Editorial – Could Shea be the next gold for Ghana?

Amos T. Kabo-Bah , Chukwuemeka Diji , Emmanuel Daanoba Sunkari

ABSTRACT

In numerous shea producing regions of Ghana, rural women benefit significantly from the gathering, initial processing, and eventual selling of shea-based goods for their cash income. On a global scale, shea butter has emerged as a trendy ingredient in premium beauty products, due to its healing qualities, moving away from its traditional role as a cost-effective replacement for cocoa butter. International development organizations have focused on the shea value chain in Ghana as a component of their efforts to support private sector growth and decrease rural poverty. The shea value chain gives Ghanaian women the ability to take control of their financial, social, and entrepreneurial well-being, provide opportunities to earn money, enhance skills, and have more influence in their families and communities. Shea butter production in Ghana has the capacity to boost the productivity of shea butter enterprises, create employment opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly women, and ultimately support women’s empowerment by reducing poverty. Shea ecological zones contain a diverse range of plants and animals and play a key role in storing carbon. In addition to the ecological significance, the shea parklands and ecological zones hold significance as vital resources and symbols of identity, spirituality, and tradition for Ghanaians, contributing significantly to the nation’s cultural heritage. Shea butter from Ghana is highly desirable in global markets because of its superior chemical composition, derived from quality shea nuts. This means that Ghana can grow its shea industry, which will also increase foreign earnings. Therefore, shea could become the next gold for Ghana. In this regard, nature-based solutions and innovations can be employed to agronomically facilitate the supply of quality shea nuts to the shea industry. In alignment with this vision, a new open-access journal called ”Journal of Nature-based Solutions and Innovations” has been launched. This journal is targeted to inspire and communicate imaginative research and innovations in the intersection of nature, sustainability, and novel technology. It is aimed at targeting global challenges such as depletion of resources, loss of biodiversity, climate variability, and environmental degradation through encouraging and disseminating new perspectives that leverage the power of nature and human creativity to provide informed decisions. We welcome impactful submission of impactful papers. Come explore the intricacies of using nature-based solutions and innovations to solve societal and environmental problems.

Keywords: good health; journal of nature-based solutions and innovations; poverty alleviation; shea value chain; socio-economic transformation; women empowerment

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Assessment of Sub-Watershed Contributions to Flooding in Magarya Catchment, Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Auwal Ahmad Musa, Sulaiman Yahaya Abubakar, Rozy Jan, Bala Bello Wanah

ABSTRACT

This study investigates sub-watersheds role in contributing to flooding events within the Magarya Catchment, located in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria. The primary objectives were to delineate sub-watersheds, calculate runoff coefficients, and estimate peak discharges using GIS techniques that integrate digital elevation models (DEMs), land cover data, soil classifications, and rainfall data. The results identified six delineated sub-watersheds ranging from 2.56 to 22.63 km², with composite runoff coefficients varying from 0.31 to 0.61. Peak discharges ranged from 15.00 to 156.90 m³/s, with Sub-Watershed 3 exhibiting the highest peak discharge. Cumulatively, Sub-Watershed 6 manages a combined runoff of 743.08 m³/s, highlighting critical flood protection needs. The study underscores the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in mitigating flood risks. Recommendations include implementing targeted flood management strategies such as reforestation in Sub-Watershed 6 to enhance soil permeability and reduce runoff and restoring wetlands in regions with mixed land use to buffer peak flows and improve flood resilience. Future studies should focus on continuous monitoring to inform adaptive flood management practices, integrating NBS to promote sustainable water resource management and enhance community resilience to climate change impacts. Keywords: Flooding, Sub-watershed, Runoff Coefficient, Peak Discharge and Magarya

Keywords: Flooding; Sub-Watershed; Runoff Coefficient; Peak Discharge; Magarya

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Developing A Participatory Decision Support Tool for Soil and Water Management in Kakia-Esamburmbur Catchment of Narok, Kenya

David Olumasai Okoti , John M. Gathenya

ABSTRACT

Soil and water management are crucial for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. This study developed a decision support tool for managing soil and water in the Kakia-Esamburmbur catchment, Narok, Kenya. Using experimental data, interviews, questionnaires, field measurements, and simulations, the study assessed runoff, soil loss, and sediment yield under different land management practices. The average annual sediment yield was 21.19 t/ha, soil loss was 37.02 t/ha, and runoff was 276.52 mm. The highest values were observed in farm 1, which had a fallow section and the steepest slope. The WEPP model’s predictions were inaccurate due to limited soil loss measured data. Incorporating 15m forest/grass strips at 50-meter intervals or 30-meter forest strips at key locations was recommended for sustainable management. Although grass strips reduced soil loss slightly more, forest strips were better at reducing sediment yield. The study highlights the importance of the tool in managing resources but has limitations such as the lack of insufficient observed data for model calibration. This work supports UN SDGs 2, 6, and 15 and aligns with the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) by addressing critical environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development goals through innovative solutions. Future research should focus on improving data accuracy for model calibration

Keywords: Soil and water management; participatory decision support tool; WEPP model; land management practices; model simulations.

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Climate change ameliaration and enhancing food security through agriculture in Northern Nigeria

Kabiru Hamisu, Sudhamini Yedida, Halima Hussain Abdullahi, Yau Sulaiman Yusuf, Hussaini Dantsoho Spikin

ABSTRACT

The climate of northern Nigeria change more significantly during the twenty-first century in terms of temperature, precipitation, storms, and sea levels. This presents a serious threat to the region’s agricultural output and food security. Northern Nigeria is the most populous region in the nation and has a majority of its rural residents being agrarians. Much of this can be ascribed to the harsher climate that regions are experiencing. When droughts persist, rainfall is rarely consistent for a long time. A further challenge to the region’s agricultural economy was desertification and the removal of vegetation. Agriculture is still stagnant or perhaps declining despite government efforts to supply all agricultural inputs. In Nigeria, poor crop yield and livestock production, desertification, flooding, insect and disease infestation, and weed infestation are all consequences of climate change in agricultural output. The agribusiness entrepreneur is prompted by these challenges to play adaptive roles in mitigating these effects. These roles include agroforestry, harvesting and storing water, managing farm finances, vertical integration with pertinent agencies, and providing timely information for preventive measures. Moreover, agribusiness initiatives in Northern Nigeria contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by creating jobs, increasing farmers’ incomes, and promoting rural development. These initiatives combat hunger, create decent work opportunities, mitigate climate change effects, and preserve terrestrial ecosystems. The initiative aligns with the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024), aiming to address socio-economic challenges in Africa. The success of these initiatives can serve as a model for other regions, promoting broader food security and climate improve food security and mitigate these issues, this study looks into how agribusiness to these changes evaluates the present effects of climate change on agriculture in northern Nigeria and looks at methods for advancing resilient food systems and sustainable farming practices

Keywords: Northern Nigeria; Climate change; Amelioration; Agribusiness; Food security; Sustainable Development Goals

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Heat, Harm, and Hope: Ghana’s Savanna Ecosystem Services in a Fiery Climate

Aline Mwintome Naawa , Fousseini Folega , Amos. T. Kabo-Bah

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the link between wildfires and ecosystem services within Ghana’s northern savanna through an integrative approach combining satellite data analysis, field surveys, and an extensive literature review. Analysis of MODIS data from 2000 to 2021 reveals an upward trend in both the frequency and intensity of wildfires, with notable peaks in 2011 (28,943 active fires) and 2002 (33,883.4 km² of burned area). Key factors influencing wildfire dynamics were identified as proximity to human settlements, topographical features, and maximum temperature. Field surveys highlighted species-specific responses, with Vitellaria paradoxa demonstrating significant fire resistance, in contrast to the vulnerability observed in Afzelia africana. The research further elucidates the cascading effects of wildfires on soil properties, water quality, and local climate regulation. The study emphasizes the need for integrated fire management techniques that prioritize prevention and mitigation above suppression. Addressing the wildfire issue requires sustainable land use practices, climate change adaptation, and regional collaboration.

Keywords: Wildfires; Ecosystem services; Savanna; Ghana; Climate change; Conservation

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