Search Results (3)

In developing countries, drought is a major climatic challenge that has driven the development of drought-tolerant seed varieties aimed at improving yields and farm incomes; however, the adoption of drought-tolerant seeds, such as the TELA maize hybrid, remains low. This study explored the factors influencing the willingness and ability to adopt TELA maize seed and its potential production implications in Alfred Nzo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This study employed a multistage random sampling method to gather data from 120 smallholder maize farmers through a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a probit regression model. The results showed that 65% of respondents were male, and 53% were married. Notably, 77% had low educational attainment, with the majority having completed only secondary school or less. Furthermore, 65% of respondents indicated that farming was primarily for livelihood purposes. This study found that limited access to credit and extension services were major obstacles to adopting TELA maize seed technology, compounded by skepticism towards innovation. The findings suggest that addressing these challenges requires the implementation of targeted gender equity programs, improving educational access, and enhancing financial support mechanisms. Additionally, strengthening cooperative engagement and extension services is crucial for promoting technology adoption. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and providing adequate resources, this study highlights the potential for increased adoption of TELA maize seed, contributing to improved food security in rural households. Full article

Schistosomiasis is caused by infection with trematode flukes of the genus Schistosoma. More than 700 million people worldwide are estimated to be susceptible to infection. In sub-Saharan Africa, schistosomiasis is the second most widespread neglected tropical disease after malaria. This retrospective investigation evaluated the incidence and impacts of schistosomiasis on communities across three major districts of the Eastern Cape province in South Africa using a cross-sectional retrospective observational analysis of secondary data from patients with microscopically confirmed schistosomiasis between 2019 and 2020. This study focused upon both rural and semi-urban areas, including Bizana, Butterworth, Centane, Elliotdale, Flagstaff, Idutywa, Lusikisiki, Libode, Mqanduli, Port St. Johns, Willowvale, and Mthatha. Data were obtained from three districts—Alfred Nzo, Amatole, and OR Tambo—covering both rural and semi-urban regions. This study included patients of all ages who submitted urine samples for schistosomiasis testing in the specified districts. A simple random sampling method was used to select 337 clinical records from the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) of Mthatha. Hospital records from the NHLS Microbiology Department of Mthatha were analyzed. St Barnabas Laboratory had the highest frequency of cases (34.1%), followed by Greenville Depot (17.8%) and Willowvale Laboratory (11.3%). Most cases were in the 10–19 age group (63.4%), followed by those under 10 years of age (24.9%). Male patients constituted 76.4% of the cases, while female patients accounted for 23.6%. Viable ova were observed in 98.2% of the samples. This study highlights a significant prevalence of schistosomiasis in the Eastern Cape province, with a higher incidence in rural areas and among males aged 10–19. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and continuous monitoring to control and prevent schistosomiasis in this region. Full article

Male circumcision (MC) reduces HIV transmission risk by up to 60% in heterosexual men. However, uptake of medical male circumcision (MMC) is low in traditionally circumcising communities of South Africa. We assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices to identify factors predicting acceptability of MMC among males in the Alfred Nzo District. A cross-sectional study was conducted among males aged 15–49 years in this district. Logistic regression was used to identify factors predicting acceptability of MMC. We interviewed 343 males who had a median age of 19 years (interquartile range (IQR): 16–25 years). Of these, 77% (95% confidence interval (CI): 72–82) were circumcised: 77% (95% CI: 71–82) were circumcised in a traditional setting and 21% (95% CI: 16–26) in a medical setting. The median score of knowledge about the benefits of MMC was 62.5% (IQR: 37.5–75.0), with 59% (95% CI: 53–64) demonstrating a positive attitude towards MMC and 68% (95% CI: 63–73) accepting involvement of health workers in MC. Excellent knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.07, 95% CI: 0.99–9.58, p = 0.053), awareness (aOR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.08–9.86, p = 0.037), and positive attitude towards MMC (aOR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.30–4.25, p = 0.005) were associated with acceptability of MMC. Participants demonstrated good knowledge and acceptance of the MMC programme. Knowledge, attitude, and awareness were significant predictors of MMC acceptability. Full article