The increasing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to conflict, violence, and climate change, coupled with rapid urbanisation, has turned urban centres into destinations for IDPs seeking social networks, jobs, and services that promise protection and integration. Yet city authorities in low-income countries often lack the technical and financial capacity to support the growing IDP population. This article analyses how IDPs use informal networks and channels to pursue socio-economic integration when formal support systems are inadequate. Using 41 interviews with IDPs, local government officials, and humanitarian workers, this study finds that informal socioeconomic pathways become essential for accessing livelihoods and integrating into urban life, even as unplanned and informal integration challenges urban systems and strains urban services and infrastructure. These informal pathways, while enabling integration, also expose urban IDPs to vulnerability. The article recommends city-level policies and legal frameworks that recognise IDPs' inclusion and safeguard their rights.
Wild edible plants (WEPs) are vital components of traditional food systems, supporting nutrition, health, and livelihood resilience in food-insecure and climate-vulnerable regions. In eastern Ethiopia, particularly the Somali Region, communities rely on WEPs to supplement diets and cope with seasonal food shortages. However, comprehensive documentation of species diversity, indigenous knowledge, and conservation challenges remains limited. This study assessed the diversity, use patterns, indigenous knowledge, and public health relevance of WEPs in Gursum District. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from February to December 2024 using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and market surveys. A total of 100 informants, including 25 key informants, were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Plant specimens were collected and identified using standard taxonomic references, with voucher numbers assigned. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices and statistical analyses (ANOVA, regression) were applied to examine knowledge distribution across socio-demographic groups. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed to complement quantitative findings. Forty-four WEP species, representing 30 genera and 17 families, were documented. Fruits (61
The escalating global concern over persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water sources has driven the development of advanced and highly efficient remediation technologies to address this issue. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as a revolutionary platform for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) owing to their maximum atom utilization efficiency and tunable electronic structure. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of recent progress in the field of SACs for the catalytic degradation of organic compounds. We critically examine the state-of-the-art synthesis methodologies, including atomic layer deposition, wet-chemistry approaches, and defect engineering, as well as advanced characterization techniques essential for confirming the single-atom nature. The primary focus is on the structure-activity relationship and the underlying mechanisms through which SACs activate common oxidants such as H2O2, persulfates, and O2. We present a detailed metal-specific review of the performance of platinum (Pt), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), iridium (Ir), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), gold (Au), and cobalt (Co) SACs, highlighting their unique roles and catalytic efficiencies.
BackgroundWild edible plants (WEPs) are essential for sustaining food security, nutrition, and cultural heritage, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In Shabelle Zone, Eastern Ethiopia, Somali communities depend heavily on natural vegetation for their daily sustenance. Despite their importance, detailed ethnobotanical documentation of these plants remains limited. This study therefore aimed to explore the diversity of WEPs, examine their patterns of use, document traditional knowledge associated with them, and assess their conservation status.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected from 120 purposively selected informants across five districts using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and guided field observations. Quantitative indices, including the Botanical Ethnoknowledge Index (BEI), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Jaccard Similarity Index (JSI), were employed to evaluate species importance and knowledge patterns. Preference ranking, direct matrix ranking and priority ranking were used to determine species preference, multifunctionality, and perceived threats. Data analysis was performed using R software, and species were cross-checked against the IUCN Red List.ResultsA total of 57 WEP species representing 22 families were documented, with shrubs and trees predominating. Fruits were the most commonly consumed plant parts, while roots, tubers, leaves, stems, and resins were mainly used during periods of food scarcity. Traditional knowledge varied significantly across informant groups, with older, male, and less formally educated individuals exhibiting greater familiarity with WEPs. Cordeauxia edulis Hemsl., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell., and Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod. emerged as highly preferred and multipurpose species. Key threats included overharvesting, habitat degradation, climate variability, intensive grazing, and invasive species. Notably, Boswellia ogadensis Vollesen (Critically Endangered), Cordeauxia edulis Hemsl., and Commiphora cyclophylla Chiov. (Vulnerable) were identified as threatened species, highlighting the urgent need for targeted conservation interventions to safeguard their survival.ConclusionWEPs are integral to local diets, food security, and cultural heritage in Shabelle Zone. Promoting the sustainable use and cultivation of high-value species, while integrating indigenous knowledge with in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies, is essential to safeguard these resources for future generations.
BACKGROUND:Despite efforts by initiatives like the World Bank's 'All Hands-on Deck' and UNICEF's programs to address stunting through multisectoral approaches, the burden of stunting remains alarmingly high in sub-Saharan Africa. This study utilized recent large-scale survey data from 35 SSA countries (2011-2024) to estimate the pooled prevalence of stunting and its determinants among children under 5 years of age. Key variables such as antenatal care visits, postnatal care, and maternal nutritional indicators, which previous studies did not account for, are incorporated into the analysis. METHODS:A secondary analysis was conducted using recent demographic and health survey data (2011-2024) from 35 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. A total weighted sample of 191,953 children under 5 years of age was included in the analysis. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using STATA 17. Forest plots were utilized to illustrate both pooled and country-specific stunting rates. Determinants of stunting were identified through a multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression model with robust variance. The adjusted prevalence ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength and statistical significance of associations. RESULT:The pooled prevalence of stunting among children under 5 years of age in 35 sub-Saharan African countries was 29.89% (95% CI: 26.63, 33.14%), with the lowest level in Gabon (13.91%) and the highest in Burundi (55.80%). Being male children (aPR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.21-1.26), being aged 12 months or older (aPR: ≥ 1.81, p < 0.01), insufficient antenatal care (ANC) visits (aPR: ≥ 1.17, p < 0.01), lack of postnatal visits(aPR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.05), children perceived as small or average at birth (aPR: ≥ 1.16, p < 0.01), mother without a higher education (aPR: ≥ 1.94, p < 0.01), living in a poor or average wealth household (aPR: ≥ 1.23, p < 0.01) were significant predictors of stunting. Conversely, maternal overweight (aPR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.77-0.84) and obese mothers (aPR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85-0.90) were associated lower prevalence of stunting. CONCLUSION:Study revealed significant country-level variations and rates exceeding 30% in 15 countries, signaling a major public health concern. The key individual, household and contextual factors associated with stunting in this study suggest the need for immediate actions expanding antenatal and postnatal care, promoting facility-based deliveries, enhancing maternal education, and media outreach. Long term strategies must tackle poverty, food systems, and equitable nutrition access, supported by governance and stability. A multisectoral approach integrating health, education, agriculture, WASH, and social protection ensures substantiable child growth, complemented by longitudinal research for policy coherence.
