Research and Development
Effects of Land-Use Practices on Woody Plant Cover Dynamics in Sahelian Agrosystems in Burkina Faso since the 1970s–1980s Droughts
Burkina FasoZida, W.A., Bationo, B.A. and Waaub, J.P.
All

The 1970s–1980s droughts in the Sahel caused a significant degradation of land and plant cover. To cope with this situation, populations have developed several biophysical and social adaptation practices. Many of these are agroforestry practices and...

Agri-Tech and Digital Services
Uptake of Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies and Practices: Actual and Potential Adoption Rates in the Climate-Smart Village Site of Mali
MaliOuédraogo, M., Houessionon, P., Zougmoré, R.B., an...
All

Understanding the level of adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies and practices and its drivers is needed to spur large-scale uptake of CSA in West Africa. This paper used the Average Treatment Effect framework to derive consistent...

On-Farm Production (crops, livestock)
Adoption of New Sorghum Varieties in Mali Through a Participatory Approach
MaliSissoko, M., Smale, M., Castiaux, A., and Theriaul...
Grains

Although it is commonly accepted that farmers’ participation in the process of technology development can improve adoption rates, few studies have tested this relationship. We tested the role of farmers’ participation in the decision to adopt new sor...

Research and Development
The Relevance of Smallholder Farming to African Agricultural Growth and Development
Sierra LeoneAlie Kamara
All

Farms less than two hectares constitute most farm holdings in Africa. Most of these farms are operated by rural smallholder farmers who are dependent on agriculture for their economic livelihoods. However, they are constrained by lack of capital as...

Nutrition
Commercial Snack Food and Beverage Consumption Prevalence among Children 6–59 Months in West Africa
EswatiniNordhagen, S., Pries, A.M., and Dissieka, R.
All

Consumption of commercial snack food and beverage products among infants, young, and school-aged children may have negative effects on child nutritional outcomes, as these foods are typically dense in energy but not in micronutrients. However, there...

Nutrition
Traditional Malian Solid Foods Made from Sorghum and Millet Have Markedly Slower Gastric Emptying than Rice, Potato, or Pasta
MaliCisse, F., Erickson, D.P., Hayes, A.M.R., Opekun,...
Rice

From anecdotal evidence that traditional African sorghum and millet foods are filling and provide sustained energy, we hypothesized that gastric emptying rates of sorghum and millet foods are slow, particularly compared to non-traditional starchy foo...

Food Fortification
The Effects of an Oil and Wheat Flour Fortification Program on Pre-School Children and Women of Reproductive Age Living in Côte d’Ivoire, a Malaria-Endemic Area
Cote d'IvoireRohner, F., Raso, G., Aké-Tano, S.O.P., Tschannen,...
All

Anemia and micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, but the impact of food fortification is still debated. The objective of this study was to estimate the iron and vitamin A status of preschool children (PSC) and women of repr...

Nutrition
Food Consumption, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Salt in Urban Areas in Five Sub-Saharan African Countries
Sub-Saharan AfricaLeyvraz, M., Mizéhoun-Adissoda, C., Houinato, D.,...
All

High salt intake is a major risk factor of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to salt intake in the general population is a key component of salt reduction strategies. The objective of...

Nutrition
Adequacy of Some Locally Produced Complementary Foods Marketed in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Senegal
BeninDimaria, S.A., Schwartz, H., Icard-Vernière, C., P...
Grains

Adequate complementary foods are needed to help reduce the high prevalence of stunting in children in many Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). We assessed the availability, affordability, and nutrient adequacy of imported and locally produced pr...

Nutrition
Consumer Acceptance of Biscuits Supplemented with a Sorghum–Insect Meal
NigeriaAwobusuyi, T.D., Pillay, K., and Siwela, M.
Grains

Insects are abundant in the predominantly sub-Saharan Africa region and are generally high in protein. Wheat grain contains gluten that is vital for the quality of baked goods but does not grow well in warm regions. Partial substitution of wheat with...

Training and Capacity Building
Overcoming the Hurdles of Growth: The Role of the CEO in Building a High-Performance Organization and Aligning Teams
All CountriesCindy Praeger
All

How do you grow and add more people without losing the strong sense of unity and common purpose that got you here in the first place?

Research and Development
Sahel Quarterly Volume 22: Food & Cities
Sub-Saharan AfricaSahel Consulting
Others

When we think of food production, especially in Africa, our minds may imagine remote villages across the continent where small-scale farmers dominate the agricultural value chains. However, we are making a huge mistake! Growing urban populations a...