Vegetable farmers are faced with computational and informational restrictions when making marketing decisions. Fresh produce markets in South Africa lack an efficient approach to supply chain management, from the farmers to the consumers. Improving market access can incentivise smallholder farmers to scale up their production. The present paper investigates factors influencing smallholder vegetable farmers' choice of market channels in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A structured questionnaire and a multi-stage sampling technique were used to select 149 vegetable farmers. Multivariate probit regression and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The results show that most sampled vegetable farmers in the study area sell their vegetable produce to traditional, wholesale, and retail outlets compared to other outlets. The study found that vegetable farmers can substitute one market with the other. Various socio-economic characteristics, transaction costs, asset ownership, membership of farm organisations, and access to extension services influence the selection choice. The study recommends intensive education and training to capacitate smallholder farmers through extension officers and farm organisations to enable farmers to understand and meet the requirements of high-value markets.

The smallholder irrigation scheme development is seen as an important strategy to transform resource-poor communities by enhancing food security and alleviating rural poverty, which has led the South African government to prioritise and invest significantly in irrigation establishment, rehabilitation, and revitalisation. However, little information is available on the effectiveness and impact of smallholder irrigation schemes in improving rural livelihoods. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the impact of smallholder irrigation schemes on household welfare, specifically on household income in farmer-managed irrigation scheme communities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Primary data in the form of structured questionnaires was used to collect data from 160 farmers using multi-stage sampling. Descriptive statistics and propensity score matching were used for analysis. The study results reveal that smallholder irrigation schemes can significantly transform smallholder farmers' lives by increasing productivity and providing reliable income from farming. The study found a positive impact and relationship between smallholder irrigation schemes and household welfare in the study. Farm characteristics and socioeconomic and institutional factors influence smallholder participation in smallholder irrigation farming. Based on the results, the study recommends that the government continue investing in irrigation schemes to increase the rural economy, improve rural livelihoods, and attract young people to farming. Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform must encourage farmer participation in irrigation schemes and build their capacity through training using agricultural extension agents and subsidising farmers with agronomic practices to improve participation in smallholder irrigation schemes.

The study analysed climate change knowledge and capacity needs of rural women crop farmers in Southern Nigeria. Data was collected from 420 women farmers selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure using a questionnaire, interview schedule and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance and Ordered Probit Regression analysis were used to analyse the data collected. Knowledge of the management of resistant crop varieties <img align="absmiddle" data-src-orig=" /img/revistas/sajae/v52n3/07ii1.jpg" src=" /img/revistas/sajae/v52n3/07ii1.jpg" > or = 3.48), use of improved farming technologies <img align="absmiddle" data-src-orig=" /img/revistas/sajae/v52n3/07ii2.jpg" src=" /img/revistas/sajae/v52n3/07ii2.jpg"> = 3.48) and access to credit facilities for adaptation purposes <img align="absmiddle" data-src-orig=" /img/revistas/sajae/v52n3/07ii3.jpg" src=" /img/revistas/sajae/v52n3/07ii3.jpg"> = 3.46) were the major areas of knowledge and capacity needs of the rural women farmers. Marital status, educational level, and access to credit influenced rural women farmers' knowledge and capacity needs. Results further showed a significant difference in the knowledge and capacity needs of rural women farmers across the six states of southern Nigeria usedfor the study. Climate change intervention programmes and policies in Nigeria need to take cognisance of some socioeconomic characteristics of rural women farmers that influenced their knowledge and capacity needs, as these could provide deeper insight into developing a more impactful intervention programme and policy.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of services is a social, dynamic and complex process that brings the population and health personnel into contact, with the purpose of satisfying a specific health condition. Objective: To describe the frequency and distribution of needs and the use of health services by the Cuban adult population. Methods: Cross-sectional study, complex sampling design, stratified and by multi-stage conglomerates. Universe constituted by the urban and rural Cuban population aged 15-years and over, taking a representative sample by province that included 14.439 people. The questionnaire applied was designed and validated by expert criteria. Interviews were carried out in the home where data on sociodemographic characteristics and use of health services were collected. Results: 27.8% of the population reported having had some health problem in the last three months, with a predominance of women and those over 55-years of age. 67.8% went to a health service, primary care was the most used. Only 3.5% reported having had difficulty accessing the service. 93.4% rated the care received as good or very good. 78.9% reported difficulty acquiring their medications. Conclusions: The application of this instrument offers an approximation of how health services are used by the Cuban population. Health need is largely the most important determining factor in the use of health services. Of the predisposing factors, only gender has a moderate effect.

RESUMEN Introducción: La utilización de los servicios es un proceso social, dinámico y complejo que pone en contacto a la población y el personal de salud, con el propósito de satisfacer una condición de salud determinada. Objetivo: describir la frecuencia y distribución de necesidades sentidas y la utilización de los servicios de salud en la población adulta cubana. Métodos: Estudio transversal, diseño muestral complejo, estratificado y por conglomerados polietápicos. Universo constituido por la población cubana urbana y rural de 15 años y más, tomándose una muestra representativa por provincias que abarcó 14 439 personas. Se diseñó y validó por criterios de expertos el cuestionario aplicado. Se practicó entrevista en el hogar donde se recogieron datos sobre características sociodemográficas y de utilización de los servicios de salud. Resultados: El 27,8 % de la población manifestó haber tenido algún problema de salud en los últimos tres meses, con predominio en mujeres y mayores de 55 años. El 68,7 % acudió a un servicio de salud, la atención primaria fue el más utilizado. Solo el 3,5 % refirió haber tenido dificultad para acceder al servicio. El 93,4 % calificó la atención recibida como buena o muy buena. El 78,9 % refirió haber tenido dificultad para adquirir sus medicamentos. Conclusiones: La aplicación de este instrumento ofrece una aproximación de cómo se utilizan los servicios de salud por la población cubana. La necesidad de salud es en gran medida el factor determinante más importante de la utilización de servicios sanitarios. De los factores predisponentes, solo el género ejerce un efecto moderado.

BACKGROUND: South Africa has a high mortality rate because of road traffic accidents (RTAs) compared to other countries. AIM: To determine the visual functions and their association with the occurrence of RTAs among vehicle drivers in the Gauteng province of South Africa. SETTING: Eight driver's license testing centres (DLTCs) in the Gauteng province. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving a multi-stage random sampling approach was conducted. Data collected using the questionnaire included participants' demographic details. Ocular health examination included the measurement of visual acuity (VA), refractive errors, visual fields, colour vision, stereopsis, contrast and glare sensitivity. RESULTS: A total of 579 motor vehicle drivers were enrolled in this study. Drivers who reported daily alcohol consumption had a higher risk of being involved in RTAs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.09-2.99, P = 0.02). Visual acuity (OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 0.99-2.06, P = 0.05), refractive errors (P = 0.03, χ² = 61.57), abnormal contrast sensitivity (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.31-0.93, P = 0.03) and deutan colour vision defects (P = 0.002, χ² = 31.42) were significantly associated with RTAs. Visual field defects (OR = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.97-1.00, P = 0.09), stereopsis anomaly (OR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.99-1.00, P = 0.35) and abnormal glare sensitivity (OR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.99-1.01, P = 0.32) were not significantly associated with the occurrence of RTAs. CONCLUSION: These results suggest reviewing the visual requirements for obtaining a driver's license by incorporating colour vision and contrast sensitivity assessment. CONTRIBUTION: The study addresses a gap in the country's current vision testing standards for driving.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the level of oral cancer awareness and risk factors perception and the relationship between this awareness and the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among rural and urban residents in Lagos State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling method was utilized. The sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of respondents, as well as their knowledge about oral cancer risk factors, were assessed with a validated questionnaire. The bivariate association was done using an independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. Multivariate regression was used to determine the association between predictor variables and oral cancer knowledge scores. The statistical significance level is set at p<0.05. Results: 590 participants between 18 and 82 years (mean age 34.5 ±13.7) completed the survey. The prevalence of cigarette smoking was 25.7%, of which 16 (1.5%) were heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes per day). The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 66.1%, with 57 (9.7%) being heavy drinkers, consuming drinks for 5-7 days of the week. A high proportion of the respondents (>60%) exhibited gaps in their knowledge of oral cancer. Uneducated participants had lower oral cancer knowledge than those with >12 years of formal education (aOR = 5.347; 95% CI: 4.987-6.240). Participants who were smokers had lower oral cancer knowledge compared with non-smokers (aOR = 3.341; 95% CI: 2.147-4.783); Participants who consumed alcohol had more deficient oral cancer knowledge compared with non-drinkers (aOR = 1.699; 95% CI: 1.087-2.655); While heavy smokers aOR = 4.023; 95% CI: 3.615-4.825) and heavy drinkers aOR = 4.331; 95% CI: 3.158-5.939) had lower oral cancer knowledge compared with those who did not abuse both substances. Conclusion: A high proportion of the respondents exhibited gaps in their knowledge of oral cancer in their responses. Delayed diagnosis of oral cancer can be reduced by increasing the awareness and knowledge of the populace about risk factors and also in the recognition of its signs and symptoms. Objective Methods State Nigeria multistage multi stage utilized questionnaire ttest t test oneway one way ANOVA scores p005 p 0 05 p<0.05 Results 59 1 8 mean 345 34 5 34. ±13.7 137 13 7 survey 257 25 25.7% 1.5% 15 (1.5% 20+ 20 (20 day. day . day) 661 66 66.1% 9.7% 97 9 (9.7% 5- week >60% 60 (>60% 12 >1 5.347 5347 347 95 CI 4.9876.240. 49876240 4.987 6.240 4 987 6 240 4.987-6.240) nonsmokers non 3.341 3341 3 341 2.1474.783 21474783 2.147 4.783 2 147 783 2.147-4.783) nondrinkers 1.699 1699 699 1.0872.655 10872655 1.087 2.655 087 655 1.087-2.655) 4.023 4023 023 3.6154.825 36154825 3.615 4.825 615 825 3.615-4.825 4.331 4331 331 3.1585.939 31585939 3.158 5.939 158 939 3.158-5.939 substances Conclusion responses symptoms p00 p<0.0 ±13. 25.7 1.5 (1.5 (2 66.1 9.7 (9.7 >60 (>60 > 5.34 534 9876 4.9876.240 4987624 4987 4.98 6240 6.24 98 24 4.987-6.240 3.34 334 1474 2.1474.78 2147478 2147 2.14 4783 4.78 14 78 2.147-4.783 1.69 169 69 0872 1.0872.65 1087265 1087 1.08 2655 2.65 08 65 1.087-2.655 4.02 402 02 6154 3.6154.82 3615482 3615 3.61 4825 4.82 61 3.615-4.82 4.33 433 33 1585 3.1585.93 3158593 3158 3.15 5939 5.93 93 3.158-5.93 p0 p<0. ±13 25. 1. (1. ( 66. 9. (9. >6 (>6 5.3 53 4.9876.24 498762 498 4.9 624 6.2 4.987-6.24 3.3 2.1474.7 214747 214 2.1 478 4.7 2.147-4.78 1.6 1.0872.6 108726 108 1.0 265 2.6 1.087-2.65 4.0 40 3.6154.8 361548 361 3.6 482 4.8 3.615-4.8 4.3 43 3.1585.9 315859 315 3.1 593 5.9 3.158-5.9 p<0 ±1 (1 (9 (> 5. 4.9876.2 49876 49 4. 62 6. 4.987-6.2 3. 2.1474. 21474 21 2. 47 2.147-4.7 1.0872. 10872 10 26 1.087-2.6 3.6154. 36154 36 48 3.615-4. 3.1585. 31585 31 3.158-5. p< ± 4.9876. 4.987-6. 2.1474 2.147-4. 1.0872 1.087-2. 3.6154 3.615-4 3.1585 3.158-5 4.9876 4.987-6 2.147-4 1.087-2 3.615- 3.158- 4.987- 2.147- 1.087-

Resumen La calidad del aire interior y la predicción de los niveles de contaminación interior se han convertido en temas más importantes para los riesgos para la salud. Esta investigación se investigará la proporción de la concentración de partículas dentro y fuera de las casas residenciales en Teherán. El muestreo de material particulado (PM) se realizó en cuatro temporadas desde agosto de 2020 hasta julio de 2021. Se seleccionaron cuatro estaciones como estaciones de muestreo fijas y el tiempo de muestreo varió de 6 horas a 12 horas. Debido al riesgo de partículas finas y la posibilidad de su impacto en la salud humana, en este estudio se examinaron PM0.4 y PM2.5. Para el muestreo se utilizó un amortiguador virtual de etapas múltiples que atrapa partículas en placas de acero con un flujo de aire constante. Se utilizaron los métodos Microscopio Electrónico de Barrido (SEM) y Espectrometría de Masas de Plasma Acoplado Inductivamente (ICP-MS) para estudiar el tamaño, la morfología y la composición química y analizar la concentración total de material particulado (PM). Los resultados mostraron que en la mayoría de las estaciones, la penetración de partículas exteriores en el edificio en la estación fría fue mayor que en la estación cálida. Debido al uso de ventilación natural en la mayoría de los edificios residenciales del área de estudio, la relación I/O de PM2.5 y PM0.4 fue en promedio superior a 0.752. En algunas estaciones en marzo, abril y mayo, la relación I/O fue superior a 0.965. De acuerdo con estos resultados, en el área oriente, la exposición a material particulado (PM) con un diámetro menor a 0.4 µm fue mayor que en otras áreas. Asimismo, los resultados mostraron que el efecto promedio del factor de ventilación durante el año fue del orden del 38.4%. En tanto, esta cantidad fue de 19.4 y 13% para los factores de cocción y actividad, respectivamente. El efecto promedio de los factores de vida del edificio y tabaquismo fue de 7.6 y 21.6%, respectivamente. Los resultados del método SEM mostraron que la penetración de contaminantes en el exterior del edificio tiene un gran efecto sobre la concentración de partículas en el interior.

Abstract Indoor Air Quality and the prediction of indoor pollution levels have become more important subjects for health risks. This research will be investigated the ratio of the concentration of particles inside and outside residential houses in Tehran. The particulate matter (PM) sampling was performed in four seasons from August 2020 to July 2021. Four stations were selected as fixed sampling stations and sampling time varied from 6 hours to 12 hours. Due to the risk of fine particles and the possibility of their impact on human health, in this study, PM0.4 and PM2.5 were examined. A multi-stage virtual shock absorber that traps particles on steel plates with a constant airflow was used for sampling. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods were used to study the size, morphology, and chemical composition and analyze the total concentration of particulate matter (PM). The results showed that in most stations, the penetration of outdoor particles into the building in the cold season was more than in the hot season. Due to the use of natural ventilation in most residential buildings in the study area, the I/O ratio of PM2.5 and PM0.4 was on average more than 0.752. At some stations in March, April, and May the I/O ratio was over 0.965. According to these results, in the eastern area, the exposure to particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of less than 0.4 µm was higher than in other areas. Also, the results showed that the average effect of the ventilation factor in the studied area for the whole year was about 38.4%. Meanwhile, this amount was 19.4 and 13% for the factors of cooking and activity, respectively. The average effect of factors of building age and smoking were 7.6 and 21.6%, respectively. The results of the SEM method showed that the penetration of pollutants outdoor the building has a great effect on the concentration of particles indoor.

This paper focuses on the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the teaching of Sesotho as a home language. It seeks to answer the questions, "What causes poor adoption of the use of ICT to teach Sesotho in secondary schools?" and "What should be done to promote more effective adoption of ICT in the teaching of Sesotho as an indigenous language?" The study employed a qualitative approach. A sample of 12 teachers was drawn to participate in the study, with the sampling design adopting a multi-stage sampling technique. Our findings indicated there is poor adoption of ICT in the teaching and learning of Sesotho among some South African secondary schools. This poor adoption may be explained in terms of a lack of ICT training among teachers and a shortage of resources in schools. In line with these findings, we recommend that the Department of Basic Education capacitates schools by continually training, motivating, and resourcing teachers.

Intolerably high rates of food insecurity and micronutrient deficiencies still prevail at an alarming rate in rural poor communities that practice subsistence farming. Even though indigenous fruits and vegetables are abundantly available and are easily accessible in these rural communities. The consumption of indigenous vegetables and fruits can combat food insecurity and micro-nutrient deficiencies in resource-constrained communities. This is attributed to negative perceptions shared among rural communities, specifically the younger generation, who are unaware of indigenous foods. Against this background, the study was developed to assess awareness and perceptions towards indigenous fruits and vegetables in Port St. Johns of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to evaluate the availability of the perceptions of households and the contribution of indigenous fruits and vegetables to household food security. A total of 340 respondents were purposively selected in the study area. A positive impact on household food security was revealed, suggesting that consuming indigenous fruits and vegetables may address rural household dietary diversity and food insecurity. The study argues that indigenous fruits and vegetables may be used as a food security coping strategy at the household level in rural areas, given their availability, especially in summer. Additionally, dispelling several negative perceptions and targeting consumption drivers will enhance the food security nexus of indigenous fruits and vegetables at the household level.

Land is a principal and calamitous factor in agricultural production and the growth of livelihood prospects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Land ownership is an indispensable resource for agrarian efficiency in the pastoral regions of South Africa. It leads to sustainable and feasible farming. However, the mainstream rural dwellers struggle to access and obtain land ownership, thus leading to low agricultural productivity. Therefore, the study seeks to investigate the effect of land tenure in enhancing agrarian efficiency in rural areas of Eastern Cape Province. The study used a cross-sectional research approach and a multi-stage sampling procedure. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 250 smallholder farmers. The analysis tools used were descriptive statistics, Logit regression, and Propensity Score Matching. Farmers were landowners, with 70% and 60% having small-sized farms, which they utilise for agricultural production. About 17% of the farmers did not utilise the land they own because of a lack offunds, water availability and farming equipment. The farmers' age, gender, years spent in school, members of farm organisations, access to extension services, household income, and hired permanent labour were socio-economic and institutional factors influencing land ownership. PSM results revealed that fully owned small-sized farms achieved high agricultural production than rented large-sized farms. The study concludes that full land ownership impacts agricultural productivity more than rented land. Hence, productivity is high. Therefore, the study recommends that the South African government and land reform policy must fast-track land redistribution among rural dwellers and farmers to enhance agricultural productivity.

RESUMO: O impacto do acesso a serviços financeiros (AFS) e acesso a serviços financeiros informais (AIFS) na renda do agricultor é examinado neste estudo. Após um procedimento de amostragem aleatória em vários estágios, o estudo utilizou uma amostra de 478 pessoas de duas regiões de Gana. O modelo de regressão de tratamento endógeno (ETR) foi usado para explicar o viés de seleção, enquanto o modelo de regressão quantílica incondicional (UQR) foi usado para uma análise heterogênea. Os resultados mostram que educação, alfabetização financeira, acesso a TI, tamanho da fazenda e distância foram fatores de acesso a serviços financeiros. Da mesma forma, os resultados revelaram uma ligação positiva e estatisticamente significativa entre a renda familiar e o acesso a serviços financeiros formais. Da mesma forma, houve associação positiva e significativa entre acesso a serviços financeiros informais e renda familiar. Os resultados mostram que o acesso a serviços financeiros formais e informais tem efeitos diferentes na renda familiar. Como resultado, os efeitos do acesso a serviços financeiros sobre a renda variaram por quantil. Com base nos resultados do estudo, desenvolvemos políticas para aumentar a acessibilidade dos serviços financeiros como forma de aumentar a renda familiar. RESUMO AFS (AFS AIFS (AIFS estágios 47 Gana ETR (ETR seleção UQR (UQR heterogênea educação financeira TI resultado quantil 4

ABSTRACT: The impact of access to financial services (AFS) and access to informal financial services (AIFS) on farmer income is examined in this study. After a multi-stage random sampling procedure, the study used a sample size of 478 people from two regions in Ghana. The endogenous treatment regression (ETR) model was used to account for selection bias while the unconditional quantile regression (UQR) model was used for a heterogenous analysis. The findings showed that education, financial literacy, IT access, farm size, and distance were all factors of access to financial services. Similarly, the findings revealed a positive and statistically significant link between household income and access to formal financial services. Similarly, there was a positive and significant association between access to informal financial services and household income. The findings showed that access to formal and informal financial services has different effects on household income. As a result, the effects of access to financial services on income varied by quantile. Based on the findings of the study, we developed policies to boost financial services accessibility as a means of increasing household income. ABSTRACT AFS (AFS AIFS (AIFS multistage multi stage procedure 47 Ghana ETR (ETR UQR (UQR analysis education literacy Similarly result 4

Resumen Para determinar la eficiencia de la mano de obra de los arroceros de la región Centro-Norte de Nigeria se utilizaron datos transversales recogidos mediante un cuestionario estructurado y un programa de entrevistas a 360 arroceros, quienes fueron seleccionados mediante un muestreo por conglomerados multietápico. Los datos obtenidos de la época de cultivo 2020 fueron analizados mediante estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales. Las evidencias empíricas mostraron una población agrícola sesgada por el estereotipo de género, que afectó al acceso y control de los recursos productivos por parte de las mujeres. También, se encontró que los agentes económicamente productivos que exploraban las ventajas financieras para alcanzar economías de escala se dedicaban a cultivar explotaciones poco rentables. La mala situación económica de las familias agricultoras hizo que la mayoría de los agricultores dependieran de la mano de obra familiar para las operaciones agrícolas, manteniendo así a la mayoría de sus niños y jóvenes fuera del sistema educativo. Además, la mayoría de los agricultores eran bastante eficientes en el uso de la mano de obra, y apenas necesitaban apoyo técnico para poder alcanzar un nivel óptimo de eficiencia laboral (punto límite o frontera). Sin embargo, las pruebas empíricas mostraron que los factores que afectaban a la eficiencia de la mano de obra eran la competencia por la demanda de mano de obra entre las actividades agrícolas y las no agrícolas y las actitudes conservadoras y de complacencia a causa de la longevidad en la empresa. Por tanto, el estudio aboga por la integración de la perspectiva de género en el presupuesto agrícola para superar el desafío existente para las mujeres en cuanto a los recursos productivos; por el estímulo a las empresas mediante la concesión de créditos; y, por la adopción de un enfoque de abajo hacia arriba en la investigación y de un enfoque de demostración práctica en la transferencia de tecnologías innovadoras del arroz.

Abstract A cross sectional data collected through a structured questionnaire coupled with an interview schedule from 360 rice farmers selected via multi-stage sampling technique was used to determine the labour efficiency of rice farmers in Nigeria’s North-Central region. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the 2020 cropping season data. The empirical evidences showed a farming population that is gender bias due to stereotypes, that affected women access to and control over productive resources. Besides, economic-productive people that explored pecuniary advantages in order to achieve economies of scale engaged in cultivation of thinly uneconomic holdings. The poor economic status of the farm families made most of the farmers to rely on family labour for farm operations, thus keeping most of their children and young ones out of school. Furthermore, most of the farmers were fairly efficient in the use of labour with little technical support required to enable them achieve optimum labour efficiency level (frontier point). However, the empirical evidences showed competition for labour demand between farm and off-farm activities and conservative and complacency attitudes due to longevity in the enterprise to be the factors that affected labour efficiency. Therefore, the study calls for gender mainstreaming in agricultural budget to overcome women’s challenge on productive resources; incentivized the enterprise viz., credit provision; adoption of bottom-to-top approach in research and practical demonstration approach in transfer of innovative rice technologies.

BACKGROUND: Midwifery competence is demonstrated in the context of midwifery education, regulation and practice to support the quality delivery of care to women. Midwives with appropriate competencies can deliver up to 80% of maternal health services. The pre-service education programmes in Kenya offers different midwifery competencies for the various programmes, influencing expected outcomes in practice. AIM: This study aimed to assess midwives' perceived level of competence based on the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) standards in Kenya. SETTING: The study was conducted in selected public health facilities in Kenya. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional design was used. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the counties and health facilities and random sampling to determine 576 midwives. Data were collected using a self-administered assessment tool adopted from the ICM competency domains. RESULTS: A total of 495 (85.9%) midwife respondents participated in this study, of which 389 (78.6%) respondents in all training categories were highly competent in the four ICM domains. The midwives' qualifications and facility level were associated with their self-perceived competence during practice. Those trained in the direct-entry midwifery programme were more competent, p = 0.016 (Kruskal wallis H = 8.432). CONCLUSION: Midwives' competence was influenced by the level of education and facility where they practice. All pre-service midwifery programme graduates must meet the essential ICM competencies and need to enhance continuous professional development (CPD) programmes and facility-based mentorship for the midwives. CONTRIBUTION: To optimise midwifery-led practice in primary health care, midwifery competence should be enhanced in pre-service and in-service education for improved health outcomes.

Various strategies are being deployed to address finance for housing development in Nigeria. However, few localised studies have examined factors hindering the performance of cooperative societies to assist with housing development. The article aims to investigate the barriers that hinder cooperative societies' involved in housing delivery in Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas of Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. The study used a quantitative research design, with a questionnaire survey. Using the multi-stage sampling technique, 110 cooperative societies were selected across the local government areas and the structured questionnaire was administered to one member in each selected cooperative society. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency table) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results of the communality values based on PCA showed that financial and land regulation, loan management, and credibility of co-operators are the factors affecting the ability of cooperative societies in funding housing development in Osogbo. The study concluded that cooperative societies have a significant impact on housing delivery in Osogbo. Based on these findings, it is clear that, if cooperative societies are well supported by government policies such as public-private collaborations on land acquisitions, urban housing production challenges could be reduced.

There is increasing evidence linking the availability of urban open spaces to improve active living and outdoor behaviour. However, it is not clear what typologies of urban open spaces stimulate what types of activities. This article explores outdoor utilisation of open spaces in residential neighbourhoods of Osogbo, a South-Western city in Nigeria. The study classified neighbourhoods in the city into high-, medium- and low-density areas. Out of the 6 818 buildings identified in the selected neighbourhoods, multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 1 265 respondents. Using a survey research method, data were obtained through structured questionnaires, field observations, objective measurement of open spaces via Geographic Information System, and photographic recordings. The data were analysed with the aid of IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Statistics 24, and further presented in descriptive statistics, percentage statistics, and chi-square test. Different typologies of open spaces were identified (school playgrounds, neighbourhood park, incidental open spaces, pocket park). Walking and vigorous, moderate, and sedentary activities were observed in the open spaces. Results also show that sedentary activities were prevalent across all typologies, and the highest proportion of vigorous activities occurred in the incidental open spaces. In addition, the results revealed statistically significant variations in self-reported vigorous outdoor activities across the open space typologies. There was also statistically significant difference in the level of activities between males and females in the city. Findings show that the patterns of outdoor activities differ by typologies. To stimulate active living, this study recommends that appropriate amenities be provided in urban open spaces.

Daar is alhoemeer bewyse wat die beskikbaarheid van stedelike oop ruimtes verbind om aktiewe leef- en buiteluggedrag te verbeter. Dit is egter nie duidelik watter tipolo-gieë van stedelike oop ruimtes watter tipe aktiwiteite stimuleer nie. Hierdie artikel ondersoek die gebruik van oop ruimtes buite in woonbuurte van Osogbo, 'n Suidwestelike stad in Nigeria. Die studie het woonbuurte in die stad in hoë-, medium- en lae-digtheid gebiede geklassifiseer. Uit die 6 818 geboue wat in die geselekteerde woonbuurte geïdentifiseer is, is die multi-stadium steekproeftegniek gebruik om 1 265 re-spondente te selekteer. Met behulp van 'n opname-navorsingsmetode is data verkry deur gestruktureerde vraelyste, veldwaarnemings, objektiewe meting van oop ruimtes via die Geografiese Inligtingstelsel, en fotografiese op-names. Die data is ontleed met behulp van IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Statistics 24, en verder aangebied in beskrywende statistieke, persen-tasiestatistieke en chi-kwadraattoets. Verskillende tipologieë van oop ruimtes is geïdentifiseer (skoolspeelgronde, buurtpark, toevallige oop ruimtes, sakpark). Stap sowel as kragtige, matige en sittende aktiwiteite is in die oop ruimtes waargeneem. Resultate toon ook dat sittende aktiwiteite oor alle tipologieë algemeen voorgekom het, en dat die hoogste proporsie kragtige aktiwiteite in die toevallige oop ruimtes plaasgevind het. Daarbenewens is statisties betekenisvolle variasies in self-gerapporteerde kragtige buitelugaktiwiteite oor die oopruimte-tipologieë getoon. Daar was ook 'n statisties betekenisvolle verskil in die vlak van aktiwiteite tussen mans en vroue in die stad. Bevindinge toon dat die patrone van buitemuurse aktiwiteite verskil volgens tipologieë. Om aktiewe lewe te stimuleer, beveel hierdie studie aan dat toepaslike geriewe in stedelike oop ruimtes voorsien word.