Gender Based Vulnerability Analysis of Rural Smallholder Farming Households to Climate Change Variability in Four Major Tobacco Growing Provinces of Zimbabwe

The study investigated the extent to which there was a difference in the vulnerability of male and female smallholder tobacco farmers to climate change (CC); and assessed farmers’ exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to climate change and variability using an index-based approach. Tobacco Sales Floor (TSF), Boka Tobacco Floors (BTF), and Premier Tobacco Auction Floor (PTAF), and the data was collected between March and July 2024 in Harare. We collected primary data from tobacco growing provinces of Manicaland (MN, 115 respondents), Mashonaland Central (MC,195), Mashonaland East (ME, 195), and Mashonaland West (MW, 195) were selected at random distributed by gender as 36% being women and 64% being male. Both Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and the Livelihood Vulnerability Index and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC) we employed to achieve their study. The optimal value of the LVI is between 0 (least vulnerable) and 1 (most vulnerable), while the IPCC index varies between minus one (-1) (least vulnerable) to positive one (+1) (most vulnerable). Overall LVI shows that female headed households (FHH) were more vulnerable to climate change (CC) with an index of 0.528 when compared to male headed households (MHH). Looking at the seven sub-components, FHH’s vulnerability was high socio-demographic profile [0.489 (FHH) versus 0.473 (MHH)]; food [0.515 (FHH) versus 0.502 (MHH)]; social networks [0.661 (FHH) versus 0.622 (MHH); health [0.686 (FHH) versus 0.616 (MHH) and water [0.415 (FHH) versus 0.212 (MHH). On the other hand, MHH were more vulnerable to CC in the category of livelihood strategies [0.448 (MHH) versus 0.413 (FHH)]; and natural disasters and climate variability [0.526 MHH) versus 0.516 (FHH)]. According to the overall calculated LVIIPCC, households headed by women were more vulnerable to climatic variability and change (LVIIPCC = -0.005) than households headed by men (LVIIPCC = 0.007). In terms of sub-components, households headed by women (CFIExposure=0.526) were more vulnerable with regards to exposure when compared to male-headed households (CFIExposure= 0.516). Compared to male-headed families (CFISensitivity = 0.458), female-headed households (CFISensitivity = 0.527) were more sensitive to climate change and variability. When it comes to adaptable capacities, FHH (CFIadaptive capacity =0.510) were more vulnerable than male-headed households MHH (CFIadaptive capacity=0.525). When reading the adaptive CFI, the implication is that the higher the index is, the higher the level of adaptive capacity of a given household the lower their vulnerability to climate change. The study's recommendations, based on these findings, suggest that women should be given precedence in ongoing and new climate change and agriculture intervention projects. They should also be empowered to engage in other income-generating activities by providing financial resources, which will help them diversify their sources of income and increase their resilience to climate change and variability

Diversity of Bioluminescent Insects and their Threats: Status and Struggles

Bioluminescence, a mesmerizing natural phenomenon, bridges the gap between the living and the luminous. In class Insecta, various species of insects show bioluminescence to attract their partners, to defend themselves and to snare their prey. Among the bioluminescent insect orders (Collembola, Diptera and Coleoptera), Coleoptera has the most diverse bioluminescent terrestrial insects. However, their unique abilities have led to innovations in lighting technology. Bioluminescent insects face significant threats from habitat destruction, light pollution, and pesticide use and these anthropogenic factors jeopardize their populations and disrupt their ecological roles. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to mitigate these threats and ensure the survival of these remarkable organisms, which are essential for maintaining ecosystem’s health and biodiversity

Exploring the Factors Influencing Climate Change in Agriculture: A Study of Kerabari Municipality in Morang District, Nepal

Agriculture has become more vulnerable to a changing climate characterized by a shift in rainfall, rising temperatures, and increased extreme weather conditions. Such climatic variations have had adverse effects on crop yields and agricultural practices, general productivity being impacted most, meanwhile farmers, especially in areas like Kerabari Municipality, are experiencing erratic rainfall, outbreaks of pests, and deforestation. The present study investigates some specific climatic and socio-economic challenges faced by the farmers and identifies how far these challenges hamper their adaptation capacity and agricultural productivity. The in-depth interview, focus group discussions, and field observations are included in the qualitative approach to this research. In this context, the study examines the various socio-economic determinants that affect their adaptation strategies, as well as how far the current farming practices are appropriate. The result focuses the need for sustainable agricultural methods, resilient infrastructure, and access to climate information. It is also stated that government support is highly required to help build long-term agricultural resilience and reduce the impact of climate change

A Comprehensive Review on Diverse Roles of Trichoderma spp. for Sustainable Agriculture

The over use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has had a number of negative effects on the environment and human health. They decrease microbial activity, raise disease resistance, lower soil fertility, and raise greenhouse gas emissions. It is inappropriate and impractical to treat plant diseases solely using chemical pesticides. The use of organic fertilizers and pesticides should be prioritized in order to attain sustainability in agriculture. Trichoderma has been increasingly popular among forward-thinking farmers as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in recent years. Its slow rate of colonization and reproduction, vulnerability to biotic and abiotic stresses, inability to totally remove pathogens, and high cost are the primary causes of its low adoption among farmers. To get over these obstacles, distinct strains of Trichoderma that are quick to grow and colonize, least impacted by environmental factors, and have a broad host range of diseases should be found. To ensure its widespread use, farmers should also be educated about the value of Trichoderma in agriculture through a variety of extension services. Trichoderma, which functions as a biofertilizer, bioremediation, and biocontrol agent, may be a practical and sustainable substitute.However, Trichoderma's applicability at the farmer level is still lacking, and its utilization is restricted to research endeavors. Therefore, the purpose of this study, which is based on a critical analysis of research papers from researchers around the world, is to disclose the current state of Trichoderma use, including its significance, modes of action, application and multiplication techniques, obstacles to widespread adoption, and suitable remedies

An Assessment of Farm Households' Vulnerability to Climate Change in Samastipur, Bihar (India)

Bihar's agrarian economy is at risk from climate change due to persistent droughts, floods, irregular rainfall, etc. The present study was conducted between 2023 and 2024 in the Samastipur district of Bihar in order to analyze the socio-economic vulnerability of farm households. Two blocks of Samastipur were randomly selected, and clusters of villages within each block were selected randomly. From each cluster, 20-20 respondents were selected randomly from all three categories of farmers, i.e. cropping only, cropping + livestock and cropping + livestock + others. The total number of farm households was 120. Socio-economic status was determined using frequency and percentage methods. The IPCC approach was used to calculate the socioeconomic vulnerability index. The majority of farmers belong to the middle age group, have a medium family income, and own marginal amounts of land. There are 66.67% of farms in the moderate vulnerability group (0.147-0.345) followed by 16.67% in the low vulnerability group (0.147-0.345) and 16.67% in the high vulnerability group (>0.345). According to the study, policy efforts can be made to improve the socio-economic status of farm households by understanding the importance of closely related variables affecting climate change vulnerability

Influence of Levels of Phosphorus and Molybdenum Seed Treatment on Root Growth of Soybean in Vertisols of Telangana, India

Field experiment was conducted during 2018-19 & 2019-20 at the Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University situated at an altitude of 286.3m above mean sea level (MSL) at 180 49’41’ latitude and 78056’45” E longitude, (PJTSAU). The experiment consisted of 16 treatments viz., four levels of phosphorus (0, 30 60, and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1) and four levels of seed treatment with molybdenum (0, 2, 4 and 6 g kg-1 seed) laid out in a randomized block design with factorial concept and replicated thrice. Perusal of mean results of two years indicated phosphorus nutrition of 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 13.41 cm,20.80cm and 24.38cm at 15,30 and 45 DAS over other levels of phosphorus. Highest root length of 11.76cm,19.19cm and 22.35cm was observed with Mo seed treatment @ 6g kg-1seed Interaction effect of different P levels and Mo seed treatment on root volume of soybean was significant at 15,30 and 45 DAS. At 15 and 30 DAS.Phosphorus fertilization with 90kg P2O5 ha-1 with all the levels of Mo seed treatment registered statistically similar root volume with maximum value observed with 4g (2.26 and 5.56 cm3) followed byb6g (2.24 and5.48 cm3)and 2g (2.24 and 5.42 cm3 )kg-1 seed  while at 45 DAS  90kg P2O5 ha-1along with Mo seed treatment . Interaction of various phosphorus nutrition levels and Mo seed treatment on root dry weight of soybean indicated that application of 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 along with Mo seed treatment of 4 g kg-1 seed was effective with maximum root dry weight of (1.67,5.34 and 6.86 g plant-1) on par with Mo seed treatment of 6 g kg-1 seed at same level of phosphorus nutrition(1.64,5.25 and 6.69 g plant-1) over other treatments at 15,30 and 45 DAS

Impact of Temporal Variability of Rainfall on Groundwater Quality of Dindigul District, India

The present study aims to provide information regarding the temporal distribution of important physical-chemical parameters that affect water chemistry. Graphical representation is recorded for important physiochemical variables to understand groundwater quality and ecological status of the groundwater systems over a period of time in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. The Dindigul District monthly rainfall data were collected from the Public Works Department (PWD), Surface and Groundwater Division, Govt. of Tamil Nadu. After 1995, that there was a gradual increase in the rainfall pattern and the excess rainfall was recorded as 1018.59 mm, 1052.82 mm, 1073.73mm during the years 1996, 2008, 2010 respectively. The lowest rainfall of 588.51mm was recorded in 2012. Apart from excess rainfall years, all the other cases recorded the minimum rainfall and showed the decreasing trend from1995 to 2012. After 1990s, release of untreated waste water from Tannery industry in to the water ways and lands - contaminated the groundwater. The change in the rainfall pattern and quantity played important role in the salinity of the groundwater. After 1995s, the NO3value of 16.8mg L-1 was recorded during 2010. Accordingly, it had the highest excess rainfall of 1073.73 mm, during 2010. Deficit rainfall in 2000 ranges from 337.67mm, the NO3 value of 68.8 mg L-1 was recorded. The chemical characteristics of ground water are determined by the level of contribution from the geological sources and infiltration water from the surface sources. Monitoring of pollution patterns and its trends with respect to urbanization is an important task for achieving sustainable management of groundwater

The Role of Smart Farming Technologies in Mitigating Climate Change and Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability

This research examines the function of smart farming technology in alleviating climate change and promoting agricultural sustainability. It analyzes the role of technical advancements in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resource efficiency, and developing climate-resilient agricultural systems. The study consolidates current literature about the use of smart agricultural technologies, including precision agriculture, IoT, AI, and renewable energy systems. It assesses their efficacy in tackling critical climate and sustainability issues via data-informed decision-making, resource optimization, and adaptive methods. Smart agricultural methods substantially alleviate the effects of climate change by enhancing water efficiency, minimizing chemical consumption, and decreasing carbon emissions. These technologies augment soil vitality, bolster agricultural resistance against severe weather phenomena, and provide real-time surveillance of environmental variables. The incorporation of renewable energy sources into agricultural practices reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Notwithstanding their promise, obstacles such as elevated implementation costs, technology disparities, and restricted access for smallholder farmers persist as significant impediments. Smart farming technologies are essential for changing agriculture into a climate-resilient and sustainable industry. Their implementation may aid in achieving global climate objectives and securing food stability. Overcoming obstacles to access and execution is crucial for the successful scaling of these technologies. The results underscore the need for governmental interventions, financial incentives, and capacity-building measures to facilitate the widespread use of smart agricultural technology. To improve agricultural output while decreasing environmental effect, governments should subsidize smart farming technology, finance research, and implement capacity-building programs. A fair distribution of precision agriculture tools, including those for smallholder farmers, requires policy that encourages data-sharing frameworks and the development of digital infrastructure

Spatial and Temporal Trends in Extreme Rainfall in a Transition Zone: Case of the Marahoué Catchment

The Marahoué catchment area in west-central Côte d'Ivoire is an area of high agricultural activity. Like other regions of the country, the Marahoué region has experienced alternating wet and dry periods, making it difficult to manage water resources in the river systems within it. (N’Guessan et al., 2017) Numerous studies have addressed future changes in hydroclimatic extremes using a variety of approaches. However, trends in extreme precipitation intensities remain less well known, especially for design precipitation intensities used in stormwater infrastructure design. Hence the importance of identifying flood and low-water extremes in the Marahoué catchment in Côte d'Ivoire. Given their importance, trends in the series of extremes were studied using the modified Mann Kendall test. Trends were studied for various short-term rainfall durations at eight stations. Spatial distribution using the IDW interpolation method enabled climate indices to be distributed over the Marahoué basin. Spatial analysis of precipitation indices over four decades shows a trend towards an intensification of extreme events (Rx1day and Rx5day), accompanied by a decrease in prolonged drought periods (CDD, R10 and R20). Temporal analysis of extreme rainfall indices reveals a variety of trends depending on the station and type of index. However, most of the trends obtained are insignificant. The use of decades makes it easy to update intensity-duration-frequency curves, and is more practical and understandable for engineers. The results of this study underline the importance of monitoring climate change through localized analyses and approaches, and of adapting water resource management strategies to better cope with the growing risks associated with extreme rainfall

Impact of Wastewater Irrigation on Nutrient Uptake and Soil Fertility in Soybean Cultivation

A field experiment conducted at college farm, SR University, Warangal. Telangana to study the effect of different quality of water on nutrient uptake and soil fertility variation in soybean. The experiment was laid out in rsandomized block design (RBD) and replicated six times with three treatments i.e. untreated wastewater, treated wastewater and fresh water. The result of the present study indicate that untreated wastewater affects Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrient uptake (Fe, Zn, Cu, B, and Mn) significantly and slight variation observed in soil pH and Electric conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients after harvest of soybean. Highest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake in soybean at harvest was observed in untreated wastewater (158.48, 32.55, and 74.85 kg ha⁻¹ in grain and 3612, 21.25 and 67.28 kg ha-1 in straw respectively) in relation to wastewater and freshwater. Higher value of micronutrient uptake was found in untreated wastewater. Highest value of soil pH, EC, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients after harvest of soybean was recorded in untreated wastewater treatment and lowest value in fresh water treatment. This study, it concluded untreated waste water was increase nutrient uptake (N. P. K. Fe. Zn. Cu. Mn. B) due to presence of enough amount of nutrient in untreated wastewater and made slight changes in soil physico-chemical and chemical properties