Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a cornerstone of aquaculture in South Kivu, eastern DR Congo, playing a vital role in food security, livelihoods, and the local economy. However, the expansion of aquaculture near natural waterbodies has led to fish escapes and interbreeding with wild populations, raising concerns about crossbreeding and its conservation impact. Understanding morphogenetic variation and population structure is therefore essential for balancing sustainable aquaculture development with the preservation of wild populations. This study assessed the morphogenetic variation and population genetic structure of wild populations and farmed stocks of Nile tilapia in South Kivu. A total of 300 individuals were sampled from wild populations (Lakes Kivu and Tanganyika, and the Ruzizi River) and farmed systems (Lake Kivu cages, Kabare ponds, and Ruzizi Plain ponds) for morphometric analysis. Based on principal component analysis and fin-clip quality, 150 representative individuals were selected for genetic analysis using seven polymorphic microsatellite loci. Morphometric analyses revealed clear differentiation among populations, forming three distinct clusters primarily driven by body size, depth-related traits, eye diameter, and anal fin length. Genetic analyses showed substantial within-population diversity, with AMOVA indicating that 60% of genetic variation occurred within individuals and 11% among populations. Genetic diversity was higher in wild populations, with Lake Kivu showing the highest observed heterozygosity (0.754 ± 0.035). Pairwise Fst values indicated low to moderate genetic differentiation, while UPGMA clustering and Mantel test results highlighted geographic isolation as a major driver of population structure. These findings provide critical insights for maintaining genetic integrity, enhancing aquaculture productivity, and guiding conservation efforts in South Kivu.

It is now well established that climate changes is affecting smallholder farmers and threatening agricultural production and livelihoods in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), due to their limited capacity to cope with climate change. In the DRC, data on smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change effects and related shocks remain limited. This study was carried out to assess smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and their perceptions of related disruptions in livestock production in South Kivu Province. Specifically, the study assesses smallholder farmers’ exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to climate change, as well as their perception of related shocks and the strategies they use to mitigate the shocks they experience. The study was conducted from May to October 2022 in five territories of South Kivu Province. Vulnerability was determined by considering the vulnerability index, potential impact index, and the adaptive capacity index. The findings revealed that livestock farmers in low-altitude zones are the most exposed and sensitive to the effects of climate change. However, their adaptive capacity is comparable to those of medium- and high-altitude zones. Most farmers believe that the observed effects of climate change and its impacts are due to poor agricultural and livestock practices. Their adaptive strategies include income diversification (57.6

Livestock production in South Kivu is a major source of rural income. Increasing livestock productivity through improved livestock feeding is critical to alleviating poverty among smallholder farmers. The study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving livestock productivity in South Kivu. It assesses the availability and use of feeds for livestock in Kabare, Uvira and Walungu. Current feeding practices are traditional, resulting in suboptimal animal nutrition. Livestock diets consist mainly of fodder and crop residues. Different botanical families provide essential fodder for livestock in the region. Disparities in forage availability affect animal nutrition and productivity, requiring targeted interventions. Additionally, a comprehensive SWOT and NOISE analysis were conducted to assess the current state and potential approaches for improving livestock feeding practices. Strengths include farmers' expertise and strategies to cope with forage scarcity, particularly in the dry season. Weaknesses include limited land tenure and limited adoption of intensive systems. Opportunities include diversification of food sources and farmer training. Challenges include climate variability and socioeconomic constraints. Proposed improvements focus on feed quality, nutritional supplements, and training. Strategic actions include policy advocacy and community involvement. Exceptions highlight the importance of tailoring practices to local contexts.

Abstract Background Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) plays a critical role in the nutrition and economy of tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The rapid expansion of aquaculture and environmental pressures, such as the introduction of non-native strains, threaten the genetic diversity of this species. Understanding the genetic diversity of Nile tilapia populations is crucial for ensuring sustainable aquaculture and conservation efforts in the region. Methodology This review analyzes the genetic diversity of Oreochromis niloticus in Sub-Saharan Africa using various molecular markers. It examines genetic differentiation, heterozygosity, and population structure in farmed and wild populations, focusing on aquaculture, environmental pressures, and human activities. A systematic review of 105 studies provides insights for conservation and sustainable aquaculture development. Results The study highlights that wild populations maintain higher genetic diversity compared to farmed ones, which face genetic erosion due to limited gene pools and poor breeding practices. Inbreeding and hybridization pose further threats, particularly where non-native strains have been introduced for aquaculture. The review emphasizes the value of molecular tools like microsatellites, mtDNA, RFLP, and SNP for assessing genetic diversity and population structure. Despite challenges in using mtDNA for hybridization studies, SNPs provide more detailed insights. The review recommends adopting full-genome resequencing for improved genetic monitoring and management and advocates for conservation strategies, including protecting natural habitats and establishing fish and sperm banks, to preserve genetic diversity in regions like Lake Kivu and East Africa.

Cattle farming plays a vital role in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in South Kivu, DR Congo, serving as one of the few key sources of income. Despite its importance, ticks and tick-borne diseases pose significant challenges to cattle health and productivity. However, there is a notable lack of research on farmers’ knowledge and management practices related to ticks in the context of climate change in this region. This gap in understanding hinders the development of effective strategies for managing tick infestations and mitigating their impact on livestock. This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of livestock farmers in South Kivu concerning tick infestations and their management, as well as evaluating the impact of climate change on the distribution, abundance, and severity of tick-borne diseases. The study was conducted in Kabare, Kalehe, Uvira, and Walungu territories of the South Kivu province. A cross-sectional survey, considering farmers density, was performed with 699 livestock farmers (102 from Uvira, 122 from Walungu, 140 from Kalehe and 335 from Kabare) using semi-structured interviews to collect data on herd management, tick control methods, and farmers’ perceptions of climate change. Caretakerage was the dominant farming system (72.4%), with community pastures (67.1%) being the primary grazing area. Mortality rates were significant, with high neonatal losses and disease-related deaths. Tick infestations were highly recurrent at farm level (57.7%), with the most reported effects being blood spoliation (96.1%) and disease transmission (59.8%). Annual tick abundance peaked in July–August (> 90%), while forests, bushlands, and community pastures were identified as hotspots for tick proliferation (75.2% in Uvira). Although 77.2% of farmers conducted tick inspections, only 23.6% received formal tick management training. Spray races was commonly practiced (84.5%), but knowledge of ticks and tick borne diseases was limited (50.4%). Acaricide application was the most commonly used (99.8%), yet as a control approach, it was moderately rated as effective (47.6%). Adoption of zoosanitary products was influenced by gender, age, financial resources, and extension service access (p < 0.001). Climate change perceptions varied, with 20.6% of farmers reporting increased tick abundance and 16.9% noting rising disease incidence. This study exhibits the problems related to ticks management in cattle of the South Kivu province, especially in the context of climate change. Strengthening farmer education, access to affordable veterinary services, and integrated tick management are essential for sustainable livestock health and productivity.

In South Kivu province, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a significant number of active mines are situated near strictly protected ecosystems, where adverse effects including deforestation, water pollution, soil degradation and loss of biodiversity have been documented. Understanding the local communities' perceptions of how mining affects fish diversity and yield is crucial for fostering a harmonious relationship among stakeholders and preserving the environment and its biodiversity, particularly in Mwenga territory where mining activities are widespread. This study aimed to establish the typology of fishers, and to investigate their perceptions and drivers of these perceptions regarding the impact of mining operations on fish yield and diversity in the Mwenga territory, Democratic Republic of Congo. A cross-sectional survey involving 75 randomly selected fishers was conducted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires. Water quality parameters were measured at three different monitoring sites along the Zalya-Elila River, a primary watercourse in the Mwenga territory. Principal component analysis identified two distinct groups of fishers. Key factors influencing the diversity of Mwenga fishers included age, household size, monthly income, fishing experience, number of fish caught daily 15 years ago, distance between the river and the mine site, fishing hours per day, weekly fishing frequency, and quantity (weight) of fish caught per day currently and 15 years ago (p < 0.05). A significant proportion (39.02 %) of surveyed fishers reported a decline in fish diversity due to mining activities, with only seven out of the 13 previously present fish species remaining in the study area. Moreover, the average catch per fisher per day decreased from 9.00 ± 4.20 Kg 15 years ago to 4.45 ± 1.88 Kg currently. Various factors influenced fishers' perceptions, including age, marital status, education level, household size, comparison of current and past fish catches, presence of nearby mining sites, fishing hours per day, pollution, interconnections between water bodies, and the sediment presence in water bodies (p < 0.05). Among the 11 water parameters monitored, only the temperature, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand over five days, chlorite concentration, sulfate, and nitrate met acceptable and desirable ranges for fish in natural ecosystems. The information obtained from this study constitutes a prerequisite for developing and implementing studies or policies aimed at mitigating and combatting the negative effects of mining on fish yield and diversity in the Mwenga territory. Actions and policies are needed from local authorities to ensure the sustainability of fish biodiversity in the Mwenga territory.

Quality seed is one of the most important farm inputs. The Ituri province, in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), faces enormous challenges in implementing a coherent formal seed sector, an essential gage for seed quality. This study aimed at diagnosing the Ituri seed value chain to propose improvements at all levels. Data collection was conducted using focus group discussions and direct interviews with key players at all levels, household surveys across the province, and a review of seed intervention programme reports, farm visit reports and other literature. Results showed that the seed system in the northeastern DRC is mainly informal due to several socioeconomic and technical factors. Less than a third of crops in the region had a formal seed delivery system. The cash flow in the seed sector was high owing to high seed demands from humanitarian organizations and farmer support structures, estimated at similar to 1.5 million US$ in 2022 for the top three commercial seed commodities (common beans, maize and peanuts). However, the province seed production capacity through formal pathway is low (only similar to 35 and 69% of the demands for common bean and maize, respectively, are covered by local productions), meaning that the seed demand is met either through importation or fraudulent conversion of farmer-saved seed. Due to lack of technical capacities, Ituri seed multipliers mainly produce open pollinated and synthetic varieties, while hybrids are imported from neighbouring countries. The lack of functional breeders in the provincial seed production chain, disproportionately low seed multipliers-to-distributors ratio, the weakness of the seed certification and regulation services, the border porosity, poor coordination among actors, and low awareness of farmers on seed qualities and advantages of using certified quality seed are the main structural and functional factors hindering the well-functioning of northeastern DRC seed system. This study provided an insight on the characteristics, stakeholders and challenges facing the seed sector in northeastern DRC and proposed an action plan for its improvement.

In developing countries, studies on sustainable preservation of forests (including non-timber forest products NTFPs) have been poorly carried out for promoting alternative income generating activities (IGA) to alleviate pressure on praised resources by local communities living close by protected areas. This study aimed at (1) inventorying NTFPs exploited by local communities around the Kahuzi Biega National Park (KBNP), (2) assessing their therapeutic values and nutritional contributions, and (3) analyzing their rural and urban market values to determine their potential as alternative income sources as well as the major constraints in their exploitation. Individual interviews were conducted with 790 rural and urban households in Kabare, Walungu, Kalehe, and Bukavu City, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) coupled with focus group discussions with key stakeholders around KBNP. Street vendors, restaurants, hotels, and market owners were also interviewed on uses, awareness of the nutritional and therapeutic values, and factors hindering NTFPs wide use in Bukavu urban environments. Physicochemical analyses were also conducted on main NTFPs to determine their nutritional values. Results showed that local populations around KBNP exploit at least 55 NTFPs, mainly for self-consumption as food, feed, and medicine. NTFPs represent the second most important income source around KBNP, accounting for 23.3% of total households’ income after agriculture that generates 25.7% of total households’ income. Income from NTFP trade was primarily used for food supply (29%), investment in small businesses (19.6%), children's education (17.7%), and healthcare expenses (5.1%). These NTFPs had varying nutritional values (in terms of proximate composition, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds). Solanum nigrum (24.9%), Termitomyces robustus (18.0%), Amaranthus viridis (17.6%), and Piper nigrum (16.9%) are valuable sources of proteins while Zingiber officinale (25.5%), T. robustus (15.4%) and P. nigrum (14.3%) are rich in dietary fibres. Piper nigrum (37.0 and 128.3 mg/kg) and Basella alba (35.1 and 108.7 mg/kg) had the highest zinc and iron contents, respectively. Some of the most nutritious NTFPs, such as S. nigrum, Dioscorea spp., and P. nigrum had high contents in anti-nutritional elements and should be processed properly to maximize bioavailability. Besides, NTFPs created employment opportunities for collectors, vendors, supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants both in rural and urban areas. Though varying with rural communities, the main challenges in the NTFP value chain were low market values (48.6%), short shelf life (22.5%), and excessive taxation (19.1%) while in urban areas, seasonality (36.9%), scarcity (17.7%), and prohibiting high prices (17.7%) were the major limiting factors. This study highlights the significant role played by NTFPs in providing healthy and nutritious food and income for households surrounding the KBNP, and thus emphasizes the necessity for their promotion as alternative income sources and healthy diets to alleviate poverty and hidden hunger around the KBNP.

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a key tuber crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with huge potential for poverty alleviation, food sovereignty, and nutrition security. Exploiting its full potential requires that factors holding it down are understood and mitigated. This study, conducted between May and July 2022 and 2023, assessed yam farming practices, varietal preferences, and land suitability in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We interviewed 765 smallholder farmers within four agro-ecological zones (AEZ) to assess the sociocultural, agronomic, varietal, and biophysical factors affecting yam production. Land suitability analyses were conducted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify areas suitable to extensive yam production and to cluster environments that could optimize yam varietal selection and testing. Results showed that yam is mainly cultivated by women in eastern DRC (70%). The seed delivery system is informal, relying primarily on farmer-saved seeds and farmer-seed exchanges (74.9%). Soil depletion (68.3%), limited access to high-quality seeds (54.5%), youth disengagement in yam value chain (50.3%), insect pests (17.9%), and short tuber shelf-life (65.8%) were, respectively, the main ecological, agronomic, sociocultural, biological, and tuber quality factors hindering yam production in eastern DRC. However, the perceived importance of most factors significantly varied with farmer gender and age categories. A multitude of varietal traits was used to assess yam varieties in eastern DRC, of which the tuber taste (59%) was the most valued trait regardless of gender and age categories, though it had highest scores among middle-aged adult women. Land suitability analyses discriminated five clusters; the most significant part of the region falling under suitable (27%), highly suitable (24%), and very highly suitable classes (37%). We further discussed how breeding initiatives for delivering yam varieties, suiting local producers’ and end-users’ needs, could unlock the crop’s potential for enhancing food security and wealth creation in eastern DRC. The land suitability map from this study is a valuable decision-making tool in defining priority areas for extensive yam production and varietal selection and testing. This study provided valuable insights on factors affecting yam production and suggested yam breeding as a backbone of a holistic approach seeking to address challenges faced in unlocking the potential for yam production in eastern DRC.

Pesticides like Mancozeb are being increasingly indispensable in the control of crop pests. Unfortunately, they have been implicated in genotoxicity due to their ubiquity, toxicological properties, persistence and presence in the food chain. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of powdered avocado seed on reproductive parameters in the management of oxidative stress in female rabbits caused by the herbicide Mancozeb. Twenty-eight female rabbits aged 7-8 months and weighing between 2780.4 g and 3143.7 g were randomly divided into four groups of seven rabbits each. Each group received for 90 consecutive days distilled water or Mancozeb associated or not with avocado seed powder orally as follows: T1: 10 ml distilled water; T2, T3 and T4: 100 mg/kg bw Mancozeb. This was followed by oral administration of 250, 500, and 0 mg/kg of avocado seed powder for T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Water and feed were distributed ad libitum. Collected data concerned growth, carcass and reproductive performances, hematological and biochemistry characteristics. Results demonstrated that pregnant and lactating female rabbits administered Mancozeb exhibited a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in food intake, body weight, and body weight gain. Female rabbits exposed to Mancozeb had a decrease in litter size and weight from birth to weaning, as well as in weaning body weight and weight increase, fertility and prolificacy rate, milk yield, and daily milk efficiency. However, administration of avocado seed powder reversed (P < 0.05) the trends in these parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The increase in relative weight of the kidney and liver, concentrations of urea, creatinine, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, mean cell volume, white blood cells, and lymphocytes were all associated with increased Mancozeb rates (P < 0.05). On the contrary, administration of the Mancozeb caused decrease in hemoglobin (Hb), Red blood Cell (RBC) and protein content. Administration of avocado seed powder significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated the Mancozeb effects on these parameters. Applying 500 mg/kg b.w Avocado seed powder may be suggested as an alternative therapy for reproductive defects induced by Mancozeb in female rabbits.

Dairying is one of the new promising economic sectors in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but still not explored enough to ensure consumers' safety. This study aimed to assess the health risks and nutritional profile of milk products along the value chain in South-Kivu and Tanganyika provinces. A total of 288 milk actors, including 160 producers, 35 collectors and 93 vendors, were concerned for interview and milk samples collection. A total of 302 milk samples (159 raw, 44 pasteurized, 76 fermented and 19 white cheese so-called “ Mashanza ”) were collected for physicochemical [pH, fat, non-fat dry matter (NFDM), lactose, protein, freezing point, density] and microbiological (total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora, Escherichia coli , Total Coliforms , Fecal Coliforms, Salmonella and Staphylococci ) analyses. Results revealed that the physicochemical characteristics of the milk mostly varied according to the type of milk and the regions. The pasteurized milk from Tanganyika presented the best physicochemical parameters [crude protein (CP) = 4.36%, Fat = 4.06%, NFDM = 12%, lactose = 5.4%, density = 1.02 and pH = 6.59] compared to other types of milk. For microbiology, no E. coli was recorded but Salmonella and Staphylococci were found in all the milk types with the values not exceeding 3 × 10 4 CFU ml −1 and 3 × 10 3 CFU ml −1 , respectively. This implies a long-term consumers' health issue if appropriate measures are not taken by milk actors along the value chain. The microbiological quality was influenced by the ecologies of production axis (representing the production zones) and by handling methods and infrastructures used by the actors involved along the value chain. Factors related to animal husbandry, milking method, milk processing and packaging had no significant effect on the physicochemical parameters under study. These results indicated that health risks for milk consumers are accrued by production practices and handling by milk actors due to shortage of required skills and appropriate equipment along the milk value chain. Observance of hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) measures is carefully required along the milk value chain nodes to improve the quality of milk produced and sold and thus reduce the risks among consumers in South-Kivu and Tanganyika provinces.

In response to growing food demand, edible insects are perceived as an opportunity to alleviate food insecurity. With its wide edible insects’ biodiversity, the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of Africa’s most critical entomophagous. This study aimed at giving a first insight on 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 subhyalinus and Acheta domesticus were the most preferred edible insects in Fizi Territory, Ruspolia differens and Apis mellifera larvae in Kabare Territory, Imbrasia oyemensis , Imbrasia epimethea , Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and Rhyncophorus phoenicis in Mwenga Territory, Ruspolia differens , Macrotermes subhyalinus , Gryllotalpa africana , Nsike, Nomadacris septemfasciata and A. mellifera larvae in Walungu Territory. Ruspolia differens , I. oyemensis , A. mellifera larvae, G. africana and Nsike, were preferred for their taste. Acheta domesticus , A. diaperinus and A. mellifera larvae were abundant throughout the year, while 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 thorough studies on entomophagy across the country while encouraging the rearing of edible insects to address their existing high demand and environmental concerns.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is one of the innovative approaches for sustainably increasing the agricultural productivity, improving livelihoods and incomes of farmers, while at the same time improving resilience and contributing to climate change mitigation. In spite of the fact that there is neither explicit policy nor practices branded as CSA in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), farmers are utilizing an array of farming practices whose attributes meet the CSA criteria. However, the intensity, distribution, efficiency, and dynamics of use as well as the sources of these technologies are not sufficiently documented. Therefore, this review paper provides a comprehensive evidence of CSA-associated farming practices in DRC, public and private efforts to promote CSA practices, and the associated benefits accruing from the practices as deployed by farmers in the DRC. We find evidence of progress among farming communities in the use of practices that can be classified as CSA. Communities using these practices are building on the traditional knowledge systems and adaptation of introduced technologies to suit the local conditions. Reported returns on use of these practices are promising, pointing to their potential continued use into the future. While progressive returns on investment are reported, they are relatively lower than those reported from other areas in sub-Saharan Africa deploying similar approaches. We recommend for strategic support for capacity building at various levels, including public institutions for policy development and guidance, extension and community level to support uptake of technologies and higher education institutions for mainstreaming CSA into curricula and training a generation of CSA sensitive human resources.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with clinical manifestation cases that are almost similar to those of common respiratory viral infections. This study determined the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and other acute respiratory viruses among patients with flu-like symptoms in Bukavu city, Democratic Republic of Congo. We screened 1352 individuals with flu-like illnesses seeking treatment in 10 health facilities. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens were collected to detect SARS-CoV-2 using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and 10 common respiratory viruses were detected by multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. Overall, 13.9% (188/1352) of patients were confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2. Influenza A 5.6% (56/1352) and Influenza B 0.9% (12/1352) were the most common respiratory viruses detected. Overall, more than two cases of the other acute respiratory viruses were detected. Frequently observed symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity were shivering (47.8%; OR = 1.8; CI: 0.88-1.35), cough (89.6%; OR = 6.5, CI: 2.16-28.2), and myalgia and dizziness (59.7%; OR = 2.7; CI: 1.36-5.85). Moreover, coinfection was observed in 12 (11.5%) specimens. SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A were the most cooccurring infections, accounting for 33.3% of all positive cases. This study demonstrates cases of COVID-19 infections cooccurring with other acute respiratory infections in Bukavu city during the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19. Therefore, testing for respiratory viruses should be performed in all patients with flu-like symptoms for effective surveillance of the transmission patterns in the COVID-19 affected areas for optimal treatment and effective disease management.

Indigenous livestock resources are strategic in the socio-economic of rural agricultural systems to ensure food and nutritional security in resource-poor countries. In Cameroon, small ruminant farming significantly contributes to food security and income generation. Given its great ecological variety, Cameroon hosts a large genetic diversity of sheep, but the knowledge on these is scanty. In order to contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity of Cameroon's Ovine genetic resources for their better use and conservation, an analysis of the Djallonke sheep genetic diversity based on the D loop of the ovine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was performed on the highlands of West Cameroon Djallonke breed. To achieve this, analyses of 16 sequences of a 989bp fragment of the mtDNA D-loop region from the population were conducted in conjunction with previously published sequences from African, European, Japanese and Chinese ovine genotypes. Fourteen haplotypes were observed with a high mean haplotype diversity of 1.0000±0.027, nucleotide diversity (π) of order of 0.11082±0.062. The average nucleotide difference between sequences taken two by two was 62.945. Population specific FST indices showed a negative and significant result for the whole data set. The phylogenetic tree indicates that the mitochondrial lineages of these sheep breeds originated from a common source, the Haplogroup B. This confirms the hypothesis that the domestication of African sheep was carried out in successive waves from Asia. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge of Cameroon sheep breeds and the plan conservation programs on Djallonke sheep.

Heat stress is reported to have deleterious effects on rabbit physiology by impairing reproductive performances arising from free radical production due to oxidative stress. Plant extracts have been listed among efficient and healthy strategies for alleviating the effects of free radicals in the body of an animal. Numerous studies have documented the medicinal value of Moringa oleifera on various body functional systems although most of these data have not been scientifically validated. The growing concern of heat stress owing to the effects of global warming has affected animal productivity and even reproductive health, yet mitigation measures are still scanty. To this end, we investigated the efficacy of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract on selected in the alleviation of morphofunctional impairments on functional systems of the body. Here, we quantified the effects of Moringa oleifera seed extracts on reproductive performances, hormonal profile, and ovarian histology in the management of heat stress in female rabbits. We were particularly interested in testing the hypothesis that Moringa oleifera seed extracts do not have medicinal value in the mitigation of oxidative stress accompanying heat-stressed animals and, therefore, affecting growth performance and reproductive value. Twenty-eight female rabbits aged 6 months and weighing between 2015.6 and 2322.7 g were randomly assigned to four treatment groups of temperature, relative humidity, temperature humidity index, and M. oleifera seed extracts as follows: T0: ambient temperature (18–24°C), 59 ± 0.48%, 23.6 ± 1.52; T1, T2, and T3: 35–36°C, 64 ± 0.6%, 32.5 ± 0.7, followed by 100, 200, and 0 mg/kg b.w of M. oleifera seed extracts. Artificial heat was introduced in each rabbit cage from 08:00 h to 16:00 h. Reproductive performances related to female rabbits and relevant biodata of their young ones were recorded. All animals were sacrificed at the end of 80 days of experiments, and blood was collected for hormonal assays and ovary tissues for histology. Data on hormones and reproductive parameters of adult females as well as parameters related to kid performance and milk yield were subjected to one-way ANOVA, and significant differences among treatment subjects were analyzed using Tukey's post-hoc test at 5% significance level. The results revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in food consumption, body weight, and body weight gain in pregnant and lactating female rabbits exposed to heat stress. A decrease in fur removal by mothers, litter size from birth to weaning, litter weight, kid body weight, and body weight gain in adult rabbits submitted to heat stress was observed. The findings were also reflected on weekly milk yield and daily milk efficiency as well as serum hormone levels. Following administration of M. oleifera seed extracts at 200 mg/kg b.w., there was significant increase (P < 0.05) in these parameters. On the contrary, an increase (P < 0.05) in the number of services per conception, milk intake, and serum progesterone level was initially observed in the same subjects, but upon administration of M. oleifera seed extracts, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) on these measures. Ovarian histology of animals at T0 and T2 treatments showed structural features comparable to those of controls. Overall, our results show that administration of M. oleifera seed extracts at 200 mg/kg b.w possesses therapeutic value to the effects of oxidative stress associated with heat stress. Further pharmacological evaluation on seed extracts of M. oleifera may yield the much-needed medicine in the treatment and management of poor animal productivity and reproductive health arising from severe weather associated with global warming.

The extent of crop residues and agricultural byproducts utilization for their integration in feeding systems in Eastern DR Congo was assessed in South-Kivu (Walungu territoire) and two territoires in the Tanganyika province (Kalemie and Moba territoires). Data were collected through 21 focus group discussions in which 273 farmers participated including respectively 116 (42%) from South Kivu and 157 (58%) from Tanganyika province. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors influencing the adoption of crop residues and agro-industrial byproducts as livestock feeds. Results revealed that all the respondents keep goats and chicken as major livestock. In all the territoires, crop residues (26.9%) were utilized more than agro-industrial byproducts (6.4%). Both crop residues and agro-industrial byproducts were most utilized in Walungu (39%, 10.3%), compared to Moba (18.3%, 6.2%) and Kalemie (23.4%, 2.7%). Sixteen types of crop residues and eight agro-industrial byproducts were identified and categorized into cereal crop residues (4), legume crop residues (4), root crop residues (3), fruit crop residues (3) and other crop residues (2). These crop residues and agro-industrial byproducts were generally sourced from around the homesteads and available and utilized throughout the year. They were often fed to livestock twice daily. The main constraints affecting adoption of crop residues and agro-industrial byproducts were access to information, lack of knowledge, poor infrastructures, high cost of transportation of material, storage and conservation facilities, the toxicity of material and plant diseases, high cost of products, microbial infestation and the insufficient supply of the material. Improving the utilization of crop residues and agro-industrial byproducts in the livestock feeding system in these territoires should tackle the above mentioned factors for sufficient utilization.

Background: In DR Congo, South Kivu is among the cities most affected by COVID-19 with its dense population and common mass movement. This study aimed to investigate the population behavior and practices during the spread period of Corona in South Kivu, East of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Subjects dan Method: A cross-sectional analytical study was undertaken in South Kivu province and included 800 hundred individuals. The survey questionnaire was designed and comprised information on independent variables including socio-demographic and socioeconomic parameters, travel history of individuals, and person's history of COVID-19 comorbidity factors. These data were used to explain the dependent variable which was the population behavior and practices which was linked to the COVID-19 positivity or negativity. A rapid test of the COVID-19 antigen for people suspected of having cough and fever followed by RT-PCR tests was conducted. Statistical analyses were performed under R, version 3.5.1. Results: Results indicate three categories of people depending on their behavior and practices during the COVID-19. These include the negative group, those who contracted the disease and knew their serological status, and those who did not know their serological status. The behavior of these categories varied with age, education level, income, and their geographical location. Variable behaviors have been adopted, including lack of action, prayer, self-medication, lifestyle change, and change in feeding. Efforts to control the spread of the disease entailed two most commonly used barriers: wearing a mask (95%) and frequent hand washing (94%). In the COVID-19 infected category, type 1 individuals developed the most characteristic symptoms of COVID-19, mainly cough, asthenia, fever, and headache. Types 2 and 3 individuals were less likely to engage in any of the behaviors associated with COVID-19 because they have fewer comorbidities and have developed fewer of the symptoms characteristic of COVID-19. Conclusion: Education level and socioeconomic conditions are among the factors to be considered in pandemic control strategies. Keywords: Typology, SARS, comorbidity, population believe. Correspondence: Ayagirwe Rodrigue Basengere. Bioscience unit, Université Evangélique en Afrique. Bukavu, PO Box 3323, Democratic Republic of Congo. Email: rayagirwe@gmail.com. Mobile: +243979318796.