Abdou Moumouni University

About: Abdou Moumouni University is a education organization based out in Niamey, Niamey, Niger. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Agriculture. The organization has 796 authors who have published 808 publications receiving 17478 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Niamey & Abdou Moumouni Dioffo University.

Native and Invasive Small Mammals in Urban Habitats along the Commercial Axis Connecting Benin and Niger, West Africa

Abstract: Based on compiled small mammal trapping data collected over 12 years from Benin and Niger (3701 individual records from 66 sampling sites), located in mainland Africa, we here describe the small mammal community assemblage in urban habitats along the commercial axis connecting the two countries, from the seaport of Cotonou to the Sahelian hinterland, with a particular focus on invasive species. In doing so, we document extant species distributions, which highlight the risks of continuing the range expansion of three synanthropic invasive rodent species, namely black rats (Rattus rattus), brown rats (R. norvegicus), and house mice (Mus musculus). Using various diversity estimates and community ecology approaches, we detect a latitudinal gradient of species richness that significantly decreased Northward. We show that shrews (Crocidura) represent a very important component of micro-mammal fauna in West African towns and villages, especially at lower latitudes. We also demonstrate that invasive and native synanthropic rodents do not distribute randomly in West Africa, which suggests that invasive species dynamics and history differ markedly, and that they involve gradual, as well as human-mediated, long distance dispersal. Patterns of segregation are also observed between native Mastomys natalensis and invasive rats R. rattus and R. norvegicus, suggesting potential native-to-invasive species turn over. Consequences of such processes, especially in terms of public health, are discussed.

Mapping Water Stress Incidence and Intensity, Optimal Plant Populations, and Cultivar Duration for African Groundnut Productivity Enhancement.

Abstract: Groundnut production is limited in sub-saharan Africa (SSA) and water deficit or ‘drought’, is often considered as the main yield-limiting factor. However, no comprehensive study has assessed the extent and intensity of ‘drought’-related yield decreases, nor has it explored avenues to enhance productivity. Hence, crop simulation modelling with SSM (Simple Simulation Modeling) was used to address these issues. To palliate the lack of reliable weather data as input to the model, the validity of weather data generated by Marksim, a weather generator, was tested. Marksim provided good weather representation across a large gradient of rainfall, representative of the region, and although rainfall generated by Marksim was above observations, run-off from Marksim data was also higher, and consequently simulations using observed or Marksim weather agreed closely across this gradient of weather conditions (RMSE=99g.m-2; R2 = 0.81 for pod yield). More importantly, simulation of yield changes upon agronomic or genetic alterations in the model were equally predicted with Marksim weather. A 1o×1o grid of weather data was generated. ‘Drought’-related yield reduction were limited to latitudes above 12-13 degrees north in West Central Africa (WCA) and to the Eastern fringes of Tanzania and Mozambique in East South Africa (ESA). Simulation and experimental trials also showed that doubling the sowing density of Spanish cultivars from 20 to 40 plants m-2 would increase yield dramatically in both WCA and ESA. However, increasing density would require growers to invest in more seeds and likely additional labor. If these trade-offs cannot be alleviated, genetic improvement would then need to re-focus on a plant type that is adapted to the current low sowing density, like a runner rather than a bush plant type, which currently receives most of the genetic attention. Genetic improvement targeting ‘drought’ adaptation should also be restricted to areas where water is indeed an issue, i.e. above 12-13oN latitude in WCA and the Eastern fringes of Tanzania and Mozambique.

Taxonomie locale et analyse des critères des paysans pour caractériser les différents écotypes d’oignons ( Allium cepa L.) du Niger

Abstract: The onion is a very important crop in Niger, which has developed a reputation of high quality for ages. In Niger, many analyses have been carried out concerning onion production, but very little research has been done on onion ecotypes. The aims of this work were to identify the different types of onion produced in Niger. About a dozen sites were visited in the main area of mass production of onion in Niger. Interviews were conducted with ten producers on each site visited. These producers have a good knowledge of the different types of onions produced in the area and all over the country. Descriptors for Allium, established by Bioversity International (ex IPGRI), have been used to characterize the onion ecotypes. Fifty two locally named ecotypes were identified, but after analysis and grouping by synonyms, it was found that 17 of them were produced in Niger. The main criteria for a local ecotype naming are the colour of the onion bulb and the production area.

Inhomogeneous Universe in f(T) Theory

Abstract: We obtain the equations of motions of the f(T) theory considering the Lemaitre-Tolman-Bondi’s metric for a set of diagonal and non-diagonal tetrads. In the case of diagonal tetrads, the equations of motion of the f(T) theory impose a constant torsion or the same equations as in general relativity (GR), while in the case of a non-diagonal set, the equations are quite different from that obtained in GR. We show a simple example of a universe dominated by matter for the two cases. The comparison of the masses in the non-diagonal case shows a sort of increase with respect to the diagonal case. We also find two examples for the non-diagonal case. The first one concerns a Schwarzschild-type black hole solution, which presents a temperature higher than that of Schwarzschild, and a black hole in a dust-dominated universe.

The vertebrate fauna of the Upper Permian of Niger. V. The primitive temnospondyl Saharastega moradiensis

Abstract: The skull of the temnospondyl amphibian Saharastega moradiensis, from the Upper Permian Moradi Formation (Izegouandane Group, Izegouandane Basin) of northwestern Niger, is described in detail. Saharastega mo- radiensis is the most primitive known temnospondyl from Gondwana and possesses a combination of plesiomorphic and apomorphic character states, which suggest affinities with the Edopoidea, a clade of basal temnospondyls from the Upper Carboniferous and Lower Permian of Euramerica. These include the exclusion of the lacrimal from the orbital margin, the exclusion of the vomers and palatines from the interpterygoid vacuities, and the presence of an intertemporal ossification. Autapomorphies of the new taxon include the presence of narrow and elongated, transversely oriented nostrils; an extensive tongue-and-groove contact between the premaxillae and maxillae; tabulars that possess exception- ally large, laterally and ventrally directed 'horns'; and an extraordinary 'occipital plate' that may be formed, at least in part, by a supraoccipital ossification. A phylogenetic analysis of select Paleozoic temnospondyls indicates that S. mora- diensis is the sister taxon to the edopoids, represented in this analysis by Chenoprosopus and Edops. This suggests that S. moradiensis represents a late-surviving member of a clade that is the sister group of the Edopoidea. Members of this clade may have been restricted to equatorial northwest Africa during the Late Carboniferous and Early Permian, an area that was not affected by the extensive glaciation that covered much of southern Pangea.