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Objective: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo raised concerns regarding additional morbidity and mortality. Updating these indicators before a second wave is essential in order to prepare for additional help. Methods: From mid-May to mid-December 2020, weekly surveys were undertaken in sampled streets from 10 health areas to quantify the use of barrier measures, and interview pedestrians about sickness and deaths in their households. Crude death rates (CDRs) were estimated. Results: Minimal use or no use of face masks was observed in at least half of the streets. From May to December 2020, the number of suspected cases of COVID-19 increased six-fold (P < 0.05). Of deaths within 30 days preceding the interviews, 20% were considered to be related to COVID-19. The monthly CDRs at the beginning and end of the study were approximately 5 and 25 per 1000 population, respectively (P < 0.05); that is, annual CDRs of 60 and 260 per 1000 population, respectively. Thus, during the first wave, the estimated mortality rate increased by 50% compared with previous years, and increased at least four-fold by the end of 2020. Conclusion: Despite possible overestimations, the excess mortality in South Kivu is extremely concerning. This crisis calls for a rapid response and increased humanitarian assistance.

Soil erosion risk assessment in South-Kivu longs for the colonial epoch, while the province faces the problem of extreme degradation of land in the form of soil erosion. Thus, the study attempts to assess the soil erosion at the province level using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) in conjunction with the Geographical Information System (GIS), and remote sensing data. The estimated total soil erosion was 2.084 million tons; with an annual average of 138.2 t ha−1 yr−1. Moreover, the soil loss greater than 100 t ha−1 yr−1 accounts for 45.2% of the total erosive land. The soil erosion worsening nearly the entire territories range between 87 t ha−1 yr−1 in Shabunda to 248 t ha−1 yr−1 in Uvira. Under high aggressiveness of rainfall with mean of 1857.19 mm/y, the highest rate found in Perennial crop, Trees, and Cropland in contrast to Shrub and closed Forest was mainly due to the mean slope of 22% found in the former Land cover categories compared to 17% of Shrubland and closed forest. The adoption of terracing could reduce by 76% the current rate of cropland i.e., from (162.12 t ha−1 yr−1 to 38 t ha−1 yr−1). Therefore it is strongly recommended.

This study verified the inter‐related effect of ‘market distance’, defined as walking time, ‘farm typology’, defined as resource endowment, and ‘site’, defined as geographic location with contrasting agro‐ecologies, as well as farmers’ indigenous knowledge on soil fertility variability in smallholder farming systems in two distinct regions (Bushumba, Mushinga) of South‐Kivu, DR Congo. A total of 384 soil samples were selected from representative farmers’ fields and analysed for soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC) content and quality, as well as nutrient contents, using midDRIFTS (mid‐infrared diffuse reflectance Fourier transform spectroscopy) and wet chemistry analyses. MidDRIFTS was also used to calculate SOC stability indexes as SOC quality proxies. ‘Market distance’ and ‘farm typology’ were key determinants of soil fertility variability, both with contrasting trends in Bushumba and Mushinga. Decreasing soil fertility with increasing market distance was noted across all farm typologies. ‘Farm typology’ was related to exchangeable calcium and magnesium, while ‘site’ resulted in a difference of plant available phosphorus. SOC quality indexes were related to ‘site’, interacting with ‘market distance’. A ‘market distance’ effect became obvious in the medium wealthy and poor farms of Mushinga, where a lower SOC quality in remote fields plots was noted with increasing market distance. In agreement with farmers’ indigenous knowledge, soil fertility levels were higher in deep than shallow soils, which were reflected in higher nutrient stocks in deep soils receiving organic amendments. Our results inferred that soil fertility variability across smallholder farms must consider various inter‐related determinants as basis for site‐specific fertility management interventions., German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

A survey has been conducted in Bukavu on bovines imported in Democratic Republic of Congo from Rwanda to the public slaughterhouse of Bukavu, with the aim of identifying the Ixodidae ticks on their body. Thus, 1024 ticks have been collected on 300 cows for the entomological identification. Four species have been identified whose Boophilus decoloratus (44.4 %), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (43.9 %), Amblyomma variegatum (11 %) and Ixodes thomasai (2 %). This last species being a new among those recognized in South Kivu. A charge to ticks of 6.5 has been observed at those bovines and the infestation rate has been significantly different in the 4 races, the Friesland (41.1 %) and Ankolé presented the superior values. The importation of cows in this part of the country from Rwanda is a real factor which conducts to the introduction of ticks and also diseases in Democratic Republic of Congo. Then being measures of heath control in the border must be sustained and reinforced for minimizing real risks.

To examine environmental and human factors that affect the spatial and temporal dynamism of malaria in DRC's South-Kivu province.In a cross-sectional study conducted between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015, spatial distribution was determined through thematic maps of malaria attack rate. SatScan ™ software and Monte Carlo test were used to identify spatial risk clusters. Temporal evolutions were analysed using the Cleveland algorithm. Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape and negative binomial regression were used to assess the independent human and environmental factors associated with incident malaria.The cumulative annual incidence of malaria increased from 10 968/100 000 in 2013 to 15 501/100 000 in 2015 (P for trend ˂0.001); malaria lethality increased from 0.1% in 2013 to 0.3% in 2015 (P for trend = 0.62). Between 2010 and 2015, 18 of 34 health zones consistently reported the highest attack rates, which ranged from 25 000 to 50 000/100 000. Four risk clusters areas were identified, with relative risk (RR) of 1.2 to 3.0, from which malaria was reported continuously during each year. Factors significantly associated with malaria cases were agro-pisciculture practices (Incidence Risk Ratio [IRR]: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.23-3.13) and the presence of a lake in the health zone (IRR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.51-4.42).Malaria control in this setting must be intensified in peri-lacustrine areas and those in which the population is intensively engaged in standing water-associated activities.Examiner les facteurs environnementaux et humains qui affectent le dynamisme spatial et temporel du paludisme dans la province du Sud-Kivu en RDC. MÉTHODES: Dans une étude transversale menée entre le 1La lutte contre le paludisme dans ce contexte doit être intensifiée dans les zones péri-lacustres et celles dans lesquelles la population est intensément engagée dans des activités liées à l'eau stagnante.

Background: In DRC, childhood undernutrition remains a serious public health concern. Internationally recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices may improve child nutritional status. This study aimed to describe IYCF practices, factors associated with inappropriate complementary feeding, and infant’s nutritional status. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study including 1,009 mother-infant pair was conducted in August 2019 in 32 health areas (16 in rural health zone and 16 in urban one) of South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), among mothers who had infants under 24 months of age. Infant’s nutritional status was assessed using WHO Anthro plus software. To describe IYCF practices, we used the indicators recommended by the WHO. To study the factors associated with inappropriate complementary feeding practices, we performed univariable and multiple logistic regression analyzes. The data was analyzed in SPSS version 25. Results: The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age was 73.7% and 42.2% respectively. Of the 746 infants aged 6–23.9 months, 246 (32.3%) received appropriate complementary feeding. Of the 997 infants who had valid anthropometric parameters, 416 (41.7%) were well-nourished, 374 (37.5%) were undernourished and 207 (20.8%) were overweight. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that residence in rural area [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.38 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.49, 3.78)], non-attendance at postnatal care (AOR 1.63; 95% CI 1.12, 2.96), low household socioeconomic (AOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.14, 2.59) and low maternal education (AOR 1.83; 95% CI 1.20, 2.77) were factors associated with inappropriate complementary feeding. Mothers with inappropriate complementary feeding practices were 6.88 times more likely to have undernourished infants than their counterparts (AOR 6.88; 95% CI 1.24, 18.37). Conclusion: Findings from this study provide strong evidence, both of association between inappropriate complementary feeding and undernutrition, and of the double burden of malnutrition with the co-existence of under- and overnutrition in the infant population in South Kivu. Interventions should focus on both preventing undernutrition and overweight to promote child well-being.

In response to growing food demand, edible insects are seen as a potential source to alleviate food insecurity. With its wide edible insects’ biodiversity, the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in Africa. This study aimed at giving a first insight on the inventory showing diversity, perception, consumption, availability, host plants, harvesting techniques and processing techniques of edible insects in South-Kivu, DRC. It recorded twenty-three edible insects belonging to nine families and five orders, some of which are consumed in the larval, adult, egg and pupa stages. Rhyncophorus phoenicis, Alphitobius diaperinus, Macrotermes subhylanus and Acheta domesticus were the most preferred edible insects in Fizi Territory, Ruspolia differens and Apis melifera larvae in Kabare Territory, Imbrasia oyemensis, Imbrasia epimethea, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and Rhyncophorus phoenicis in Mwenga Territory, Ruspolia differens, Macrotermes subhylanus, Gryllotalpa africana, Nsike, Nomadacris septemfasciata and Apis melifera larvae in Walungu Territory. R. differens, I. oyemensis, A. melifera larvae, G. africana and Nsike were preferred for their taste. A. domesticus, A. diaperinus and A. melifera larvae were abundant throughout the year, while the others were only available for 9 months or less per year. Numerous plants have been recorded as their hosts, including plants used for food and income. Harvesting strategies and period, processing methods and preservation techniques depend on insect species, local knowledge and practices. These findings suggest similar and thoroughly studies on entomophagy across the country, while encouraging the rearing of edible insects to address the high existing demand and environmental need.

Introduction: To determine the frequency and risk factors of early marriage among girls 12 - 18 years in the city of KABINDA. Material and methods: This study is descriptive cross. It was conducted in 5304 households in two Kamukungu health areas and Kilo located KAMUKUNGU neighborhood. The sample consisted of 1227 women of childbearing age, married at an early stage that had been subjected to a questionnaire that was used as data collection tool. Results: The early marriage rate among girls 12 - 18 years is 23.1%. Factors encouraging this early marriage are poverty (continued to unemployed parents, resourceful and load carriers) (33.9%), culture and custom (31.4%), family and social pressure (17.9%) and non-use of contraceptive methods (17.2%). Conclusion: Early marriage in our communities is an all too common phenomenon in the DRC in general and particularly in the province of South Kivu, or one in four women currently aged 40 - 45 had married before the age of 18. This is also the situation in the province of Lomani and precisely in the city of KABINDA. To do this, it would popularize laws and legal texts on the protection of children especially in education, and marriage continues to raise awareness of the city of KABINDA and prevent child marriage by bringing to 18, the minimum age for marriage and support oriented programs to protect and promote the rights of adolescent girls.

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is acknowledged to provide incomes to tens of millions of individuals around the world, yet systematic data on miners' earnings are lacking. We developed a sampling method and survey tools suited for systematic data collection and applied it to a stratified random sample of 453 miners in the largest mining town in Congo's South Kivu province. Our research design allows us to study how much artisanal gold miners earn, and what determines their earnings. In doing so, we assess the financial attractiveness of artisanal mining, and uncover whether earnings from artisanal mining are merit-based, i.e. determined by experience, expertise and risk-taking behavior, or identity-based. This allows us to test the claim that artisanal mining has a social-levelling effect. ispartof: Resources Policy vol:70 status: published

Background: The infant mortality rate in the province of South Kivu remains one of the highest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The aim of this study is to estimate this mortality by identifying the associated factors in the health zones of Walungu and Miti-Murhesa, rural and post-conflict health zones of South Kivu, eastern DR Congo.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two post-conflict rural health zones, Miti-Murhesa and Walungu, between July 2016 and September 2017. Our study population consisted of women giving birth from two aforementioned areas during the period of study in which a structured questionnaire assessing the survival of the child resulting from the previous pregnancy was administered. Qualitative variables were described as counts and proportions and quantitative variables as means or medians depending on their distribution. To determine the factors associated with child survival, simple and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed. The materiality threshold was set at 5%. Results: The infant mortality rate is 49.7 ‰ in the two study areas overall and specifically 52.6 ‰ in Miti-Murhesa and 46.56 ‰ in Walungu. The factors associated with this mortality were the age of the mother under 20 years old [adjusted odds ratio ( ORa) = 2.3, 95% CI : 1.1-4.5 ; p = 0.022], household size greater than or equal to 7 people [( ORa = 3.7 ; 95% CI : 1.9-7.3 ; p Conclusion: Infant mortality in the post-crisis rural area of South Kivu remains high although it is relatively low compared to the national average (58 ‰). However, efforts still need to be made in order to hope to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Background Food insecurity remains a major concern worldwide. In North and South Kivu provinces, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, repeated wars and gender-based violence exacerbate the situation. However, little is known about the determinants of food insecurity in the region. Objective This study analyzed the gendered determinants of food insecurity in North and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a region of ongoing civil conflict. Methods 1754 women were included in a cross-sectional study. Multilevel ordinal logistic regression was used to identify household-level determinants of food insecurity. Results The poorest households were five times more likely to be food insecure (OR = 5.66, 95% CI 3.74–8.55). Women’s participation in decision-making about resource allocation decreased the risk for household food insecurity (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.57–0.87), while higher tolerance to gender-based violence increased the risk of food insecurity (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.05–1.54). Conclusion Involving empowered women in decision-making about resource allocation and actions to reduce gender-based violence could help mitigate food insecurity.

In the South Kivu province of the DR Congo, marshes are considered as favorable lands for various crop productions, and these improve food security and livelihood of thousands of households. We analyzed survey data collected from 148 farmers using a binary logit model and descriptive statistics in order to identify the potential threats to agricultural production, and the coping strategies used by farmers in marshlands. Results showed that 65% of respondents were female, and 76% of all farmers claimed perceiving threats to agricultural production in marshes. The perceived potential threats to agriculture included floods, pest infestation (millipede, fall armyworm), crop theft, and unsecure land-holding status as well as the decrease in soil fertility. Moreover, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also led to the increase in prices of agricultural inputs (pesticides, seeds), and manure that has become increasingly rare and expensive due to the drastic reduction in livestock in that region weakened by several years of civil war and insecurity. In response, farmers were combining several adaptation strategies and these included drainage, mulching, manure application, and crop diversification used by farmers for, respectively, managing floods, maintaining soil fertility, and reducing crop failure. To cope with land scarcity, both female (75%) and male farmers (60%) claimed seeking for lands in highlands and renting extra plots in the same marshes or elsewhere. Despite the strategies implemented, there is still a need to strengthen farmers’ knowledge of flood and pesticide management and promote the integrated pest management practices for a sustainable use of marshlands.

Background: The disruptive effect of protracted socio-political instability and conflict on the health systems is likely to exacerbate inequities in health service utilisation in conflict-recovering contexts. Objective: To examine whether the level of healthcare need is associated with health facility utilisation in post-conflict settings. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among adults with diabetes, hypertension, mothers of infants with acute malnutrition, informal caregivers (of participants with diabetes and hypertension) and helpers of mothers of children acutely malnourished, and randomly selected neighbours in South Kivu province, eastern DR Congo. Healthcare need levels were derived from a combination, summary and categorisation of the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. Health facility utilisation was defined as having utilised in the first resort a health post, a health centre or a hospital as opposed to self-medication, traditional herbs or prayer homes during illness in the past 30 days. We used mixed-effects Poisson regression models with robust variance to identify the factors associated with health facility utilisation. Results: Overall, 82% (n = 413) of the participants (N = 504) utilised modern health facilities. Health facility utilisation likelihood was higher by 27% [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.27; 95% CI: 1.13–1.43; p

Description of the subject. Despite the importance of tomato in Central Africa, little is known about the weed flora occurring in tomato crops in this part of the world. Objectives. We aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the weed flora found in tomato crops in the mountainous region of South Kivu, DR Congo. Method. Floristic inventories were made in four cultivation zones of the Kabare territory, South Kivu. Results. In total, 79 species (belonging to 64 genera and 31 families) were recorded. The most species-rich families were Asteraceae and Poaceae. Therophytes and geophytes were the dominant life forms. Weed diversity was not significantly different between sites but species composition varied considerably, likely in relation to soil type. Based on the frequency and the abundance, the most problematic weeds were Commelina benghalensis, Galinsoga quadriradiata, Commelina diffusa, Galinsoga parviflora, Bidens pilosa, Oxalis debilis and Digitaria velutina.Conclusions. The weed flora in tomato fields of the mountainous regions of DR Congo is diversified, but only a few cosmopolitan species are problematic., Flore adventice de la tomate dans le Sud-Kivu montagneux, RD CongoDescription du sujet. En dépit de l’importance de la culture de tomates en Afrique centrale, peu d’études sur la flore adventice de cette culture y ont été réalisées.Objectifs. Cette étude visait à caractériser la flore adventice des cultures de tomates dans les régions montagneuses du Sud-Kivu, RD Congo. Méthode. Des inventaires floristiques ont été réalisés dans quatre zones de culture du territoire de Kabare, Sud-Kivu.Résultats. Au total, 79 espèces, réparties en 64 genres et 31 familles, ont été inventoriées. Les Asteraceae et les Poaceae constituent les familles les plus diversifiées. La flore est dominée par les thérophytes et les géophytes. La diversité spécifique était comparable entre les zones de culture, mais la composition en espèces y était variable. Sept espèces d’importance agronomique ont été identifiées : Commelina benghalensis, Galinsoga quadriradiata, Commelina diffusa, Galinsoga parviflora, Bidens pilosa, Oxalis debilis and Digitaria velutina.Conclusions. La flore adventice de la tomate dans les régions montagneuses du Sud-Kivu est diversifiée. Néanmoins, les quelques espèces problématiques sont des espèces cosmopolites.

Despite being one of the hotspots for soil erosion in the world, little is known regarding farmer's knowledge of soil erosion in the highlands of South-Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A proper understanding of farmers' knowledge regarding soil erosion and conservation measures is a prerequisite for implementing resilient erosion control measures. The objective of this study was therefore to assess farmers' knowledge of soil erosion, to document existing soil and water conservation (SWC) measures and to identify their adoption constraints in the highlands of South- Kivu. Data were collected using interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire involving 720 respondents from eight watersheds in four territories. Farmers reported eight main erosion indicators. As opposed to gullies (80% of farmers), rills were perceived as important erosion indicators by only 50% of farmers, despite their common occurrence. Farmers were largely unaware of the potential impact of their crops and cropping practices on erosion. Farmers knew about only a limited range of SWC measures, which were perceived to be little to moderately efficient. Furthermore, the average level of adoption was very low (21%). Adoption constraints varied widely depending on the SWC measure. Thus, future interventions need to place much greater emphasis on awareness regarding soil erosion and SWC measures, to strengthen farmers' capacity for experimentation and adaptation to new technologies and finally to create a policy and institutional environment that stimulates widespread adoption of SWC techniques.

Low crop yields are observed in the soils of South Kivu and lead to food insecurity and malnutrition. An experiment was conducted on a ferralsol to determine the optimal dose in both local and improved common bean cultivars (M’Sole and HM-21) and subsequently that which will allow store nutrients not only in the leaves but also in the seeds, the two parts of the plant commonly consumed and sold in the region. Experiments were conducted in a split-plot design with three replications in 2017 and 2018. Observations were focused on growth and yield parameters. N, P, and Fe levels were determined in leaves, roots and seeds. Results showed that common bean yield and its related parameters were influenced by the fertilizer doses and varieties. The biofortified variety (HM-21) presented higher yield than the local (M’Sole). The allocation of N, P and Fe varied from one variety to another; the best concentration was obtained with 51 kg ha−1 of N, P and K which corresponded to 300 kg ha−1 of NPK composite fertiliser. High nutrient concentrations were observed in young (0.23 g kg−1 of N and 51 ppm of Fe), actively growing leaves (0.19 g kg−1 of N and 50 ppm of Fe) and at the end of the growth cycle (0.19 g kg−1 of N and 48 ppm Fe). Thus, grains and leaves of biofortified beans can reduce anemia problems in eastern of DR Congo by increasing yield and nutrient concentrations in grains and leaves by using 300 kg ha−1 on degraded ferralsols of South-Kivu, eastern of DR Congo.

Agricultural extension actors in mountainous South Kivu in eastern DRC have been supporting producer’s increased efforts for decades. The adoption impact is still weak. This study determined and confirms the socio-economic factors for widespread adoption of the bean, cassava, maize and potato intensification technologies in this portion of the country. The qualitative and quantitative data from 360 file Managed were Households in Burhinyi Kabare Kaziba, Luhwinja, and Walungu Chiefdoms. The results of the discriminant factor analysis show that There are factors common to the wide-scale adoption of the use of improved varieties, the use of organic fertilization method, the use of the fertilizer, the fertilization method with GIFS, the use of the tractor thesis oven for crops in mountainous South Kivu.

Sweetpotato is a major food security crop grown in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Its production is however limited due to high prevalence of pests and diseases among other abiotic and biotic factors. A study was designed to aid understanding the knowledge of farmers about pests and their perception about climate variability impacts, as well as documenting the phenology of sweetpotato pests (pest population dynamics) in relationship with weather factors. The paper aimed at determined which climatic factors may be used as best predictors of the different status of pest populations (declines, outbreaks). Farmer based data was obtained using a semi structured questionnaire administered to several of farmers. Population dynamics of sweetpotato pests were monitored year-round from 2005 to 2015 in South Kivu province, eastern DRCongo. Field monitoring (visual counts) observations (population dynamic of different soil-dwelling and surface dwelling arthropods visiting sweetpotato fields) combined with a survey of farmers’ knowledge on sweetpotato pests and their practices in the management of these pests in South- Kivu Province were conducted for 11 years. Monitoring (with field observations and counts) was carried out in fields under different farming practices (monocropping and inter-cropping) in sites located at different altitudes. Similarly, data for climatic factors, for the same period, were collected from Lwiro Research center. Regression models were applied to understand the linkages between environmental factors (rainfall and temperature) and pest population dynamics. The results indicated that different varieties (local and improved ones) of sweetpotato are grown three times (3 seasons) per annum under various cropping systems (sole crop, mixed crops) in various agroecological zones at different altitudes. Various arthropod species visit the crop at its different stages of development including classically known pests (Acraea acerata, Cylas spp.) or as vectors of diseases (Bemisi tabaci, Aphis spp.). The results indicated a high fluctuation in the population density of different pests. The change in the population dynamics were characterized by gradual increase in the populations during rainy seasons followed by decline during dry seasons (hot months of the year). Significant (P

Based on previous complaints and reports from farmers to researchers about potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) problems in South-Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (RDCongo), there was a need to understand farmers′ knowledge of existing insect pest problems and current management practice challenges. Such information is important for designing a suitable intervention and successful integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for the Province. Hence, using a semi-structured questionnaire, a farm household survey was conducted among 300 potato farmers in six sites belonging to 2 territories (Kabare, Kalehe) of South- Kivu Province from June to August 2015. Insect pests, diseases and price fluctuations were among the highest ranked constraints in potato production by farmers. Cutworms (Agrotis spp.), aphids (Myzus persicae Sulzer), and potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller) were the most severe insect pests in medium altitude zones (1600-1950m). Ants (Dorylis orantalis Westwood), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), and leafminer flies (Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard) were the pests of high importance reported from sites of very high altitude (2000-2600m). Major yield losses were mostly attributed to late blight (Phytophthora infestans Mont. de Bary) and or insect pests and reached 65-90% without chemical control in most study sites. On average, farmers had little knowledge about pest characteristics (bio-ecology, behavior,…). Most (71.5%) farmers were not able to correctly identify insect pest species names. Sometimes, two or more species had the same local name. There was a great confusion between damages (attacks) due to pests, diseases and environmental stresses (rains, soil nutrient deficiency) among farmers. Very few (18.5%) farmers interviewed knew with precision some insect pests. Most (80%) farmers did not know what natural enemies of insect pests and IPM were. Seasonal pest outbreak and emerging new pests were phenomenon related to previous long lasting and repetitive civil wars (1995-2016). Farmers (62.8%) perceived that invasion and emergence of new potato pests could be linked to the smoke of bullets, to climate variability and to uncontrolled introduction of new planting materials. There was a confusion between emergency and resurgence of classical pests. In some cases, there was resurgence of classical pests due to resistance to some pesticides. Resistance to pesticide was mainly because farmers were heavily applying pesticides prior to receiving advice from extension workers about wise and safer application of pesticides. The level of severity of potato pest incidence was perceived by farmers as extremely high (68.2%) as compared to the situation 20 years (1995-2016) ago. Current farmers′ main response to controlling pests in potato is to apply hazardous, high toxic insecticides that pollute the environment. The predominant control methods were use of fungicides combined (35.7%) or not (64.4%) to insecticides. Potato production in eastern DRCongo is a pesticide dependent crop, according to farmers. This lack of knowledge about environmentally friendly control methods of pests, called for training of both farmers and extension workers in insect pest identification, collection, biology, behavior, ecology, monitoring and control approaches. Empowering farmers with knowledge about insect pests is essential for the reduction of pesticide misuse and uptake of more environmentally friendly approaches like IPM and related strategies (climate smart and Bt-varieties). Field surveys would need follow-up in order to assess the actual field infestation rates and intensities of each insect pest (determine economic injury threshold per species) and develop warning/alerting methods when there are outbreaks in the potato growing zones of eastern DRCongo. There was a call for breeders to develop new varieties that are biotic- abiotic tolerant and which respond to socioeconomic desire of producers and consumers.

Introduction A middle-aged Congolese man stands in front of one of several of his shambas located deep in the Moyens Plateaux of the DRC’s South Kivu Province. Vibrant green foliage largely dominated by a single plant species, surrounds and almost overwhelms the slight stature of the man. The man holds a wad of cash, intentionally fanned out to the viewer as evidence of the financial benefits the farmer reaps from the production of the crop he currently stands in front of, a calculated answer...

Prospective, community-based surveillance systems for measuring birth, death, and population movement rates may have advantages over the 'gold-standard' retrospective household survey in humanitarian contexts. A community-based, monthly surveillance system was established in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in partnership with a local implementing partner and the national ministry of health. Data were collected on the occurrence of births, deaths, arrivals, and departures over the course of one year, and a retrospective survey was conducted at the end of the period to validate the information. Discrepancies between the two approaches were resolved by a third visit to the households with discordant records. The study found that the surveillance system was superior in terms of its specificity and sensitivity in measuring crude mortality and birth rates as compared to the survey, demonstrating the method's potential to measure accurately important population-level health metrics in an insecure setting in a timely, community-acceptable manner.

This study has been done with the objective of knowing more about the Anopheles evolutions situation at Lwiro-Katana from 1967 up to 2014. On seven species identified in this region, only four were permanent in nine investigations done. The geometric average calculated shows the evolution of 3.152 for Anopheles funestus, 2.867 for An. gambiae, 2.663 for An. demeilloni and 2.441 for An. marshallii. These species share almost the same ecological conditions for their larval development found in different kinds of water. These conditions were created by the anthropisation of the region followed by some activities. The increasing process attests that An. funestus, An. gambiae and An. demeilloni have an increasing tendency while An. marshallii has a decreasing tendency and is likely to approach the 0 level. An. coustani and An. christyi miss the stability development due to the environmental pertubations since 1980 in this environment. An. kingi wasn't identified after 1980. All of these species of anopheles share the same ecological niche and present a scientific interest. The knowledge of their evolution in this area is really very important because it helps to have better vector control. Also three of those mosquitos (An. gambiae, An. funestus and An. marshallii) are the greatest responsible of the killing paludism South of the Sahara.

Introduction In the field of tuberculosis (TB), and particularly in regard to paediatric TB (PedTB), clinical skills of health professionals play an important role in determining quality of care. In an era where novel diagnostic technologies and efficient treatment regimens are being made available for the poorest, we must not divert our attention from the importance of clinical skills, as this deliverable remains the cornerstone of individualized patient care and ultimately the best assurance for optimal use of resources. The aim of our work was to study the epidemiology of PedTB and the determinants of PedTB under-detection in the South-Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a setting with nearly no technical resources allowing to support the clinical diagnosis of PedTB, i.e. chest X-rays, rapid molecular tests or culture laboratories. Methods We collected TB notification data from 2010 to 2015 and analysed the space-time variations in notification for the different forms of TB among the 113 health facilities (HF) the South-Kivu Province, a region with a low HIV incidence. The different forms of TB notified were: smear positive pulmonary TB (SS+PTB), smear negative pulmonary TB (SS-PTB) and extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB). We further analysed the distribution of these different forms of the disease per age group and explored the possibility to predict the detection of PedTB. Results Significant differences were observed between HF in regard to the proportion of paediatric TB and the proportion of SS-TB among adults. We found a strong correlation between the proportion of PedTB and three major factors: the proportion of TB cases with no bacteriological confirmation (SS-TB) among adults, the number of TB cases notified by the HF and the fact that the HF was supported or not by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). The proportion of SS-TB among adults was found to be a valid indicator for predicting the level of detection of PedTB at the same HF. Conclusion Our observations strongly suggest that under-detection of PedTB is associated with insufficient clinical skills and technical resources at the HF level which similarly affects other forms of the disease, in particular SS-TB. We demonstrated that, in the specific context of South-Kivu, under-detection of PedTB can be predicted by a low SS-TB/SS+PTB ratio in the adult population. In the context of severely under-resourced settings, this ratio could be used to rapidly identify HF that should benefit in priority from deeper evaluation, and eventually targeted interventions.

Objective : Banana is ranked first among staple crops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Depending on the agro-ecological conditions, cultivars grown, cultural and socio-economic factors, the use of other banana plant parts other than the fruit pulp, has been widely reported. This has not been documented in this region. This study examined the other household uses of banana in North and South Kivu provinces, eastern DR Congo. Methodology and results : This study was conducted through surveys covering 200 randomly sampled households (with at least 50 banana mats), each in North and South Kivu in the years 2011. Data were collected on the use of different banana parts, other than the fruit pulp, using a structured questionnaire. All the banana parts were found to be useful, though with varying levels of importance. Commonly used parts included the leaves (green/dry), pseudostem and the peels. The corms/rhizomes were the least used parts. The most prevalent uses across plant parts included use for mulch and compost, feed for livestock, construction materials, ropes for tethering small ruminants and play items. A small fraction of the households used male buds for food, feed and medicine. Other uses included extraction of fibre, arts and crafts and use as medicine. Conclusion and application of findings: Culinary and medicinal attributes, use for art and crafts however, look to be underexploited and yet could be of great benefit to resource constrained communities. An in-depth study is recommended especially to verify and understand the culinary and medicinal attributes reported for the different plant parts in the region. Use of the male bud as a vegetable was also reported and could be promoted among communities in the region. The nutrient value of the pseudostem is high and could be promoted as animal feed in this highly populated region to enable zero grazing of small ruminants. Key words: Culinary, medicinal attributes, tethering

Description of the subject. Several ethnobotanical studies have demonstrated links between traditional medicine practices and the ethnicity and geographical location of healers, while many others have concluded the opposite. This study deals with the typology of traditional healers in the mountain region of Kahuzi-Biega. Objectives. The goal is to understand whether the typology of traditional healers is related to their inter-ethnic and inter-zonal differences, based on diseases treated and plants used. Method. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted using the “PSSVV” method. This involved 88 traditional healers recognized as “specialists” in 33 villages adjacent to the forest of Kahuzi-Biega, in DR Congo. Multivariate analysis (clustering, ordination, Mantel test, IndVal) were applied to establish typologies of traditional healers. Results. Multivariate analyses showed that ethnicity and geographical location did not explain the practices and knowledge of healers. However, by using the IndVal method, differences were observed in their degree of specialization. Non-specialized healers (70%) could be distinguished from specialized healers (30%). Two clear groups of specialists emerged; those who treat bone trauma and those who treat obstetric-gynecological complaints. The Mantel correlation test revealed a positive association (r = 0.134, p < 0.05) between the “healers-plants” and “healers-diseases” matrices. This indicates that healers who treat similar diseases use similar herbs. Both typologies have shown their preferences for forest species (81%), especially trees (51%). Conclusions. This exploratory study suggests that traditional healers are characterized based on their specializations. This result helps in creating strategies to preserve local traditional knowledge and apply it to the conservation of species., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

A survey on smallholder livestock production with emphasis on monogastric animals was conducted in 20 villages of seven so-called 'groupements' of South Kivu province in DR Congo, situated along a north to south-west axis with the town of Bukavu in the center. This land adjacent to Lake Kivu is located at elevations ranging around 900- 1900 m asl, experiencing tropical highland climate. A diagnostic survey helped to rapidly obtain in-depth knowledge of constraints and opportunities in this environment. Correspondence analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to investigate the association of production constraints with particular livestock species and to understand the factors that govern the number of livestock that people owned (converted to tropical livestock units [TLU]), respectively. Responses of 112 informants demonstrated that livestock is an integral part of the region's mixed farming systems. Low livestock numbers per household at present reflect the poverty as a consequence of recent violent conflicts. Currently, farmers focus on small livestock, like poultry, swine, cavies (i.e., Guinea pigs) and rabbits. Families keep livestock to accumulate household reserves that are strongly invested in children's education. Major issues of animal husbandry were related to animal diseases and lack of feed resources, particularly in the dry season. Lack of feed or forages were unrelated to a particular livestock species. Livestock holdings depended on animal diversity, location, land size available and respondents' education level. The potential introduction of improved forages is challenged by their dry-season tolerance, compatibility with cropping on small farms; and people's readiness to cultivate forages.

Konzo is an upper motor neuron disease characterized by sudden-onset and irreversible spastic paraparesis occurring in nutritionally compromised people. It is associated with consumption of insufficiently processed cyanogenic-toxic cassava. Cassava, the main caloric source in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been safely consumed for decades in the Eastern Province of South-Kivu. However, in the context of long-lasting war and violent conflicts, cases of spastic paraparesis resembling konzo appeared in a populous area (Burhinyi). Two field surveys (2003 and 2005) identified 41 subjects meeting clinical criteria of konzo and suffering from (chronic) malnutrition. Their urinary thiocyanate concentrations (median 129, range 20-688, SD 146 μg/L), and cyanogen levels (median 20 ppm, range 5-300 ppm, SD 73 ppm) in cassava roots from their household stocks were high. The source of cyanogenic-toxicity was unprocessed fresh cassava roots during harvest period, but probably also insufficiently processed roots. This first report of konzo in South-Kivu concludes that occurrence of konzo was triggered by food shortages because of the longstanding state of insecurity. Contributory factors included the introduction of new varieties of (bitter) cassava, but konzo may actually be caused by a combination of factors that are yet to be understood.

Meat is generally subject to multiple sources of microbial contamination related to the length and complexity of their journey from farm to consumer's table. The purpose of this study is to assess the current hygienic quality level of fresh beef slaughtered in Bukavu urban slaughterhouses, South Kivu to identify the health dangers to consumers. The meat samples were taken from 78 carcasses into three periods: at the slaughterhouse, to the market at the end of the transport position of sale and butchery. Microorganisms were sought following appropriate ISO standards. Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora (FAMT), total coliforms, staphylococcus and other enterobacteria were counted more (p

The problem of education and agricultural productivity has widely been addressed in literature. The Agriculture sector plays a great role of survival in the planet. Many countries found their savings reach the pinnacle because they oriented their investment in agriculture and in education. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the best equipped countries in the world in terms of arable land. However, it remains a country through which the population has a limited food access. This paper shows how education impacts agricultural productivity in South-Kivu. Data used in this article are from survey conducted in November 2016 and completed in June 2017 on 210 small farmers. The main result is that when the education level increases, the tendency of people is to leave the agriculture sector. In other words, the high formal education has a negative influence on agricultural productivity.

The ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is known as one of the worst since World War II because of the number of deaths that have occurred and are still occurring. Since 1998, an estimated 5.4 million people have died (International-Rescue-Committee. Mortality in the democratic republic of the Congo: an ongoing crisis. http://www.rescue.org/sites/default/files/resource-file/2006-7_congoMortalitySurvey.pdf, http://www.rescue.org/sites/default/files/resource-file/2006-7_congoMortalitySurvey.pdf, 2007). As of April 2010, at least 1.8 million people were displaced, a displacement which constituted the fourth largest in the world. 1.4 million of these were displaced in the provinces of North and South Kivu in Eastern DRC, an area that borders Rwanda (HRW. Always on the run: the vicious cycle of displacement in Eastern Congo, September. http://www.hrw.org/reports/2010/09/14/always-run-0, http://www.hrw.org/reports/2010/09/14/always-run-0, 2010). The time has come to understand the factors underneath the chaos to enable us to address the root causes of conflict effectively. This paper seeks to investigate the deeper systemic issues that affect or sustain conflict by focusing on the collective identity and relationship to the land of one specific group, the Banyamulenge of South Kivu.

Sumbi oil is the seed oil of Aporrhiza nitida Gilg (Sapindaceae), a tropical tree growing in the Eastern provinces of the D. R. Congo. Sumbi oil has a very good storage stability and is rather resistant against oxidation, an important advantage for use as an edible oil in a tropical climate. The fatty acid composition, with high levels of 20:0 and 20:1n-9, is typical for a member of the Sapindaceae. Although Aporrhiza is closely related to cyanolipid-containing genera, cyanolipids were not found in this investigation of sumbi oil. However, a careful examination of different accessions seems necessary. The tocopherols consist primarily of γ-tocopherol.

Imagine standing somewhere on the Khyber Pass: a rough mountain route harboring the bustling borderline between Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). In Karkhana bazaar, which straddles the borderline between Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Khyber Agency, tourists and UN agents haggle for cheap alcohol and cannabis resin in the market stalls. Bicycle transporters are carrying boxes of smuggled car parts and electric appliances into Peshawar, meeting their counterparts who are carrying drugs and weapons into the Pakistani FATA. Once in a while a U.S. helicopter hovers overhead, determined to seek and destroy fighting Taliban units, which are constantly crossing the border.1 Imagine now standing on the border in Goma, the Congolese twin town of Rwandan Gisenyi. On the Petite Barriere (“small checkpoint”), a long line of pedestrians crosses this merged city center, like ants on a sugar hill. Women carrying bags of foodstuffs are joined by smugglers transporting minerals from the Congolese mines of North and South Kivu. Their Rwandan counterparts bring petroleum and cement into Congo, along with construction materials and consumer goods from Mombasa and the Far East. Differences in the taxation laws of the two countries lead to widespread smuggling. Some goods are even unofficially reexported into Rwanda to avoid consumer taxes. The military on both sides watches these operations with a lazy eye, taking bribes and occasionally stopping traffic.2

En ethnobotanique, des aspects comme l’influence de l’accessibilité d’une plante sur sa fréquence d’usage, le consensus entre les tradipraticiens autour des rela- tions maladie-plante ainsi que le degré de fidélité d’une plante à une catégorie de maladies sont essentiels pour évaluer une tradition médicinale ; mais ils sont d’une interprétation difficile. Nous avons exploré ces aspects dans cette étude basée sur des entretiens semi-structurés avec 88 tradi- praticiens issus des communautés Batwa, Havu, Shi et Tembo dans les localités situées à proximité de la forêt de montagne du Parc national de Kahuzi-Biega, en pro- vince du Sud-Kivu, à l’Est de la République démocratique du Congo. Il s’avère que 77 espèces végétales sont utilisées pour traiter les pathologies regroupées dans 18 catégories de maladies, dont les plus fré- quentes sont les troubles digestifs et les infections. Lesfeuilles et les écorces sont les parties les plus utilisées dans les recettes majoritairement monoplantes et principa- lement préparées en solutions aqueuses. Bien que la corrélation entre l’accessibilité des plantes et leurs fréquences d’usage soit positive (H = 17,64 ; p < 0,001), certaines plantes forestières pourtant moins acces- sibles connaissent des fréquences d’usage particulièrement élevées. Le facteur de consensus des tradipraticiens est globale- ment élevé, particulièrement pour les caté- gories de troubles musculo-squelettiques (= 0,83) et les infections (= 0,80). Toutes les catégories de maladies fidélisent au moins une plante malgré les taux globalement faibles. Bien qu’exploratoires, nos résultats suggèrent un certain ancrage d’une tradi- tion médicinale au sein de communautés locales de la région. Cet ancrage suppose une bonne connaissance des plantes médicinales, une transmission intergénéra- tionnelle des savoirs ainsi qu’une certaine collaboration entre les tradipraticiens. Plus d’études sont nécessaires pour évaluer davantage ces différents aspects.

The dominant discourse on mineral resources and local livelihoods in the DRC emphasises people’s constraints. For most, the exploitation of mineral riches does not contribute to improved livelihoods; small diggers are forced by master traders and/or armed groups to work in the mines, with the profits from mineral exploitation and trade flowing to criminal networks (Global Witness, 2004, 2005, 2009; Pole Institute and International Alert, 2004; Human Rights Watch, 2005; NiZA, 2006; Prendergast and Lezhnev, 2009; Enough, 2009; Sullivan and Atama, 2010). This discourse, accepted in international policy circles and by the media, fails to grasp the more complex local realities. This chapter offers an agency perspective, focusing on people’s opportunities and the way they deal with them. Agency-oriented sociologists view human beings as social agents capable of solving problems, taking decisions and intervening in the social world around them. Therefore, ‘the notion of agency attributes to the individual actor a capacity to process social experience and to devise ways of coping with life, even under the most extreme forms of coercion’ (Long, 2001: 16).

The traditional phytotherapy of the lay population from the Bushi area has been surveyed from 1980 to 1990. A new record of 170 medicinal plants species representing 139 genera and 68 families has been made. Details regarding the preparation and administration of plant drugs are given.