Abstract

The first phase, funded under the project, 102474 Community of Practice in Ecohealth (sub-Saharan Africa), consisted of a study of the risk of diarrheal diseases or their resurgence in the area of the Yitenga basin. Using an ecosystem approach, researchers were able to analyze the determinants of human health and in particular gastrointestinal diseases at the level of the ecosystem (zone of influence of a hydro-agricultural dam in a semi-arid region). The study revealed that the risk of gastro intestinal disease in the population was related to a combination of water supply, sanitation (poor management of solid and liquid wastes), socioeconomic conditions and people's habits (behaviour). The complexity of the interrelations between them necessitates an integrated management strategy and planning at the level of the zone of influence of the Yitenga dam. The second phase of the project will focus on planning long-term actions aimed at reducing the underlying causes of environmental threats to health in the watershed. Gastrointestinal ailments, in particular diarrhea, will serve as an indicator of socio-sanitary conditions. Development actors (communities, members of civil society organizations and decision-makers) will play a central role in the project.

Recipient Institution(s)