When knowledge is not enough: barriers to recommended cassava processing in resource-constrained Kwango, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background

Despite interventions to provide knowledge and improve bitter cassava processing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), cassava processing is sub-optimal. Consumption of insufficiently processed bitter cassava is associated with konzo, a neurological paralytic disease.

Objective

This study aimed to explore barriers to appropriate cassava processing carried out by women in one deep rural, economically deprived area of DRC.

Methods

A qualitative design used focus group discussions (FGDs) and participant observation to collect data among purposively selected women aged 15-61 years in Kwango, DRC. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

15 FGDs with 131 women and 12 observations of cassava processing were undertaken. Observations indicated women did not follow recommended cassava processing methods. Although women were knowledgeable about cassava processing, two main barriers emerged: access to water and lack of money. Accessing water from the river to process cassava was burdensome, and the cassava was at risk of being stolen by soaking it in the river; therefore, women shortened the processing time. Cassava was not only used as a staple food but also as a cash crop, which led to households shortening the processing time to reach the market quickly.

Conclusion

Knowledge about the risks of insufficient cassava processing and about safe processing methods alone is insufficient to change practices in a context of severe resource constraints. When planning nutrition interventions, it is critical to view the intervention in light of the socio-economic context in which the intervention will take place to improve its outcomes.

A qualitative study to explore dietary knowledge, beliefs, and practices among pregnant women in a rural health zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Background

A nutritious and healthy diet during pregnancy is essential for the health of both mother and baby. Inadequate dietary intake during pregnancy contributes to maternal malnutrition and can have lifelong effects on the health of the child. Maternal malnutrition is common in many low-income countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kwango province, DRC, has a high prevalence of malnutrition among all population groups, including macro and micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women. The study aimed to explore the dietary knowledge and practices of a pregnant woman in this area.

Methods

This study adopted a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews (IDIs) with pregnant women and key informants, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with fathers and grandmothers in the community, to explore women’s knowledge and practice about diet during pregnancy. Data were collected between January and April 2018. IDIs were conducted with pregnant women who were recruited at antenatal clinics during their second and third trimesters. IDIs were undertaken with selected key informants, who were health workers providing care to pregnant women, and included doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and community health workers. All IDIs and FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated to English. The triangulation method and thematic analyses were used.

Results

Overall, women showed good general knowledge about nutrition and the need for increased and varied foods during pregnancy, but little technical knowledge about nutrients and sources of nutrition. Healthcare facilities, media, NGOs, and family members were the main sources of nutritional information. However, women were unable to put this knowledge into practice, primarily due to poverty and poor access to a variety of foods. The Popokabaka community accessed food from farming, fishing, and the market, although purchasing food was frequently unaffordable. Cassava flour was the most common daily food. Food taboos, traditional practices, and late ANC attendance were identified as factors that influenced dietary practices.

Conclusions

Various social, economic, and environmental factors within the local community influenced dietary practices among pregnant women in rural DRC. A comprehensive approach is required to improve nutrition, and address food insecurity, cultural practices and improve the health outcomes of both mother and child.

Chemical-mineralogical characterization of C&D waste recycled aggregates from São Paulo, Brazil

This study presents a methodology for the characterization of construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycled aggregates based on a combination of analytical techniques (X-ray fluorescence (XRF), soluble ions, semi-quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTG) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) selective dissolution). These combined analytical techniques allow for the estimation of the amount of cement paste, its most important hydrated and carbonated phases, as well as the amount of clay and micas. Details of the methodology are presented here and the results of three representative C&D samples taken from the São Paulo region in Brazil are discussed. Chemical compositions of mixed C&D aggregate samples have mostly been influenced by particle size rather than the visual classification of C&D into red or grey and geographical origin. The amount of measured soluble salts in C&D aggregates (0.15-25.4mm) is lower than the usual limits for mortar and concrete production. The content of porous cement paste in the C&D aggregates is around 19.3% (w/w). However, this content is significantly lower than the 43% detected for the C&D powders (<0.15 mm). The clay content of the powders was also high, potentially resulting from soil intermixed with the C&D waste, as well as poorly burnt red ceramic. Since only about 50% of the measured CaO is combined with CO(2), the powders have potential use as raw materials for the cement industry.

Research & development methodology for recycling residues as building materials--a proposal

This article presents a proposal of methodology for conducting such research and development. The data/statistics waste collection statistics phase must cover geographical distribution, seasonal variations on production rates, waste management practices, current applications and their related costs and revenues. Waste characterisation must be comprehensive with physical, environmental and chemical aspects, including waste variability and waste contamination from shipping, handling and storage activities. Based on the previous results a broad forecast of potential applications must be developed based on very simple rules like minimisation of transportation distances and energy consumption, etc. Marketing evaluation is a very important step, frequently neglected when choosing the best applications for a particular waste. Other steps are product development and performance evaluation. Environmental evaluation of the new technology is very important because not all recycling is environmentally sound. This evaluation must be based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) and has to consider the environmental benefit of avoiding landfill disposal of the waste, and could include leaching or other specific tests or simulations. Also, the technological transference phase must be carefully planned and developed. Each proposed step is discussed, examples are given and needs for further research emphasised.