based measurements, the results highlight the relative differences in inundation patterns and evaporation across the Sudd.

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