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The impact of inequality and technology on access to online education has received tremendous attention within the past two decades from researchers across the globe. What remains under-researched is the knowledge of how shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic affect access to online education. The main objective of the study was to examine inequality in accessing online education in the context of a crisis in a developing region. A mixed-method approach was used to collect and analyze online survey data based on 393 undergraduate students from six countries in Southern Africa. Both observable and hidden inequality sources such as income and participation in household chores compromise the quality of online education. A shift from face-to-face teaching to online education is likely to result in learning difficulties and deterioration in the quality of education. Policies such as the provision of free data improve the learning experience by reducing inequality. Therefore, decision-makers should take into consideration inequality in designing policies and strategies during a crisis.

The importance of food security and nourishment is recognized in Southern African region and in many communities, globally. However, the attainment of food security in Southern African countries is affected by many factors, including adverse environmental conditions, pests and diseases. Scientists have been insistently looking for innovative strategies to optimize crop production and combat challenges militating against attainment of food security. In agriculture, strategies of increasing crop production include but not limited to improved crop varieties, farming practices, extension services, irrigation services, mechanization, information technology, use of fertilizers and agrochemicals. Equally important is genetic modification (GM) technology, which brings new prospects in addressing food security problems. Nonetheless, since the introduction of genetically modified crops (GMOs) three decades ago, it has been a topic of public discourse across the globe, conspicuously so in Southern African region. This is regardless of the evidence that planting GMOs positively influenced farmer’s incomes, economic access to food and increased tolerance of crops to various biotic and abiotic stresses. This paper looks at the issues surrounding GMOs adoption in Southern Africa and lack thereof, the discourse, and its potential in contributing to the attainment of food security for the present as well as future generations.

The current study was designed to evaluate the potential impact of the level of regulation on the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial agent resistance in bacteria isolated from fish. The study sites included two large lakes and both semiregulated and unregulated fish value chains. A total of 328 bacterial isolates belonging to 11 genera were evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method. The bacterial species were tested against 12 different antibiotics (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, ampicillin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, amoxicillin, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, cefuroxime, and kanamycin). Data analysis was done to assess the heterogeneity in proportion of resistant bacterial species within and between the two value chains using a random-effects model proposed by DerSimonian and Laird (Control Clin Trials 7:177–188, 1986). Statistical heterogeneity within and between groups was estimated using the Cochran chi-square test and the Cochrane I(2) index. The overall proportion of bacterial species resistant to antimicrobial agents in semiregulated and unregulated value chains ranged from 0.00 to 0.88 and 0.09 to 0.95, respectively. Shigella spp. had the highest proportion of bacteria that were resistant to most of the antimicrobial agents used. The bacterial species were highly resistant to ampicillin and amoxicillin, and the highest multidrug resistance capacity was observed in Shigella spp. (18.3%, n = 328), Vibrio spp. (18.3%), and Listeria monocytogenes (12.2%). We observed strong heterogeneity within and between the two value chains regarding proportion of resistant bacterial species. Sun-dried fish in both value chains had significantly high proportions of resistant bacterial species. Comparing the two value chains, the unregulated value chain had a significantly higher proportion of bacterial species that were resistant. In order to mitigate the risk of transmitting antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to consumers along the fish value chain, good manufacturing practices coupled with identification and management of possible sources of contamination are recommended for fish and potentially other foods distributed along the less regulated value chains. IMPORTANCE In order to mitigate the risk of transmitting antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to consumers along the fish value chain, good manufacturing practices coupled with identification and management of possible sources of contamination are recommended for fish and potentially other foods distributed along the less regulated value chains.

The monitoring of aquatic ecosystems including important rivers, often limited in the African setting, is essential for the sustainable provision of aquatic resources. Mohokare River, a major tributary of the Senqu-Orange River, is under threat of pollution from Maseru City, the most industrialised area in Lesotho. This study investigated the impact of Maseru City on Mohokare River by assessing the situational physico-chemical, biochemical and microbiological quality of the river. The study employed standard methods to assess nitrate and phosphate concentrations, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, turbidity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen content, biochemical oxygen demand and coliforms. Overall, all water quality indicators, except pH, changed significantly along the river. Turbidity, phosphate and coliforms were above the expected levels. The findings indicate that the water quality is affected by anthropogenic activities associated with industries, agriculture and settlements of the Maseru City. Water from the assessed segment and downstream of the river can be a potential threat to human health, animals and aquatic life. To protect the ecosystem integrity of Mohokare River, the implementation of environmental policies should be strengthened. This study can provide valuable information to municipal water providers in the riparian communities, policy makers, aquatic ecosystem researchers and public health researchers. Keywords: Anthropogenic activities, Coliform, Contaminant, Maseru, Pollution, Water quality

This study was conducted to estimate the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) risk associated with consumption of producer-distributor bulk milk (PDBM) contaminated with Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in South Africa. Data were obtained from recently completed studies in South Africa taking into account prior collected prevalence data of STEC in raw and pasteurized PDBM and survey information from producer-distributor outlets and households. Inputs for the models were complemented with data from published and unpublished literature. A probabilistic exposure model was developed with Monte Carlo simulation in Excel add-in software using @Risk software. Hazard characterization was based on an exponential dose-response model to calculate the probability of illness from STEC infection in individuals 5 years and younger and individuals older than 5 years. The estimated mean STEC level was 0.12 CFU/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0 to 1.2; r ¼ 0.34) for raw PDBM and 0.08 CFU/mL (95% CI: 0 to 1; r ¼ 0.27) for pasteurized PDBM. A higher risk of HUS cases per year was recorded in raw than in pasteurized PDBM and also in individuals younger than 5 years of age. For every 100,000 servings consumed, the expected median numbers of HUS cases per year from raw PDBM were 52 for 5 years and younger and 3.2 for older than 5 years. The median numbers of cases per year for pasteurized PDBM were 47 for 5 years and younger and 2.9 for older than 5 years. Sensitivity analysis revealed that serving volume and time taken to sell PDBM at producer-distributor outlets were the factors with the greatest impact on probability of illness. The models developed in this study are an example of risk assessments for milk produced and marketed from similar scenarios across the globe.

We investigated for virulence genes ( stx1 , stx2 and hlyA ), serotypes and extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing capacity in O157 and non-O157 Escherichia coli isolated from producer-distributor bulk milk (PDBM). Fifteen different E. coli O-serogroups were observed from the isolates (n = 121). The prevalence of stx1 and stx2 genes among the E. coli isolates was 8.3% and 11.6%, respectively, while 5.8% harboured both stx1 and stx2 . Four E. coli isolates (3.3%) had ESBLs producing capacity, resisted multiple cephalosporins and aztreonam, and carried stx genes. Cluster analysis using GTG 5 finger printing revealed a diversity of E. coli seropathotypes in PDBM that are known to be associated with human diarrhoeal diseases. These results highlight a potential risk posed on human health by the consumption of PDBM contaminated with pathogenic E. coli . A further quantitative risk assessment of the impact of pathogenic E. coli contamination in PDBM on human health is therefore recommended.

The current study was undertaken to characterize Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae in raw and pasteurized producer-distributor bulk milk (PDBM). A total of 258 samples were collected from purchase points in 8 provinces in South Africa. The samples were tested for antibiotic residues, phosphatase, total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and E. coli counts. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for identification of isolates. Escherichia coli isolates were characterized for virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance, serotypes, and presumptive E. coli O157:H7. Antibiotic residues and alkaline phosphatase were detected in 2% of both raw and pasteurized PDBM (n=258) and 21% pasteurized PDBM (n=104) samples, respectively. A total of 729 isolates belonging to 21 genera and 59 species were identified. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Raoultella ornithinolytica were the most abundant species. Spoilage Enterobacteriaceae species exceeded 50% of the total isolates. Escherichia coli was detected and isolated from 36% of the milk samples. Thirty-one E. coli isolates harbored virulence genes stx1/stx2 and 38% (n=121) were presumptive O157:H7. The prevalence of samples with presumptive shigatoxin producing E. coli was 10%. Antimicrobial-resistant E. coli isolates were detected in 70% of the milk samples with 36% of stx1/stx2 positive E. coli showing multi-drug resistance. Information obtained from the study will be used for modeling the public health risk posed by milkborne pathogens in PDBM, which in many cases is consumed by poor and vulnerable members of the population.

The objective of this study was to estimate the risk associated with staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) exposure from the consumption of Nile tilapia supplied through the semi-regulated and unregulated value chain in Kenya. The fish supply chain was modeled from landing to consumption of unprocessed (fresh) and processed (salted and sun dried, smoked, filleted) fish. Data related to prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in fish, taking into account survey information on handling, storage, processing and consumption of Nile tilapia were collected from recently completed studies in Kenya. Other model inputs were complemented with data from published and unpublished literature. A probabilistic exposure model was developed with Monte Carlo simulation in Excel add-in software using @Risk software. The simulated levels of S. aureus in fish after handling and storage of salted and sun dried and smoked fish ranged between 4 log CFU/g and 9.01 log CFU/g (maximum population density), while in fillet, levels of S. aureus following growth during display at retail shops was between 3.10 log CFU/g (5% percentile) and 9.01 log CFU/g (95% percentile). Estimated SE dose per-serving in fish supplied after processing was significantly higher (p

This chapter examines the challenges to 21st century content preparation and pedagogy from the perspective of teaching professionals from different African countries: Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Specifically, the chapter explores the views and experiences of the participants during and after teacher preparation programs. Findings reveal common challenges, specific 21st century skills that are overlooked, and those not yet fully integrated in teacher preparation programs. The chapter offers suggestions for improvement based on the views of participants, research-based literature review, and best practices in teacher preparation programs.

In this study, the effectiveness of different pre-treatment methods for the breakings of seed dormancy in Berchemia discolour Hemsley seeds was assessed. Viable seeds were randomly sampled and subjected to different pre-treatment methods which include filing, soaking in 98% concentrated sulphuric acid, pre-chilling and boiling. For each treatment, ten seeds were used and three replications were done for each treatment. The investigation revealed that filing enhances seed germination and seed dormancy is likely due to the hard seed coat which has to be weakened or broken gently to avoid embryo damage, thus facilitating germination. Although, filing caused seeds to germinate, the mean germination rate of 13.3% that was achieved is too low to make this investigation conclusive. Further studies similar to this are recommended to improve the germination rate to higher than 30%. Key words: Dormancy, filing, germination, pre-chilling, pre-treatment.

Waste management remains a matter of concern even in the most industrialized countries. The symbiotic relationship between industrialization and population growth on one hand and waste generation on the other hand, is undeniable. In developing counties the scourge of waste management has reached endemic levels; and only innovative and economic ways of waste management can serve as a sustainable solution. Municipalities and local authorities in developing countries spent in the order of 30% of their budgets on waste management, yet their efforts yield no salient fruits as random dumping, burning and illegal land filling remain dominant. The accompanying health and environmental hazards can never be over-emphasized. Research works, past and present, continue to reveal the possibility of turning waste into valuable raw material inputs to suitably identified products and processes. This paper focuses on reviewing the waste management situation in Lesotho, using Maseru city as base line, and results of research works on incorporation of waste materials in clay brick manufacture. Clay brick making is a key industry in Review Article Hapazari et al.; BJAST, 8(2): 148-161, 2015; Article no.BJAST.2015.193 149 Lesotho accompanying environmental issues notwithstanding. Suffice to say, a deliberate attempt has been made to streamline the attention towards those waste materials known to be available or generate in Lesotho in significantly large quantities.

This paper describes the traditional methods of preparing fermented foods and beverages of Lesotho. Information on the preparation methods was obtained through a combination of literature review and face to face interviews with respondents from Roma in Lesotho. An unstructured questionnaire was used to capture information on the processes, raw materials and utensils used. Four products; motoho (a fermented porridge), Sesotho (a sorghum based alcoholic beverage), hopose (sorghum fermented beer with added hops) and mafi (spontaneously fermented milk), were found to be the main fermented foods prepared and consumed at household level in Lesotho. Motoho is a thin gruel, popular as refreshing beverage as well as a weaning food. Sesotho is sorghum based alcoholic beverage prepared for household consumption as well as for sale. It is consumed in the actively fermenting state. Mafi is the name given to spontaneously fermented milk with a thick consistency. Little research has been done on the technological aspects, including the microbiological and biochemical characteristics of fermented foods in Lesotho. Some of the traditional aspects of the preparation methods, such as use of earthenware pots, are being replaced, and modern equipment including plastic utensils are being used. There is need for further systematic studies on the microbiological and biochemical characteristics of these these products.