Stingless bees are native to tropical climates. Ecuador, located in South America, has more than 200 species of stingless bees and a long ancestral history of using products derived from them, such as pot-honey, pot-pollen, cerumen, and propolis. The value of stingless bees also includes their role as pollinators, which directly impacts the availability of food for humans. Like other pollinators around the world, they are exposed to both anthropogenic and natural threats, which have been increasing due to environmental changes. Meliponiculture is a practice that not only makes use of stingless bee products but also promotes the care and conservation of meliponines within sustainable agroecological systems.
Description of the subject. Women’s empowerment in sub-Saharan Africa, and particularly in Benin, remains limited, largely due to uncertainty about the key factors that could strengthen it. One crucial factor is women’s access to secure land tenure rights, especially in rural areas. Although current laws grant equal land rights, customary practices and village autonomy weaken these rights for women, exposing them to discrimination and higher land insecurity. Land ownership does not necessarily guarantee tenure security for women, an issue that has received little attention. Objectives. This study aims to analyze whether land rights (inheritance, purchase, gift) improve women’s empowerment in the agricultural sector in Benin. Method. The study uses data from 2,819 households, including 899 female-headed households, collected in 2021 across 44 communes in Benin. Women’s empowerment is measured using the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI), while its determinants are analyzed using a logit model. Results. Three key findings emerge. Only 4.78% of rural women participate in household decision-making. Women with full land ownership (through purchase, gift, or inheritance) show higher levels of empowerment. Income from owned land enhances tenure security and positively impacts women’s decision-making power. Conclusions. These results suggest that inclusive land policies strengthening tenure security are crucial not only for increasing women’s empowerment but also for improving the well-being of women, households, communities, and the rural economy, while helping to reduce gender gaps within families.
Description of the subject. The study of the spatial distribution of trees provides information on species ecology and forest dynamics. Such knowledge is important for the sustainable management of large African trees, including Prioria balsamifera (Vermoesen) Breteler and Prioria oxyphylla (Harms) Breteler. Objectives. This study aimed to (i) characterize the spatial distribution patterns of P. balsamifera and P. oxyphylla, (ii) highlight their intraspecific and interspecific relationships, and (iii) identify environmental factors that may explain their spatial structure. Method. Univariate and bivariate pair correlation functions were used to characterize spatial distribution patterns. Generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution, together with toroidal shift randomization tests, were applied to assess the effects of environmental factors on the spatial structure of Prioria. Results. Each Prioria species exhibits an aggregated spatial structure and spatial autocorrelation of trunk diameters, while sharing the same microhabitat. Their coexistence may be facilitated by functional trait differentiation, with P. balsamifera and P. oxyphylla displaying acquisitive and conservative resource-use strategies, respectively. An attraction between juveniles and adults of P. balsamifera was observed within a 500 m radius, with a less pronounced trend in P. oxyphylla. Finally, the abundance of individuals of both P. balsamifera and P. oxyphylla is significantly related to altitude. Conclusions. This study shows that the spatial distribution of these two Prioria species is linked to altitude, and that their coexistence is facilitated by some degree of ecological niche differentiation.
Description of the subject. Tree diversity is essential for maintaining ecological richness and the survival of threatened species. Identifying the factors that favour it is therefore necessary to better guide agricultural policies. Objectives. The aim of this study is to analyse the determinants of tree diversity in the cocoa-growing areas of Côte d'Ivoire Method. The data used come from a survey of 150 cocoa farmers selected in the localities of Bonon, Biankouma and Soubré. These sites were chosen according to an East-West gradient corresponding to the evolution of the cocoa loop in Côte d'Ivoire. Floristic inventories were carried out in the cocoa farms of the selected farmers in order to determine floristic diversity. A Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare the farms and multiple linear regression was used to identify the determinants of this diversity. Results. The Biankouma zone has a higher diversity index, both regionally (5.12) and by plot (3.47), compared with the other two zones, the Soubré zone (4.69 regionally and 3.11 by plot) and the Bonon zone (4.22 regionally and 2.98 by plot). This result reflects a decline in floristic diversity as a function of the history of cocoa production. Regression analysis reveals that experience in cocoa production and the density of associated crops have a negative influence on farm diversity. Conversely, the number of associated tree species, the level of education and the distance separating the fields from nearby towns have a positive impact on this diversity. Conclusions. This study recommends promoting agroforestry to diversify cocoa farms. Agroforestry programmes should also focus on farms close to urban centres, to reconcile production goals with biodiversity conservation.
Description of the subject. The sustainable rehabilitation of degraded soils is a major challenge. This study aims to evaluate the potential of indigenous plant-bacteria symbiotic associations for the phytoremediation of a degraded site. Objectives. To isolate and select Plant Growth-Promoting (PGP) bacterial strains adapted to local conditions to enhance the establishment of carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua), a species of significant socio-economic interest. Method. Sixty-four isolates consisting of actinobacteria or Pseudomonas fluorescens were obtained from the rhizosphere of pioneer legumes (Lotus creticus, Retama monosperma) from the site. A phenotypic screening assessed their PGP traits (indole-3-acetic acid [IAA] production, phosphate solubilization, fungal antagonism). The most promising isolates were used to inoculate carob seedlings grown for two months in a nursery on a sterilized substrate composed of the site's native alkaline and infertile soil. Growth parameters were measured and analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results. The screening identified isolates with complementary profiles: RP5 (high IAA production: 36.09 µg·mL-1), RP1 (phosphate solubilization: halo of 11 mm), and CAARL30 (antagonistic activity against Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., and Fusarium sp.). Isolate CAARL35 (Streptomyces sp.) showed a balanced profile of both IAA production and phosphate solubilization. Nursery trials confirmed the effectiveness of the inoculations. PCA identified the most effective treatments: isolate CAARL35, isolates RP1, RP2, RP5 (P. fluorescens), and the synergistic combination GAL4+RP1. Inoculation with CAARL35 induced the most significant improvements, increasing dry biomass by up to 41%, root length by 35%, and the number of leaflets by 77% compared to the non-inoculated control. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the potential of indigenous rhizobacterial strains, particularly Streptomyces sp. CAARL35, as an effective bioinoculant for enhancing carob tree growth under stressful soil conditions. The selection of high-performing plant-bacteria partnerships, adapted to local edaphic constraints, provides a promising and eco-friendly strategy for the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems.
Description of the subject. The dependence of populations on natural formations affects the survival of plant species. Objectives. The objectives are to characterize the flora of plant formations with Erythrina senegalensis and Erythrina sigmoidea in the Guiriko region and to analyze the current state of their populations in order to guide their conservation. Method. Floristic and dendrometric data were collected following a targeted sampling after a survey of Erythrina plant formations. The plant formations selected for the study were the classified forests of Péni, Dindéresso, Kuinima, Kou, and the sacred woods of the sandstone hills of Kôrô. Results. A weakly similar floristic diversity (Cs = 0.45) with 213 and 165 species, respectively, in the E. senegalensis formation and the E. sigmoidea formation was observed with Rubiaceae, Combretaceae, Fabaceae-ceasalpinioideae, Anacardiaceae, Fabaceae-faboideae, and Fabaceae-mimosoideae as dominant families. The most dominant biological types are the Phanerophytes. A regressive population dynamic characterized by a near absence of large-diameter individuals and adult individual densities of 25.48 individuals·ha-1 for E. senegalensis and 13.15 individuals·ha-1 for E. sigmoidea was observed. The low densities of juveniles (< 50 individuals·ha-1) and the low renewal potentials (< 2 individuals·ha-1) observed constitute a major risk to the survival of Erythrina populations. The populations of E. senegalensis are more subject to debarking (13.30% of plants), while that of E. sigmoidea is more subject to bush fires (88% of plants). Conclusions. The renewal of these species is seriously compromised in the Guiriko region. Studies must be carried out on their regeneration modes, and special protection measures must be taken in conjunction with the populations to conserve and sustainably manage them.
Introduction. Rice, mainly represented by two species — Oryza sativa (Asian) and Oryza glaberrima (African) — is a strategic cereal for global food security. The species O. sativa is consumed by nearly half of the world’s population. In Africa, and particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the demand for rice is rapidly increasing due to the combined effects of population growth, urbanization, and changing dietary patterns. However, local production remains insufficient to meet national demand. This article examines the opportunities offered by the rice sector in the DRC as well as the structural constraints that limit its development. Literature. The DRC benefits from diverse agroecological conditions, fertile land, and a growing urban demand, all of which are favorable to rice production. However, several technical and institutional constraints hinder its expansion: weak cultivation practices, limited access to quality seeds, soil degradation, land tenure insecurity, the dollarization of the economy, irrigation and financing deficits, and the poor quality of locally produced rice. Conclusions. Despite considerable potential for rice production, the DRC remains dependent on imports. The sustainable development of the rice sector requires coordinated improvements across all segments of the value chain, investment in local processing, and the implementation of coherent agricultural policies that promote competitiveness and food sovereignty.
Introduction. The use of herbicides has been called into question due to their impact on health and the environment. Physical weeding solutions are an alternative which are still rarely used in Belgium. Agriculture and the regional context in which it develops has an impact on farmers' ability to integrate physical weeding tools into their crop management practices. Literature. External or internal factors related to farms can help explain the limited use of alternatives to chemical weeding. Soil characteristics, particularly clay content, surface stone load and the presence of slopes, all have an impact on the feasibility of using mechanical weeding tools that interact with the soil. Climate is also a limiting factor, as it reduces the time windows available for successful weeding operations. Intrinsic characteristics of farms, such as crop rotation, farm size, labour structure, and profitability, also help explain the potential for introducing physical weeding in Wallonia. Conclusion. Wallonia presents opportunities for the deployment of physical weed control solutions. Its potential expressed in terms of suitable agricultural area is estimated at 42% of the usable agricultural land, mainly concentrated in the Limoneuse and Sablo-limoneuse agricultural regions. The climate is an obstacle to the widespread use of physical weed control in Wallonia. Regardless of the agricultural region, it can be observed that the number of available days for successful physical weeding is zero in some years. A more specific analysis of the structure of specialized field-crop-farms shows that their diversified crop rotation is favourable for the introduction of physical weed control and they generally have sufficient resources, both human and financial, to support the integration of these new techniques and tools into crop management practices.
Introduction. Among alternatives to chemical weeding, a diverse range of physical solutions exists or is being developed and evolves rapidly through the integration of new technologies. Literature. The physical weeding solutions can be used on various crops and at different stages of their development. Their effectiveness and selectivity depend on factors relating to the tools used and their settings, as well as external factors. This literature review provides a technical inventory of physical weed control solutions that are suitable for crop rotations in Wallonia. Conclusions. It appears that many physical tools for managing weeds are well suited to the crop rotations in Wallonia. Several publications have proven that mechanical weeding methods are a credible alternative to the use of synthetic herbicides and have a high degree of selectivity when used correctly. However, the effectiveness of mechanical intra row weeding remains lower, and its success is more dependent on pedoclimatic conditions. Performance is limited by the working widths and velocity of the tools. These two aspects affect working time. When coupled with the limited availability of agricultural labour, it represents a real challenge. In terms of development prospects, new technologies associated with automation have the potential to improve the quality of physical weeding, while reducing the need for labour.
Description of the subject. The rehabilitation of degraded lands is imperative, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where environmental challenges such as salinity disturb ecosystem stability. Revegetation using medicinal and aromatic plants offers an economical and environmentally sustainable solution. Objectives. This study examines for the first time the germination and recovery potential of Pergularia tomentosa and Acokanthera oblongifolia (Apocynaceae) under varying saline conditions. Method. Seeds collected from the arid region of Algeria were exposed to eight salinity levels ranging from 0 to 800 mM NaCl for 20 days. Eleven essential germination traits associated with germination kinetics, speed, performance, seedling emergence and vigor, and germination recovery were evaluated. Results. The two-way ANOVA analysis revealed that salinity, species and their interaction had significant effects (p < 0.0001) on most germination traits. Salinity stress reduced germination, with P. tomentosa exhibiting greater tolerance compared to A. oblongifolia. No germination occurred under 300, 400 and 800 mM NaCl. Both species showed high significant recovery (80-90%), particularly at moderate salinity levels (300-400 mM NaCl), indicating adaptive mechanisms. Despite reduced recovery at 800 mM NaCl, P. tomentosa and A. oblongifolia maintained resilience, with recovery rates of 65.5% and 68.5%, respectively. Conclusions. These findings highlight the potential of these species for land restoration in saline-affected areas and for sustainable medicinal plant use. This research provides valuable insights into the germination performance of P. tomentosa andA. oblongifolia under salinity stress, offering promising applications in ecological restoration.
Description of the topic. Geographical distribution, historical occurrences, and human activity are some of the variables that affect the genetic diversity of Pinus species. Understanding these patterns is critical for conservation efforts and for adapting forest management strategies to climate change. Objectives. The contrasting levels of genetic diversity among Pinus species underscore the importance of speciesspecific approaches in conservation and management programs. DNA barcoding is an effective method for identifying diverse plant species across taxa and ecosystems. Method. In this study, Pinus species were classified, and their geographical distribution was studied in the AlJabel Al-Akhdar region, growing at different altitudes in natural forests and afforested. The anatomical composition of the wood was examined, including tracheid wall thicknesses, latewood thickness, ray parenchyma area, number of resin ducts, ray height, and fiber length. Additionally, DNA barcoding was conducted using rbcL primers. Results. The results of the cross-sectional examination of the wood of Pinus species showed significant differences among the species. However, the ray parenchyma area showed no significant differences among the species. Chloroplast rbcL regions were used as barcode markers to identify 10 Pinus plants. The results highlight the need for an advanced DNA barcode reference library with broad species coverage for accurate species identification. Conclusions. This study not only provides insights into the diversity and taxonomy of Pinus but also contributes to the ongoing conservation of Pinus resources and supports sustainable resource management in the region. DNA barcoding technology is critical for taxonomy and biodiversity studies because it allows rapid and accurate species identification in forests.
Description of the subject. The study of the spatial distribution of trees provides information on species ecology and forest dynamics. Such knowledge is important for the sustainable management of large African trees, including Prioria balsamifera (Vermoesen) Breteler and Prioria oxyphylla (Harms) Breteler. Objectives. This study aimed to (i) characterize the spatial distribution patterns of P. balsamifera and P. oxyphylla, (ii) highlight their intraspecific and interspecific relationships, and (iii) identify environmental factors that may explain their spatial structure. Method. Univariate and bivariate pair correlation functions were used to characterize spatial distribution patterns. Generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution, together with toroidal shift randomization tests, were applied to assess the effects of environmental factors on the spatial structure of Prioria. Results. Each Prioria species exhibits an aggregated spatial structure and spatial autocorrelation of trunk diameters, while sharing the same microhabitat. Their coexistence may be facilitated by functional trait differentiation, with P. balsamifera and P. oxyphylla displaying acquisitive and conservative resource-use strategies, respectively. An attraction between juveniles and adults of P. balsamifera was observed within a 500 m radius, with a less pronounced trend in P. oxyphylla. Finally, the abundance of individuals of both P. balsamifera and P. oxyphylla is significantly related to altitude. Conclusions. This study shows that the spatial distribution of these two Prioria species is linked to altitude, and that their coexistence is facilitated by some degree of ecological niche differentiation.
Description of the subject. The fall armyworm (FAW) is a formidable pest of cereal crops (corn). It can cause yield losses ranging from 15 to 73%. Its incidence varies from one corn variety to another, as well as from one agro-ecological zone (AEZ) to another. Objectives. Evaluate the incidence and severity of the FAW attack and its effects on the agronomic performance of six of the most cultivated maize varieties in AEZ III (Foumbot) and V (Ntui) of Cameroon. Method. A completely randomized design with three replications was used. The collected data underwent an analysis of variance using Genstat software, graphs by GraphPad Prism 8, and the dendrogram by R software. Results. The six maize varieties proved susceptible to armyworms in the wet and dry seasons respectively in Foumbot (CHH101: 66.67% and 80%, Pop-corn: 71.67% and 83.33%, CHC202: 75% and 86.67%, CMS8704: 83.33% and 100%, CHC201: 76.67% and 83.33%, control variety: 83.33% and 98.33%). Similar observations were made in Ntui. Compared with the control variety, CHH101, Pop-corn and CHC202 proved significantly less susceptible to armyworm incidence. In Foumbot and Ntui respectively, the dry season (88.61% and 78.33%) proved more favorable to the pest proliferation than the rainy season. AEZ III (82%) was more prolific to FAW than AEZ V (70%). CHH101 had the highest yield (tha-1) in the rainy and dry seasons respectively at Foumbot (3.34 ± 0.04 and 3.06 ± 0.05) and Ntui (3.45 ± 0.05 and 3.22 ± 0.04). Conclusions. CHH101 has proven to be less sensitive to FAW and more effective in terms of grain yield. Zone III (Foumbot) and the dry season have been shown to be more favorable for the proliferation of FAW.
Description of the subject. The growing demand for industrial enzymes with novel properties such as thermoresistance and acid pH resistance is becoming increasingly apparent. Actinobacteria are among the most sought-after groups of microorganisms because of their unrivalled ability to produce bioactive compounds with major economic, environmental and medical impacts. Today inventory of these thermal water bacteria remains incomplete. Further investigations are still needed to employ their unique metabolic abilities. Objectives. The objective of this study is to investigate the diversity of actinobacteria in selected Algerian thermal springs, identify the isolates, and examine their capacity to produce thermozymes. Method. Actinobacteria were isolated using selective media from four thermal springs in Eastern Algeria. The isolates underwent phenotypic and biochemical characterization, followed by molecular identification. Additionally, enzyme activities related to amylases, proteases, and lipases were assessed at temperatures of 50 degrees C, 55 degrees C, and 60 degrees C for all obtained isolates. Results. Thirty-one actinobacteria were isolated using selective media. The AIA medium, which contains asparagine, promotes the growth of actinobacteria over other microorganisms. The SCA medium, characterized by the presence of starch and casein in its composition, also supports the selective growth of actinobacteria. Similarly, the ISP5 medium, rich in glycerol, is known to favor the development of actinobacteria. Finally, the Kenknight and Munaier medium, commonly used for the isolation of actinobacteria was also used. Most actinobacteria isolated in the study exhibited high hydrolytic activities, with 87% degrading starch, proteins, and certain lipids at 50 degrees C. This active strain percentage decreased to 70% at 55 degrees C, and further to 60% producing thermostable amylase and 50% producing thermostable proteases and lipases at 60 degrees C. A taxonomic study combining morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, enabled us to assign the high-performance actinobacteria to the species Streptomyces scabiei (OQ780365), S. griseochromogenes (OQ780366), S. griseochromogenes (OQ780367), S. avermitilis MA-4680 (OQ780368), S. avermitilis MA-4680 (OQ780369), S. bottropensis (OQ780370), S. thermocarboxydus (OQ733168), S. griseoviridis (OQ733169), S. albidoflavus (OP456974), S. albidoflavus (OP456975), S. griseus (OQ733170), S. griseus (OQ733171) S. thermodiastaticus strain JCM 4840 (OQ727248), S. thermodiastaticus strain JCM 4840 (OQ727246), S. griseorubens (OP456976), S. calvus strain DSM (OQ730106), S. calvus strain DSM (OQ730107), S. formicae strain 1H-GS9 (OQ730105), S. formicae strain 1H-GS9 (OQ730104), S. cellulosae strain NBC_01681 (OQ730102), S. cellulosae strain NBC_01681 (OQ730103), S. violaceoruber strain S21 (OQ733172), Thermoactinomyces daqus (OP456983), T. vulgaris (OQ733167), T. vulgaris (OP456984), T. intermedius (OP457077), Rhodococcus erythropolis (OP458556), R. ruber (OP458557), R. qingshengii (OP458558), Gordonia oryzae (OQ733166), G. polyisoprenivorans VH2 (OQ733165). Conclusions. These results are highly promising, as they reveal the identification of 31 distinct actinobacterial species in the hot springs of eastern Algeria. Notably, presence of actinobacteria in Guelma's hottest thermal spring (98 degrees C) is reported here for the first time, underscoring the extremophilic nature of these microorganisms. Furthermore, these isolates show potential as producers of heat-resistant industrial enzymes, such as amylase, protease and lipase.
Description of the subject. Agriculture-livestock integration is one of the strategies adopted by agropastoralists in the North Cameroon region to reduce the risks associated with demographic pressure and climate change, in order to improve their productivity. Objectives. The aim of the study was to characterize the systems and practices for managing and recycling animal and plant co-products on agropastoral farms in northern Cameroon, as this is one of the keys to agroecology in agropastoral systems. Method. An in-depth survey was conducted on 108 selected farms. The data were analyzed using multivariate analysis (PCA) followed by classification (CAH). Results. Characterization according to farm structure, co-product management practices and technical performance enabled us to identify four classes of farm, namely small farms mainly focused on crop production (class 1), farms specializing in livestock farming (class 2), medium-sized farms combining crop production and livestock farming (class 3) and very large agro-pastoral farms (class 4). On average, farms used 28% of plant by-products to cover 25% of their fodder requirements (straw, tops), and 23% of animal by-products to cover 35% of their organic manure requirements (animal waste). Conclusions. This study showed that the recycling of co-products in agro-pastoral farms is low but increasing.
Description of the subject. In Madagascar, afforestation plays a significant role in providing wood energy for the local population. However, reforestation projects often face low success rates due to biophysical constraints. Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of topographic position on the physico-chemical properties of potential reforestation sites in the central highlands of Madagascar. Method. The study covered 16 sites and analyzed 192 soil samples. The results were compared with deficiency thresholds established for Ferralsols. Results. The soil pHwater varied slightly, from 5.3 to 5.5. The 0-10 cm depth showed significantly higher levels of organic carbon (Corg), total nitrogen (Ntot), available phosphorus (Pdispo), and exchangeable potassium (Kéch) than the 10-40 cm depth. Soils on the slope were significantly poorer in Ntot and Kéch than those on the bottom of the slope, with mean values of 1,3 g N·kg-1 ± 0,07 and 0,09 cmolc·kg-1 ± 0,01 compared to 1,5 g N·kg-1 ± 0,08 and 0,12 cmolc·kg-1 ±0,01, respectively. Of the 16 sites, eight had to be discarded for future reforestation. Of the remaining eight, only two showed soils with little or no Ntot, Pdispo, and Kéch deficiency over 0-10 cm, but both were deficient in Pdispo. Conclusions. This study highlighted the importance of prior soil characterization, choice of topographic position and recommends starter fertilization for successful reforestation. The results of this study are a contribution to the choice of the most appropriate afforestation sites in Madagascar.
Description of the subject. Irrigation represents an important lever to improve food security and agricultural productivity, especially in the arid contexts of Burkina Faso. Objectives. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of fired clay jars as a sub-irrigation system for onion cultivation in Burkina Faso. Method. Soil analysis was carried out to determine the main physico-chemical parameters. A total of nine jars were buried, and their exudation flow rates were measured at regular intervals. Moisture sensors were installed around the jars where onion plants were grown. The height of the plants and the number of leaves per plant were monitored over time. Descriptive statistics and a principal component analysis (PCA) were performed to explore the trends and underlying data structures. Results. Soil analysis showed a coarse texture, sandy-loam type, indicating good drainage capacity but low water retention capacity. The pH values ranged from slightly acidic to neutral, favorable for nutrient availability in the soil. Bulk densities ranged between 1.54 and 1.56 g·cm-³, while organic matter content remained relatively low in soil profile no. 2 (0.19%) compared to profiles no. 1 (0.61%) and no. 3 (0.812%). Performance tests of the jars in soilless conditions revealed varied relationships between measured flow rates, indicating differing performance levels. Flow rate measurements of the jars ranged from 0.08 l·h-1 to 0.14 l·h-1, with an average rate of 0.112 l·h-1. PCA revealed that the optimal moisture rate around the jar is located at a maximum of 20 cm within a soil depth not exceeding 30 cm. Joint analysis of plant height and number of onion leaves suggested relatively linear growth, positively correlated. Conclusions. The results of our study highlighted the effectiveness of fired clay jars for sub-irrigation of onion crops, as being a low-tech local technique suitable for smallholder farmers and potentially contributing to the implementation of sustainable irrigation solutions.
Description of the subject. North Africa, particularly Algeria, is one of the most disadvantaged regions in terms of water resources. In the context of climate change, it is crucial to understand and contextualize the long-term evolution of rainfall in arid steppe regions due to the potential repercussions on the water balance. Objectives. This study aims to address the following three objectives: assess the reliability of climate data from the Climate Research Unit (CRU, University of East Anglia) by comparing them with data from the Algerian National Meteorological Office (ONM); investigate the presence of a drying trend in the steppe regions as well as determine whether a longitudinal gradient of increasing aridity exists, as suggested by previous studies. Method. This study analyzes gridded statistical series from the CRU, with a spatial resolution of 0.5º x 0.5º (50 km x 50 km), dating back to the early 20th century. The data are aggregated at the level of administrative entities (wilayas), including five stations in the western region, four in the Central-East, and four distinct stations in the eastern region. The datasets span from 1901 to 2021 and are sourced from both the ONM and the CRU. Trends were examined using the Mann-Kendall test refined by Sen’s slope estimator, as well as the parametric correlation coefficient. Breaks in homogeneity were also analyzed. Results. Most stations in Central and Eastern Algeria do not show any significant long-term drying trends. In contrast, such a trend is clearly observable in the western region and becomes more pronounced over time, following a longitudinal gradient from east to west. This confirms findings reported in previous studies. Additionally, some stations, corresponding to specific administrative entities, exhibit differentiated breaks in data homogeneity. Conclusions. Long-term rainfall trends reveal differentiated dynamics across regions, highlighting the need for effective water resource management.
Description of the subject. Incorporating by-products like whey and date scraps into animal feed can lower production expenses while maintaining livestock performance. Objectives. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of combining two agricultural by-products, whey and date scarps, on the growth performance of Rembi lambs. Method. Twenty-two male Rembi lambs, averaging 49.08 ± 7.19 kg, were divided into two groups. The control group was fed a diet consisting of 60% barley. Conversely, the experimental group received a diet where barley was replaced with crushed date scraps. The experimental feed was pre-moistened with whey at a ratio of 150 ml·kg-1 prior to distribution. The fattening period lasted 75 days, which included a 15-day adaptation phase. Results. As a result, the ration composed of date scraps and whey had no effect on the final live weight of the lambs, although it did have a positive influence on average daily gain (ADG), with a significant difference for ADG2 (136.36 g·d-1 for the control batch vs 272.72 g·d-1 for the experimental batch). In addition, total daily feed intake decreased in the experimental batch (860 g·d-1 vs 1 450 g·d-1 for the control batch). Conclusions. Incorporating date scraps and whey into the feed of Rembi lambs reduces production costs and preserves the environment.
Description of the subject. Cocoa- and coffee-based agroforests occupy an important place in the agricultural landscape of the humid savannas, but their role in relation to climate change remains poorly recognized. However, the program REDD+ (Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) acknowledges the significant role of agroforestry. Objectives. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of cocoa and coffee agroforests in the Cameroonian humid savannas to climate regulation. Method. This study compared carbon stocks among sequestration pools, agroforest types, and altitudes. Allometric equations were used to estimate the biomass of living trees, deadwood, and soil across 82 plots (60 m x 40 m) distributed within cocoa, coffee, and mixed agroforests at three altitudes ([400–800 m[, [800–1,200 m[, and [1,200–1,600 m[). Tukey’s test (5%) was used to separate means, and Pearson’s test to verify correlations between variables. Results. Carbon stocks varied between living trees (85.84 ± 42.58 t C·ha⁻¹) and deadwood (21.89 ± 31.65 t C·ha⁻¹), between cocoa agroforests (177.57 ± 35.71 t C·ha⁻¹) and mixed agroforests (182.96 ± 53.51 t C·ha⁻¹), and between altitude 2 (198.92 ± 47.63 t C·ha⁻¹) and altitude 3 (155.81 ± 24.16 t C·ha⁻¹). Ecological values ranged between cocoa agroforests (3,875,684.01 ± 779,445.55 FCFA·ha⁻¹) and mixed agroforests (3,993,441.95 ± 1,167,999.84 FCFA·ha⁻¹), and between altitude 2 (4,341,640.62 ± 1,039,574.77 FCFA·ha⁻¹) and altitude 3 (3,400,708.28 ± 527,332.31 FCFA·ha⁻¹). Conclusions. Cocoa and coffee agroforests in the Cameroonian humid savannas could be promoted as models of agricultural systems that effectively contribute to afforestation of savanna areas and climate change mitigation. However, their promotion should consider the needs of the savanna populations to prevent afforestation from becoming a long-term obstacle to their development.
