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Research Article
Local Perceptions of Ecosystem Services Provided by Forest and Mangrove Ecosystems in the Saloum Delta National Park, Senegal
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
225-244
Received:
16 August 2025
Accepted:
27 August 2025
Published:
19 September 2025
Abstract: This paper focused on the perceptions of communities living along the Saloum Delta National Park (SDNP), located in the Saloum Delta Biosphere Reserve (SDBR), of the ecosystem services (ES) provided by the mangrove and forest ecosystems. Through semi-structured surveys of 103 individuals in seven villages, the analysis revealed that the SDNP offers a diversity of 21 ecosystem services classified into three categories: provisioning, regulation and cultural. The most popular ones are fishing (72.8%), oyster harvesting (65.1%), pharmacopoeia (64.1%), firewood (54.4%), aesthetics (90.3%) and protection against erosion (93.2%). The species Rhizophora mangle stands out as the best known and most widely used mangrove, with a high use value (UV= 3.09) and a strong informant consensus (FCI> 0.97). Although socio-demographic factors do not significantly influence the use of services, occupation (particularly farmers) and area play a role in the diversity of uses. The services provided by mangroves are more numerous and better known than those provided by forests, reflecting the ongoing dependence of populations on this ecosystem. These results underline the strategic importance of the PNDS in local development and point out for sustainable and participatory management of its resources, through development of fishery products, strengthening of facilities, raising awareness of rational exploitation and the restoration of degraded habitats, particularly mangroves.
Abstract: This paper focused on the perceptions of communities living along the Saloum Delta National Park (SDNP), located in the Saloum Delta Biosphere Reserve (SDBR), of the ecosystem services (ES) provided by the mangrove and forest ecosystems. Through semi-structured surveys of 103 individuals in seven villages, the analysis revealed that the SDNP offers...
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Research Article
Performance Evaluation of Potential Shrubs for Beekeeping Development in Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Mekonen Wolditsadik Beyi*
,
Taye Beyene Lema,
Desta Abi Gemadi
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
245-249
Received:
1 September 2025
Accepted:
12 September 2025
Published:
9 October 2025
Abstract: Honey production relies heavily on the availability of diverse and consistent floral resources. This study assessed the performance of eight shrub species commonly found in the mid and lowland agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia to identify the most suitable ones for beekeeping. The selected species included Parkinsonia aculeata, Leucaena leucocephala, Vernonia amygdalina, Callistemon citrinus, Cajanus cajan, Dovyalis caffra, Sesbania sesban, and Dodonaea angustifolia. Key parameters evaluated were the number of flower heads per plant, honeybee visitation rates, flowering period, and pollen production. Results revealed that Parkinsonia aculeata, Leucaena leucocephala, Vernonia amygdalina, Callistemon citrinus, and Dovyalis caffra exhibited extended flowering durations ranging from two to three and a half years, with Parkinsonia aculeata displaying the highest flower head count. These species also bloomed predominantly during floral scarcity periods, offering critical support to bee colonies. Notably, V. amygdalina and C. citrinus were intensively foraged during late mornings, whereas P. aculeata attracted bees primarily in the afternoon. Given their high foraging intensity, extended bloom, and pollen yield, these species hold significant potential for apiculture development. Further research is recommended to assess their nectar quantity and quality, and their integration into watershed restoration initiatives.
Abstract: Honey production relies heavily on the availability of diverse and consistent floral resources. This study assessed the performance of eight shrub species commonly found in the mid and lowland agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia to identify the most suitable ones for beekeeping. The selected species included Parkinsonia aculeata, Leucaena leucocephal...
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Research Article
Physical Degradation and Organic Matter Loss in Soils Impacted by Bomb-Induced Disturbances in Ukraine
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
250-257
Received:
6 August 2025
Accepted:
16 August 2025
Published:
30 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20251305.13
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Abstract: This study investigates the physical degradation and organic matter loss in soils subjected to explosive disturbances in Ukraine, with particular focus on bomb crater zones. Soil samples were collected from impact sites (CR) and adjacent undisturbed reference areas (NT) across four representative soil types: Albic Arenosols, Luvic Greyzems, Luvic Chernozems, and Haplic Chernozems. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate changes in particle-size distribution, the silt-to-clay ratio, soil organic matter (SOM), and the structural saturation index (St). The results reveal notable textural alterations, characterized by reductions in coarse fractions (very coarse and coarse sand) and enrichment in finer particles, including very fine sand, silt, and clay. The most significant transformations were recorded in Haplic Chernozems (–3.44% sand, +2.09% silt, +1.35% clay) and Albic Arenosols (+6.08% very fine sand), indicating intense aggregate fragmentation induced by explosive forces. SOM content declined across all soil types, with the most substantial loss observed in Albic Arenosols (–55%, from 1.82% to 0.82%) and the smallest in Haplic Chernozems (–36%). Structural integrity was also compromised: in all disturbed profiles, St values dropped below the 5% erosion-risk threshold, indicating increased vulnerability to degradation. Despite these changes, the silt-to-clay ratio remained relatively stable, suggesting conservative behavior of fine particles under mechanical stress. These findings provide important insights into the ecological consequences of warfare-related soil disturbance and offer a scientific basis for post-conflict land restoration strategies. The documented decline in SOM and structural stability poses a serious threat to soil fertility, water retention capacity, and erosion resistance. Targeted remediation efforts and adaptive land management practices are essential to restore soil functionality and support long-term agricultural sustainability in affected regions.
Abstract: This study investigates the physical degradation and organic matter loss in soils subjected to explosive disturbances in Ukraine, with particular focus on bomb crater zones. Soil samples were collected from impact sites (CR) and adjacent undisturbed reference areas (NT) across four representative soil types: Albic Arenosols, Luvic Greyzems, Luvic C...
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