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Research Article
Interactive Effects of Substrate and Length on the Ability of Root Segment Cuttings of Burkea Africana (Hook) and Uvaria Chamae (P. Beauv) to Regenerate
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
74-91
Received:
6 February 2026
Accepted:
20 February 2026
Published:
10 March 2026
Abstract: The Guinean Savanah Highlands of Adamawa is replete with multipurpose tree species, among which Burkea africana and Uvaria chamae are particularly noteworthy. Despite their importance, they remain in the wild and are subjected to overexploitation. The present study aims to contribute to the domestication of these species by root segment propagation. Specifically, the study aims to evaluate the seasonal variations in carbohydrate reserves (starch, soluble sugars, and sucrose) in other to determine the most favorable period for root cutting collection, assess the effect of substrate and length of root segment cuttings on the budding and rooting capacity of these species, evaluate the effect of carbohydrate content on bud emergence, root formation, callus induction, and control response in cuttings. For the seasonal fluctuation of carbohydrate, the experimental design was a complete randomized design with one factor represented by the season, and two replications. In the case the root propagation, the experimental design was a split-plot with three replications. The main treatment comprised three substrates (sand/sawdust, black soil/sawdust, black soil), while the sub-treatments were represented by three lengths of root segments cuttings (RSC) (10, 15, 20cm). The experimental unit consisted of 10 cuttings. Results showed that the onset of the rainy season coincides with peak of starch, soluble sugars and sucrose for Burkea africana and Uvaria chamae, marking the most favorable period for root cutting collection. The budding rate of Burkea africana showed significant variation (0.04 < 0.05), with values of 2.22 ± 1.96% in a black soil/sawdust mixture and 14.44 ± 12.36% in black soil after 26 weeks. For Uvaria chamae the best substrate was the mixture of black soil/sawdust (63.33 ± 45.27%). The number of leaves for Burkea africana was substantially higher in black soil (4.27 ± 2.16). The difference was statistically significant (0.008 < 0.01). For Burkea africana and Uvaria chamae, the optimal cutting length for budding was 20 cm (11.11 ± 10.52%, 81.11 ± 26.20%). The rooting rate of Uvaria chamae exhibited considerable variability the best rate was those of the black soil/sawdust substrate (22.22 ± 20.33%). The rooting rate varied from 5.55 ± 4.26% for cuttings of 10 cm to 23.33 ± 21.79% for those of 20 cm.Budded cuttings clustered with soluble sugars and sucrose. Rooted cuttings correlate negatively with all carbohydrate. Control cuttings were closely associated with starch. All these informations are important to develop scales and strategies toward the domestication of this species.
Abstract: The Guinean Savanah Highlands of Adamawa is replete with multipurpose tree species, among which Burkea africana and Uvaria chamae are particularly noteworthy. Despite their importance, they remain in the wild and are subjected to overexploitation. The present study aims to contribute to the domestication of these species by root segment propagation...
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Review Article
Farmers’ Awareness and Perceptions of Seasonal Soil Dynamics Across Agricultural Land-Use Systems
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
92-97
Received:
29 January 2026
Accepted:
26 February 2026
Published:
12 March 2026
Abstract: Seasonal soil dynamics, expressed through changes in moisture, temperature, structure, porosity, colour and nutrient availability, are central to agricultural productivity and sustainability. These changes are shaped by land-use systems and management practices, yet farmers’ understanding and interpretation remain underexplored across agricultural systems. This study comparatively examines farmers’ awareness and perceptions of seasonal soil changes across varied land-use systems in southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 700 farmers was conducted using structured questionnaires to capture awareness, perceptions, and information sources related to seasonal soil dynamics. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results show generally high awareness of seasonal soil variability, with 69.7% of respondents very aware of wet–dry season differences and 58.1% rating their awareness as very high. The dry season was identified as the least productive period by 97.0% of farmers, while 80.9% linked low yields to declining soil conditions. Most farmers relied on personal experience rather than formal extension services. Wet-season improvements in soil properties contrasted sharply with widespread dry-season degradation. The chi-square test indicated a statistically significant deviation in awareness levels (χ² = 467.93, p < 0.05), highlighting the need to integrate farmers’ experiential knowledge with scientific soil assessment and targeted extension support programmes.
Abstract: Seasonal soil dynamics, expressed through changes in moisture, temperature, structure, porosity, colour and nutrient availability, are central to agricultural productivity and sustainability. These changes are shaped by land-use systems and management practices, yet farmers’ understanding and interpretation remain underexplored across agricultural ...
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Research Article
Building Climate Resilient Food Systems Through Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Using Organic Waste in Fragile Settings
Laku Gore Wani
,
Ladu David Morris Lemi*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
98-110
Received:
17 February 2026
Accepted:
4 March 2026
Published:
16 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20261402.13
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Abstract: Conflicts, climate shocks, and limited agricultural inputs remain the primary drivers of food insecurity, malnutrition, and environmental degradation that constrain sustainable food production in South Sudan. Oyster mushroom cultivation offers low-cost, climate-resilient strategy for enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and promoting sustainable waste management. However, evidence on the sustainable use of locally available organic wastes as substrates for mushroom production is currently lacking. This study evaluated the suitability of ten substrates derived from four organic biomass wastes-peanut shells, water hyacinth, cotton husks, and sawdust-and their 50:50 combinations for mushroom cultivation under resource-limited settings. Using a completely randomized experimental design, key growth, yield, efficiency and economic parameters were assessed. The results showed significant influences of substrate type on all parameters (p < 0.05). Peanut shells supported the fastest colonization period (21.0 ±1.58 days) and shortest growth cycle (30 ± 1.58 days), while sawdust had the slowest (36.0 ± 1.58 days) and (58.0 ± 2.00 days) respectively. Water hyacinth produced the highest total yields (375.2 ± 33.6 g) and biological efficiencies (25.01 ± 2.24%), with the greatest production rate (3.98 ± 0.41 g·day-1). Cotton husks showed moderate performance across all indicators. Economic analysis revealed water hyacinth having a strong profitability (BCR 3.67; ROI 267%), while water hyacinth–cotton husk combination performed moderately and remained profitable even at low break-even prices. These findings demonstrate that oyster mushroom cultivation using locally available biomass wastes, especially water hyacinth is viable, economically profitable, and capable of diversifying livelihoods, strengthening food security resilience, and supporting sustainable waste management in fragile and resource-limited settings.
Abstract: Conflicts, climate shocks, and limited agricultural inputs remain the primary drivers of food insecurity, malnutrition, and environmental degradation that constrain sustainable food production in South Sudan. Oyster mushroom cultivation offers low-cost, climate-resilient strategy for enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and promoting sus...
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