Jesse S. Ayivor

Mangroves of Africa

Mangroves are the dominant vegetation of over 70% of tropical and sub-tropical coastlines around the world (Fig. 2.1). Mangrove ecosystems are estimated to cover 150 000 km2 world-wide, of which Africa has about 35 000 km2 (Diop 1992, 1993). They constitute complex forests with high wood biomass and structural complexity. A significant feature of mangroves is their ability to develop morphological, physiological and reproductive adaptations, which enable them to colonise salty, waterlogged and erratic soil conditions. The mangroves are characterised by high primary production and play vital roles in the transfer of nutrients (Fig. 2.2), especially of carbon from the land to the sea, and serve either as sources or sinks in the global cycle of such substances (Lacerda and Novelli 1992). They are found in all countries along the western coast of the African continent, from Mauritania in the north, (Iles Tidra 19°50′ N) to Angola in the south (Angola estuary of the Rio Longo, 10°18′ S (Spalding et al. 1997).

West Africa – Water Resources Vulnerability Using a Multidimensional Approach: Case Study of Volta Basin

Changes in climatic conditions have been evident over West Africa in the past decades. Decrease in rainfall amount led to severe droughts during the 1970s and 1980s. There has been a shift of the climatic zones in a southerly direction. Consequently, most of the Volta Basin in Burkina Faso is now located in the Sahelian and Sudano-Sahelian zones. As a consequence of instability in the rainfall pattern, many rivers have dried up, large tracts of land cover have been degraded, and the water table is drawing down.

Socio-cultural Determinants of Human–Bat Interactions in Rural Ghana

ABSTRACT Bats are known to be a natural reservoir for a lot of disease pathogens and can spread several diseases. All 11 genera of fruit bat found in West Africa are found in Ghana, and human–bat interactions are common. However, there is a dearth of knowledge about the socio-cultural factors that shape these interactions. This paper explores the socio-cultural factors that bring humans into contact with bats. Data were obtained through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The findings indicate that gender, religious affiliation, and belief systems influence the interaction between humans and bats. We conclude that the hunting and consumption patterns of bats have farreaching consequences for the transmission of bat-borne zoonotic diseases. Educational campaigns, therefore, should be intensified and, in particular, target groups that are most at risk of contracting bat-borne zoonotic diseases.

Disaster and Development in Ghana: Improving Disaster Resiliency at the Local Level

Women are essential to disaster risk reduction efforts, but their knowledge and opinions are not systematically leveraged as an asset to improving community resiliency. Using focus group data gathered from residents of several highly vulnerable migrant settlements in Ghana, we present the current roles played by women in disaster resiliency efforts, the limits of their enfranchisement in the emergency management process, and the opportunities for the integration of a gender oriented approach to enhancing disaster resiliency among highly vulnerable populations. Lessons learned from the settlement populations in Ghana include the recognition that local residents perceive their community, or “the people,” as the greatest asset in the context of disaster. This recognition allows for personal networks to be leveraged, in locally relevant ways, for the purpose of enhancing communication, disseminating information, and leadership building. Local women, with their superior organization networks, represent an under-utilized resource for enhancing resiliency and community development.

Local classifications of fever and treatment sought among populations at risk of zoonotic diseases in Ghana

In the past four decades, there has been an increase in the occurrence of zoonotic diseases. Some outbreaks have been devastating because of the inability of individuals and health workers to identify the diseases early. Generally, most zoonotic diseases are heralded by a fever. While fevers are common, they are often the symptoms of different diseases. This paper explores how a population at potential risk of zoonotic diseases identify fevers, and what treatments they seek when they develop fevers. The data are from focus group discussions and a survey of three communities in the Brong Ahafo, Volta and Greater Accra regions in Ghana. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the perceived causes of fever differ from the traditional biomedical view. While orthodox treatment was the preferred choice for most participants, rural dwellers utilised traditional medicine more than their urban counterparts. Though there is no record of bat-borne zoonotic disease in Ghana, our findings could be used as a proxy to indicate how populations at risk of exposure might respond in the event of a spillover event from a zoonosis. We recommend that educational campaigns on zoonotic diseases should target rural dwellers, especially farmers, who may be most at risk of zoonoses.

Living with Bats: The Case of Ve Golokuati Township in the Volta Region of Ghana

Transmission of zoonotic pathogens from bats to humans through direct and indirect contact with bats raises public apprehension about living close to bats. In the township of Ve Golokuati in Ghana, several “camps” of Epomophorus gambianus roost in fruit trees that provide ecosystems services for residents. This study explored human-bat interaction in the township and the potential risks of disease transmission from bats to humans. Data were derived through questionnaire administration and participatory appraisal approach involving focus group discussions, participatory landscape mapping, and transect walk. The study found that most human activities within the township, such as petty-trading, domestic chores, and childrens outdoor recreation, exposed people to bats. Though there have been no reported cases of disease spillover from bats to humans from the perspective of residents and from medical records, respondents whose activities brought them closer to bats within the township were found to be more likely to experience fevers than those who do not interact with bats frequently. The study recommends education of community members about the potential risks involved in human-bat interactions and makes suggestions for reducing the frequent interactions with and exposure to bats by humans.

Understanding framings and perceptions of spillover: Preventing future outbreaks of bat-borne zoonoses

Purpose Bats provide many ecosystem services and have intrinsic value. They also act as host reservoirs for some viruses. Several studies have linked zoonotic diseases to bats, raising questions about the risks bats pose, especially to people living close to bat roosts. Through a series of case studies undertaken in three communities, the purpose of this paper is to explore the various ways in which framings and perceptions of bats can influence a potential spillover of bat-borne viruses to humans in Ghana. It assesses the social, cultural and economic factors that drive human-bat interactions and posits that understanding the socio-economic contexts in which human-bat interactions occur is key to the success of future communication strategies. Design/methodology/approach Primary data collection methods included participatory landscape mappings, transect walks, focus group discussions and questionnaire surveys. Findings Perceptions of bats vary and are influenced by personal beliefs, the perceived economic benefits derived from bats and the location of bat roosts. Activities that put people at risk include bat hunting, butchering and consumption of poorly prepared bat meat. Those who live and work close to bat roosts, and bat hunters, for example, are more at risk of bat-borne zoonotic disease spillover. Disease risk perceptions were generally low, with high levels of uncertainty, indicating the need for clearer information about personal protective practices. Originality/value The results of the study may well inform future risk communication strategies as well as help in developing effective responses to zoonotic disease risk, disease outbreaks and the conservation of bats in communities.