Early-stage drought stress severely limits seedling establishment in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), necessitating effective biostimulant-based approaches to enhance drought tolerance. This study aimed to identify the optimum foliar concentration of chitosan for improving seedling growth and physiological performance under contrasting moisture regimes using integrated multivariate analyses. A factorial completely randomised design with three replications was employed, comprising two moisture regimes (well-watered and water-stressed) and six chitosan concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm). Chitosan was applied as a foliar spray at 15 days after sowing, and growth, biomass, relative leaf water content (RLWC), membrane stability index (MSI), and cellular metabolic activity were evaluated after 15 days. Chitosan significantly enhanced all measured traits under both moisture conditions, with responses increasing up to 300 ppm before declining at higher concentrations. The 300 ppm treatment produced the highest shoot length (27.01 cm), root length (19.55 cm), fresh biomass (3.32 g seedling⁻¹), RLWC (84.83%), MSI (83.00%), and cellular metabolic activity (2.14 A₄₈₅ g⁻¹ FW). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among growth, biomass accumulation, water status, membrane stability, and cellular metabolic activity, while principal component analysis explained 87.2% of the total variation. The Composite Performance Index (CPI), integrated with quadratic regression, predicted optimum chitosan concentrations of approximately 322 ppm under water stress and 300 ppm under well-watered conditions. As both predicted optima closely corresponded to the tested 300 ppm treatment, this concentration was identified as the practical optimum. These findings demonstrate that foliar application of chitosan at 300 ppm effectively enhances seedling vigour and physiological resilience under both drought-stressed and well-watered conditions, providing a scientifically validated dose for future greenhouse and field evaluation.
Maintaining the availability of groundwater, in terms of both quantity and quality, is essential to guarantee access to drinking water in many countries around the world, particularly in the bedrock regions of West Africa. In most crystalline bedrock areas of West Africa, due to the poor quality of surface water, people are increasingly turning to groundwater, particularly water from springs. In the municipality of Daloa (central-western Côte d’Ivoire), spring water is increasingly being used by all social groups to meet their drinking water needs. This study aims to understand the interactions between different water resources using physicochemical parameters in order to better guide policies for the management of springs in the localities of Daloa, which are under increasing pressure from the local population. This study is based on the statistical analysis of a dataset collected during a campaign to measure the physicochemical parameters of water in the Tétégbeu River catchment area in Daloa. Data collection was carried out according to a rigorous protocol, with quality control checks performed on each parameter measured. The physicochemical parameters, notably temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and redox potential, were measured in situ using a multi-parameter analyser. The results show that the spring waters generally exhibit physicochemical characteristics intermediate between those of surface water and deep aquifers. However, several parameters, notably temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and redox potential, indicate a closer resemblance to water from deep aquifers extracted via boreholes. This similarity suggests that deep aquifers contribute to the existence of the springs, with a limited but not negligible contribution from watercourses (rivers). Thus, the springs appear to be transitional waters that emerge from shallow aquifers with a contribution from deep aquifers, but which may be locally influenced by inflows from rivers. This dual influence gives the springs a distinctive physicochemical signature, reflecting both the dynamics of underground flow and interactions with the surface environment. These results contribute to a better understanding of the hydrogeological behaviour of spring waters in a crystalline basement context and provide an essential basis for guiding spring management policies, particularly in the face of increasing pressure from human activities.
Aim: Farmer perceptions of climate change vary across spatial scales, and these perceptions can be validated using synoptic weather-station data. However, in data-poor countries such as Sierra Leone, weather stations are sparsely distributed and are also affected by substantial inconsistencies and errors in data capture. Against this backdrop, we present the first validation of farmer perceptions of climate change-related weather patterns in southern Sierra Leone using Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) and the fifth-generation European ReAnalysis for the land component (ERA5-Land) reanalysis data. Study Design: The study employed a mixed-methods research design involving farmer perceptions of climate change-related weather patterns and corresponding data from the CHIRPS and ERA5-Land datasets. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in southern Sierra Leone. Field data on farmer perceptions were collected in June 2025, and CHIRPS/ERA5-Land data were acquired for the period 2004–2024. Methodology: To assess farmer perceptions of climate change-related weather patterns, 613 farmers were interviewed; 56.6% were male and 43.4% were female, and the participants were aged 18–65 years. Qualitative data obtained from focus group discussions were analysed using content analysis, while quantitative data obtained from household surveys were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including percentages, the coefficient of variation, Spearman's rank correlation, and the Kruskal–Wallis test. CHIRPS and ERA5-Land data were analysed using the Hamed–Rao modified Mann–Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator. In addition, Kendall's rank correlation coefficient was used to measure agreement between farmer perceptions and observations from the CHIRPS and ERA5-Land datasets. Results: Farmers reported rising temperatures, which were corroborated by increases of C to C in annual mean temperature recorded by ERA5-Land across the four districts; all increases were statistically significant at p < 0.005, based on the Hamed–Rao modified Mann–Kendall test. Farmers also perceived irregular rainfall patterns. Based on the CHIRPS data, the coefficient of variation in annual rainfall ranged from 7.1% in Bo to 9.1% in Bonthe, indicating substantial year-to-year fluctuations without a directional trend. Moreover, the 12-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI-12) showed more droughts after 2015, supporting farmers’ perceptions of increased drought frequency. Furthermore, farmer perceptions of extreme weather events varied significantly across districts, and Moyamba and Bo, which are more economically active and inland, recorded the largest increases in extreme heat based on ERA5-Land reanalysis data. Conclusion: The study shows a high degree of concordance between farmer perceptions of climate change-related weather patterns and corresponding CHIRPS/ERA5-Land records. This finding suggests that local perceptions can serve as an integral source of data in local climate studies and that integrating them with global climate products could improve understanding of changing weather patterns from local to regional scales.
Accurate estimation of rice yield is essential for food security and effective agricultural management under changing climatic conditions. This study evaluated the performance of the CERES-Rice crop simulation model integrated with MODIS-LAI data for regional-scale rice-yield prediction and verification during 2023–24 and 2024–25. Three rice varieties, namely Sarjoo-52, NDR-359, and NDR-370133, were evaluated across the different blocks of the study area. Among them, NDR-370133 consistently recorded the highest productivity, with predicted yields ranging from 5.08 to 6.10 t ha⁻¹ during 2023–24 and from 4.91 to 5.96 t ha⁻¹ during 2024–25. The highest average productivity was observed in Milkipur block, whereas comparatively lower productivity was recorded in Tarun and Amaniganj blocks. Validation indicated varying agreement between predicted and observed yields, with deviations ranging from −7.94% to 24.91% during 2023–24 and from −6.29% to 20.83% during 2024–25. Lower deviations in several blocks indicated better model performance in those locations. The integrated MODIS-LAI and CERES-Rice framework represented crop-growth dynamics and regional yield variability. The findings indicate the potential of integrating remote sensing data with crop simulation models for large-scale crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and agricultural decision support.
Airborne magnetic and gravity datasets for the Lower Benue Trough were analysed and interpreted to map concealed subsurface structures within the basin. The basin's hydrocarbon potential was assessed by estimating sedimentary thickness, mapping the basement architecture, and identifying favourable geological structures that may facilitate hydrocarbon migration and entrapment and warrant further detailed investigation. The aeromagnetic and gravity data were processed using regional-residual separation, the first vertical derivative (FVD), and Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) analysis supported by rose diagrams. Source depths were estimated using Euler deconvolution and Source Parameter Imaging (SPI), while two-dimensional forward modelling of the magnetic and Bouguer anomalies was used to map the subsurface architecture. The FVD maps and rose diagrams revealed major magnetic lineaments and faults trending NE-SW, E-W, and ENE-WSW, whereas the gravity data showed major NE-SW, E-W, NW-SE, and WNW-ESE trends. Minor magnetic trends occurred in the N-S, NW-SE, and NNE-SSW directions, while minor gravity trends occurred in the WNW-SSE, N-S, ENE-WSW, and NNE-SSW directions. Euler deconvolution yielded depths of 717.7-4933.9 m for the magnetic data and 1029-5042 m for the gravity data, whereas SPI yielded depths of 691.7-5121.1 m and 180.3-5518 m, respectively. Two-dimensional forward modelling along the NE-SW profiles yielded depths of 0.8-2.8 km for the magnetic model and 0.4-3.4 km for the gravity model. The undulating basement indicates deep-seated structures that may provide migration pathways and traps for hydrocarbon accumulation. The results therefore indicate sedimentary depths and fault-fracture systems that justify further detailed hydrocarbon exploration studies.
Environmental sanitation and water quality remain critical determinants of public health, particularly in rapidly urbanising towns across sub-Saharan Africa. In Mamfe Central sub-division, inadequate waste management systems, deteriorating drainage infrastructure and limited sanitation coverage have heightened population vulnerability to water-related health risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of environmental sanitation practices in mitigating water quality deterioration, with emphasis on waste management systems, sanitation access, hygiene behaviours, water-health linkages and institutional support mechanisms. This study was guided by the use of a mixed research design consisting of qualitative and quantitative designs, the duration spans from 2019- 2024. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 218 households across multiple quarters of the sub-division. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression modelling were employed for data analysis. Findings indicate that burning (35.2%) and open dumping (31.9%) are the dominant waste disposal methods, while municipal waste collection services reach only 11% of households. Additionally, 72.4% of drainage infrastructure is classified as poor to very poor. Water quality test results are largely positive, with 57.2% of respondents rating their water as poor to very poor in terms of physio-chemical and biological analysis. Statistical analysis reveals a strong positive relationship between environmental sanitation and water quality (r = 0.876, P < 0.001), with sanitation conditions explaining 76.7% of the variation in water quality (R² = 0.767). These results confirm that inadequate environmental sanitation is a primary driver of water quality deterioration in the study area. The study recommends the expansion of municipal waste collection services, rehabilitation of drainage systems, strengthened enforcement of sanitation regulations, and the promotion of community-based sanitation initiatives.
Soil microbiome engineering is increasingly recognised as a sustainable approach for improving crop productivity by managing beneficial microbial communities and their functions in agricultural soils. The soil microbiome comprises bacteria, fungi, archae a, viruses and other microorganisms that influence nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, soil structure, plant growth and ecosystem stability. This review summarises current understanding of soil microbial diversity, plant-microbe interactions and the major approaches used to manipulate soil microbiomes for agricultural benefit. It considers microbial inoculants, biofertilisers, synthetic microbial communities, host-mediated microbiome selection, soil amendments, habitat engineering and genetic or metabolic engineering of beneficial microorganisms. The review also discusses the contribution of metagenomics, other multi-omics methods, genome editing, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and precision agriculture tools to the characterisation, prediction and management of microbial functions. Evidence presented in the manuscript indicates that microbiome-based strategies can support nutrient acquisition, improve plant growth, suppress pathogens, enhance tolerance to abiotic stress and promote soil health. However, the practical use of these approaches is constrained by microbial community complexity, environmental variability, inconsistent field performance, limited persistence of introduced microorganisms, biosafety issues, regulatory requirements and adoption barriers. The synthesis is limited to the themes addressed in the manuscript and therefore emphasises practical engineering strategies, enabling technologies and implementation constraints rather than presenting a quantitative meta-analysis of crop responses. Future progress will require crop-specific and site-specific microbiome management, resilient microbial consortia, improved formulation and delivery systems, and integration with sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices. Soil microbiome engineering offers a biologically based pathway to support productive, resilient and resource-efficient farming systems while reducing dependence on external chemical inputs.
Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce (Khejri) is a multipurpose tree of arid and semi-arid regions and is important for agroforestry, afforestation and dryland restoration. Its regeneration through seed, however, is frequently limited by physical dormancy associated with a hard and impermeable seed coat, which restricts water uptake and gas exchange and results in delayed and uneven germination. This review synthesises literature on pre-sowing treatments used to improve germination and early seedling establishment in P. cineraria. The reviewed treatments include mechanical scarification, hot water treatment, acid scarification, hormonal priming and biological inoculation. Scarification methods improve seed coat permeability and are repeatedly reported to enhance germination percentage, germination rate and uniformity. Acid scarification is often reported as highly effective, but its use requires controlled exposure and careful handling to avoid embryo injury. Mechanical scarification and hot water treatment may provide safer and more practical alternatives for nursery use. Hormonal treatments, particularly those involving gibberellic acid, may further support embryo growth and reserve mobilisation, while biological treatments involving Rhizobium, PGPR, PSB and mycorrhizal fungi may improve seedling establishment and stress tolerance. The review also indicates that germination is influenced by seed viability, provenance, temperature, moisture, salinity, oxygen availability and soil conditions. Standardised, field-applicable and environmentally safe protocols are needed to support large-scale propagation of P. cineraria.
This study examines water resource management challenges associated with declining Himalayan springs in the Alaknanda Basin of Uttarakhand, with attention to physical, socio-economic, ecological and governance dimensions of water scarcity. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a structured household survey with secondary evidence from published literature and institutional documents. Primary data were collected from 100 respondents across four altitudinally differentiated sites: Badrinath in Chamoli District (3,100 m), Chamba in Tehri Garhwal District (1,600 m), Tilwara in Rudraprayag District (750 m) and Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal District (560 m). The findings show continuing dependence on natural springs (Dhara), which were reported as the main household water source by 42% of respondents, followed by gravity-fed pipelines (20%) and rivers or tributaries (19%). Rainwater harvesting was reported by only 6% of respondents, indicating limited household-level adoption of alternative water conservation practices. Perceived change in water availability was predominantly negative: 68% of respondents reported deterioration, including 46% who described the situation as much worse. Cross-tabulation by occupation indicates that agriculture-dependent respondents experienced the most severe decline in water availability, with 25 of 45 agricultural respondents reporting conditions as much worse. The principal challenges identified by respondents were drying natural springs (22 respondents), climate change (16), damaged infrastructure (13) and poor maintenance (11). The results suggest that current management practices and governance infrastructure are insufficient for addressing water scarcity across the surveyed sites. The study highlights the need for spring rejuvenation, climate-resilient storage, improved infrastructure maintenance, strengthened local governance, water-quality monitoring and more systematic adoption of rainwater harvesting within a basin-level management framework.
The Mifi Division in the West Region of Cameroon is increasingly exposed to urban environmental hazards, particularly floods and landslides. This study examined the spatial distribution of flood and landslide susceptibility and assessed the implications for urban planning and disaster risk management. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining questionnaire data from 200 respondents across Bafoussam I, Bafoussam II and Bafoussam III municipalities with field observations, expert interviews and focus group discussions. The analysis also integrated land use and land cover mapping, spatial modelling of flood and landslide susceptibility, descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance. The results show that flood and landslide susceptibility are unevenly distributed across the Mifi Division. Flood-prone areas are mainly associated with low-lying depressions, river valleys, wetlands and densely occupied urban zones where drainage systems are limited or obstructed. Bafoussam II records the highest proportion of high flood susceptibility, with 11.4% of its area classified as highly susceptible. Landslide susceptibility is more pronounced on steep and modified slopes, especially in areas affected by vegetation removal, road construction and unplanned settlement expansion. Bafoussam I records the highest proportion of high landslide susceptibility, with 13.0% of its area falling within this class. The findings indicate that rapid urban growth, inadequate land use control, settlement in hazard-prone zones and insufficient enforcement of planning regulations are major contributors to increasing hazard exposure. The study highlights the need for strengthened land use planning, strict enforcement of no-build zones, improved drainage management, targeted relocation from high-risk areas and integrated multi-hazard risk management to support safer urban development in the Mifi Division.
Agroforestry is a broad and integrated land-use system that involves the deliberate cultivation and management of woody perennials, including trees, shrubs, and bamboos, in association with herbaceous components such as crops, pastures, and/or livestock. These components are arranged either spatially or temporally within the same land management unit to promote complementary ecological and economic interactions between the arboreal and non-arboreal elements. Through such interactions, agroforestry systems contribute to enhanced resource-use efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable productivity of agricultural landscapes. Albizia procera is an important multipurpose leguminous tree widely used in forestry, agroforestry, afforestation, and ecological restoration programs due to its rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing ability, timber value, and adaptability to degraded lands. However, large-scale propagation of the species is often constrained by poor and irregular seed germination caused primarily by physical dormancy associated with a hard and impermeable seed coat. This review synthesises recent research on the influence of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and seedling development of A. procera. Various physical, thermal, chemical, and hydration-based treatments have been evaluated to overcome dormancy and improve germination performance. Among the treatments, gibberellic acid (GA₃) application at 50 ppm for 12 hours was reported as the most effective, achieving up to 90% germination along with superior germination rate and seedling vigour. Hot water treatment (70–100°C for short durations followed by soaking) also produced high germination percentages ranging from 75–86%, making it a practical and economical option for nursery operations. Mechanical scarification and acid treatments effectively reduced mean germination time by improving seed coat permeability, while organic hydration methods such as cow dung slurry enhanced seedling vigour and growth under sustainable nursery conditions. The review further emphasises the methodological approaches employed in recent studies, the comparative effectiveness of different treatments, their practical implications for forestry and agroforestry systems, and the major gaps that persist in current research. Although considerable progress has been achieved, inconsistencies in treatment protocols, limited field-based validation, and inadequate physiological and molecular investigations continue to represent significant constraints. Future research should therefore prioritise the standardisation of treatment methodologies, the implementation of extensive field trials, and the development of environmentally sustainable and scalable technologies aimed at enhancing seed germination and successful seedling establishment in A. procera.
Soil carbon sequestration in farmland systems is increasingly promoted as a “win–win” strategy for climate mitigation, food security and rural development. While global debates often emphasize the biophysical potential to store more carbon in agricultural soils, the broader environmental and socioeconomic co-benefits are at least as important for farmers and policy makers. This review synthesizes recent evidence on how practices that increase soil organic carbon (SOC)—including conservation agriculture, diversified rotations, organic amendments, cover crops and agroforestry—alter soil functions, ecosystem services and farm livelihoods. We first clarify conceptual debates around additionality, permanence and saturation of soil carbon, and link SOC to the emerging soil health paradigm. We then examine environmental co-benefits such as improved soil structure and fertility, enhanced water regulation, reduced erosion, biodiversity support and resilience to climatic extremes. Subsequently, we assess socioeconomic co-benefits, including yield and yield stability gains, risk reduction, input savings, options for participation in carbon markets and payments for ecosystem services, and wider rural development effects. We highlight that co-benefits are highly context-dependent and can be offset by trade-offs, for example, increased nitrous oxide emissions, higher labor demand or unequal access to carbon finance. Measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) frameworks still struggle to capture co-benefits in a robust yet practical way, especially for smallholder systems. The review concludes that soil carbon should be framed as an entry point to transform farmland management towards soil health and resilience rather than as a narrow carbon offset commodity. Doing so requires integrated policies, inclusive governance of carbon markets and targeted research on context-specific benefit–risk profiles.
The growing ageing population in rapidly urbanising cities highlights the need for inclusive environments that support healthy ageing. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential and accessibility of selected urban parks for elderly residents in Lagos State, Nigeria. Adopting a qualitative approach supported by descriptive statistics, data were collected from 30 elderly participants through structured questionnaires, alongside observational insights based on age-friendly design criteria. Findings reveal low levels of park utilisation, with 66.7% of respondents rarely or never visiting urban parks despite recognising their physical, psychological, and social benefits. Key motivations for park use include relaxation, fresh air, and light physical activity, confirming the role of parks as therapeutic landscapes. However, major barriers such as security concerns, poor maintenance, and inadequate accessibility significantly limit usage. Comparative insights from respondents with international travel experience further highlight disparities in park quality and usability. The study concludes that while urban parks in Lagos possess substantial therapeutic potential, they currently underperform due to infrastructural and management deficiencies. It recommends the integration of age-friendly design principles, improved safety measures, and enhanced maintenance practices to promote inclusive and sustainable urban green spaces for the ageing population.
Flooding has become one of the most severe and recurrent environmental hazards across Nigeria and West Africa resulting in loss of lives, damage to property, disruption of livelihoods, and environmental degradation. A GIS-based assessment of potential flood-prone areas within the Sokoto River Rima basin was carried out using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) dataset acquired from USGS Earth Explorer website and rainfall data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). The historic flooding in this River basin in 2010 left the inhabitants devastated as more than 1,200 communities across the surrounding localities were affected. A similar flooding in 2026 also affected the same localities. This GIS-based assessment was conducted in conjunction with a drainage map in a geographical information system (GIS) environment. The suspected flood-risk zones along the river basin were analysed and classified into low, medium high elevations and a multi buffer zone maps of 500m, 1 km, and 2 km around the major river channels were generated to determine g the level of vulnerability of the settlements and farmlands. The 500 m buffer zone are areas of very high vulnerability containing densely populated settlements. The 1 km buffer zone indicated high vulnerability areas including some farmlands and other peri-urban communities such as Kwalkwalawa, Rikaka, and Wurno. On the other hand, areas within 2 km buffer of the river basin fall under moderate vulnerability. However, beyond the 2 km buffer zone vulnerability to flooding decreases substantially due to the increasing elevation and slope. The study identified that the livelihood of the habitants within this study area were generally affected. The study highlighted the flood-prone areas which require structural and non-structural mitigation in order to avoid serious future occurrences.
Riverine systems are increasingly affected by natural processes and human activities, leading to significant morphological changes. Understanding these changes is essential for sustainable river management and disaster risk reduction. This study aims to analyse the spatio-temporal morphological changes of the Periyar River over a 67 km stretch in Ernakulam District, focusing on sinuosity, erosion–accretion patterns, and channel shifts using GIS and remote sensing techniques. It adopts a longitudinal geospatial analysis using historical maps and satellite imagery. The methodology involved dividing the river stretch into eight sections (A–H) and analysing morphological changes through GIS and remote sensing tools, with parameters such as sinuosity index, erosion and accretion areas, channel shifting rates, and valley index quantified and compared across time periods. The results indicate a northward shift of the river, with the sinuosity index increasing by 20.28% (from 1.09 to 1.31) and a net accretion of 1,535.63 hectares; Section E exhibited the highest sinuosity (2.33–2.50) along with a 23.8% increase in erosion, while Section D showed the highest dynamism with a shifting rate of 1.40 hectares per year, and the valley index decreased from 1.30 to 1.07, indicating valley narrowing, with the highest erosion recorded during 2008–2023 (221 hectares), largely influenced by urbanisation and altered sedimentation patterns. The study concludes that significant geomorphic transformations are driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors, and emphasises the need for targeted interventions such as riparian vegetation restoration and controlled urban development in high-risk zones to stabilise riverbanks and reduce flood risks, while also providing a replicable framework for sustainable management of dynamic river systems.
Fruit production in arid and semi-arid regions is constrained by water scarcity, high temperature, poor soil fertility and increasing climate variability. This review examines the contribution of Internet of Things (IoT) and remote sensing technologies to precision fruit production under such resource-limited conditions. The manuscript synthesises published literature, technical reports and institutional information on precision orchard management, IoT-based monitoring, remote sensing tools, smart irrigation, crop-health assessment and stress detection. IoT-based systems, including soil moisture sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, smart weather stations and automated irrigation controllers, support real-time monitoring of soil, crop and microclimatic conditions. Remote sensing tools, including satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicles, multispectral cameras and thermal sensors, provide spatial information on canopy condition, water stress, nutrient variability, pest incidence and crop performance. Together, these technologies support improved irrigation scheduling, fertigation management, early stress detection and site-specific crop management. The review also highlights their relevance for fruit crops grown under arid conditions, including pomegranate, mango, banana, grapes, date palm and dragon fruit. However, adoption remains limited by high initial costs, inadequate digital infrastructure, limited technical expertise, data-management challenges and fragmented landholdings. The review indicates that wider use of IoT and remote sensing in precision fruit production will require affordable technologies, farmer training, improved connectivity and context-specific decision-support systems.
Rapid conversion of vegetated land to impervious surfaces drives Urban Heat Island intensification, posing acute risks to human health and livelihoods across tropical Africa. This study presents the first systematic, biennial decadal analysis of Land Surface Temperature (LST) dynamics and their mechanistic linkage to Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) change across the Western Peninsula of Sierra Leone (2014–2024) — a biodiverse coastal landscape encompassing Freetown, the Western Area Peninsula National Park, and West Africa’s most ecologically significant mangrove systems. Six Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS scenes were processed through a validated single-channel emissivity-correction algorithm. Results document a mean LST increase of 2.3 °C over the decade, with areas exceeding 30 °C expanding from 18.2% to 35.8% — a near-doubling of thermally dangerous land in ten years. Stratified NDVI–LST analysis (n ≥ 500 per epoch; three zones: urban core, peri-urban transition, forested interior) confirms a persistent, statistically significant negative relationship across all epochs (R² = 0.30–0.50; slopes −20.9 to −22.2 °C/NDVI unit), quantifying a cooling benefit of 8.4 °C per 0.40 NDVI gain — an actionable planning metric. Zone-stratified modelling identifies the peri-urban transition belt as the most thermally dynamic and management-sensitive stratum. Benchmarked against Lagos, Accra, and Addis Ababa, Freetown’s warming is structurally distinct owing to peninsular confinement, a dual-ecosystem thermal buffer, and active national park forest degradation. A Random Forest framework is outlined for scenario-based LST projection under SSP2-4.5 assumptions to 2030. Findings deliver spatial guidance for Freetown’s Heat Action Plan, the FreetownTheTreeTown reforestation initiative (Adusei, 2026), and analogous programmes across climate-vulnerable tropical cities.
Groundwater is one of the most important freshwater resources globally and serves as the primary source for drinking and agricultural activities. However, rapid agricultural intensification has significantly contributed to the deterioration of groundwater quality. Agricultural activities are a major source of non-point source pollution, which is diffuse in nature and difficult to monitor and control. The excessive application of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, along with improper irrigation practices and inadequate management of livestock waste, has led to the infiltration of harmful substances, such as nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals, and pathogenic microorganisms, into aquifers. This review critically examines the major agricultural sources of groundwater contamination and evaluates their impact on environmental sustainability and human health, including risks such as waterborne diseases and long-term toxicity. It further explores various techniques for assessing groundwater quality, including modern monitoring tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies. Additionally, this study highlights sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming, precision irrigation, and integrated nutrient management, as effective strategies for mitigating contamination. Overall, this review underscores the urgent need for sustainable management approaches to protect groundwater resources and ensure long-term water security. The integration of innovative technologies, integrated management strategies, and robust policy interventions is essential. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques also represents an emerging and promising approach in groundwater management.
Green gram productivity and soil health can be improved through integrated nutrient management using balanced NPK fertilisers along with city waste compost, which together enhance growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and long-term soil fertility while reducing the drawbacks of sole chemical fertiliser use. A field experiment was undertaken during the Zaid seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the research farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to assess the influence of combined NPK fertilisation and city waste compost (CWC) on the growth and yield of green gram (*Vigna radiata* L.). The study was arranged in a factorial randomised block design comprising sixteen treatment combinations, involving four levels of NPK (0, 50, 75 and 100%) and four levels of CWC (0, 3, 6 and 9 t ha⁻¹), each replicated three times. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture, slightly acidic to neutral in reaction, and characterised by low organic carbon and available nitrogen, with medium levels of available phosphorus and potassium. The results revealed that application of 100% NPK along with city waste compost @ 9 t ha-1 (T16) recorded the highest seed yield (18.71 and 21.82 q ha-1), stover yield (23.29 and 24.62 q ha-1), gross return (₹154339.46 and ₹179464.48 ha-1), and net return (₹92568.26 and ₹117693.27 ha-1) during 2023 and 2024, respectively. The pooled data also confirmed the superiority of T16 with maximum seed yield (20.22 q ha-1), stover yield (23.96 q ha-1), gross return (₹166901.97 ha-1), and net return (₹105130.77 ha-1). However, the highest pooled B: C ratio (2.27) was recorded under treatment T13 (100% NPK + city waste compost 0 t ha-1). The improvement in yield and economics due to integrated nutrient management may be attributed to balanced nutrient supply, improved soil fertility, enhanced nutrient uptake, and better crop growth resulting from the combined application of inorganic fertilisers and organic compost. The study concluded that the conjoint use of 100% NPK with city waste compost @ 9 t ha-1 proved most effective for maximising productivity and economic returns of green gram under the prevailing agro-climatic conditions. The findings also highlight the importance of city waste compost as a sustainable organic amendment for improving soil health and green gram productivity under the Agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj.
This study investigates the geothermal potential of a 24,200 km² region in North-Central Nigeria, encompassing the Younger Granite province, a geologically significant area known for Jurassic granitic intrusions and tectonic activity. The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the geothermal potential of the study area using high-resolution aeromagnetic data. Spectral analysis was employed to estimate Curie Point Depths (CPDs), geothermal gradients and heat flow across the study area to identify zones with high geothermal energy potential. The analysis, based on eight aeromagnetic sheets, specifically Sheet 125 (Dutsin Wai), Sheet 126 (Ririwai), Sheet 146 (Geshere), Sheet 147 (Lere), Sheet 167 (Kafanchan), Sheet 168 (Naragatu), Sheet 188 (Jemaa) and Sheet 189 (Kurra), revealed CPDs ranging from 6.43 km to 20.03 km (average 11.98 km), geothermal gradients ranging from 28.64°C/km to 90.20°C/km (average 52.43°C/km), and heat flow ranging from 71.59 mW/m² to 225.51 mW/m² (average 131.08 mW/m²). High heat flow zones, particularly in the northeastern (Kakwonka) and southwestern (Nok) parts of the study area, correlate with shallow CPDs and elevated geothermal gradients, suggesting possible geothermal reservoirs that are likely linked to Mesozoic granitic intrusions and associated fault networks. These findings indicate that the study area is a promising candidate for geothermal energy exploration and may contribute to addressing Nigeria’s energy deficit. Further geophysical surveys, including subsurface temperature logging and drilling, are recommended to confirm the commercial viability of these geothermal resources and support Nigeria’s renewable energy transition and energy security.
