Climate change threatens smallholder agriculture and food security in the Global South. While cropland expansion is often used to counter adverse climate effects despite ecological trade-offs, the benefits for diets and nutrition remain unclear. This study quantitatively examines relationships between climate anomalies, forest loss from cropland expansion, and dietary outcomes in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. Combining high-resolution data on forest cover and climate variables within random forest and panel regression models, we find that 25 to 31% of annual forest loss is linked to climate variability. Using georeferenced household survey data, we then find that changes in forest cover have a significant positive association with changes in child diet diversity—a key proxy of nutritional adequacy—while cropland expansion does not, suggesting that such forest conversions may be an ineffective climate adaptation strategy for improving nutrition. Our findings highlight the potential of nutrition-sensitive climate adaptation to enhance yields, promote nutritious cropping choices, and protect remaining forests.

Abstract Nigeria's food production heavily relies on smallholder rainfed agriculture. Unfortunately, this sector is highly vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, such as floods and droughts. It is crucial to examine the frequency, intensity, and magnitude of these events and develop effective mitigation and adaptation strategies to ensure the resilience of Nigeria's agricultural system. This study analyses rainfall variability in Nigeria's agroecological zones (AEZs) over the past sixty years. The research evaluates annual, quarterly, and seasonal rainfall patterns and uses the Standardised Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) to examine drought and flood frequency and intensity. The study's findings reveal that the period from 1981 to 1990 experienced the weakest rainfall patterns across all AEZs, while the best occurred from 1961 to 1970. The humid forest zone consistently received the highest rainfall, although with a declining trend over the decades. Conversely, the Arid/Sahel and Semi-arid zones exhibited the lowest with a slight upward trend in precipitation, while others experienced a reduction. Spatial analysis of drought patterns also reveals that most of the AEZs face high drought risks, with over 65% of the country experiencing a considerable increase in drought in the last three decades. The rainfall pattern was less erratic in zones of lower latitudes than in the higher altitudes. Heavy rainfall events exceeding 10 mm and 20 mm revealed a decreasing trend from the Arid to the Humid Forest zone. Extreme weather events have significant economic consequences. Policymakers and stakeholders must take action to ensure climate resilient and sustainable agricultural production systems.

EDITORIAL article Front. Sustain., 20 June 2023Sec. Sustainable Organizations Volume 4 - 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2023.1237154

20 g cashew nut shell (CNS) was pyrolyzed in a fixed bed pyrolysis reactor at a temperature of 700 °C, heating rate of 100 °C/min, and time of 45 minutes. The cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) obtained was 61.3 %. Proximate and ultimate analyses, viscosity (cp), density (g/ml), pH, FT-IR, and GC-MS were carried out on the liquid. The results from the GC-MS and FT-IR analyses showed that the liquid consist mainly of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The GC-MS analysis showed the different compounds present in this liquid and their relative abundance. From analyses, the liquid had an ash content of 0.06 %, sulphur content of 0.30 %, density of 0.992 g/ml, and a pH of 4.3.

Used European electric and electronic equipment (UEEE) has multiple use cycles in various countries, including Nigeria. Although the EU-Nigeria e-waste trade is illegal under EU and Nigerian law, previous research shows that some imported equipment is only fit for disposal. Imported UEEE has a short lifespan. Such European e-waste exports imported to Nigeria have sustainability and circularity implications for both places and raise questions about justice and equity. Using a transdisciplinary approach, we identify existing practices and challenges in Nigeria and co-create actionable solutions towards a sustainable, circular and fairness-driven UEEE and e-waste value chain. We find current extended producer responsibility (EPR) does not focus on the entire global value chain, is linear, and lacks transparency, accountability, and consideration for spatial equity. To overcome these shortcomings, we propose ultimate producer responsibility (UPR). UPR aids sustainability and circularity transition while paying attention to justice and equity. The research adds global and social dimensions to the European circular economy (CE), otherwise primarily focused on national material cycles.

A fixed bed pyrolysis reactor was used to pyrolyze Cashew nut shell (CNS). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was then used to study the pyrolysis process. One Factor at a Time (OFAT) experiment was applied using different factors and levels. The OFAT results showed that the highest pyrolysis liquid yield was 57.8 wt.%. Two levels from each factor were chosen to run the RSM (applying Central Composite Design (CCD)) by forming two levels three factors (23) design. A quadratic model suggested by the Design Expert (version 11) software was used to predict the yield. The maximum liquid yield from the RSM was 61.3 wt. %.

OPINION article Front. Sustain., 09 March 2023Sec. Sustainable Organizations Volume 4 - 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2023.1148499

Business Strategy & DevelopmentVolume 5, Issue 1 p. 94-95 CALL FOR PAPER Call for Papers for Business Strategy and Development Special Issue (December 2022) Olawale Emmanuel Olayide, Corresponding Author Olawale Emmanuel Olayide waleolayide@gmail.com University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Correspondence Olawale Emmanuel Olayide, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Email: waleolayide@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this author Olawale Emmanuel Olayide, Corresponding Author Olawale Emmanuel Olayide waleolayide@gmail.com University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Correspondence Olawale Emmanuel Olayide, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Email: waleolayide@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this author First published: 08 February 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/bsd2.194Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume5, Issue1March 2022Pages 94-95 RelatedInformation

Multiple cases of toxic waste dumping from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries to non-OECD countries in the 1980s led to scholarly attention to transboundary waste movements. The Basel Convention was established to provide an international legal framework to tackle such problems in the early 1990s, focusing on hazardous waste. However, the transboundary movement of all waste, not just hazardous waste, remains a societal challenge globally, frequently surfacing as an ethical question on the one hand and a story of resource management/trade on the other. This phenomenon has been studied across disciplines resulting in diverse, scattered and often contested understandings. Despite previous and ongoing efforts, waste production, management and transboundary movements are increasing and are predicted to grow significantly with global social, environmental and economic implications. This literature review uses a research synthesis and problematisation approach to critically analyse the transboundary waste literature since 1985. The findings highlight research trends, the need for data reliability and policy coherence, and the sustainability implications of the phenomenon. One recurring theme in the literature is the reduction of the complex phenomenon involving multiple countries, policies, actors and waste streams into simple opposite narratives, which we called transboundary waste binaries. We have identified and then challenged assumptions behind transboundary waste binaries and discussed the implications of such assumptions on the broader discourse. We have concluded with future research recommendations to look past the transboundary waste binaries towards a nuanced and contextual understanding of transboundary waste flows.

African ebony ( Diospyros mespiliformis ) is a priority indigenous fruit tree that has several uses but its use pattern and conservation are little documented across various ethnic groups in Benin. These surveys carried out in 2018 aimed at provide a critical appraisal of the existing knowledge on the ethno-botanical value of these resources among 317 registered informants. Data on socio demographic characteristics and uses of these plant resources was collected based on oral interview using Kobo Collect tool and a well-structured questionnaire from 11 ethnic groups. Quantitative analysis techniques including Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), Hierarchical Clustering (HCPC) and beta-regression (beta-reg)) were performed to evaluaterelative usefulness of different tree organs and the extent to which quantitative indexes give similar results. Results revealed three clusters with diverse uses of D. mespiliformis . The main uses categories of African ebony were food-fodder, medicinal, construction and magico-religious. The results showed also significant difference in use between ethnic groups, generations and socio-professional categories (P < 0.05). However, gender, religion and educational background of informants were not a determinant of local knowledge (P > 0.05). In addition, diseases treated with D. mespiliformis werefever, dressing wound, malaria and infertility. Our findings suggest that local availability of D. mespiliformis should prioritize the fruit and the wood which are the most valued parts of the plant. In order to fully explore the plant’s potential, this resource needs development of integrated cultivation approach, safety evaluation and detailed ethno-pharmacological studies because it is not excluded that interesting medicinal properties setting in light by research permit to finalize new drug.

This review report involves the analysis and synthesis of literatures on climate change, land use, energy, livelihoods and sustainable development in Nigeria. The methodology employed in the review involves searching keywords related to the study objectives on relevant literature search engines and platforms, including Google Scholar and Cross Referencing through triangulation of search results. The articles were screened and validated for inclusion or exclusion based on relevance, content and context. The review process follows the sustainable livelihoods framework. The search returns are complimented with published reports. The report provides information on the current status and guidance on appropriate interventions and innovative investments in Nigeria. Specifically, this report provides a systematic literature review on: 1) situation and trends in energy and land use changes, 2) observed and projected impacts of climate change, 3) technological, socioeconomic and policy actions for sustainable land management and climate change adaptation and mitigation, 4) evaluation of existing major policies and investments, and 5) conclusion and policy implications. Based on the assessment of literature in this study, the key trends and problems include inadequate attention to the agricultural sector over the years, which has caused a major setback in food security and productivity. Climate change has further exacerbated the problem through desertification, drought and flooding across the country. The literature further revealed inadequate energy supply, distribution and low per capita consumption in Nigeria. The use of fuel wood for heating and cooking has significantly contributed to deforestation by worsening land degradation. Resulting implications are that food security is threatened and economic growth is hampered. Land degradation negatively impacts the environment and the rural poor whose livelihoods depend on it. Opportunities in agriculture and renewable energy should be further harnessed and forest and land use policies should be enforced to ensure sustainable livelihoods. In Nigeria, policies and investment plans on land use, energy/electricity and agricultural livelihoods are not coherent and lack consistency in implementation. Thus, lack of strong institutions has resulted in the weak performance witnessed in programme and policy implementation on climate change mitigation, land use, energy and sustainable development in Nigeria. Therefore, there is a need for productive, viable, sustainable policy and programmes that support climate change mitigation, land use, energy and sustainable development in Nigeria. Another important suggestion is the need for provision of renewable energy mix (off-grid) in forms that are easily accessible and affordable by households. Adequate attention should be paid to the provision of bio-energy and the wider bio-economy framework, including the transformation of solid waste, wood waste and agricultural waste into bio-gas and energy. Overall, the investment landscape in Nigeria is improving, and various opportunities for investment in agricultural livelihoods and value chains, renewable energy, carbon trading and green bonds should be harnessed through public-private partnerships.

Cassava “seedpreneurship”, is an emerging concept that focuses on establishing a sustainable cassava seed system. The dearth of empirical studies on seedpreneurship and the gaps in understanding the adoption of improved cassava varieties, profitability of Village Seed Entrepreneurs (VSEs), and women empowerment led to this study. This study was carried out in Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling method. It covered the four states (Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Benue, and Oyo) where VSEs and out-growers’ farming activities were carried out under the Building an Economically Sustainable Integrated Seed System for Cassava (BASICS I) Project. A total of 901 respondents were sampled. Structured questionnaires were administered during interviews. The conceptual framework provides representative indicators with focus on varietal adoption as environmental and genetic resources (environmental sustainability), profitability (economic sustainability) and women empowerment (social sustainability). The data gathered were analysed using descriptive analysis, chi-square test, profitability analysis, and probit regression model. Factors that influenced the adoption of improved cassava stems were age, nearness to agro input dealers, gender, and source of stems. The profitability analysis revealed that 96 percent of the seedpreneurs recorded profits. The profit levels varied by scale of operation. Access to credit and input in productive decisions were the most important indicators of women empowerment in seedpreneurship. Overall, the study revealed that seedpreneurship drives varietal adoption, increases profitability, and enhances women empowerment within the context of sustainable cassava seed system in Nigeria. Project implementors and policymakers can benefit from the findings in developing a sustainable formal seed sector.

Agribusiness is a means of job creation capable of reducing unemployment among young people in developing countries. However, the rate of unemployment is notably higher among young girls who have a relatively low propensity to seize new entrepreneurial opportunities than their male counterparts. Using the Oaxaca-Blinder approach, this study measures the share of differences in young men's and young women's engagement in agribusiness in the South-Kivu province of DR Congo. The study builds on a sample of 375 young people, including 28% of girls, drawn from youth associations in Bukavu and its neighborhoods, the catchment area. The results revealed that a difference of 29% was perceived between the engagement of young men and women in agribusiness. About 3% of this difference was explained by land possession, 16% explained by the contribution of different observable characteristics between the two groups, and 84% attributed to discrimination. Thus, disparities in engagement would have decreased by about 16%, if young women had the same socioeconomic and demographic characteristics or the same access to productive resources as their male counterparts. Therefore, we recommend that interventions aimed at giving equal opportunities to female and male youths should be encouraged and promoted.

This article assesses the link between asymmetric information and transaction cost and how this can enhance or hinder female business owners from attaining entrepreneurial sustainability transitions in the Nigerian business space. The concept of information dissemination, business environment, and ease of doing business were scrutinized as a subdivision of asymmetric information and transaction cost theory among female entrepreneurs in Nigeria using the Enterprise Survey Data of the World Bank. Key indicators like regulations and taxes, gender, firm characteristics, finance, and infrastructure were highlighted as major business obstacles limiting female entrepreneurs. These were found to limit female entrepreneurs in accessing information, which can help them adequately flourish in the Nigerian business environment, as well as the attainment of entrepreneurial sustainability transitions.

This paper synthesizes a set of national case studies conducted in the Sahelian countries during 2019-2020 as a collaboration between national universities and research institutes, and the Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, with contributions from the Agrhymet Regional Centre, Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS). These case studies provide up-to-date knowledge and critical insights on the nexus of land degradation, climate change and energy in the Sahel. The current synthesis paper highlights their major findings and provides crosscutting and cross-regional analytical conclusions. First, the synthesis paper explores current trends in the Sahel region on land use and land degradation, energy use and supply, climate change projections and impacts, as well as their interactions and links to agricultural growth, food security, poverty reduction, and peace in the region. Second, technological, socio-economic and policy solutions at the nexus of land, water, energy and climate challenges that enable environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive rural development in the Sahel are discussed, including their interactions and implications for peace and stability in the region. The findings show that such socio-economic solutions as improving access to markets, strengthening social safety nets, increasing investments to transport and energy infrastructures, promoting land tenure security, expanding off-farm employment opportunities can greatly contribute to rural development in the Sahel, particularly by aiding climate change resilience and sustainable land management. Key technological innovations highlighted across the case studies include expanding irrigation and adopting water use efficient irrigation techniques, crop diversification, expanding agricultural mechanization, investing into restoring and rehabilitating degraded lands through reforestation, afforestation and agroforestry practices. The key lessons learnt from ongoing national policy initiatives for sustainable development highlight the importance of active stakeholder consultation and participation in policy formulation, institution of effective policy monitoring and assessment mechanisms, and avoiding of excessive reliance on external sources of funding for the successful implementation of sustainable development policies and programs. Based on these findings, the synthesis paper proposes an agenda for applied research to provide guidance to and accompany promising development strategies in and for the region.

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on 31 December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the global community has witnessed unprecedented sensitive or specific...