Technological Impact on the Quality of Palm Oil from Burundi: Elaeis guineensis, Variety of Dura and Tenera

The objective of this study is to determine the factors responsible for the acidification of Burundi palm oils. The investigation of the duration of fermentation of palm fruits performed among artisanal producers found that more than 89% of producers from commune of Rumonge ferment for more than 5 days while more than 61% of those from commune of Mutimbuzi ferment for 4 days. The determination of acid value using the method of ISO 660:2009 showed that Dura and Tenera varieties fermented for 4 days had respectively 5.9 ± 2.3 and 5.8 ± 1.8 mg of KOH/g of oil for clustered fruits, 7.03 ± 3.4 and 7.02 ± 3.2 mg of KOH/g for destemmed fruits. After 8 days, the acid values of Dura and Tenera varieties obtained were respectively 10.9 ± 4.7 and 12.5 ± 5.4 mg KOH/g for clustered fruits, 12.5 ± 5.4 and 12.5 ± 4.1 mg KOH/g for destemmed fruits. No significant difference was recorded between varieties. On the other hand, a highly significant difference at p < 0.05 was obtained between fruits fermented in the open air (e.g. around the foot of the oil palm, FFOA), in a shed when the fruits were not covered (SFNC) and in a shed when the fruits were covered by branches or straw (SFC). At 8 days of fermentation, the acid values of FFOA, SFNC and SFC were 9.1 ± 0.7 < 12.6 ± 0.8 < 17.7 ± 1.4 for destemmed fruit and 9.1 ± 0.7 < 13.2 ± 1.3 < 13.2 ± 3.2 for clustered fruit, respectively. In light of these results, the acidity of Rumonge palm oil is probably due to the long fermentation time and the technique of covering the fruits during fermentation. These results will allow producers to extract good quality oil and consequently improve the health of consumers.

Management of Severely Malnourished Children Aged 6 - 59 Months Hospitalized in the Pediatric Ward of Kayanza Hospital/Burundi

The implementation of WHO guidelines has significantly reduced hospital mortality due to severe malnutrition. Nevertheless, severe acute malnutrition in children under five remains a major public health problem in all low-income countries and is little studied. The study aimed to assess the nutritional status and quality of management of severe acute malnutrition in children aged 06 to 59 months hospitalized in the pediatric ward of Kayanza Hospital. This is a prospective study with descriptive and analytical aims over 6 months from February 10 to July 9, 2023. All children aged 6 to 59 months admitted for severe acute malnutrition are included in this study. The results show that the most affected age group is 12 to 23 months (42.55%). Marasmus is the most common clinical form, at 70.2%. Housewives and mothers from rural areas are the most affected, with rates ranging from 69.14% to 91.49%. The study shows that the reasons for consultation are respectively: edema (29.78%), diarrhea (26.59%), vomiting (19.14%), and fever (14.89%). Dehydration and hypothermia were the main complications observed in 45.74% and 22.34% respectively. Medical treatment was provided by antibiotics (44.68%), artesunate (31.91%), and resomal (21.27%). Nutritional treatment consisted of F75 100% milk and F100 100% milk. Pathologies observed were: anemia 38.29%, malaria 37.23%, urinary tract infection 12.7%, measles 11.7%. The national protocol for integrated management of acute malnutrition (PCIMA) was followed. This study shows that 72.3% of children were successfully treated, with 9.5% dropping out and dying, and 8.5% not responding. We found that malnutrition remains a public health problem, affecting mostly children aged 12 to 24 months. The main complications or pathologies associated with malnutrition are diarrhea, malaria, and fever, and the majority of children suffer from marasmus.

Predicting Malaria Dynamics in Burundi Using Deep Learning Models

Malaria continues to be a major public health problem on the African continent, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa despite the ongoing efforts and significant progress that has been made. In the case of Burundi, malaria remains a major public health concern in the general population. In the literature, there are limited malaria prediction models for Burundi knowing that such tools are much needed for intervention design. In this study, deep-learning models are built to estimate malaria cases in Burundi. The forecast of malaria cases was carried out both at the provincial and national levels. Long short term memory (LSTM) model, a type of deep learning model, has been used to achieve best results using climate-change related factors such as temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, together with malaria historical data and human population. With this model, the results showed that different parameter tuning can be used to determine the minimum and maximum expected malaria cases. The univariate version of that model (LSTM), which learns from previous dynamics of malaria cases, gives more precise estimates, but both univariate and multivariate models have the same overall trends at the province level and country level.

Current Status of Rice Production in Burundi and Its Development Strategies

Burundi, a landlocked country locked near the equator, is one of the least developed countries confirmed by the United Nations and the 60% financial revenue needs aid. Rice is the most important and extravagant food in Burundian consumption for no more than 5 kg on average per people by year. It＇s especially suitable to plant rice in Burundi because of the sufficient sunlight and rain. But the lack of new varieties, practical technology and modern service make it very difficult for rice production. According to this significant roll, the rice production has to be increased in order to satisfy the consumption needs which are now becoming higher and keep the food safe. This article mainly shows the rice ecological types, production facts and the major constraints of rice production in Burundi, and then look into the distance on how to solve the problems.

Properties of Basic Soils in Different Types and Improvements and Uses in Burundi

SoiI in Africa is one of the most infertiIe soiIs on the earth. With soiIs in Burundi as study objects, the soiI-forming conditions, the properties of basic soiI types, and soiI improvement were discussed, which provides a reference for the decision maker and the rational deveIopment and utiIization of soiI in Burundi.

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Climate Change Impact on Future Wind Power Potential in Burundi (East Africa)

This paper assessed climate change impact on future wind power potential across highlands and western lowlands of Burundi. Hourly observed and MERRA-2 data were considered for the historical period 1980-2016, and a Multi-model ensemble for future projections data of eight selected Regional Climate Models under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 over the periods 2019-2040 and 2071-2100 was used. Variability and trend analysis were adopted using standardized index and Mann-Kendall’s test, respectively while wind power density (WPD) in quartiles was adopted for changes distribution. As results, diurnal wind speeds (WS) were higher from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, while monthly wind speeds reached the maximum during summer time. An increasing trend in WPD was detected all over the studied area. Over the period 2019-2040, the lowest WPD change is projected at Northern Highlands (NHL) under RCP 4.5 with 28.04 W·m&#8722;2 while the highest WPD change of 47.35 W·m&#8722;2 is projected under RCP 8.5 at Southern Imbo plain (SIP). As for the period 2071-2100, the highest change is expected at SIP under RCP 8.5 with 152.39 W·m&#8722;2 while the minimum change of 83.96 W·m&#8722;2 is projected under RCP 4.5 at NHL. The findings showed that areas nearby the Lake Tanganyika are expected to have high positive WDP changes.

Effects of Soil Testing and Formulated Fertilization on Yield and Economic Benefit of Major Crops in Burundi

[Objectives]The purpose of this study was to provide technical support for high-yield cultivation of major crops in Burundi,thereby increasing local farmers'income and promoting sustainable development of agriculture in Burundi.[Methods]In the IMBO and MOSO test stations of the Burundi Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Burundi Fruit and Vegetable Extension and Service Center,soil testing and formulated fertilization test and demonstration was carried out in rice,maize and cabbage.The test set up three treatments,soil testing and formulated fertilization(STFF),local routine fertilization(RF)and non-fertilization(CK)to investigate the effects of soil testing and formulated fertilization on the yield and economic benefit of the crops.[Results]In the plot test,the yield and net economic benefit of rice,maize and cabbage were both highest in the STFF treatment.Compared with those in the RF treatment,the yield of rice,maize and cabbage increased by 19.0%,25.7%and 33.0%,respectively,and the net economic benefit increased by 4292,2837 and 8232 yuan/ha,respectively.In the field test,the yield and net economic benefit of rice,maize and cabbage were also both highest in the STFF treatment.The yield increased by 18.1%,24.3%and 25.9%,respectively,and the net economic benefit increased by 4142,2881 and 8665 yuan/ha,respectively compared with those in the RF treatment.[Conclusions]Soil testing and formulated fertilization not only increased rice,maize and cabbage yield per unit area,but also increased farmers'income in Burundi.It is one of the important technical measures to promote the increase of agricultural production and income in Burundi.

Geodetic Datum Transformation Parameters towards WGS84 Applicable to the 1/50k Topographical Map (1981) of Burundi

The knowledge of the geodetic reference datum of maps or data is required for their use in a GIS. Many older maps are lacking this information, making their use cumbersome. The availability of an aerial coverage at high resolution of Burundi and digital elevation model, based on a novel geodetic network, all calculated on the WGS84 datum, allows to calculate the datum applicable to older maps, for instance the regular 1/50k map of the country. The method, based on the difference in geocentric coordinates between points common to the two systems, yields: Δx = -156.71 ± 10.2 m, .Δy = -3.26 ± 13.2 m, .Δz = -290.77 ± 21.06 m, well in keeping with older values proposed by the NGA.

Resurrection of the genus Botrydium Spach(Chenopodiaceae),with a description of four new species from China,Peru and Burundi

Based on specimens from twenty-one herbaria from China and USA,as well as observations using SEM,the genus Botrydium is resurrected as Neobotrydium.It has a number of distinctive characters:the plants are covered with granular hairs and granulated globular gland-grains,strong smell,and dichasia.Neobotrydium is removed from Chenopodium.The differences between Neobotrydium and Chenopodium,as well as circumscriptions of five glandular genera,Neobotrydium,Cycloloma,Roubieva,Ambrina,and Dysphania are discussed.Neobotrydium comprises twenty species which occur in Asia,Europe,North Africa,North America to Northwest of South America and Australia.Four new species are described:Neobotrydium corniculatum and Neobotrydium ornithopodum from China,Neobotrydium peruensis from South America,and Neobotrydium burundiensis from Africa.A diagnostic key is presented.

GIS-Based Model for Mapping Malaria Risk under Climate Change Case Study: Burundi

Malaria is one of the largest problems threatening global public health that is expected to increase in the future under climate change due to associated warming and wetter conditions. This will exacerbate disease burden in Burundi as one of sub-Saharan African countries, where 2 million cases of malaria were reported in 2015. This highlights the need for developing a methodology for mapping malaria risk under climate change and delineating those regions that may potentially experience malaria epidemics in the future. Malaria transmission and distribution are generally determined by a wide range of climatic, topographic and socioeconomic factors. The paper in hand is intended to map malaria risk in Burundi under climate change up to 2050. For this purpose, a GIS-based model was developed for mapping malaria as a function of various climatic and topographic determinants of malaria. The developed GIS-model was used in mapping malaria risk under current climatic conditions. Thereafter, the produced risk map was validated compared to malaria morbidity data in Burundi at health district level. Finally, the GIS-model was applied to map malaria risk in the future under RCPs 2.6 and 8.5 scenarios up to 2050. It was found that about 34.6% and 44% of Burundi land surface will be highly vulnerable to malaria risk by 2050 under RCPs 2.6 and 8.5 scenario, respectively. Also, it was noted that such highly vulnerable areas are distributed mainly in northern parts of the country. The suggested GIS-based model for mapping malaria risk under climate change can contribute largely to more informed decision-making and policy making process in terms of planning for intervention and control malaria risk. This in turn can support reducing disease burden and improving resilience to climate change.

Response of Seasonal Vegetation Dynamics to Climatic Constraints in Northeastern Burundi

The climate crises in East Africa (EA), particularly in Burundi, have affected vegetation which, in turn, plays a key role in the climate system by modifying the terrestrial water and energy balance. Consequently, it is vital to understand vegetation dynamics and its response to current and projected climate conditions to support the design of climate resilient land management strategies. The objective of this study was to study the dynamics of vegetation cover over the Northeastern Burundi (NEB) in response to climatic constraints. The methodology used consisted of the interpretation of satellite images along with the analysis of data collected through rain-gauge stations. The data sets used include time series composite moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data collected between February 2000 and December 2017;long term (1986-2017) rainfall data acquired from two meteorological stations throughout the Northeastern provinces in Burundi and precipitation and mean temperature data (1986-2017) from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) and ERA5 Daily aggregates for the study area. The study provides an assessment of the vegetation trends in NEB using the NDVI time series. In addition, regression analysis is applied to assess the relations between NDVI and precipitation, air temperature, potential evapotranspiration, as well as with growing season characteristics (onset, cessation, and length). Results show that the rate in vegetation productivity is persistently gradual between 2000 and 2011 despite fluctuations from the mean position, followed by a lower growth rate over the period 2011-2017. There has been trend variation in precipitation, neither the temperature was constant. The temperature over the region has increased while the precipitation has decreased. The onset of the growing season and air temperature also show a significant influence on seasonal vegetation dynamics in the region. Drought-induced plant stress observed at the onset of the rainy season was the most important contributor to the subsequent less greening of vegetation especially over the area near the northern lakes.

Adaptability Evaluation and Annual Production Model of Chinese Vegetable Varieties in Burundi

Burundi is one of the least developed countries identified by the United Nations.Vegetable is the main crop in Burundi,but the variety is relatively simple and the planting level is low.Making use of the rich vegetable varieties and advanced cultivation techniques in China,the adaptability evaluation of new vegetable varieties in China was jointly carried out in Burundi to screen the vegetable varieties suitable for local cultivation.The purpose of this paper is to study the integration of high-yield cultivation techniques and annual production model to improve the level of vegetable cultivation in Burundi.From 2009 to 2015,our unit,together with the Burundian Fruit and Vegetable Promotion Center,carried out screening experiments on 144 vegetable varieties,such as tomato,balsam pear,chieh-qua,wax gourd,and cabbage.Through the methods of preliminary screening and experimental screening,the vegetable varieties suitable for planting in Burundi were selected,and the cultivation techniques of some main vegetable varieties were studied.The demonstration new varieties and new techniques were integrated to verify the high-yield cultivation techniques in the field.In 2009,18 varieties suitable for local planting were selected from 96 vegetable varieties.In 2010,40 vegetable varieties were selected for screening test,and 9 varieties suitable for planting in Burundi were selected.In 2011,27 vegetable varieties selected in 2009 and 2010 were further evaluated for adaptability,and 13 vegetable varieties with high yield,strong resistance and good marketability were selected.Among them,there were 5 melon vegetables,3 solanaceous fruit vegetables,1 legume vegetables and 4 leafy vegetables.The cultivation techniques of some vegetable varieties were studied from 2011 to 2012,and the key points of cultivation techniques of chieh-qua and other vegetable varieties were clarified.According to the ecological characteristics of two main vegetable producing areas(the plateau and plain areas of Burundi),six sets of annual production and cropping arrangement plans covering melons,leafy vegetables,solanaceous fruits,beans and other vegetables were put forward,and the annual production model of multiple cropping and three-dimensional cultivation was integrated.From 2014 to 2015,according to the previous test results and market demand,8 vegetable varieties were selected for Burundi to carry out screening experiments.4 varieties with good yield and adaptability were selected for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015.The integrated demonstration and effect verification of some selected vegetable varieties and cultivation techniques were carried out from 2015 to 2016,and the comprehensive advantages such as field yield and economic benefit were obvious.In this study,the adaptability of Chinese vegetable varieties in Burundi was evaluated,and 17 vegetable varieties suitable for local production were selected,including 5 melon vegetables,5 solanaceous fruit vegetables,1 legume vegetables and 6 leafy vegetables.This paper studies the integrated cultivation techniques and annual production model with obvious advantages in yield and benefit,which plays an important role in improving the planting level and benefit of vegetables in Burundi.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Viral Hepatitis C among Burundian Population during a Screening Campaign: A Cross-Sectional Study Carried out in Burundi

Approximately 180 million people worldwide are affected by Viral hepatitis C, with 350,000 to 500,000 deaths yearly. The present study sought to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of viral hepatitis C (VHC) among the Burundian population during a screening campaign. A total of 629 participants took part in the study, and the prevalence of viral hepatitis C was (8.11%). The associated factors identified as statistically associated were medical and surgical history (P = 0.02) and ear and nose piercing (P = 0.01). 51% of the infected persons were females. The mean age for viral hepatitis C carriage was 46.13 ± 14.3 years and 10.40% of viral hepatitis C carriers were over 50 years old. We found a high viral hepatitis C prevalence in married (9.55%) and divorced (9.38%) participants. The majority of our participants were farmers (60.25%) with a prevalence of viral hepatitis C (7.92%) while 11.54% of the infected participants were not educated. In conclusion, the current study shows a high prevalence of Viral Hepatitis C infection in Burundi. Infection was more likely to occur in older, married, farmer, and illiterates. Unsafe medical and surgical interventions with traditional practitioners were significant risk factors for contracting VHC infection.

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Associated Factors in Infants Aged 6 to 23 Months in Rural Burundi

This study was carried out in the Health districts of Kayanza and Gahombo. Its aim was to assess the nutritional status and associated factors of infants aged between 6 and 23 months. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the health centers of the action zone during medical consultations in community medicine from 13 to 22 February 2023. For this purpose, 53.0% of a sample of 398 mothers of infants aged 6 - 23 months were male, and the most represented age group was 12 - 23 months with 53.8%. Mothers were asked about the diet of their children. All the children involved in this study were vaccinated, whereas 99.2% were given vitamin A supplements. The most frequent illnesses in this age group were acute respiratory infection (ARI) (73.4%), fever (66.6%), diarrhea (53.8%), and vomiting (40.5%). Analysis of nutritional status showed that infants had severe (8.3%) and moderate (70.4%) acute malnutrition. Factors associated with infant nutritional status comprised the occupation of mother (P = 0.009), level of education of mother (P = 0.0625), and prolonged diarrhea (P = 0.004). To remedy this problem, concrete nutritional and educational interventions are needed to promote optimal infant nutrition during the first two years of life.

Characteristics, Constraints and Perspectives of the Fish Farming in Burundi

The fish farming was introduced in Burundi in about 1950s. Actually, several fish ponds were abandoned and many others were still unproductive. This study aims to present current state and perspectives of the fish farming for its real contribution to the socio-economic development. The results presented are compilation of physical and chemical parameters series measured in fish ponds and inquiries led in 2010-2014 to the fish farmers in seven provinces （40% of the total area of the country）. Weak values of some physical and chemical parameters showed that the majority of ponds are badly maintained. Thus, the dissolved oxygen values varied between 0.2 mg/L and 3.5 mg/L. The high relinquishment rate of the fish fanning （between 40% and 67% according to the provinces） could be explained by many constraints： no centers of fish farming breeding for various fish species and no production center of complete foods with local sub-products. About 75% of fish famers confirmed that they have never benefited framing in fish fanning. In spite of the diverse constraints, Burundi has a dense rivers system with favorable physical and chemical parameters and many appropriate sites for the fish farming. Thus, the main suggestions concern the sector reorganization.

Evaluation of the Regulation of Antibiotics Consumption in Bujumbura, Burundi

Abstract： Background： Antibiotic self-medication is highly prevalent in the developing countries. The objective of the study was to evaluate self-medication with antibiotics and the regulation of antibiotics consumption in the private and public pharmacies of the urban area of Bujumbura. Methods： A cross sectional study using self-administered questionnaire was conducted in private and public pharmacies of Bujumbura. 460 clients were randomly chosen and 32 sellers randomly selected from January to September 2015 and interviewed. Results： Of the 460 participants, 186 （40.43%） practiced self-medication to antibiotics. The average age was 34.89 years. Abdominal pain was the first motivation to practice self-medication （20.8%）. Amoxicillin was the antibiotic most commonly used （47.3%）. Inaccessibility to health care facilities due to the lack of financial resources was cited to be the root of this phenomenon （62%） and these antibiotics were mostly acquired from community pharmacies without prescriptions （84.4%）. Conclusions： The high cost of care and the low level ofstudy of the patients are factors favoring this phenomenon. A national policy for regulation use of antibiotics without a medical prescription and an educational program to general population on the effective use of antibiotics are therefore needed.

Impacts of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in the East African Community(EAC):Empirical Evidence from Burundi

This study analyzes how Foreign Direct Investment affects the rate of economic development among nations in the EAC with the empirical evidence of Burundi.The paper indicates that there is a link between foreign direct investment(FDI),gross domestic product(GDP),human capital,and openness with support of yearly time-series data from 1989 to 2017.The results from the Vector Error Correction Model(VECM)analysis technics discover that all the variables in long-term they move together.The findings also discovered that there is short-term causality running from GDP and human capital to FDI and no short-run causality found from openness to FDI as a result of Burundi’s policies that do not implement market seeker FDI.For VECM validation,the paper went through some post estimation diagnostic tests such as Lagrange multiplier tests and Jarque-Bera test,the results did not indicate any autocorrelation among the variables as the residuals were normally distributed.Openness being an important factor to attracting foreign investors,it is very crucial for Burundi to revise its trade policies and encourage a conducive environment that promotes foreign investment penetration by promoting and encouraging both domestic and foreign investors and keep improving human capital for more FDI attraction as a goal for Burundi economic growth.

Marriage in Burundi

When did you first become interested in Burundi and how did you start your life there？My personal experience, from the perspective of ordinary people, is somewhat exceptional. After two years of study at a health school in my hometown, in 2004, I got funding from a Christian to further my study at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, majoring in Business English For this reason, I converted to Christianity, which had a great impact on my life.

Capacity gaps in health facilities for case management of intestinal schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Burundi

Background:Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis(STH)are endemic diseases in Burundi.STH control is integrated into health facilities(HF)across the country,but schistosomiasis control is not.The present study aimed to assess the capacity of HF for integrating intestinal schistosomiasis case management into their routine activities.In addition,the current capacity for HF-based STH case management was evaluated.Methods:A random cluster survey was carried out in July 2014,in 65 HF located in Schistosoma mansoni and STH endemic areas.Data were collected by semi-quantitative questionnaires.Staff with different functions at the HF were interviewed(managers,care providers,heads of laboratory and pharmacy and data clerks).Data pertaining to knowledge of intestinal schistosomiasis and STH symptoms,human and material resources and availability and costs of diagnostic tests and treatment were collected.Findings:Less than half of the 65 care providers mentioned one or more major symptoms of intestinal schistosomiasis(abdominal pain 43.1%,bloody diarrhoea 13.9%and bloody stool 7.7%).Few staff members(15.7%)received higher education,and less than 10%were trained in-job on intestinal schistosomiasis case management.Clinical guidelines and laboratory protocols for intestinal schistosomiasis diagnosis and treatment were available in one third of the HF.Diagnosis was performed by direct smear only.Praziquantel was not available in any of the HF.The results for STH were similar,except that major symptoms were more known and cited(abdominal pain 69.2%and diarrhoea 60%).Clinical guidelines were available in 61.5%of HF,and albendazole or mebendazole was available in all HF.Conclusions:The current capacity of HF for intestinal schistosomiasis and STH detection and management is inadequate.Treatment was not available for schistosomiasis.These issues need to be addressed to create an enabling environment for successful integration of intestinal schistosomiasis and STH case management into HF routine activities in Burundi for better control of these diseases.

Exploring predictive frameworks for malaria in Burundi

In Burundi,malaria infection has been increasing in the last decade despite efforts to increase access to health services,and several intervention programs.The use of heterogeneous data can help to build predictive models of malaria cases.We built predictive frameworks:the generalized linear model(GLM),and artificial neural network(ANN),to predict malaria cases in four sub-groups and the overall general population.Descriptive results showed that more than half of malaria infections are observed in pregnant women and children under 5 years,with high burden to children between 12 and 59 months.Modelling results showed that,ANN model performed better in predicting total cases compared to GLM.Both model frameworks showed that education rates and Insecticide Treated Bed Nets(ITNs)had decreasing effects on malaria cases,some other variables had an increasing effect.Thus,malaria control and prevention interventions program are encouraged to understand those variables,and take appropriate measures such as providing ITNs,sensitization in schools and the communities,starting within high dense communities,among others.Early prediction of cases can provide timely information needed to be proactive for intervention strategies,and it can help to mitigate the epidemics and reduce its impact on populations and the economy.