Crops and farmers' response to application of fecal sludge derived - Fortifer™ in different agro-ecological zones in Ghana.

Fecal sludge (FS)-derived fertilizer material, Fortifer™ was used in farmers' field to cultivate different crops under varying soil and agro-climatic conditions in Ghana. The aim was to (1) create awareness among smallholder farmers for widespread use of Fortifer™ (2) observe the response of crops to Fortifer™ application by farmers in different agro-ecological zones (3) obtain farmers feedback on the FS-derived product to enhance further dissemination across the country. In total 95 farmers in six locations participated in the farmer-led pilots. Fortifer™ containing up to 3.0% nitrogen, 3.6% phosphorus, 1.3% potassium and 44.3% organic matter was applied to tomato, rice, maize and pepper in comparison to inorganic fertilizers at recommended rates. Subsequently, farmers' perception of, and willingness to use the product were studied. Crop yield was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the Fortifer™ plots compared to the inorganic fertilizer plots for all the selected crops. Yield was 12% higher for tomato, 27% for rice and maize and 30% for pepper under the Fortifer™ plots. Farmers indicated that, nutrient content was the most important factor they consider when making fertilizer purchasing decision.

Gender mainstreaming in sweetpotato breeding and dissemination in Ghana and Malawi.

Gender responsiveness in breeding programs to meet client and end user preferences for crops is essential. This case study analyzes the implementation experience of gender-responsive breeding and variety dissemination in Malawi and Ghana, focusing on good practices and challenges encountered. In Malawi, a training-of-trainers approach was employed to share knowledge among trained farmers. In Ghana, a research study was conducted to identify gender-based preferences for sweetpotato to define breeding objectives. The participation of social scientists, food scientists, and sweetpotato breeders in the GREAT (Gender Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation) team provided a multidisciplinary perspective, addressing questions and responses in the field. Research efforts were strengthened by focusing on food quality through the establishment of an analytical laboratory for rapid evaluation of nutrition and food quality, including sugars. This helped develop sensory analytical capacity to better understand quality attributes and market segments, guiding breeding and improving market opportunities for women. Breeding outcomes resulting from gender inclusion led to the release of some sweetpotato varieties meeting end user and consumer preferences, as well as adoption of OFSP varieties by men and women. Other good practices for gender inclusion and responsiveness include providing funds for gender-based research and activities, engaging gender specialists and social scientists in trans-disciplinary teams, designing program activities with gender considerations, and incorporating traits in seed multiplication and dissemination decisions. Application of these gender inclusion practices resulted in adoption and development of acceptable sweetpotato varieties.

Impact of imparting knowledge and awareness on the usage of menstrual cups: A study based on project 'Thinkal' at Alappuzha Municipality in Kerala.

Objectives: To assess the impact of educating and creating awareness among women on Menstrual Cups (M-Cups) as a healthy, safe, easy-to- use and affordable menstrual hygiene product with the support of medical professionals. Study design: A two-group, non-randomized cross-sectional study. Methods: The M-Cup awareness creation was carried out through the project 'Thinkal' and 4345 cups were distributed among the beneficiaries of Alappuzha Municipality in two separate groups. One group received awareness with the help of medical professionals and experienced users whereas the other group collected the M-Cup from the distribution centres (Municipality and Community Development Society) along with the information pamphlets without attending awareness sessions initially. Results: Among the women who received the M-Cups without attending the awareness session, only 20.7% started using the M-Cup, where as 40.6% who received awareness, started the usage which is approximately double. Conclusions: A well curated awareness session was the most important factor which helped in transforming a woman into an M-Cup user.

Sociodemographic factors and environmental workers' knowledge of the impact of awareness creation on sustainable disposal of solid wastes.

This study examined sociodemographic factors and environmental workers' knowledge of the impact of awareness-creation on the sustainable disposal of solid waste in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The sequential explanatory mixed-method design was adopted in the study. The population for the study was 331 respondents, consisting of 120 staff and 211 government-approved service providers from the Cross-River State Ministry of Environment. The population also comprised the sample size of the study. The total enumeration sampling technique was employed. A 42-item structured questionnaire titled "Questionnaire Instrument on Sociodemographic Factors and Environmental Workers' Knowledge of the Impact of Awareness Creation on Sustainable Disposal of Solid Wastes" (QISFEWKIACSDSW) and a Focus Group Discussion Schedule (FGDS) were the instruments used for data collection. The instruments were face validated by three experts: two from Social Science Education and one from the Measurement and Evaluation Unit of the Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Cronbach Alpha Reliability Method was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. Data collected from the questionnaire was analyzed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions while independent sampled t-test statistic was used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance and the FGDS was used to supplement the findings of the quantitative analysis. Findings of the study revealed that, to a high extent, awareness creation based on location and gender can contribute positively to the sustainable disposal of solid waste materials. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended, among others, that enlightenment programs such as awareness creation, town hall meetings, and workshops be organized among community members on the need for sustainable disposal of solid waste materials in Cross River State, Nigeria.

Health education on diabetes and other non-communicable diseases imparted to teachers shows a cascading effect. A study from Southern India.

AIMS: The aims were to assess effect of a short training programme on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes on school teachers and also on students who were in turn educated by them. Lifestyle changes made by both groups were assessed 6months later. METHODS: Graduate teachers (n=1017) from 2 districts in Tamilnadu, India were trained using audio visual aids in batches of 100, on healthy lifestyle practices, prevention and management of diabetes. Pre and post training knowledge scores were assessed using questionnaires. Each teacher was requested to impart similar education to 100 high school students within 3months. Impact of the training on teachers and students was assessed using questionnaires 6months later. Feedback from the students' parents was also collected. RESULTS: A total of 1017 teachers (men: 33.8%, women: 66.2%, urban: 68.8%, rural: 31.1%) were trained. Among them, 651 (men: 31.3%, women: 68.7%) responded for impact evaluation. Changes in knowledge and attitude were reported by 93.7% of teachers. Improvement in lifestyle of the students was assessed by 587 teachers, 60.4% of the students avoided junk foods, 57.5% advised their family members on diabetes. Outdoor games were played by 50.8% of the students. Improvement in knowledge, changes in lifestyle and a positive attitude towards health care delivery were achieved among teachers and students through this training programme. CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvement in health perception among the teachers and students occurred even with a short training. It has demonstrated that non-medical personnel like teachers are efficient in disseminating health information on lifestyle diseases especially diabetes.

Consensus statement on diabetes in children.

While T1DM has been traditionally seen as a minor concern in the larger picture of pediatric ailments, new data reveals that the incidence of T1DM has assumed alarming proportions. It has long been clear that while the disease may be diagnosed at an early age, its impact is not isolated to afflicted children. The direct impact of the disease on the patient is debilitating due to the nature of the disease and lack of proper access to treatment in India. But this impact is further compounded by the utter apathy and often times antipathy, which patients withT1DM have to face. Lack of awareness of the issue in all stakeholders, low access to quality healthcare, patient, physician, and system level barriers to the delivery of optimal diabetes care are some of the factors which hinder successful management of T1DM. The first international consensus meet on diabetes in children was convened with the aim of providing a common platform to all the stakeholders in the management of T1DM, to discuss the academic, administrative and healthcare system related issues. The ultimate aim was to articulate the problems faced by children with diabetes in a way that centralized their position and focused on creating modalities of management sensitive to their needs and aspirations. It was conceptualized to raise a strong voice of advocacy for improving the management of T1DM and ensuring that "No child should die of diabetes". The unique clinical presentations of T1DM coupled with ignorance on the part of the medical community and society in general results in outcomes that are far worse than that seen with T2DM. So there is a need to substantially improve training of HCPs at all levels on this neglected aspect of healthcare.