Search Results (4)

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is a major constraint to cassava production in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, where it poses a serious threat to rural food security. This study examined the impact of adopting innovative cassava mosaic disease management practices on cassava yields in the Guiriko and Nando regions of Burkina Faso. To address potential biases arising from differences in characteristics between adopters and non-adopters, an econometric approach based on the instrumental variables (IV) method within a counterfactual framework was employed to estimate the local average treatment effect (LATE). The data were drawn from a survey conducted in September 2023 among 511 cassava producers. The results indicate that the adoption of innovative cassava mosaic disease management practices had a positive and statistically significant effect on agricultural yields. Productivity gains were estimated at 29% in the Guiriko region and 41% in the Nando region, highlighting spatial heterogeneity in impacts. These findings suggest that promoting the diffusion of such practices can substantially improve cassava productivity and reduce the vulnerability of rural households. In addition, the analysis showed that socioeconomic and technical factors, including farmers’ age, membership in cassava producer organizations, household income levels, and the use of chemical fertilizers, also influence productivity outcomes. Overall, the study underscores the importance of strengthening agricultural extension services, supporting producer organizations, and promoting appropriate technologies to maximize the benefits of cassava mosaic disease management practices for food security and rural development. Full article

Cassava production in Africa is constrained by number of biotic factors, including cassava mosaic disease (CMD). In response to this challenge, the PlantVillage Nuru application, which employs artificial intelligence for CMD diagnosis, provides farmers with the ability to independently detect the disease. This study examines the factors influencing the adoption of the innovative Nuru application by farmers in Benin. Data were randomly collected from 305 farmers in three Agricultural Development Poles (PDAs 5, 6 and 7). A binary logit model was used to analyze the determinants of adoption. The results show that, despite the potential of the Nuru application, the adoption rate remained relatively low at 14.1%. The key drivers of adoption were found to be participation in CMD training, disease knowledge, ownership of an Android smartphone, education level and practice of crop association. These findings emphasize the necessity of intensifying farmers’ training and raising awareness about CMD. Effective strategies to reach and train a significant number of farmers are crucial. Enhancing Nuru adoption can lead to more effective CMD management and improved cassava production, which will have a positive impact on food security in Africa and strengthen the resilience of farming communities against biotic challenges. Full article

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are interrelated and multifactorial conditions, including arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Due to the burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with CMDs’ increasing prevalence, there is a critical need for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in their management. In clinical practice, innovative methods such as epicardial adipose tissue evaluation, ventricular–arterial coupling, and exercise tolerance studies could help to elucidate the multifaceted mechanisms associated with CMDs. Similarly, epigenetic changes involving noncoding RNAs, chromatin modulation, and cellular senescence could represent both novel biomarkers and targets for CMDs. Despite the promising data available, significant challenges remain in translating basic research findings into clinical practice, highlighting the need for further investigation into the complex pathophysiology underlying CMDs. Full article

Lifestyle factors including diet, sleep, physical activity, and substance use cessation, are recognised as treatment targets for common mental disorders (CMDs). As the field of lifestyle-based mental health care evolves towards effectiveness trials and real-world translation, it is timely to consider how such innovations can be integrated into clinical practice. This paper discusses the utility and scale-up of lifestyle interventions for CMDs and draws on diabetes prevention literature to identify enablers and barriers to translation efforts. We discuss the extent to which lifestyle interventions aimed at managing CMDs and preventing diabetes share commonalities (program content, theoretical underpinnings, program structures, interventionists, frameworks promoting fidelity, quality, sustainability). Specific considerations when utilising these programs for mental health include personalising content with respect to symptoms and trajectories of depression and anxiety, medication regimen and genetic risk profile. As this field moves from efficacy to effectiveness and implementation, it is important to ensure issues in implementation science, including “voltage drop”, “program drift”, logistics, funding, and resourcing, are in line with evidence-based models that are effective in research settings. Ongoing considerations includes who is best placed to deliver this care and the need for models to support implementation including long-term financing, workforce training, supervision, stakeholder and organisational support. Full article