Search Results (785)

Smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions worldwide face persistent water scarcity, declining soil fertility, and increasing climate variability, which constrain food production. This study investigated soil and water management practices and their effects on soil health, crop productivity, and adoption among smallholder vegetable farmers in a semi-arid area in Kenya. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data from 397 farmers with a randomized field experiment. Results showed that hand watering (88.7%) and manure application (95.5%) were prevalent, while only 5.7% of farmers used drip irrigation. Compost and mulch treatments significantly improved soil organic carbon (p = 0.03), available water capacity (p = 0.01), and gravimetric moisture content (p = 0.02), with soil moisture conservation practices strongly correlated with higher yields in leafy green vegetables (R = 0.62). Despite these benefits, adoption was hindered by high water costs (42.6%) and unreliable sources (25.7%). Encouragingly, 96.2% of respondents expressed willingness to pay for improved water systems if affordable and dependable. The findings stress the need for integrated water–soil strategies supported by inclusive policy, infrastructure investment, and gender-responsive training to enhance resilience and productivity in smallholder farming under water-scarce conditions across sub-Saharan Africa and other regions globally, contributing to global sustainability targets such as SDG 6, 12 and 15. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing trend of foodborne zoonotic pathogens exhibiting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a growing threat to food safety and public health in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Resistant strains of foodborne zoonotic pathogens compromise treatment efficacy, raise illness, and threaten sustainable food systems in human and animal health. However, regional understanding and policy response are limited due to the fragmentation of data and the inadequacy of surveillance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to achieve the following: (1) estimate the pooled prevalence of AMR, including multidrug resistance (MDR) in selected foodborne pathogens; (2) compare subgroup variations across countries, pathogen species, and antibiotic classes; and (3) evaluate temporal trends. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, studies published between 2010 and June 2025 reporting AMR and MDR in Salmonella, Campylobacter, or E. coli from food or animal sources in SSA were systematically reviewed. Data on pathogen prevalence, AMR profile, and MDR were extracted. Random-effects meta-analysis using R software was implemented to estimate the pooled prevalence and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity across countries, antibiotic class, and bacterial species. Results: Ninety studies from 16 sub-Saharan African countries were included, encompassing 104,086 positive isolates. The pooled foodborne pathogen prevalence was 53.1% (95% CI: 51.5–54.7), AMR prevalence was 61.6% (95% CI: 59.4–63.9), and MDR prevalence was 9.1% (95% CI: 8.3–10.0). The highest resistance was reported in Campylobacter spp. (43.6%), followed by Salmonella spp. (29.1%) and E. coli (22.8%). High heterogeneity was observed across studies (I² = 95–99%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: It is concluded that substantial AMR burden exists in food systems, highlighting an urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and policy harmonization in SSA. Strengthening laboratory capacity, enforcing prudent antimicrobial use, and promoting regional data sharing are critical for the management of antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

In sub-Saharan Africa, land degradation and climate change continue to undermine agricultural productivity by reducing soil productivity and water availability. This review identifies soil and water conservation technologies successfully applied in climatically analogous regions of sub-Saharan Africa with the aim of informing effective technology transfer to Senegal, particularly Sédhiou and Tambacounda. Using K-means clustering on WorldClim bioclimatic variables, 35 comparable countries were identified, of which 17 met inclusion criteria based on data availability and ≥60% climatic similarity. Eighty-five technologies were documented and assessed for their compatibility across rainfall patterns, land gradients, and uses, with 12 emerging as consistently effective. Quantitative evidence shows that zai/tassa pits, stone bunds, and half-moons increase crop yields by 50–200%, while stone bunds and mulching reduce runoff by up to 80% and improve soil moisture retention. Terracing and tied-ridging were also linked to higher water-use efficiency, with tied-ridging increasing soil moisture by 13%. Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Malawi lead in adoption and diversity, whereas Senegal lags due to institutional gaps, limited funding, and weak extension systems. These technologies offer a readily available, evidence-based toolkit for building agricultural resilience in Senegal. However, their successful adoption requires stronger policy integration, stakeholder empowerment, cross-border learning, and private-sector engagement. Full article

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa threatened by several viral diseases. Here, we describe the genome sequence of a novel bipartite cheravirus (family Secoviridae) infecting cassava in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania. We designate the new virus “cassava Congo cheravirus”. Each RNA segment encodes a single polyprotein (P1 and P2 for RNA1 and RNA2, respectively), embedded with various putative cleavage sites (six and three in P1 and P2, respectively), consistent with members of the genus Cheravirus. We note two new features in the P1: (i) the presence of two domains, X1 and X2, upstream of the putative helicase region, which we also predict in other cheraviruses and (ii) the presence of a Maf/HAM1-like inosine triphosphatase (ITPase) domain, a rare motif among viruses only previously detected in three potyviruses and a torradovirus, all of which infect plants from the Euphorbia family. Phylogenetic analyses placed the virus firmly within the genus Cheravirus, with amino acid identities in the Pro-Pol and coat protein regions well below existing ICTV species thresholds, supporting its classification as a virus belonging to a new species in the Cheravirus genus. Spatially distinct isolates from Bas-Congo, South-Kivu, and Tanzania form three genetic clusters, with evidence of recombination in both RNA segments. These results expand the known diversity of cassava viruses and suggest possible adaptation to the cassava host via ITPase acquisition. Full article

Drought is a pervasive and intensifying climate hazard with profound implications for food security, water availability, and socioeconomic stability, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, where over 80% of the landmass comprises arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), recurrent droughts have become a critical threat to agricultural productivity and climate resilience. This study presents a comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis of seasonal drought dynamics in Kenya for June–July–August–September (JJAS) from 2000 to 2024, leveraging remote sensing-based drought indices and geospatial analysis for climate risk planning. Using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), Soil Moisture Anomaly (SMA), and Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR) anomaly, a Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) was developed to assess drought severity, persistence, and impact across Kenya’s four climatological seasons. Data were processed using Google Earth Engine and visualized through GIS platforms to produce high-resolution drought maps disaggregated by county and land-use class. The results revealed a marked intensification of drought conditions, with Alert and Warning classifications expanding significantly in ASALs, particularly in Garissa, Kitui, Marsabit, and Tana River. The drought persistence analysis revealed chronic exposure in drought conditions in northeastern and southeastern counties, while cropland exposure increased by over 100% while rangeland vulnerability rose nearly 56-fold. Population exposure to drought also rose sharply, underscoring the socioeconomic risks associated with climate-induced water stress. The study provides an operational framework for integrating remote sensing into early warning systems and policy planning, aligning with global climate adaptation goals and national resilience strategies. The findings advocate for proactive, data-driven drought management and localized adaptation interventions in Kenya’s most vulnerable regions. Full article

Smallholder rice farmers in sub-Saharan Africa face persistent livelihood challenges due to declining returns from monocropping, limited diversification opportunities, and vulnerability to climate and market shocks. This study integrated the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework with the sustainable livelihood approach to evaluate how the transition from rice monocropping to integrated rice–fish farming influences productivity, profitability, and household welfare in Nigeria’s leading rice-producing region. Using a mixed-methods, three-year panel (2021–2023) of 228 households across three communities in Kebbi State, descriptive statistics, regression models, and thematic analyses were combined to assess changes in livelihood capitals, system pressures, and response mechanisms. Adoption of rice–fish systems was associated with substantial improvements: 96.1% of farmers reported increased income, 56.3% improved food security, and 30.6% greater dietary diversity. Regression analyses confirmed that access to more land (p < 0.001 for healthcare and education; p = 0.011 for social status), labor affordability (p < 0.001), and farm size (p < 0.05) were consistent predictors of gains in healthcare, education, and social status, while pesticide and herbicide use negatively affected food access and wellbeing (p < 0.05). The DPSIR assessment revealed that rice–fish integration altered the state of rice production systems through reductions in input-related pressures and generated positive livelihood impacts. The results align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction, food and nutrition security, sustainable production, and biodiversity conservation, and provide the first large-scale, longitudinal evidence from West Africa that integrated rice–fish systems support food security, income diversification, and sustainable resource management. Full article

Sustainable freshwater aquaculture is crucial for food security and economic development in Africa, particularly in North West Africa’s less advanced countries. Existing complex monitoring methods are often impractical for these contexts due to technical and resource limitations. We developed and tested a localised tool to evaluate the sustainability of tilapia farms across diverse agroecological zones in Senegal. The approach involved engaging farmers in a participatory process to identify context-relevant indicators for the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of tilapia farming. These indicators were scored to create a composite sustainability index. Key sustainability challenges identified included a lack of technical support, profitability issues, inadequate environmental management, and social welfare concerns. However, we found promising potential for integrated community-based farms. The sustainability indicators inform policies and practices that promote localised sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa, while considering smallholder farms’ unique needs and characteristics. These assessments contribute to implementing targeted interventions, improved resource management, and enhanced social and environmental outcomes in the freshwater farming industry. Collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders can significantly contribute to developing sustainable aquaculture practices, though successful implementation requires specific, medium-term practice programmes. The tool successfully discriminated between farm types, with intensive private farms scoring highest overall (up to 73% of the maximum sustainability score), while extensive farms in the southern region scored lowest (≈40%). The study demonstrates the value of participatory, context-specific tools for diagnosing sustainability and guiding improvements in African aquaculture. Full article

The genus Satyrium (Orchidaceae) is a large, mostly sub-Saharan genus with a single species reported from Madagascar and Asia. Taxonomical complexity and high morphological diversity make the classification within the genus difficult to handle. In this study, we attempted to solve this problem using a comprehensive approach based on data from multiple sources. We combined morphological data from vegetative parts with data on flower structure using timescale phylogenetics conducted for both nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and plastid markers (matK, trnS-trnG, trnL, trnL-trnF). Phylogenetic studies confirmed most of the results of previous studies and led to the identification of six potential hybridization events within the genus. Morphological diversity often does not correspond to phylogenetic relationships within the genus, and many evolutionary lineages began to diverge only at the end of the early Miocene and in the late Miocene. The development of similar characteristics is the result of this diversification under the influence of similar environmental pressures. Reconstruction of the historical geographical range of Satyrium showed that the regions of South Africa and the mountainous areas of Eastern Africa played the most important role in the diversification of the genus. Full article

Assessments of poverty among agricultural households in Sub-Saharan Africa often rely on either monetary or multidimensional indicators considered separately, overlooking key structural constraints. This study investigates the determinants of both monetary and multidimensional poverty among agricultural households in Togo. Using nationally representative EHCVM 2021/22 data from 2893 households, monetary poverty is measured using the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke Index, while multidimensional poverty is assessed with the Alkire–Foster method. A survey-weighted logit model is employed to identify the drivers associated with each poverty dimension. Results show that multidimensional poverty (59.40%) is more widespread than monetary poverty (51.50%). Education substantially reduces poverty risk, whereas larger household size, limited market access, and residence in the Savannah region increase it. Economic and natural shocks are negatively associated with monetary and absolute poverty, while cooperative membership raises the likelihood of being poor. Investment in livestock (TLU) reduces monetary poverty but increases multidimensional deprivation. These findings highlight that poverty among agricultural households in Togo is shaped by interconnected socioeconomic and institutional constraints rather than income deprivation alone. Therefore, integrated strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting education, rural credit access, market integration, and resilience-building, are essential for achieving effective and context-specific poverty reduction. Full article

Background: Climate change is increasingly altering the distribution and burden of infectious diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa, where ecological diversity, fragile health systems, and widespread poverty heighten vulnerability. The One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, provides a useful framework for addressing these climate-sensitive health challenges; its application in the region remains limited. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines and synthesized evidence from 30 peer-reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2025, identified through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Results: Studies consistently showed that rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events shifted malaria transmission into highland zones, modified schistosomiasis risk through changes in snail habitats, and drove diarrheal outbreaks following flooding. While One Health initiatives such as Ghana’s Climate-Smart One Health framework and university-led programmes in East Africa demonstrated promise, their impact remained constrained by donor dependence, institutional silos, and limited policy integration. Conclusions: To enhance climate resilience, national strategies need to integrate climate-informed surveillance, predictive modelling, and One Health governance. Future research should extend beyond malaria and schistosomiasis, incorporate longitudinal data, and establish standardized metrics for assessing One Health interventions. Full article

Energy deficits have been a major challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly in Nigeria. Consequently, the integration of renewable energy (RE) is a crucial strategy for achieving energy transition goals and addressing climate change issues. Therefore, this article investigates the technical, energy, economic, and environmental impact of PV/Wind/BS/Converter, a standalone hybrid energy mix for electrifying a single-family residential building prototype in multi-regional parts of Nigeria. This study aims to examine the renewable energy potential of three locations using HOMER Pro. The results indicate that Kano exhibits the lowest economic performance indices, with a net present cost (NPC) of USD 32,212.52 and a cost of energy (COE) of USD 0.6072/kWh, followed by Anambra (NPC: USD 45,671.68; COE: USD 0.8609/kWh) and Lagos (NPC: USD 47,184.62; COE: USD 0.8706/kWh). Technically, this study shows that the higher the renewable potential of a site, the lower the energy cost and vice versa. The sensitivity cases of key energy parameters—including solar PV cost, wind turbine cost, wind speed, solar radiation, and inflation rate—were considered to compare multiple scenarios and assess renewable energy potential variability under certain decision-making conditions. Economically, the Kano system shows the feasible capital cost of the energy produced, replacement cost, and operation and maintenance cost (O&M) for wind turbines, compared to the nil cost for Anambra and Lagos. Environmentally, the energy systems revealed 100% renewable fractions (RFs) with zero emissions at the three sites under study, which can enhance Nigeria’s energy transition plan and help in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Integrating RE supports the successful implementation of the recommended energy policy strategies for Nigeria. Full article

Studies have established that extreme air pollution is more prevalent and is responsible for more deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) in urban cities, especially in developing economies. However, the paucity of ground-based observation has greatly hindered extensive and long-term monitoring and, as such, a good understanding of the trend and characteristics of air quality where it matters most. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) from satellites retrievals provides good spatial and temporal resolutions of atmospheric aerosols and could be a good proxy for ground-level PM_2.5 concentration. This study used a Bayesian regression model to determine the parameters of a PM_2.5 model at four monitoring stations using AOD and selected atmospheric variables (PBLH and RH) as input. The dry-air reference value (K) and the integrated humidity coefficient (γ) were used to delineate the effects of the aerosol characteristics. The values of K and γ, $0.02<K<0.07$ (${\mathrm{m}}^2{\mathrm{g}}^{\mathrm{-1}}$) and $0.54<\gamma <3.14$, respectively, are site-specific even within the same country as is the case for Lekki and Benin (both in Nigeria). The PM_2.5 estimates from the developed observation-based model were in good agreement with the ground-based observations ($0.55<r<0.77$). RH and a combination of PBLH-RH were the best performers in the development of the model. Firstly, this study identifies the unique range of values for K and $\gamma$ for site-classes in the sub-Saharan tropical climate. Secondly, PBLH adds more explanatory power to the PM_2.5 estimates in Benin and Douala (both non-coastal cities) while RH improves the performance of the model significantly in Lekki and Owendo (both coastal cities). For West Africa and similar data-sparse regions, the methodology presented here offers a practical pathway to enhance air quality monitoring capabilities. Full article

Malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa is dominated by the An. gambiae complex and An. funestus group, whose distribution varies across ecological settings. Secondary species occur at lower densities, but their role in transmission may differ from one locality to another depending on local conditions. Assessing Anopheles biodiversity using ecological indices is therefore essential to characterise their diversity and relative abundance. This study investigated the biodiversity and spatial distribution of Anopheles species across the three climatic zones of Burkina Faso to guide effective vector control strategies. Indoor resting mosquitoes were collected from 67 health districts across the 13 regions of Burkina Faso between September and December 2022 using pyrethroid spray catches. A total of 30,521 Anopheles mosquitoes were identified, with An. gambiae s.l. dominating (94.4%). The Sudano-Sahelian zone recorded the highest abundance, followed by the Soudanian and Sahelian zones. Biodiversity decreased from humid southern to arid northern areas, with the Soudanian zone showing the highest diversity. Molecular analysis of 2026 An. gambiae s.l. specimens revealed marked heterogeneity: An. coluzzii predominated in Sahelian (74.9%) and Sudano-Sahelian (71.2%) zones, while An. gambiae s.s. was most frequent in the Soudanian zone (53.8%). These results highlight spatial and ecological differences in Anopheles composition across Burkina Faso and emphasize the need for locally adapted malaria vector control strategies. Full article

Renewable energy efficiency (REE) remains critically low across many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, yet the existing literature provides limited empirical clarity on how governance quality shapes efficiency outcomes and through which mechanisms these effects operate. This study addresses this gap by examining the influence of governance quality on REE in 23 SSA countries from 2005 to 2023, drawing on institutional theory and innovation diffusion theory. The analysis investigates three mediating channels, renewable investment, green policy, and green technology, using a multidimensional empirical framework that integrates the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI), Two-Step System GMM, Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), Generalized Least Squares (GLS), and Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE). Results consistently show that governance quality significantly enhances REE through investment, policy, and technological pathways. To capture nonlinearities and heterogeneous responses often overlooked in traditional models, we complement the econometric estimations with causal machine-learning simulations (Double Machine Learning and Causal Forests). These counterfactual analyses reveal that governance improvements and renewable-policy adoption produce the highest efficiency gains in mid-governance countries with stronger absorptive capacity. While the study offers policy-relevant insights, limitations remain, due to data constraints, unobserved institutional dynamics, and the uneven maturity of green-technology systems across the region. Nevertheless, the findings underscore that strengthening governance and fostering innovation are fundamental to accelerating a sustainable and inclusive green-energy transition in Sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

Sustainable livelihoods remain a vital part of health and can significantly influence overall health outcomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV continues to affect household economic stability, small-scale but sustainable livelihood interventions have proven essential for economically vulnerable families. These economic empowerment initiatives, mainly funded by non-governmental organizations, are common across the region. Despite their important role in shaping health outcomes, there is a limited understanding of the theoretical frameworks that guide their implementation and results, especially among households affected by HIV. Using qualitative methods, we applied Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of capital to better understand how livelihood projects are implemented among young adults living with HIV in Kisumu. Our findings indicate that livelihood interventions need more than just economic capital to be successful. Social and cultural capital, for example, help overcome barriers like stigma and foster a sense of belonging, while economic capital enables start-up activities and knowledge sharing that support livelihoods. The insights from this study are important for guiding resource allocation toward economic development and social asset building as ways to leverage different types of capital. Full article