CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE INCREASE IN INCIDENCE OF MALARIA CASES IN THE DVOKOLWAKO AREA OF SWAZILAND (FROM 1990-2004)

18 PAGES (5164 WORDS) Geography And Environmetal Studies Article/Essay

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ABSTRACT

The study examines the factors that account for the increase in malaria cases in Dvokolwako

area (Swaziland), which in the past was generally malaria free. The two main aspects

examined in the study area are climate change patterns and sugar cane cultivation under

irrigation. Climatic data of the area was obtained from the Mbabane National Meteorological

Service, whilst retrospective inpatient malaria data was obtained from Dvokolwako and

Mliba clinics. Data on sugar cane growing was collected from the farmers through face-to-

face questionnaire interviews. A field observation guide was used to collect information on

the status of the sugar cane fields. The results clearly show that average temperatures have

increased during the past fifteen years. It, therefore, appears that changes in climate

parameters, especially maximum and minimum daily temperatures, have created conducive

ecological conditions for mosquito breeding, thereby resulting in the increased incidence of

reported malaria cases in the Dvokolwako area.

Keywords: Swaziland climate change, malaria incidence, epidemic, climate parameters,

sugar cane irrigation, Dvokolwako area, and environmental factorsABSTRACT

The study examines the factors that account for the increase in malaria cases in Dvokolwako

area (Swaziland), which in the past was generally malaria free. The two main aspects

examined in the study area are climate change patterns and sugar cane cultivation under

irrigation. Climatic data of the area was obtained from the Mbabane National Meteorological

Service, whilst retrospective inpatient malaria data was obtained from Dvokolwako and

Mliba clinics. Data on sugar cane growing was collected from the farmers through face-to-

face questionnaire interviews. A field observation guide was used to collect information on

the status of the sugar cane fields. The results clearly show that average temperatures have

increased during the past fifteen years. It, therefore, appears that changes in climate

parameters, especially maximum and minimum daily temperatures, have created conducive

ecological conditions for mosquito breeding, thereby resulting in the increased incidence of

reported malaria cases in the Dvokolwako area.

Keywords: Swaziland climate change, malaria incidence, epidemic, climate parameters,

sugar cane irrigation, Dvokolwako area, and environmental factorsABSTRACT

The study examines the factors that account for the increase in malaria cases in Dvokolwako

area (Swaziland), which in the past was generally malaria free. The two main aspects

examined in the study area are climate change patterns and sugar cane cultivation under

irrigation. Climatic data of the area was obtained from the Mbabane National Meteorological

Service, whilst retrospective inpatient malaria data was obtained from Dvokolwako and

Mliba clinics. Data on sugar cane growing was collected from the farmers through face-to-

face questionnaire interviews. A field observation guide was used to collect information on

the status of the sugar cane fields. The results clearly show that average temperatures have

increased during the past fifteen years. It, therefore, appears that changes in climate

parameters, especially maximum and minimum daily temperatures, have created conducive

ecological conditions for mosquito breeding, thereby resulting in the increased incidence of

reported malaria cases in the Dvokolwako area.

Keywords: Swaziland climate change, malaria incidence, epidemic, climate parameters,

sugar cane irrigation, Dvokolwako area, and environmental factors

Read Download