Wild lettuce (Lactuca taraxacifolia) is an underutilized indigenous leafy vegetable with nutritional and medicinal value, but its high moisture content and delicate structure make it highly perishable under tropical conditions. This study investigated the effects of sun and solar drying on its nutritional and phytochemical properties. Fresh leaves were harvested, washed, and dried either in the open sun or in a parabolic solar dryer. Proximate composition, chlorophyll, vitamin C, carotenoids, and phytochemicals (flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins) were analyzed. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA (p<0.05). Results showed moisture content significantly dropped from 70.67% in fresh leaves to 9.00% in both drying methods. Ash and fiber content increased from 0.78% and 4.90% to over 14% and 11%, respectively, reflecting nutrient concentration. Protein also increased slightly from 10.67% to about 12.5%. No significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between sun and solar dried samples in ash, protein, carbohydrate, and energy values. However, the solar dried retained more fat (4.33%) than sun dried sample (2.33%). It also retained more chlorophyll (52.33 mg/g), vitamin C (22.00 mg/g), and carotenoids (538.67 μg/g). All phytochemicals declined after drying, with tannins most affected, although solar drying preserved slightly more saponins. Overall, both drying methods extended shelf life and concentrated nutrients, but solar drying was superior in preserving heat- and light-sensitive compounds. It is therefore recommended for improved preservation and utilization of L. taraxacifolia, enhancing its role in nutrition and traditional medicine. Further research should optimize protocols to maximize nutrient retention and consumer acceptability.
This study explores the determination of optimal brooding temperatures for broilers to enhance growth performance and welfare. Using a completely randomized design (CRD), 60-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to four different treatments: charcoal heat, electric bulb heat, ambient temperature, and local lamp combined with ambient temperature. Each treatment was replicated three times. Key parameters, including weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality rates, were assessed over four weeks using JMP 15.0.0 statistical software. Results indicated significant variations among treatments in temperature stability, growth performance, and feed efficiency. Charcoal heat, maintaining an average temperature of 32.58°C, achieved the highest weight gain (943.67 g) and the most efficient FCR (1.28). The electric bulb heat source maintained an average temperature of 30.42°C, producing comparable but slightly lower outcomes in weight gain (915.00 g) and FCR (1.41). In contrast, ambient temperature conditions recorded the lowest average temperature (25.89°C), resulting in poor growth performance, the highest FCR (1.74), and the highest mortality rate (33.33%). The local lamp combined with ambient temperature achieved moderate results, reflecting intermediate performance metrics. These findings underscore the critical role of temperature regulation in broiler production, particularly during the early brooding phase when chicks are most vulnerable to temperature stress. Optimal temperatures between 30°C and 33°C, achieved with charcoal or electric bulb heating, significantly enhanced growth and feed efficiency while minimizing mortality. This study provides actionable insights for small- and large- scale poultry operations, particularly in resource-limited settings, where access to electricity or advanced heating systems may be constrained. The results emphasize the need for sustainable and efficient heating methods to improve broiler productivity and welfare in diverse farming conditions.
This study investigated the bioconcentration and translocation of heavy metals in five tropical tree species, Gmelina arborea, Terminalia superba, Triplochiton ivorensis, Shorea roxburghii, and Tectona grandis via the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF), across two contaminated soil types to assess their phytoremediation potential The experiment was laid out in 3 X 5 factorial experiments in Completely Randomized Design and metals used were lead, zinc , copper, cadmium, and manganese which were applied to simulate contamination the soil in the form of water- soluble salts. In G. arborea, cadmium (Cd) consistently showed high BCF and TF values, especially in leaves, highlighting its strong potential for Cd phytoextraction. T. superba demonstrated efficient uptake and translocation of Cd and Cu, with TF values >1 for several metals, particularly Cd and Zn, at certain locations. T. ivorensis exhibited site-specific responses, but frequently recorded TF values >1 for Zn, Cd, and Cu, indicating effective internal transport even where uptake was limited. S. roxburghii showed selective metal movement, with Cd and Pb often translocated to leaves (TF >1), although BCF values remained generally <1. T. grandis displayed consistently high TF values for Cd and Pb in leaves, suggesting strong translocation despite low root uptake. Across species, Cd emerged as the most mobile and consistently translocated metal, often with BCF and TF >1. Pb typically accumulated in roots but occasionally showed TF >1, suggesting possible site-dependent mobility. Zn and Cu, being essential micronutrients, showed variable uptake but controlled translocation, while Mn behavior varied with soil redox and pH. This study showed the potential of these species particularly G. arborea and T. Grandis for use in phytoremediation strategies, especially for Cd and Pb contaminated environments, depending on soil and site conditions.
Acacia-Commiphora woodland species represent vital economic and ecological assets across the Horn of Africa, particularly within Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya. This study, conducted in the Sof-Omar Forest of Bale Zone, Southeastern Ethiopia, aimed to evaluate the floristic composition, population structure, and regeneration status of these woodlands. The findings indicate that species density in this deciduous forest fluctuates significantly, ranging from 0.5 to 128.3 individuals per hectare. A structural analysis revealed that the majority of the vegetation is concentrated within the lower height and diameter cohorts. Important Value Index (IVI) metrics identified Commiphora erytraea, Lannea fruticosa, and Terminalia prunioides as the most ecologically dominant species, whereas Grewia tenax, Acacia nilotica, and Mimosops kummel exhibited the lowest IVI scores. Furthermore, an assessment of slope gradients indicated that species richness peaked on moderate inclines (3–10%). Despite moderate local awareness of conservation, intensified efforts are necessary to ensure the sustainable in-situ management of these ecological services. Future research should prioritize the economic valuation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to incentivize community-led conservation.
This study investigated the composition, structural characteristics, and diversity indices of tree species in the Ilaro Forest Reserve, South-West Nigeria, with the goal of providing baseline information for sustainable forest management. Field data were collected through stratified random sampling using 50 × 50 m plots across different ecological strata of the reserve. All trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of ≥10 cm were enumerated, identified, and measured for height and DBH using standard forestry instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and diversity indices computed with PAST v5.3 software. A total of 14 tree species belonging to 10 families were recorded. Tectona grandis (58.8 %), Gmelina arborea (15.5 %) and Delonix regia (12.8 %) were the most abundant species, while others such as Triplochiton scleroxylon and Ailanthus altissima occurred at very low frequencies (0.7 %). The majority of trees occurred within the 5.1–15 m height and 50–100 cm DBH classes, indicating a forest dominated by intermediate-aged stands. Diversity analysis produced a Shannon–Wiener index (H′) of 1.422, Simpson’s diversity (1 – D) of 0.6119, and evenness of 0.2962, reflecting moderate species diversity but high dominance by few commercial species. These findings suggest that the reserve has a mixed-successional structure with moderate floristic diversity and an uneven species distribution dominated by plantation-grown exotics. Sustainable management of the forest should therefore emphasize enrichment planting with native species, controlled harvesting, and periodic biodiversity monitoring. Enhancing species heterogeneity will strengthen ecosystem resilience and ensure the long-term ecological and economic sustainability of the Ilaro Forest Reserve.
Climate change is increasing pressure on livestock systems around the world, manifesting as heat stress, drought, and unpredictable rainfall. This cause threatens the availability of fodder, livestock nutrition, and farm resilience. Smallholder farmers in Pakistan and other semi-arid areas are an especially vulnerable group because of their system of production that is limited by the resources and the dependence on climate-sensitive crops. Dual-purpose sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) (grain and fodder) is one such climate-adaptive crop that is efficient in water use, resistant to drought, and highly nutritious in terms of biomass to support livestock production and give the human being sustenance grain. This critical review highlights recent research on morphological, physiological, agronomic, and genetic characteristics that facilitate dual-purpose sorghum, fodder quality, and genotype x environment x management interactions. Results emphasize advances in developing hybrids, but show deficiencies in combining biomass quality with grain yield, standardizing fodder measurements, using genomics-phenomics technology, and learning about socio-economic adoption. The solution to these gaps can improve the resilience, productivity, and profitability of dual-purpose sorghum systems around the world and in Pakistan.
Pastoralism in Algeria's steppe regions constitutes a vital socio-economic pillar, sustaining millions of livelihoods across approximately 32 million hectares of rangeland. However, these systems are subject to accelerating transformation dynamics driven by climate change, demographic growth, land privatization, and mounting rangeland degradation. This article examines the current state of pastoral agriculture in the Algerian steppes, analyzes the institutional reforms and innovations observed over the period 2000–2025, and proposes prospective scenarios and evidence- based policy recommendations. Employing a qualitative comparative design that integrates systematic literature review, institutional analysis, and secondary data synthesis, the study draws upon peer-reviewed publications, government reports, and international agency documents covering four representative wilayas: Djelfa, Laghouat, El Bayadh, and Naâma. The results reveal a three-fold crisis: ecological, socio-economic, and institutional characterized by accelerating rangeland degradation (affecting up to 50% of some provinces), erosion of collective grazing rights, and weakened traditional governance structures. Simultaneously, emerging institutional innovations including pastoral committees, rangeland user cooperatives, participatory mapping exercises, and pilot Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes signal a gradual reconfiguration of the governance landscape. The study identifies three future scenarios: (1) institutional decline and pastoral collapse; (2) partial adaptation through incremental reform; and (3) institutional renewal and sustainable pastoralism. Results confirm that without strengthening local governance and recognizing collective use rights, pastoralism risks significant socio-ecological losses. Conversely, polycentric governance models incorporating co-management, rangeland contracts, and PES mechanisms offer a viable pathway toward sustainable dryland management in North Africa.
Childhood overweight and obesity are increasing worldwide and have become major public health issues in developing countries. Identifying lifestyle and dietary factors associated with these conditions in children is crucial for early prevention of chronic diseases later in life. This study aimed to assess the food habits and sedentary behaviors associated with overweight and obesity among Algerian primary school children. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 680 children aged 6–12 years from four primary schools in Constantine, Algeria, between January and June 2024. Anthropometric measurements were taken following World Health Organization (WHO) standards, and weight status was classified according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria. Information on dietary habits (meal skipping, snacking, eating in front of television) and physical and sedentary activities was collected through structured interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS and StatView software with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Obese children were more likely to skip breakfast (23.1% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.0081) and dinner (11.5% vs. 3.6%; p = 0.0039), eat meals in front of television (57.7%; p = 0.0001), and snack frequently on sugary (84.6%; p < 0.0001) and junk foods (57.7%; p = 0.01). Only 30.9% of participants practiced regular physical activity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly higher among children who did not practice sports (p = 0.0095) or who spent more than two hours per day watching television (p < 0.05). Poor eating habits, excessive snacking, and sedentary lifestyles are major contributors to overweight and obesity among Algerian school children. Early nutritional education and promotion of physical activity within families and schools are essential to prevent the onset of metabolic and chronic diseases later in life.
Floristic surveys and vegetation mapping are essential tools for understanding plant diversity, community structure, and ecosystem functioning. Vegetation studies often face constraints of time, accessibility, and resources, necessitating robust sampling methodologies that accurately capture complex and heterogeneous plant assemblages. This paper presents a comprehensive methodological framework for floristic and phytosociological research, emphasizing plot-based sampling, cover–abundance estimation, and species-environment analyses, integrated with GIS and remote sensing for spatial vegetation mapping. Classical and contemporary approaches are synthesized, including random, systematic, and stratified sampling designs, as well as qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Special attention is given to the minimum area concept, relevé methodology, ordination techniques, and environmental gradient analysis, linking floristic patterns with ecosystem structure and functional traits. The study demonstrates the application of these methods in Mediterranean shrubland ecosystems, highlighting dominant and subordinate species, species constancy, and the influence of abiotic factors on vegetation patterns. By providing a clear, reproducible workflow, this paper serves as a reference for ecologists, botanists, and environmental scientists aiming to produce accurate floristic inventories and reliable vegetation maps that inform biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.
This study assessed local community knowledge and perceptions of vultures and their ecological status in Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria, with emphasis on vulture decline and their environmental relevance. Data were collected from four council wards, Mbalagh, Agan, Modern Market, and Fiidi, using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and field observations. A total of 160 questionnaires were administered, with 40 in each ward. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the majority of respondents (89.38%) were male, while females accounted for 10.63%. Most respondents were within the active age group, with 42.50% falling within this category. In terms of education, 68.75% had tertiary education, 22.50% had secondary education, while only 1.88% had the lowest level of formal education. Regarding occupation, 48.75% were civil servants, 26.25% were farmers, and 2.50% were engaged in other occupations. The most commonly sighted vulture species was Necrosyrtes Monachus. The species was widely recognized for its ecological importance, including waste removal, disease control through carcass disposal, and its role in traditional medicine and cultural practices. The study revealed a significant difference in respondents’ knowledge and perception of vulture use and ecological roles (χ2 = 65.702, df = 2, P < 0.03). Overall, the findings highlight the need for sustained conservation advocacy and environmental education to improve wildlife protection and promote the ecological importance of vultures within the community.
The growing importance of English in scientific communication has led many higher education systems to reconsider their language policies, especially in disciplines closely tied to research, innovation, and international collaboration. in Algeria, the recent move toward English- Medium Instruction (EMI) reflects an attempt to respond to this reality, especially in scientific fields. In agronomy, this shift takes on particular importance. The field is closely linked to food production, environmental issues, and long-term sustainability, so access to updated knowledge is not just useful; it is necessary. This study explores how first-year agronomy students at ZianeAchour University of Djelfa perceive the implementation of EMI. It focuses on what they think about it, what they expect, and what kind of problems they believe they might face. The results show a mixed but overall positive picture. Students generally see English as important for science and future opportunities, and many of them support the idea of studying in English. At the same time, they do not feel entirely ready. Difficulties with understanding lectures, dealing with technical vocabulary, and speaking in class appear as real concerns. What is noticeable is that students are not rejecting EMI. Instead, they seem to be asking for a more careful approach. They prefer a gradual transition, with support that helps them adapt step by step. If these conditions are met, EMI could help them access wider agricultural knowledge and connect more easily with international research. In short, EMI may be useful in the Algerian context, but its success depends less on the policy itself and more on how it is introduced in practice.
Climate change is one of the most urgent issues facing the world today, mostly driven by anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change by sequestering and storing atmospheric carbon. In Ethiopia, however, studies assessing forest carbon sequestration potential remain limited. The current study used non-destructive sampling method for estimating biomass and carbon storage ability of the Qimbaba Forest, in Northwestern Ethiopia. 40 sampling plots with a size of 314m2 were used along transect lines and species-specific allometric equations were used for biomass estimation. The result reveals that the forest have a capacity to store 29.08 ± 0.72 ton/ha of carbon, from the total carbon stock 22.9 ± 0.3 ton/ha were contributed by the above ground and the rest 6.18 ± 0.18 ton/ha was for belowground. In biomass wise the above ground can have a total of 45.79 ± 1.13 ton/ha and 12.36 ± 0.3 ton/ha for below ground, respectively.The implication of Qimbaba forest for climate change mitigation was estimated to be 106.72 ton/ha CO2 equivalent. Therefore, the government should incorporating Qimbaba Forest into climate mitigation strategies such as Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to enhance ecological and economic benefits.
This study examined the integration of indigenous knowledge and pest management practices in promoting climate-smart maize production and sustainable farming resilience in Maseru District, Lesotho. A mixed-methods research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, was adopted to collect primary data from 205 maize farmers across five farming communities through structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were employed to examine respondents’ socio-economic characteristics, document indigenous pest management practices and evaluate their integration with climate-smart agricultural strategies. The findings revealed that the mean age of respondents was 47.39 years, with females constituting 62.91% of the sample, while 67.96% were married. More than half of the respondents (50.63%) had only primary-level education. The average farming experience was 16.95 years, and the mean farm size was 2.03 acres, indicating the predominance of smallholder maize farming systems in the study area. Farmers relied extensively on locally available materials such as garlic, chili, tobacco, ash, aloe and eucalyptus for the management of pests including aphids, armyworms, beetles and millipedes. These indigenous pest management methods were commonly integrated with climate-smart agricultural practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, composting and the application of organic manure, thereby enhancing soil fertility, reducing dependence on synthetic agrochemicals and improving ecological sustainability. The study highlights the significant role of indigenous knowledge in strengthening farmers’ adaptive capacity, reducing production costs and promoting environmentally sustainable maize production systems. It therefore recommends the systematic documentation, scientific validation and policy integration of indigenous pest management practices into climate-smart agricultural programs in Lesotho to enhance smallholder resilience, food security and sustainable agricultural development.
Soil erosion poses a significant global challenge, and its control remains a major concern for the future. In our recent study, we utilized an integrated neural network model called ImpelERO to assess the impact of conventional practices on erosion indices. These indices include the soil vulnerability index, erosion risk class, and soil loss rates for Wheat and Maize plantations. Neural networks, a form of artificial intelligence, have rapidly advanced in recent years and excel at handling complex, nonlinear systems. The ImpelERO model, which combines decision trees and neural networks, was applied to 49 selected sites in the Mashhad-Chenaran plain, northeast of Iran. It quantified soil erosion features, including soil vulnerability index, soil loss rate, erosion risk class, and soil depth reduction due to wheat and Maize cultivation. The soil vulnerability indices for wheat and Maize exhibit variation based on agricultural practices. In conventional approaches, these indices ranged from 0.10 to 0.47 for wheat and 0.11 to 0.50 for Maize. Conversely, in conservation practices, the indices were lower, altered from 0.08 to 0.34 and 0.06 to 0.40 for wheat and Maize, respectively. The values of soil losses under conventional practices for wheat and Maize varied between 3.2 and 44.9 t ha−1 yr-1 ,and 3.7 and 52.7 t ha−1 yr-1 , respectively. In conservation practices, the corresponding was reduced, ranging from 2.7 to 18.4 t ha−1 yr-1 for wheat and 3.0 to 27.7 t ha−1 yr-1 for Maize. Erosion risk classes for wheat and Maize in conventional practices were categorized from V1 to V3, and V1 to V4, respectively, while in conservation practices the values for both crops were classified from V1 to V3, indicating the region as moderately sensitive to erosion. Notably, conservational practices play a crucial role in preventing long-term soil productivity reduction compared to conventional practices.
This study examined the socio-economic determinants of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) consumption among households in communities surrounding the Olokemeji Forestry Reserve in Southwest Nigeria. The research problem stemmed from limited empirical understanding of how household socio-economic characteristics influence NTFP consumption patterns, despite the critical role of forest resources in rural livelihoods. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. Primary data were collected from 298 households using structured questionnaires, complemented by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were employed using SPSS version 25 to analyze the data. The findings revealed that NTFPs such as fuelwood, wild fruits, medicinal plants, and bushmeat were widely consumed, with fuelwood being the most dominant. The regression results indicated that income, education, age, and distance to forest had negative and significant effects on NTFP consumption, while household size and occupation had positive and significant influences. The model explained 62% of the variation in consumption patterns, indicating strong explanatory power. These results confirmed that poorer, larger, and forest-proximate households were more dependent on NTFPs for subsistence. The study concluded that socio-economic factors play a crucial role in shaping NTFP consumption behavior and forest dependency. The implications highlighted the need for integrated policies focusing on poverty reduction, environmental education, and sustainable livelihood development. The findings provided valuable insights for policymakers and resource managers in designing interventions that balance rural welfare with forest conservation.
