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Research Article
Potentials and Endogenous Practices in the Exploitation of Natural Resources of a Forest Ecosystem in the Southern Sudanian Zone of Burkina Faso
Gomgnimbou Alain Péoulé Kouhouyiwo*,
Dembele Basirou,
Sigué Hamadé,
Yameogo Jérôme Tegawindé,
Traore Sobéré,
Ouédraogo Osée Wendsom
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
212-217
Received:
14 September 2023
Accepted:
8 October 2023
Published:
9 November 2023
Abstract: The Kuinima Classified Forest (KCF) is undergoing increasing degradation due to climatic hazards and anthropogenic pressures. The aim of this study is to propose options for conserving the forest resources of the KCF for the various ecological and socio-economic functions it provides. To this end, a survey was carried out among local residents. This survey involved a sample of 113 producers (chosen on the basis of availability) spread across the four villages bordering the FCK. The villages concerned were: Dingasso, Kouakoualé, Farakoba and Kuinima (Sector 6). In total, the survey concerned one hundred and thirteen (113) people, 70% of whom were men compared to 30% women. The main axes of the investigation are: (i) the potential and importance of the forest for the local populations, (ii) the endogenous practices of the exploitation of forest resources and (iii) the perception of the degradation of the forest and associated environmental problems. It appears that plants and animals are the most mentioned with 45% and 40% frequency respectively. The results of the study reveal the existence of plant and animal potential to be preserved. These include Vitellaria paradoxa, an abundant species (89%) used for food, medicine and fuel. The shea caterpillar (Cirina butyrospermi) is used by 100% of people interviewed, while 30.09% use it for medicinal purposes. Local residents (59.29%) believe that the condition of the KCF has improved, compared with 36.28% who consider it to be very degraded. To ensure sustainable management of the forest, local residents are unanimous on the need to continue planting, raising awareness and monitoring.
Abstract: The Kuinima Classified Forest (KCF) is undergoing increasing degradation due to climatic hazards and anthropogenic pressures. The aim of this study is to propose options for conserving the forest resources of the KCF for the various ecological and socio-economic functions it provides. To this end, a survey was carried out among local residents. Thi...
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Research Article
Effect of Slope Gradient on Soil Attributes of Gara Ades Forest in Western Hararghe Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Melese Furgasa*,
Tessema Zewdu
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
218-227
Received:
29 September 2023
Accepted:
20 October 2023
Published:
11 November 2023
Abstract: Forests are vital ecosystems that protect watersheds, maintain biodiversity, and support indigenous ways of life. Topography, particularly slope gradient, influences soil growth and soil moisture storage, affecting plant structure and vegetation. Soil properties, such as drainage, soil erosion, and textural composition, also vary due to topography. Soil erosion in Ethiopia is a significant issue due to steep terrain, erosive rains, and human activities. This leads to soil organic carbon losses and redistribution, resulting in a 3.4% loss of land productivity. The Gara Ades woodland, home to indigenous and exotic trees, has a diverse vegetation cover and soil type. However, there is limited research on the impact of slope gradients on soil physical and chemical characteristics in this area. This study aimed to investigate the impact of slope gradient differences on soil physical and chemical attributes in the Gara Ades forest. Clinometers, tripods, ropes, and meters were used to measure slope gradients and compute slope gradient classification. Primarily, slope classes were set purposefully, with lower slope class (LSC: <10%), middle slope class (MSC: >10–20%), and upper slope class (USC: >20–<30%). Soil samples were collected from 45 experimental main quadrants using auger at a depth of 30 cm, followed by composite soil sample preparation. Results of soil texture class analysis shows that there is no significant difference in soil particles of sand and clay among slope gradient classes, but, silt soil indicated a significant difference. However, results of soil chemical content parameters shows that, the potential of Hydrogen (pH), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC), Organic Matter (OM), Total Nitrogen (TN), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), available Potassium (K), Sodium (Na) and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) have a significance difference (p < 0.05) among slope gradient classes; whereas, available Phosphorus (P) has no significance difference. The highest mean value of pH, EC, OC, OM, TN, Ca, Mg, K, Na, and CEC was observed in LSC followed by MSC and USC. The significant effect (p < 0.05) of slope gradient class difference can be summarized as LSC > MSC > USC for all soil chemical property parameters. Generally, results of this study revealed that slope gradient differences and their interaction had a significant effect on soil physicochemical properties. The disparity of slope gradient should have to be considered during further ecological studies in the study area as well as other mountainous sites to reduce deviations that occur due to slope gradient variation.
Abstract: Forests are vital ecosystems that protect watersheds, maintain biodiversity, and support indigenous ways of life. Topography, particularly slope gradient, influences soil growth and soil moisture storage, affecting plant structure and vegetation. Soil properties, such as drainage, soil erosion, and textural composition, also vary due to topography....
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Research Article
Analysis of the Evolution of Scale-Free Properties in the Complex Network of American White Moths in Liaoning Area
Sun Xiaojuan,
Feng Ying*,
Liu Jun
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
228-232
Received:
7 October 2023
Accepted:
1 November 2023
Published:
17 November 2023
Abstract: Pest infestation is the most severe forestry biological disaster, causing not only huge economic losses worldwide but also damaging the ecological environment. Evaluating the mechanism and spatial structure changes of pest population distribution in forests scientifically is crucial for understanding and solving the problem of forest pest disasters. With the continuous deepening of research on the niche principle and spatial patterns of insect populations, a research orientation that emphasizes dynamic-multidimensional-three-dimensional and cross-disciplinary integration has become the trend in future forestry biological disaster research. Applying network science analysis methods to the field of forest pest research can help explore the distribution characteristics, affected areas, and temporal and spatial changes in the spread and transmission of forest pests, effectively curb their rampant spread, and provide scientific data support for predicting and forecasting forest pests. This will have far-reaching implications for the comprehensive implementation of integrated pest management strategies. In this paper, based on a spatial influence domain network model, we selected monitoring data of the globally quarantined harmful organism, American white moth in Liaoning Province from 2009 to 2013 as the data source. We constructed a complex network of American white moth pest relationships and focused on studying the overall network's indegree and outdegree network characteristic quantities, as well as the network evolution of the peak larval months and the average degree of the network.
Abstract: Pest infestation is the most severe forestry biological disaster, causing not only huge economic losses worldwide but also damaging the ecological environment. Evaluating the mechanism and spatial structure changes of pest population distribution in forests scientifically is crucial for understanding and solving the problem of forest pest disasters...
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Research Article
Beneficiation of Agricultural Waste from Piggeries Located Within Residential Areas in Promoting Green Production
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
233-246
Received:
10 August 2023
Accepted:
13 September 2023
Published:
29 November 2023
Abstract: Piggeries are a quick way of generating an income in agriculture. It also raises some policy challenges in economic, environmental, health and social dimensions for sustainable agriculture. An evaluation of implications of piggery projects sited within homesteads indicated that 70% of the population do not support having piggeries in their midst. This population understood the implications of pig waste and waste water on environment implications. Pig waste was noted to possess high levels of nutrients necessary for crop production and these may also pollute the environment. Splitting of the waste into solid and liquid was noted as a way of reducing foul smell peculiar to piggeries. Using the waste management hierarchy priorities, piggery waste nutrients and waste water recycling was recommended as a better option for environmental sustainability. The solid waste was composted or processed to solid fertilizers. Irrigation suitability tests was used to recommend the liquid for reuse in irrigation and also in liquid fertilizer manufacturing. This study demonstrated the need for proper piggery waste management in communities and adequate enforcement and updating of statutory instruments to suit current environmental demands.
Abstract: Piggeries are a quick way of generating an income in agriculture. It also raises some policy challenges in economic, environmental, health and social dimensions for sustainable agriculture. An evaluation of implications of piggery projects sited within homesteads indicated that 70% of the population do not support having piggeries in their midst. T...
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Research Article
Selection of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Genotypes for Adaptability, Diseases Resistant and Yields for Farmers of Bamenda, Cameroon
Lendzemo Eugene Tatah*,
Tange Denis Achiri,
Likejungki Verla,
Mbulav Etienne Sighansenyuy,
Chi Christopher,
Njualem Dominic Khumbah
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
247-253
Received:
1 November 2023
Accepted:
1 December 2023
Published:
8 December 2023
Abstract: Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important tuber crop in the world, and it is the fourth most consumed food crop after rice, wheat and maize. Irish potato is a viable source of livelihood and income for many producers, especially in the Western highland of Cameroon. However, like many other crops in Cameroon, Irish potato production is challenged by the unavailability of local or improved varieties of seeds. As a remedy, farmers often rely on imported varieties without information on their adaptability in the local environment in relation to productivity and disease infection. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the adaptability of four European potato varieties (Safari, Vogue, Arsenal and Kondor) in relation to a local variety (Banso) and a Cameroonian improved variety (Cipira). The study was conducted in Bambili, North West Region of Cameroon from April to August 2021, and established in a randomize complete block design. All the measured growth and yield parameters differed significantly (P < 0.05). Banso, Cipira and Kondor varieties had the highest plant emergence (15, 15, and 13, respectively). Banso and Cipira matured earlier than all European varieties. The productivity of Cipira (7.78 t ha-1) out-performed all other varieties with significantly (P < 0.01) higher yield than Banso (4.0 t ha-1), Kondor (3.33 t ha-1), Arsenal (2.5 t ha-1), Vogue (1.92 t ha-1), and Safari (0.72 t ha-1). The European varieties (Vogue, Arsenal and Safari) exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher late blight incidence as compared to the other varieties. The Cameroon improved Cipira and local Banso varieties are therefore recommended for growers in the Western Highland of Cameroon, while the European Kondor variety can be used in the event of scarcity or unavailability of Cipra and Banso varieties. Overall, the findings of this study highlight the need for viable seed system to make available local and Cameroon improved varieties and limit importation of underperforming Irish potato seeds.
Abstract: Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important tuber crop in the world, and it is the fourth most consumed food crop after rice, wheat and maize. Irish potato is a viable source of livelihood and income for many producers, especially in the Western highland of Cameroon. However, like many other crops in Cameroon, Irish potato production is cha...
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