Abstract This perspective paper examines transition pathways that move small‐scale fisheries from vulnerability towards viability. We understand ‘vulnerability to viability transition pathways’ as integrative and one that extends beyond economic concerns to include social, political, cultural and ecological aspects of small‐scale fisheries. Our findings draw on a reflexive and qualitative assessment of country‐specific case studies from across Africa and Asia to collaboratively identify transition pathways reflected in these contexts. Common pathways that emerged included: (1) building governance networks and partnerships; (2) centring small‐scale fisheries tenure and rights; (3) advancing a gender and intersectional perspective on viability pathways; (4) enhancing opportunities for ecologically sensitive and diversified livelihoods; and (5) co‐creating and co‐producing the knowledge required to catalyse transition pathways. Outcomes of this analysis provide context‐specific foundations upon which to further co‐develop a research agenda on small‐scale fisheries vulnerability to viability transitions. Insights from this analysis also contribute to the identification of the transdisciplinary capacities needed to build more viable and resilient small‐scale fisheries in the context of ongoing debates about blue economy expansion, and in relation to country‐level commitments to implement provisions of the FAO small‐scale fisheries guidelines. In advancing a vulnerability to viability pathways lens, this paper frames small‐scale fisheries transitions as governance‐mediated, justice‐oriented, relational and inherently non‐linear processes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Accurate storm surge estimation is critical for effective coastal disaster management, particularly in cyclone-prone regions. A blended wind field derived from ERA5 reanalysis, India Meteorological Department (IMD) best track and Holland parametric winds is used to simulate the Advanced Circulation (ADCIRC) model, and the resulting surge and cyclone variables, along with astronomical tide obtained from WXTide32 are used as inputs to classical Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Regression (SVR) and quantum machine learning models namely Quantum Neural Networks (QNN), Quantum Support Vector Regression (QSVR). The framework is evaluated across five cyclones over Bay of Bengal (BoB) Very Severe Cyclonic Storms (VSCS) Hudhud (2014), Vardah (2016), Gaja (2018), Thane (2011), and the Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) Phethai (2018) then compared with ADCIRC numerical model and validated with Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) observed storm surge height. Comparative assessment using regression statistics, time-series analysis, and Taylor diagrams demonstrates that the QSVR model consistently provides the most balanced performance across all cyclone cases. For Hudhud (2014), QSVR exhibits a high correlation (CRR ∼ 0.74) with moderate standard deviation and lower RMSE compare to other models. A similar behavior is observed for Phethai and Vardah, where QSVR maintains stable correlations ( ∼ 0.79–0.81) and balanced error characteristics. These findings highlight the potential of quantum-enhanced learning frameworks for next-generation coastal hazard prediction.
Urban flooding, a relatively new research area in Malawi, has brought urban drainage systems under increasing scrutiny for their capacity to manage stormwater and mitigate flood risk. In the context of global practice in sustainable urban drainage systems in the face of climate change, this review analyzes the limited progress in Malawi towards sustainable urban drainage, highlighting the socio-economic, environmental and technical factors influencing urban drainage resilience, and the gaps in stormwater management practice. Results reveal advances in urban drainage within the global discourse, characterized by hydrological analyses and incorporation in design practice, ICT integration for decision support, and piloting and implementation of sustainable technology and practices. In Malawi, as in most low-income countries, efforts remain, to a large extent, directed at understanding the challenges of urban drainage and the potential of sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), with little progress on actually adopting these systems. Through a scoping review of the literature, the study identifies opportunities for implementing SuDS in Malawi.
Biofortification is a sustainable approach to reduce Zn deficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet the efficiency of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Zn uptake and translocation remain unclear. This study examined genotypic variation in Zn uptake, translocation, and partitioning among common bean lines grown under Zn-enriched field conditions. Eighteen genotypes representing landraces, improved lines, and biofortified varieties were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) was applied at 30 kg Zn ha−1 during the R1 stage. Three biofortified varieties (NUA45, NUA35 and NUA730) were used as controls. Zinc was quantified using ICP–MS and partitioning indices were calculated to assess Zn allocation to grains. Despite Zn enrichment, most genotypes showed limited translocation to grains, with concentrations between 32 and 40 mg Zn kg−1, below the HarvestPlus target of 56 mg Zn kg−1. Only one improved line (SMC 156) reached about 53.9 mg Zn kg−1. Considerable Zn retention occurred in vegetative tissues, and significant genotypic differences were observed in grain Zn concentration, yield, and partitioning efficiency. The findings indicate a physiological bottleneck in Zn mobility and highlight partitioning efficiency as a key trait for breeding Zn-enriched common bean cultivars.
The study explores whether participatory translation can enhance linguistic inclusion in NGO development work. In Malawi, community members co-produced a bilingual glossary of development terms through a novel participatory process designed to create culturally resonant translations. Employing contribution analysis, the study evaluates the glossary’s impact on project delivery through focus groups and surveys across treatment and control sites. Findings indicate a plausible association between glossary usage and improved community understanding of the project, as well as enhanced communication skills of NGO workers. Its impact on community confidence in providing feedback was unclear, since it likely reinforced already strong relationships. However, the glossary may have shaped participants’ perceptions of ‘valid’ feedback, potentially constraining more authentic expression. Outcomes were shaped by enabling conditions, particularly trust, highlighting the need for relational groundwork. We argue that participatory translation can promote linguistic inclusion if it is embedded in long-term strategies of trust-building and social justice.
