Environmental impact assessment provides a systematic basis for identifying the beneficial and adverse consequences of development projects and formulating measures to manage those consequences. This study assessed the environmental implications of the Patuakhali Town Protection Embankment (PTPE), a flood-protection and drainage-improvement project in coastal southern Bangladesh. The study used primary data gathered from field observations, respondent surveys, focus group discussions, and key-informant interviews, together with secondary information drawn from project documents and records of relevant government institutions. Potential impacts were classified into ecological, physicochemical, and human-interest domains and evaluated using a weighted Environmental Impact Value (EIV) method. The assessment produced negative scores for the ecological domain (−45) and physicochemical domain (−100), but a positive score for the human-interest domain (+150), resulting in an overall EIV of +5. The strongest beneficial contribution was flood protection (+200), followed by compensatory plantation (+100), improved road communication (+40), and local economic development (+30). The largest adverse contributions were water stagnation (−90), waterlogging (−80), fisheries loss (−45), habitat loss (−40), vegetation loss (−40), and water pollution (−40). These results indicate that the PTPE project has a marginally positive net environmental balance because flood-protection and socioeconomic benefits slightly outweigh ecological and drainage-related costs. However, this balance is conditional on regular maintenance of regulators, outlets, culverts, and internal drainage channels; effective solid-waste management; riverbank protection; preservation of aquatic connectivity; compensatory plantation; livelihood support; and enforcement against land and river encroachment. The findings suggest that the PTPE can remain environmentally acceptable only if its structural benefits are supported by continuous drainage management, environmental monitoring, and implementation of the proposed mitigation measures.
Water is the most vital resource for life on Earth. Water quality in the Dhaleshwari River, adjacent to the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Tannery Industrial Estate, was assessed due to concerns over microbial presence and heavy metal contamination. Fifteen water samples were collected during the post-monsoon season and were examined using numerous methods. (November of 2024). The total carcinogenic risk was inconsiderable, whereas 95% of samples presented a medium non-carcinogenic risk through skin absorption, as revealed by the study. Though physicochemical parameters were within acceptable limits and biological features were above allowable values. Physicochemical parameters were within acceptable limits, and biological features were above allowable values. All samples exhibited high amounts of heavy metals: Zn (3.196 - 9.946 mg/L), Pb (4.356 - 9.56 mg/L), Cd (4.413 - 5.9 mg/L), Cr (3.196 - 6.73 mg/L), Cu (3.92 - 5.406 mg/L), Ni (2.306 - 3.703 mg/L), and Fe (46.946 - 194.94 mg/L), suggesting considerable contamination, whereas some physicochemical parameters were within acceptable bounds and biological features above allowable values. All samples were determined to be unfit for domestic use based on water quality ratings (WQI varied from 72,679.18 to 89,206.77) and ecological evaluations (ERI ranged from 49,037.16 to 64,620.27) that found significant hazards to aquatic life, notably chromium. The findings of the study emphasize the importance of improved wastewater treatment and regulatory activities to combat environmental degradation and preserve local ecosystems.
Agroforestry adoption among smallholder farmers is not merely a technical decision to plant trees but a knowledge-dependent process shaped by information access, planting-material pathways, species choice and spatial farm design. This study examined agroforestry knowledge, information pathways, tree species distribution, seedling acquisition systems and agroforestry configuration among smallholder farmers in Iganga and Mbale districts of Eastern Uganda. A socio-economic survey design was used to collect quantitative data from 240 systematically selected household respondents, with 120 respondents drawn from each district. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, livelihood sources, agroforestry awareness, information channels, tree species grown, seedling sources, tree-crop-livestock integration, perceived benefits and spatial arrangements. The survey was complemented by focus group discussions, key informant interviews, direct field observations and secondary institutional information to strengthen triangulation. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations and chi-square tests of independence at p < 0.05, while qualitative information was analyzed thematically. Results showed significant district-level differences in respondent characteristics, agroforestry knowledge, information pathways, tree species composition, seedling sources and spatial structures. Agroforestry knowledge was substantially higher in Iganga than Mbale, indicating that local exposure and support systems were more influential than demographic factors alone. Information pathways were plural but uneven, combining online sources, workshops, extension officers, farmer groups, indigenous knowledge and farmer-to-farmer networks. Fruit trees dominated both districts, although Maesopsis eminii, Eucalyptus spp., Grevillea robusta, Ficus natalensis and other species showed clear spatial differentiation. Seedling supply relied heavily on neighbours’ gardens in Iganga, whereas Mbale showed more diversified access through private nurseries and institutional sources. Integrated tree-crop-livestock systems and scattered trees were common. The study concludes that agroforestry uptake depends on the interaction of knowledge systems, quality germplasm access and locally fitted spatial configurations. Strengthening adoption requires integrated advisory services, reliable seedling systems and context-specific configuration support.
Nowadays climate change is a global concern, causing disruptions in weather patterns, resulting in more extreme weather events and escalating sea-level rise. Adaptation and mitigation knowledge are crucial for minimizing its impacts and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This survey aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of residents in Mollahat, Bangladesh, regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire survey, with primary data from 200 respondents in seven unions and secondary data from various sources. The survey revealed diverse perceptions and behaviors within the community regarding climate change, with 76% acknowledging it as a pressing issue and 25% doubting it. The majority believe in local preparedness, but there is a need for enhanced resilience measures. The study highlighted the importance of diverse information sources, with news media and social media playing significant roles in shaping community knowledge. While a majority acknowledged climate change as a pressing issue, a notable proportion expressed skepticism or disbelief. Engagement in climate change adaptation and mitigation practices varied, suggesting the need for enhanced community resilience measures and sustainability initiatives. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening community-based climate adaptation and resilience initiatives in Mollahat, Bangladesh. The study suggests emphasizing community involvement, education, capacity building, tracking and assessing the success of efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and policy advocacy to improve community resilience and successfully lessen the effects of climate change. These actions can support international initiatives to tackle climate change and create a more sustainable future for coming generations.
Mixed crop–livestock systems dominate the Ethiopian highlands, yet their productivity remains constrained by chronic feed shortages and declining feed quality, particularly during the dry season. Integrating multipurpose fodder trees into these systems offers a sustainable strategy to improve livestock nutrition, enhance resource use efficiency, and strengthen the resilience of smallholder farming systems. This study examined farmers’ perceptions, adoption, and management of multipurpose fodder trees and grasses (MPFTs) in Aleta Wondo district, Sidama, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 144 households selected through stratified random sampling across two kebeles. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were employed for data analysis. The results revealed the presence of 26 fodder tree and grass species widely known and utilized by farmers. Respondents demonstrated strong knowledge of both indigenous and improved species, with high preference for grasses such as Hyparrhenia rufa, Pennisetum purpureum, and Desho grass, alongside protein-rich legumes including Medicago sativa and Sesbania sesban. Multipurpose trees such as Leucaena leucocephala and Grewia bicolor were highly valued for their palatability, adaptability, and year-round availability. Farmers selected species based on feed value, durability, ease of propagation, and resilience, while sustainable management practices particularly partial canopy harvesting and organic soil enrichment were commonly applied. The logistic regression results indicated that access to seedlings, institutional support, education level, household income, and land size significantly influenced adoption. Overall, the findings underscore that effective adoption of multipurpose fodder trees depends not only on farmers’ knowledge but also on enabling institutional and resource conditions. Strengthening extension services, improving access to quality planting materials, and promoting locally adapted fodder species are therefore critical for enhancing livestock productivity, livelihood resilience, and sustainable farming systems.
