Université de Maradi

A study was conducted across the Benin territory to assess the knowledge of small ruminant farmers about the Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) disease. The study involved 1381 farmers from 45 communes across all departments using a structured questionnaire to understand socio-economic characteristics, the genotype of farmers, and knowledge and practices in case of suspicion of PPR. Three distinct and homogeneous groups (G1, G2 and G3) were formed, with a chi-square test to compare the calculated frequencies. The majority of the farmers were young men (93.8%) and small animal handlers (<20 ovins and caprins). The Djallonké ovines and caprins were the most used by the G1 and G2 farmers due to their availability and affordable price. In the G3 group, animals were mainly confined to wood-based habitats (32.84%), and zootechnic performance was the main criteria for their choice. Local and occasional food availability was the main source of food for the three groups, resulting in a low to average knowledge of the disease signs and practices. The G3 farmers had a very good knowledge of the disease, practising the recommended measures (vaccination: 56.37%) and quarantine.

This work proposes a combined integration approach for a photovoltaic (PV) system and a Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) in order to simultaneously improve the power quality and energy efficiency of distribution networks. The study aims to determine the optimal positioning and sizing of these two devices in the standard IEEE 69-bus radial distribution network, using multi-objective optimization. The goal is to minimize active and reactive power losses while improving the voltage profile of the network. The optimization problem is solved using Genetic Algorithms, combined with the Backward/Forward Sweep (BFS) power flow calculation method, which is particularly suited to radial networks. The results show that combined integration (PV + UPQC) offers significantly better performance than individual integrations. Active losses decrease from 224.93 kW to 48.45 kW (a reduction of 78.46%), while reactive losses decrease from 102.14 kVAr to 25.95 kVAr (a reduction of 74.60%). In addition, the minimum grid voltage is improved from 0.90919 p.u. to 0.96791 p.u. These results validate the effectiveness of the multi-objective approach using genetic algorithms for the optimal dimensioning and stabilization of distribution networks integrating renewable sources and active compensation devices.

This study reports the draft genome of an Acinetobacter baumannii strain niger01 co-producing blaNDM-1, blaOXA-23, and blaOXA-69 genes. The genome size is 4,084,803 bp, 39.0% GC content, and harbors several insertion sequences. The emergence of new high-risk clones presents an escalating problem that significantly challenges the public health system.

This study was conducted in the village of Tangode, where mechanical stabilization of sand dunes using the doumpalmrachis method was implemented. The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of these operations on the restoration of plant biodiversity and the production of fodder. The research methodology included phytosociological surveys, forest inventory, site productivity characterization, and carrying capacity estimation. Data processing enabled us to determine specific species contributions, diversity indices, Pielou's evenness index, biological and phytogeographical types, and dendrometric parameters. The results revealed 25 plant species across 22 genera and 13 families. The family Poaceae was the most represented, accounting for 63.48% of the specific contributions. The species richness was 15 and 23 species at the sites treated 1 and 7 years ago, respectively, compared to only 8 species at the control site. Among the available biological types, therophytes and microphanerophytes were the dominant categories. The most represented phytogeographical types were Guinea-Congolese, Soudano-Zambesian, and Saharo-Sindian species. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index was 2.84 for the site treated one year ago and 3.35 for the site treated seven years ago, while it was 2.21 for the control site. The equitability index indicates moderate stability on the site treated seven years ago. Average biomass production across the treated sites remained low, resulting in equally low annual carrying capacities. Dendrometric parameters were generally better on the site treated seven years ago. These results demonstrate that sand dune stabilization enables the restoration of plant biodiversity over time, which, in turn, supports the return of animal biodiversity.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2024 across ten villages in the urban commune of Mayahi, Niger, to characterize the management, reproductive performance, and economic importance of local chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Data from 100 producers were analyzed using SPSS version 26 for descriptive statistics. Results show that poultry farming is predominantly a male-managed activity (80%) by household heads (64%) aged mostly between 30-50 years (48%). Most producers are farmers (71%) who practice the free-range system (65%), with over 74% having more than five years of experience. Economic motivations dominate: 34% of producers raise chickens for sale, while 30% prioritize self-consumption. Income from chicken sales is mainly used for clothing (27%), family healthcare (22%), and food purchases (21%), highlighting poultry’s role in household resilience. Reproductive performance is moderate, with the age at first lay averaging 6.3 ± 0.5 months and incubation lasting 18-21 days (94%). Most hens achieve four to five broods per year (71%), and hatchability reaches 80% in 36% of flocks, while chick survival averages 75–80% in 53% of cases. Seasonal variation is marked, with 59% of hatchings during the rainy season. Major constraints include diseases (31%), lack of training (22%), and predation (20%). Strengthening animal health services and farmer education could improve productivity. The study provides quantitative benchmarks for future genetic improvement and husbandry interventions in Niger’s traditional poultry systems.

This study aimed to characterize fishing and its effect on the functioning of Lake Madarounfa. Surveys were conducted to identify the fishing practices, used gears, the fish stock, and the impacts of fishing activities on the ecosystem. The fish fauna was studied through the catches of artisanal fishermen at four stations from June to December 2023. Twenty-two species belonging to twelve families and nineteen genera were identified. The Cichlidae family, with 4 genera and 4 species, was the most prevalent. Of the 5 fishing gear identified, the gillnet was the most used. A total of 35 tons of fresh fish were produced during the present study. This result showed that the greatest catch per unit effort (CPUE) was found with the cast net (9.72 kg/h). The analysis of the size structures showed a dominance of small individuals. More than 73.97% of individuals were smaller than 18.11±9.25 cm, corresponding to the mean total length of all fish individuals measured during this study. This level of fishing pressure on juveniles could affect the normal recruitment of fish stocks and lead to biodiversity erosion. Due to the intensity of uncontrolled fishing all year, agricultural activities and climate change, the functioning of the ecosystem is greatly disrupted. This constitutes a threat to the sustainability of the ecosystemic services provided by the lake. The findings of this work suggests that to ensure a sustainable fishery management of the lake, it is necessary to establish continuous monitoring and strengthen the enforcement of laws concerning ecosystem protection around this water body.

Escherichia coli (E. coli), is important both in terms of its frequency and the severity of the conditions it causes. It is a commensal of the human digestive tract. The presence of E. coli in food products indicates direct or indirect faecal contamination due to hygiene deficits during product preparation. The objective of this study was to analyze the biochemics variability and level of antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli strains isolated from vegetables produced and sold in Niamey. A total of 124 vegetable samples and 29 irrigation water samples were collected and analyzed. The biochemical characteristics were searched on the API24 gallery. The antibiotic resistance phenotype was determined using the standard Kirby-Bauer agar diffusion method. Approximately, 05.64% of vegetable samples were contaminated with E. coli, with tomato samples most affected (08.57%), followed by onion samples (08.33%). The study of the biochemical characteristics divides the strains into three (3), of which Group 1 is characterized by the absence of DHA and Groups 2 and 3 by the presence of DHA. The most frequently observed resistance phenotypes concerned CRO, AMC, ATM, SXT and TET. The presence of multi-resistant strains of Escherichia coli in vegetables testifies the potential risk associated with the consumption of these vegetables. It is important to look for the potential resistance and virulence genes of these strains for better management of infectious diseases.

Classé site Ramsar en 2019, le Lac de Madarounfa est la zone humide la plus importante de la région de Maradi où les activités de pêches sont pratiquées toute l’année. Le présent travail vise à analyser la diversité et la dynamique des communautés ichtyologiques de ce plan d’eau. L’ichtyofaune a été inventoriée de juin 2023 à mai 2024 pendant 12 mois dans les prises des pêcheurs traditionnels et celles d’une senne de filet moustiquaire.. L’identification au niveau spécifique des poissons a été effectuée à l’aide de clés d’identification. Après identification des espèces, les individus sont comptés , mesurés et pesés.. Ainsi, après 12 mois d’inventaire et de caractérisation des communautés piscicoles du lac, 24 espèces appartenant à 12 familles ont été identifiées. Les Cichlidés représentés par 4 espèces et les mormyridés avec 3 espèces sont les familles les plus diversifiées. Les espèces les plus abondantes dans les captures sont : Oreochromis niloticus (30,96%) et Sarotherodon galillaeus (19,56%). Les indices de diversité spécifique (3,31 bits) et d'équitabilité (0,28) obtenus montrent que l’ichtyofaune du lac a une diversité moyenne et une mauvaise répartition des individus au sein des familles. Les résultats de ces investigations ichtyologiques serviront de données de références de l’ichtyofaune du lac de Madarounfa et enrichiront le répertoire national. Ces résultats serviront également aux décideurs les orientations à suivre dans le cadre de l’aménagement et de la gestion de la ressource piscicole. Classified as a Ramsar site in 2019, Lake Madarounfa is the most important wetland in the Maradi region, where fishing activities are practiced all year round. This work aims to analyze the diversity and dynamics of the ichthyological communities of this body of water. The ichthyofauna was inventoried for 12 months in the catches of traditional fishermen and those of a mosquito net seine. Identification at the specific level of fish was carried out using identification keys. After species identification, individuals are counted, measured, and weighed. Thus, after 12 months of inventory and characterization of the fish communities of the lake, 24 species belonging to 12 families were identified. Cichlids represented by 4 species and mormyrids, with 3 species, are the most diverse families. The most abundant species in the catches are: Oreochromis niloticus (30.96%) and Sarotherodon galillaeus (19.56%). The indices of specific diversity (3.31 bits) and equitability (0.28) obtained show that the ichthyofauna of the lake has an average diversity and a poor distribution of individuals within families. The results of these ichthyological investigations will serve as reference data for the ichthyofauna of Lake Madarounfa and will enrich the national directory. These results will also be used by decision-makers in the context of the development and management of fish resources.

L’une des contraintes liées à la production du niébé, est la pression exercée par les insectes ravageurs. La présente étude menée dans le village Rouwan Chabara (département de Mirriah), entre dans le cadre de la gestion agroécologiques des ravageurs de culture du niébé. L’objectif général de cette étude est de mettre en évidence les effets des biopesticides sur les insectes ravageurs du niébé. L’essai a été conduit selon un dispositif expérimental split plot avec cinq traitements et trois répétitions. Au total 5 traitements ont été testés. Les données sur les paramètres morphologiques de plants ont été collectées par parcelle et par traitement. L’inventaire d’entomofaune pendant l’étude a permis de recenser les insectes tels que les pucerons (Aphis craccivora Koch), les punaises brunes (Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stal), les thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti Tryb.) et M. vitrata. Les plants traités avec les feuilles de papayer ont été faiblement attaquées par les ravageurs (21,83 plants attaqués) et présentent le rendement le plus élevé (422,11 kg/ha) comparé avec le témoin (266,66 kg/ha), cette différence est hautement significative au seuil de 0,05. Ces résultats montrent que malgré la présence des ravageurs sur la culture du niébé, les biopesticides ont réduit les dégâts des ravageurs et des maladies sur les feuilles, les gousses du niébé ce qui a permis d’obtenir un rendement meilleur par rapport au témoin (sans traitement). A l’issue de cette étude, l’utilisation de biopesticides à base des feuilles de papaye (Carica papaya) et bouses de vache localement disponibles constitue une alternative pour promouvoir une production agroécologiquement durable. One of the constraints related to cowpea production is the pressure exerted by insect pests. This study, conducted in the village of Rouwan Chabara (Mirriah department), is part of the agroecological management of cowpea pests. The general objective of this study is to highlight the effects of biopesticides on cowpea insect pests. The trial was conducted using a split-plot experimental design with five treatments and three replications. A total of 5 treatments were tested. Data on plant morphological parameters were collected per plot and per treatment. The entomofauna inventory during the study made it possible to identify insects such as aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch), brown bugs (Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stal), thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti Tryb.) and M. vitrata. Plants treated with papaya leaves were weakly attacked by pests (21.83 plants attacked) and had the highest yield (422.11 kg/ha) compared with the control (266.66 kg/ha); this difference is highly significant at the 0.05 threshold. These results show that despite the presence of pests on the cowpea crop, biopesticides reduced the damage of pests and diseases on the leaves and pods of cowpea, which made it possible to obtain a better yield compared to the control (without treatment). At the end of this study, the use of biopesticides based on papaya leaves (Carica papaya) and locally available cow dung constitutes an alternative to promote agroecologically sustainable production.

Camel meat, a food with high nutritional value, is still subject to socio-cultural considerations within certain Nigerien communities. Thus, this study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the consumption of this meat was carried out to rule out these socio-cultural considerations. To do this, a sample of 236 households, distributed according to the weight of urban households, was the subject of a cross-sectional survey in three (3) large cities in Niger (Niamey, Tahoua, and Agadez). The results reveal that camel meat is not highly appreciated for its organoleptic quality and certain beliefs and customary taboos. Indeed, this meat is perceived by pregnant Nigerien women (71.9%) as a food that “prolongs the pregnancy by one year.” Additionally, knowledge and attitudes towards camel meat are based on its perception. However, two categories of consumers have been identified: occasional and regular. These two categories of consumers perceive camel meat in their diet differently. Thus, 43% of consumers attribute nutritional and therapeutic virtues to camel meat, while 32.6% of consumers consider that camel meat is similar to other red meats. Furthermore, 3.3% of consumers advocate the Islamic benefits of camel meat to justify its consumption. However, it was noted that 14.1% of consumers reject camel meat because they are not accustomed to it, and 7% of consumers reject camel meat due to its poor organoleptic quality. Thus, the perceptions observed by consumers about camel meat are much more cultural than real. In short, this study can contribute to changing social behavior towards camel meat.