Research Articles (Future Africa)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/81896

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Local knowledge corroborates threats of local extinctions in Kenya's exploited reef fishes
(Elsevier, 2025-07) Otwoma, Levy Michael; Obuya, Julia; Mulanda, Christopher Aura; Alati, Victor Mwakha; Munuphe, Iddy; Olunga, Jibril; Wafula, Mathews; Mwaura, Jelvas; Chimimba, Christian Timothy
Coral reef fisheries play a critical role in poverty alleviation, economic development, and as a primary protein source for over 1.5 million people in Kenya. However, widespread overfishing and use of destructive fishing methods are driving certain fish species to local extinctions. Assessing these extinctions in data-poor regions like Kenya is challenging and current species-at-risk assessments often overlook valuable local knowledge. This study addresses this gap by integrating anecdotal insights from fishers to validate local extinctions and enhance data reliability. Additionally, it examines fishers' perceptions of shifting baselines for 23 species previously identified to be at risk of local extinction. Our findings revealed that most fishermen perceived population decline and rarity in more than half of the species identified as threatened with local extinction by a framework developed in 2019, suggesting that the findings likely reflect genuine ecological patterns, rather than local attitudes about the general state of fisheries. Gear types use appeared to influence perceptions of species rarity and population declines, indicating that fishers using diverse gear types tend to have broader ecological knowledge of reef fish populations compared to those specializing in a single type of gear. However, fishing experience did not affect perceptions of species rarity and population decline, supporting the concept of homophily and highlighting the effective knowledge transmission from older to younger fishers along the Kenyan coastline. Overall, this study demonstrates that local ecological knowledge is a valuable tool for assessing fish species' threat status and offers complementary insights that can enhance fisheries management efforts.
The effect of governance on the relationship between research and development expenditure and economic growth in South Africa
(MDPI, 2024-12) Chagwiza, Clarietta; Owusu-Sekyere, Emmanuel; Kapfudzaruwa, Farai
This study analyzes the effects of governance on the relationship between research and development expenditure and economic growth in South Africa using annual data from 1997 to 2022 using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. The calculated F-tests for the two models in the ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration revealed a long-run relationship between the series. In the model without a mediating factor, an insignificant impact of research and development (R&D) expenditure on economic growth is reported. However, when R&D interacted with governance, a positive and significant impact was observed. This implies that for R&D to have a positive impact on economic growth, there is a need for strong and quality governance to provide a conducive productive environment. Furthermore, given the ambiguous relationship between governance and economic growth, the Granger causality test results showed that governance granger-causes economic growth and not the other way round. The findings presented in this paper are expected to provide some useful insights for policymakers in South Africa and the African continent. The findings demonstrate the important role that governance plays in enhancing the developmental performance of critical macro-economic growth factors. The study potentially generates new dimensions (by including governance as a mediating factor) in the understanding of how the impact of R&D and other macroeconomic parameters on economic growth can be promoted.
Qualitative study of drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene access : perspectives from the Central Gonja District, Ghana, and Mtubatuba Municipality, South Africa
(IWA Publishing, 2024-11) Bazaanah, Prosper; Buthelezi, Smangele Johanna; Oppong, Dina Afua Kobe
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are essential for human development. Lack of WASH facilities affects livelihoods and health of communities. Assessing the state, availability, and accessibility of WASH systems is vital for identifying gaps and formulating proactive solutions. This study assessed drinking water and sanitation access in the Central Gonja District (CGD) and Mtubatuba Municipal areas, using qualitative methods and in-depth interviews with participants. Findings revealed persistent challenges of inadequate, unaffordable, and inaccessible water, along with subpar sanitation services, negatively impacting community well-being and health. Issues like corruption, favouritism, and social networks influenced distribution of water and sanitation systems. Infrastructure limitations, bureaucratic obstacles, and ineptitude of officials posed barriers to service delivery, exacerbated by rural -urban population shifts. A public -private partnership between Novubu and Mtubatuba Municipality enabled water treatment, showcasing a potential model for sustainable water provision and possible replication for CGD. The study advocates for transparent governance, community-centric solutions, and inclusive strategies to address chronic challenges, emphasizing the importance of proactive leadership and maintenance to prevent environmental degradation and health risks. The local governance systems should ensure the distribution and maintenance of water and sanitation systems while emphasizing the need for inclusive, community-driven approaches for lasting improvements.
Shadow of justice : review on women’s struggle against gender-based violence in Ghana and South Africa
(Springer, 2024-07) Bazaanah, Prosper; Ngcobo, Pride
Ghana and South Africa, though distinct in trajectories, share a common commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. This review explores women’s struggle against gender-based violence, contextualizing them within each country’s distinct historical, sociocultural, and legal contexts. A meta-analysis and feminist approach, integrated with historical narratives, legal frameworks, and sociocultural analyses are employed to provide a nuanced understanding of women’s struggle in both countries. Struggles by women’s rights movements against gender-based violence in Ghana reveal a rich tapestry of activism, marked by the resilience of numerous individuals and groups. From the pre-independence struggles to contemporary advocacy, Ghana’s trajectory showcases the transformative power of collective action against gender-based violence. However, challenges rooted in socio-economic and political systems, cultural norms, and institutional barriers persist. In South Africa, the apartheid legacy significantly shaped the nature of women’s rights struggles. The intersectionality of race and gender forms a complex backdrop against which activism has flourished. Landmark legal reforms have catalyzed progress, yet gaps persist, particularly in the realm of implementation. Obstacles faced by both nations include gaps in enforcement, the influence of patriarchal norms, and the need for inclusive policy measures. The review underscores the importance of context-specific approaches in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women in the pursuit of justice while offering valuable insights and directions for policymakers, activists, and scholars working toward gender equality in both countries.
Can energy transition interventions promote financial inclusion? Measuring unintended effects of Ghana's energy transition program
(Elsevier, 2024-12) Adjei-Mantey, Kwame; Opoku, Eric Evans Osei; k.adjei-mantey@up.ac.za
Global concerns about climate change and its effects and the quest for sustainable development have necessitated policy actions, including energy interventions. Besides the intended goal of energy transition, these interventions often have unintended impacts, which ought to be measured when assessing the overall effects of these energy interventions. This study investigated the impact of a clean cooking fuel transition program in Ghana on financial inclusion. It used a cross-sectional survey of over 900 households in two districts in Ghana where a clean energy transition intervention had been implemented. The study employed linear probability and matching techniques and found that clean energy interventions can promote financial inclusion among beneficiary households. The probability of being significantly associated with financial inclusion is at least 6.6% higher for treated households than it is for households that did not benefit from the program. The findings are robust across different outcome variables and the potential transmission mechanisms are discussed. The study provides evidence for policy makers to count the effect of financial inclusion in measuring the program’s overall impact. Furthermore, the findings underscore the need for policies that provide the needed infrastructure and financial ‘ecosystem’ to support financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas where the energy interventions are implemented.
Systematic review of the agro-ecological, nutritional, and medicinal properties of the neglected and underutilized plant species Tylosema fassoglense
(MDPI, 2024-07) Munialo, Sussy; Gasparatos, Alexandros; Ludidi, Ndiko; Ali, Ali Elnaeim Elbasheir; Keyster, Eden; Akanbi, Musa Oyebowale; Emmambux, Mohammad Naushad; sussy.munialo@up.ac.za
Neglected and Under-utilized plant Species (NUS) can contribute to food system transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa, but many are understudied. Here, we conducted a systematic review of 37 empirical studies to synthesize the evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa about the agro-ecological characteristics, nutritional properties, and medicinal properties of the NUS Tylosema fassoglense. Overall, the evidence is highly fragmented and lacks a comprehensive description of the species characteristics, properties, and benefits. Most reviewed studies focus on the eastern part of Africa and a few on the southern part, suggesting its limited geographic distribution. Studies on agro-ecological properties, and especially on morphological characteristics, indicate that the species’ long tuberous roots and large vegetative systems help it adapt to harsh climatic conditions. The species is also utilized for medicinal and nutrition purposes by different communities across its range due to its phytochemical, macro-, and micronutrient content, along with its favorable physico-chemical properties. In particular, the seeds contain many different amino acids, while their calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and carbohydrate content is comparable to Tylosema esculuntum, the better studied species in the Tylosema genus. These demonstrate the species’ potential to contribute to nutrition and food security. Furthermore, parts of the plant contain many phytochemicals, such as phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoid, terpenoids, and tannins (mainly in the roots), and for this reason local communities use it to treat various conditions. Overall, our systematic review suggests that although Tylosema fassoglense has some potential to contribute towards food security, nutrition, health, and livelihoods, there are many remaining knowledge gaps that constrain its effective integration into agricultural production systems and possible contribution to food system transformation in the region.
The integration of land restoration and biodiversity conservation practices in sustainable food systems of Africa : a systematic review
(MDPI, 2024-10) Rapiya, Monde; Truter, Wayne Frederick; Ramoelo, Abel; 16400829@tuks.co.za
Land degradation poses a significant global challenge, adversely affecting soil quality and diminishing the productivity of arable land, which, in turn, impacts food production and ecosystem services. This degradation manifests in various forms, including soil compaction, salinity, nutrient depletion, loss of biodiversity, and contamination, ultimately rendering soil unproductive and exacerbating climate change. Given the challenges arising from conventional farming practices and climate change, there is an urgent necessity to develop agricultural systems that not only enhance agronomic efficiency but also improve environmental performance. This study focuses on addressing food security in Africa by investigating the role of land restoration and biodiversity in sustainable food systems through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis for documents between 2010 to 2023, identifying 64 relevant documents. The analysis reveals insights into the most-cited documents and thematic evolution, underscoring the significant contributions from Ethiopia and advocating for collaborative efforts among African nations. Key themes identified include “climate change”, “food security”, “biodiversity conservation”, and “agroecosystems”, all highlighting the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. The study anticipates a continued prioritization of agroecosystems, smart agriculture, and biodiversity conservation to tackle food security challenges in the face of climate change. Collaboration, investment in research, and practical initiatives emerge as essential components for achieving sustainable food security and mitigating climate change impacts in Africa. This research provides valuable insights into the current landscape and future trends regarding the contributions of land restoration and biodiversity to food systems in Africa, emphasizing the critical need for concerted efforts to address these pressing issues.
Spatial-temporal seasonal and annual rainfall trends and variability assessment in the Pangani Basin, East Africa
(Elsevier, 2024-12) Msigwa, Anna; Makinde, Ayodeji Samuel; Ramoelo, Abel; Komakech, Hans C.; Ufoegbune, Gideon C.
Although in situ rainfall data remains the most accurate, the gauge network density in East Africa is sparse. It lacks continuity, thus making it inadequate to assess the spatial and long-term rainfall trend and variability accurately. As such, rainfall remote sensing data are normally used instead of ground station data. This study evaluates the capabilities and limitations of remote sensing data compared with ground-based observations in Tanzania's Pangani Basin in assessing the seasonal and annual rainfall trends and variability. Data from the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) and twenty-three ground stations were analyzed, comprising a time series from 1990 to 2022. Trend analysis was conducted using the Mann-Kendall test, while the spatial distribution of precipitation was determined using Sen's slope method. CHIRPS annual rainfall showed good agreement with station rainfall data, with NSE, R2, slope, Pbias, MAE, and RMSE values of 0.84, 0.92, 0.92, 7.55%, 297.4, and 397.1, respectively. The coefficient of variation from station data indicated extreme variability, exceeding 30% for annual rainfall, while CHIRPS data showed moderate variability, ranging from 20% to 30%. Both station data and remote sensing data showed an increasing trend for annual and seasonal rainfall at least 10 stations. However, stations like Maji Moshi, Kiungu Primary School, Segera C. Tank, and Kibong'oto exhibited an increasing trend for vuli rainfall with CHIRPS data, while station data indicated a significant decreasing trend.The study highlights the necessity for calibration and validation to avert misinterpretations in climate trend analyses, especially at the basin level.
Thin layer drying and effect of temperature on the drying characteristics of bushbuck (Gongronema latifolium) leaves
(Elsevier, 2024-12) Mbegbu, N.N.; Ojediran, J.O.; Nwajinka, C.O.; Chukwuma, Emmanuel Chibundo; Aniobi, Mathias
Please read abstract in the article.
Faith and food in rural Malawi : an investigation into the sociocultural determinants of household food security
(Routledge, 2024) Tembo, Dorothy; Manja, Laston Petro; Joshua, Miriam Kalanda
This study demonstrates that religion and culture play a substantial role in shaping the dietary preferences of rural Malawians. Therefore, it is imperative that cultural and specifically religious factors are given due consideration when devising strategies aimed at alleviating household food insecurity and promoting food security. Despite years of substantial agricultural output, household food insecurity remains a persistent problem, primarily due to sociocultural factors that influence how food is consumed within households. It has been proven that social activities such as weddings, initiation ceremonies, and funerals can significantly impact a household’s food status. The study underscores the need for policymakers to incorporate cultural factors into food security interventions to produce more effective and equitable policies.
Internationalization of higher education and emerging national rationales : comparative analysis of the Global North and South
(Springer, 2024) Kapfudzaruwa, Farai; farai.kapfudzaruwa@up.ac.za
This paper provides a comparative analysis of national rationales to higher education internationalization in the global north and south countries using content analysis. The results reveal that the socio-economic rationales are dominant across most of the 27 sampled countries. However, they manifest differently across the global north and global south as countries interpret the benefits and effects of internationalization in line with their national priorities. These variations are being shaped by an increasingly complex, competitive, and multipolar higher education internationalization landscape with new global south actors acquiring agency despite the deepening global inequalities. As a result, political rationales are becoming an important driver to internationalization. The current geopolitical environment associated with global conflicts, health pandemics, and increased nationalistic, anti-immigrant, and anti-globalization sentiments is also adding more uncertainty and complexity. Due to increased concerns about this multipolar and self-centred internationalization, a few countries are starting to promote inclusive approaches to internationalization.
Assessing blockchain and IoT technologies for agricultural food supply chains in Africa : a feasibility analysis
(Elsevier, 2024-08) Tang, Andrews; Tchao, Eric Tutu; Agbemenu, Andrew Selasi; Keelson, Eliel; Klogo, Griffith Selorm; Kponyo, Jerry John
This review paper delves into the global agricultural food supply chains through the lens of African perspectives, examining the role of blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in transforming food traceability. It assesses the applicability and efficacy of these innovations in addressing critical issues such as food fraud, contamination, and systemic inefficiencies from an African viewpoint. By engaging in an in-depth analysis of relevant studies, this work dissects the technical, economic, legal, and operational facets of employing blockchain and IoT in the agri-food sector. The findings illuminate the transformative potential these technologies hold for enhancing food safety and transparency across supply chains. However, the review also brings to light significant hurdles related to scalability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory frameworks that must be surmounted. Advocating for a context-sensitive application of blockchain and IoT, the paper highlights the importance of adapting these technologies to fit the diverse socio-economic and infrastructural realities prevalent in African countries. Offering valuable insights to stakeholders in agricultural technology and food safety, this comprehensive review outlines a roadmap for future research and strategic implementation efforts aimed at leveraging blockchain and IoT for the development of secure, sustainable food systems.
What makes people happy with their lives in developing countries? Evidence from large-scale longitudinal data on Ghana
(Springer, 2024-06) Atta-Ankomah, Richmond; Adjei-Mantey, Kwame; Asante-Poku, Nana Amma; Agyei-Holmes, Andrew; k.adjei-mantey@up.ac.za
A key objective of development thought is to improve the welfare of people and enhance their satisfaction with life. This is important following literature that suggests that increasing incomes may not necessarily lead to happiness in the long term. In this regard, this study investigates the drivers of happiness in Ghana and the determinants of transitions into different happiness states. Using a nationwide panel dataset over three time periods and employing econometric techniques, the study found that among the key determinants of happiness in Ghana are assets, social capital/networks, health status, ethnicity, age and location of residence. The study further found that assets neutralize the effects of other vital drivers while social network has a moderating effect on how assets predict happiness. In contrast, an inverted U-shape was found for the importance of assets to happiness over one’s age, suggesting that assets begin to matter less for one’s happiness beyond a certain age threshold. Aside from assets and social network, which predict transitions from any state of happiness to the other, the importance of other correlates of the transitions largely varies by the initial state of happiness. The implications are discussed within the framework of the goals of development policy.
Exit and voice : diaspora population and national development in Nigeria
(Taylor and Francis, 2024) Nnabuihe, Onyekachi E.; Ashindorbe, Kelvin; Oni, Oluwasola; Kosoko, David
This article interrogates the role of the Nigerian Diaspora in contributing financial and intellectual remittances for national development. It does so because conventional diaspora studies have focused on how various diaspora populations adapt to the social, economic, and political realms in the countries of settlement even as they seek to maintain their own traditions and cultures. Recent developments indicate Diasporas have played prominent roles in the political, social, and economic development of their countries of origin. As a result, it becomes crucial to integrate the role of the Diaspora in contributing not just financial but also intellectual remittances to enhance national development. This is because intellectual remittances are critical for institution building and addressing leadership deficit which will in turn channel financial remittances into proper national development agenda. Yet, this is too often neglected in the extant literature. Relying on the diaspora option theory and Hirschman’s exit, voice and loyalty theory, with data gleaned from a structured questionnaire survey, interviews, institutional reports, and other secondary sources, this article explores how diaspora communities serve as critical bridges that facilitate national development through financial and intellectual remittances. The study revealed that whereas financial remittance is important for addressing development gaps, it becomes more forceful when combined with other forms of remittances such as intellectual and social remittances. IMPACT STATEMENT : The motivation for this study was to understand the contributions of the diaspora population who in spite of their physical exit from home continue to make their voices heard and felt by contributing both knowledge and financial resources towards the growth and development of Nigeria. Nigeria faces scary challenges of national development, and the quest for socio-economic transformation led the government to devise an engagement strategy to draw from the experiences and expertise of her citizens living outside the country known as the diaspora population. Incidentally, this segment of the population living outside the shores of their home country is sometimes forced by dire socio-economic circumstances to migrate and settle in other climes where they not only contribute to the growth of their host country but make monetary and knowledge contributions to families and communities back home. The study concludes that the diaspora contribution is crucial and pivotal to national development but it is not a magic wand or elixir that can fix all the challenges affecting the country.
Environmental consciousness and household energy poverty in Ghana
(Elsevier, 2024-09) Adjei-Mantey, Kwame; Inglesi-Lotz, Roula; Amoah, Anthony; k.adjei-mantey@up.ac.za
The energy poverty literature has identified numerous factors that influence the phenomenon. However, only a limited number of studies examine the role of environmental consciousness, especially in the case of cooking fuel. This variable might be essential due to the close association of energy poverty with environmental quality to aid the overall environmental sustainability discourse. This study investigates the level of environmental consciousness and its impact on household cooking energy decisions using survey data from more than 1200 households in Ghana. The study employs an instrumental variable estimation approach to investigate the impact of environmental consciousness on energy poverty. The study finds that being environmentally conscious positively affects cleaner cooking fuel choices, and thus, such households are less inclined to be energy poor. Furthermore, it was discovered that awareness of global environmental issues has a more substantial effect on household energy poverty. Further robustness analysis confirms the findings. The study has implications for reducing energy poverty. A nationwide awareness campaign of contemporary, global environmental concerns is recommended to make people more environmentally conscious, reduce energy poverty, and accelerate the transition to cleaner cooking energy.
Household air pollution could make children grow shorter in sub-Saharan Africa; but can households help stem the tide on their own?
(Elsevier, 2024-03) Odame, Michael Larbi; Adjei-Mantey, Kwame; k.adjei-mantey@up.ac.za
Recently, there has been growing research interest in the influence of household air pollution on child health. Despite the increasing advocacy for households to switch from the use of polluting cooking fuels due to climate change and health-related concerns, the practice is still prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The intensity of household air pollution exposure and its influence on child stunting and wasting of children is an important, but understudied, cause for public health concern. Identifying the health effects of polluting fuels, for instance, could stimulate a speedy transition to clean energy. This study, therefore, examines the association between the intensity of household air pollution exposure and child stunting and wasting of children using data from the most recent demographic and health surveys (DHS) from 33 countries in SSA using linear probability modeling. Results show that high levels of intensity of air pollution within households are associated with increased stunting probability of 2.9% − 3.2%. The findings highlight a potential negligible cost measure households can adopt to limit the intensity of pollution they are exposed to and consequently, to reduce the faltering growth in children.
Pectin a multifaceted biopolymer in the management of cancer : a review
(Elsevier, 2023-11-11) Picot-Allain, Marie Carene Nancy
This review article focuses on the multifaceted roles of pectin in cancer management, namely as an oncotherapeutic delivery vehicle and a pharmacological agent. Over the past decades, the potential of pectin as a novel therapeutical agent for the prevention and/or management of cancer has gained increasing interest. Pectin has been found to modulate different mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of carcinogenesis, such as galectin-3 inhibition, caspase-3- induced apoptosis, and autophagy. Elucidating the structure-activity relationship provides insight into the relationship between the structure of pectin and different mechanism/s. The bioactivity of pectin, with respect to its structure, was critically discussed to give a better insight of the relationship between the structure of the extracted pectin and the observed bioactive effects. The rhamnogalacturonan I part of the pectin chain was found to bind to galectin-3, associated with several cancer hallmarks. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of pectin were also described. The roles of pectin as a treatment enhancer and a drug delivery vehicle for oncotherapeutics were critically defined. The scientific findings presented in this paper are expected to highlight the potential and role of pectin recovered from various plant sources in preventing and managing cancer.
Gaps and opportunities in research on food systems; a micro-institutional analysis of the University of Nairobi
(Frontiers Media, 2023-10-26) Munialo, Sussy; Onyango, Cecilia Moraa; Lukachi, Jane Ambuko; Wasonga, Oliver Vivian; Maina, Joyce Gichuku; Nzuma, Jonathan Makau; Dawood, Abeda; Sibanda, Lindiwe Majele
Research conducted on food systems by higher institutions can contribute to sustainable food security and nutrition at a local level and reduce the impact of societal challenges such as malnutrition. Unfortunately, malnutrition itself manifests as hidden hunger causing unintended consequences such as illness negatively affecting economic progress. Traditionally, research in agriculture has not taken a food systems approach which is looking at challenges of food systems from farm to fork (all stages from production to consumption). Therefore, as we embrace the compelling call to transition from agriculture to food systems research approaches, mapping studies at a local level are needed. However, studies on food systems have been carried out at a macro (global or regional level), a micro-perspective investigation is needed to inform future research. A systematic review on existing literature (journals and thesis) was conducted to identify gaps and opportunities in research on food systems undertaken by researchers at the University of Nairobi. Information collected included; 1. institutions (faculties and department at the university, national policy, and international institutions collaborating with university of Nairobi), 2. crop types (cereals, legumes, vegetables, roots and tubers, and nuts), 3. food systems activities (production, postharvest, processing, and preservation, value addition and branding, consuming foods, input and output markets, obtaining nutrients as well as logistics and distribution) driving research on food systems. The contribution of each of the components (institutions, food systems activity and crop type) was also investigated through citation scores. The findings show that low research outputs on food systems were generated by the university of Nairobi compared to selected universities in Africa and across the globe. Research was focused on carbohydrate rich crops (maize, sorghum, cassava, irish potato, sweet potato, and rice) as compared to protective bioactive vitamin crops (vegetables, mango, and beans). This demonstrated low crop diversity and dietary quality. Research priority was given mainly to maize compared to traditional crops such as sorghum, African Leafy Vegetables, cassava and millets. Faculties such as health, science and technology, engineering, and humanities were involved in research in food systems in addition to agriculture, a potential indication of transdisciplinary research. Additionally, there was more collaborative research between university of Nairobi with institutions at a global level than with local institutions. The involvement of policy institutions in research was low, mainly restricted to the discipline of agriculture, production food system activity and in a few crops such as maize, cassava, and medicinal plants. Disparities in research existed along the food systems activities as more attention was focused on production activities. Other food system activities such as harvesting, processing and preservation, consumption, value addition and branding, input and output markets, as well as logistics and distribution activities, received low research priority. Each component (food system activity, crop type and institution) demonstrated contribution to sustainable food security as shown by citation scores. The findings demonstrate skewed focus in food systems research at the university of Nairobi. Agricultural research investment within institutions of higher learning will need to consider all food systems activities, under-researched crops and collaborations that advance transdisciplinary studies to promote inclusive contribution of food systems to food security at a local level. Further studies can focus on developing frameworks to advance transdisciplinary research.
Proposing a farm assessment toolkit : evaluating a South African land reform case study
(Routledge, 2023) Verschoor, Aart-Jan; Gandidzanwa, Colleta; Newby, Terence; Collett, Anneliza; Venter, Sonja
The paper presents a robust, scientific evaluation method to determine the potential viability of a farm, compared to its current performance. The comparison informs recommendations for sustainable farm development. The process entails a stepwise analysis of land suitability, enterprise potential, infrastructure status, operator capacity, inherent limitations and external risks of the farm. An expert panel considers quantitative and qualitative data to establish suitable development measures. Applied to a land reform initiative, ±2000 farms entailing 1.86 million hectares were evaluated, detailing corrective measures for each farm. Roughly 59% of the evaluated farms were potentially commercial, but only 7% performed accordingly. Correlations between farmer capability and farm performance, as well as between infrastructure and performance, were evident, indicating that post-settlement support is vital. As risk and limitation scores increased, farm viability tended to decrease. The tool accurately determined viability based on available resources (natural and physical), resulting in evidence-based policy advice. The evaluation informed land reform policy recommendations, proposing more coordinated support to improve access to services. The tool would also be useful for farmers to reflect on enterprise performance. The visual, sequential nature of the evaluation facilitates sound decision-making. The tool has potential as a valid agricultural development evaluation instrument.
Groundwater vulnerability to pollution assessment : an application of geospatial techniques and integrated IRN-DEMATEL-ANP decision model
(Springer, 2023-04) Chukwuma, Emmanuel Chibundo; Okonkwo, Chris Chris; Afolabi, Oluwasola Olakunle Daniel; Pham, Quoc Bao; Anizoba, Daniel Chinazom; Okpala, Chikwunonso Divine
This study evaluated the susceptibility to groundwater pollution using a modified DRASTIC model. A novel hybrid multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model integrating Interval Rough Numbers (IRN), Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), and Analytical Network Process (ANP) was used to investigate the interrelationships between critical hydrogeologic factors (and determine their relative weights) via a novel vulnerability index based on the DRASTIC model. The flexibility of GIS in handling spatial data was employed to delineate thematic map layers of the hydrogeologic factors and to improve the DRASTIC model. The hybrid MCDM model results show that net recharge (a key hydrogeologic factor) had the highest priority with a weight of 0.1986. In contrast, the topography factor had the least priority, with a weight of 0.0497. A case study validated the hybrid model using Anambra State, Nigeria. The resultant vulnerability map shows that 12.98% of the study area falls into a very high vulnerability class, 31.90% falls into a high vulnerability, 23.52% falls into the average vulnerability, 21.75% falls into a low vulnerability, and 9.85% falls into very low vulnerability classes, respectively. In addition, nitrate concentration was used to evaluate the degree of groundwater pollution. Based on observed nitrate concentration, the modified DRASTIC model was validated and compared to the traditional DRASTIC model; interestingly, the spatial model of the modified DRASTIC model performed better. This study is thus critical for environmental monitoring and implementing appropriate management interventions to protect groundwater resources against indiscriminate sources of pollution.

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