Scientific African最新文献

{"title":"Machine learning and econometric analysis of the heterogeneous welfare effects of agricultural cooperative membership in Mpumalanga, South Africa","authors":"Oluwaseun Samuel Oduniyi ,&nbsp;Onyedikachi Emmanuel Chike ,&nbsp;Michael Akwasi Antwi","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03230","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03230","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study applies machine learning and econometric analysis to examine the heterogeneous welfare effects of agricultural cooperative membership among smallholder maize farmers in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Using two complementary approaches, we analyzed data collected from 210 farmers, comprising both cooperative members and non-members. Machine learning techniques, including the Extra Trees Regressor (ETR), were employed to identify key welfare determinants, followed by the Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment (IPWRA) to estimate treatment effects. Results indicate that cooperative membership significantly enhances farmers' welfare, with farm size, access to infrastructure, and years of experience as critical contributors. Cooperative members benefit from improved income and reduced input costs, highlighting the role of cooperatives in promoting rural development and poverty reduction. The findings advocate for increased policy support to strengthen cooperative frameworks and encourage broader participation among smallholder farmers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03230"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Land use/land cover change dynamics of moist evergreen afromontane forest, Southern Ethiopia: Implications for conservation","authors":"Mesfin Woldearegay ,&nbsp;Zerihun Woldu ,&nbsp;Getinet Masresha ,&nbsp;Yoseph Samuel","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03204","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03204","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Improving the understanding of land use and land cover dynamics can lead to forecasting future land use and land cover changes and applying more appropriate policy interventions to achieve better land management. This study was conducted in Bore-Anferara-Wadera forest, southern Ethiopia, to analyze the land use and land cover change dynamics and its major driving factors in the study area. Three periods landsat images (1986 TM, 2000 ETM+ and 2014 OLI/TIRS) downloaded from GLCF were analyzed by using remote sensing and GIS technologies to generate information on the temporal changes in land use and land cover types. In addition, focus group discussion (FDG) and field observations were made to identify the drivers of LULC changes. The results of land sat image analysis revealed that agricultural land and built up area are expanding rapidly at the expense of other land use and land cover types. Forest and shrub land areas have declined drastically over the last 28 years. Population pressure, deforestation, land tenure system, and forest fire were the main driving forces responsible for the change in land use and land cover types in the study area. Therefore, a joint management and conservation measures should be taken by the government, local people and other stakeholders in order to reduce and/or stop the fast rate of vegetation cover declining and sustainable utilization of the forest resources in the study area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03204"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances in animal traceability systems: A systematic review of technologies, benefits, and challenges","authors":"Tshepiso Larona Mokgetse,&nbsp;Hlomani Hlomani,&nbsp;Tshiamo Sigwele","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03117","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03117","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It is a common course that many families’ livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa are most importantly dependent on agriculture, especially livestock. To that end, it is estimated that the worldwide population of cattle is around 1.3 billion. However, animal disease outbreaks have caused many problems for economies, livelihoods, and communities. Therefore, this prevalent danger from livestock infectious diseases would cripple economies, not to mention that it would destabilize food security for affected communities. Given the impact of such outbreaks, measures must therefore be put in place to manage cattle activities to ensure the best profits and safety measures of livestock are reached. Animal traceability technologies have been introduced as measures for some of the livestock problems identified. A systematic literature review of animal traceability technologies is conducted following the process: 1) Planning by formulating research questions, 2) Article selection process from databases such as Science Direct and IEEE between 2006 and 2025, 3) Meta-analysis and data extraction of the 50 selected articles 4) Write-up of the results. A novel classification framework for animal traceability technologies is developed that goes beyond traditional technology-centric reviews. The integrated conceptual framework categorises traceability innovations across four complementary dimensions: systems, frameworks, benefits, and challenges. From the results, the commonly used technology is the Radio Frequency Identification at 38.4 %, - which is showing promise but needs improvement. It is also evident from the literature that researchers combine Radio Frequency Identification with other technologies like Machine learning – 15.4 % and Blockchain – 7.7 %. It was evident that a lack of research on stakeholder experiences and perspectives is greatly overlooked, such as regulators, farmers, the government, and consumers. The review provides a clearer understanding of how different technologies interact within traceability ecosystems, highlighting gaps among technological potential and practical adoptions, offering actionable foundation for improved systems design and cross-sector decision-making.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03117"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the binder effect of Pentadesma butyracea gum on the mechanical characteristics of paracetamol tablets","authors":"Mary-Ann Archer ,&nbsp;Kwabena Ofori-Kwakye ,&nbsp;Raphael Johnson ,&nbsp;Isaac Yaw Attah ,&nbsp;Samuel Lugrie Kipo ,&nbsp;Mariam El Boakye-Gyasi ,&nbsp;Frederick William Akuffo Owusu ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Awintiig Adakudugu ,&nbsp;Doris Kumadoh","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural gums are widely studied as safe, affordable, and accessible pharmaceutical excipients, yet many indigenous gums remain poorly characterized, highlighting the need for locally viable binder alternatives. This study evaluated purified <em>Pentadesma butyracea</em> gum (PBG) as a binder for conventional-release paracetamol tablets, aiming to establish a reliable local alternative that reduces dependence on imported excipients and supports cost-effective pharmaceutical production. PBG, precipitated from crude mucilage using 96% ethanol was incorporated into the tablets at seven concentrations (0.5 – 6%^w/_w), forming formulations PB1 – PB7, with corresponding acacia-based formulations (AC1- AC7). FTIR spectroscopy assessed compatibility between PBG, paracetamol, and excipients. The granules and tablets underwent pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial evaluation. The dissolution profiles were compared using similarity (<em>f₂</em>) and difference (<em>f₁</em>) factors. FTIR studies showed no chemical interactions between PBG, paracetamol and the excipients. Granules from PB1, AC1, PB2, AC2 and AC3 showed fair flow, while the remaining batches demonstrated good flow properties. Most formulations met pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial standards; however, PB1, PB2, PB3, and AC1 failed friability, and PB1 and AC1 did not meet hardness requirements. AC7 also failed disintegration and dissolution tests. Increasing binder concentration improved tablet mechanical strength across batches. Comparative analysis showed no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) between PBG and acacia formulations in hardness and tensile strength. Dissolution assessment indicated that all formulations, except PB6, were similar to their acacia counterparts (<em>f₂</em> &gt; 50; <em>f₁</em> &lt; 15). PBG demonstrated binding properties comparable to acacia gum, indicating its utility as a promising, locally available natural binder for conventional-release tablets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03147"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamic managerial capabilities, digital innovation and perceived financial performance in the banking sector","authors":"Comfort Adebi Asamoah ,&nbsp;Kwabena Nsiah Takyi ,&nbsp;Alena Klapalová ,&nbsp;Izaskun Agirre-Aramburu ,&nbsp;Jana Matošková","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03157","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03157","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The contemporary digital economy requires businesses to utilise creative skills to boost their performance. Utilising the Dynamic Managerial Capability (DMC) theory, we examine the influence of managerial capabilities—human capital (MHC), social capital (MSC), and cognition (MC) —on digital innovation (DI) and perceived financial performance (PFP) within the banking sector. The mediating influence of MC and DI on the link among MSC, MHC, and PFP was assessed. To achieve this, 728 bankers in Ghana were purposefully sampled, adopting a seven-point Likert scale for data collection regarding managers and employees. The analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that managerial cognition influences the interaction among managerial social capital, managerial human capital, digital innovation, and performance, with digital innovation not serving as a mediator. Managerial cognition serves as a conduit to human managerial capital, impacting perceived financial performance. The findings compel managers and policymakers to integrate DMC’s initiatives to enhance banks’ digital innovation, which is essential in the contemporary dynamic and digital landscape. The assessment has expanded the framework of dynamic capability theory in nascent communities, underscoring the influence of DMC on advancing digital innovation within the banking sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03157"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Local and regional spatio-temporal characterization of rainfall and temperature across agro-ecological zones and seasons in the lake Hayk and Ardibo catchment, Ethiopia","authors":"Mulugeta Fiseha Abebe ,&nbsp;Tibebu Kassawmar ,&nbsp;Abel Mesele Tsegaye ,&nbsp;Jerbaw Tiruneh Abejehu ,&nbsp;Nega Kesete Kassie","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03274","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03274","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding local and regional climate trends is essential for effective planning and resource management in the context of climate change. This study evaluates and characterizes the spatio-temporal variability and trends of rainfall and temperature across agro-ecological zones (AEZs) and seasons in the Lake Ardibo and Hayk catchment from 1960 to 2021. We analyzed data from 36 stations across eight AEZs to assess climate conditions at local and regional level. Using the MM-Kendall test through R packages using high-resolution WorldClim, we focused on trend, coefficients of variation (CV), and standardized rainfall anomaly (SRA) for each station and AEZ. The results reveal significant differences in climate elements, highlighting unique patterns among AEZs and stations. Rainfall demonstrates an increasing trend in both annual and during FMAM and JJAS season<em>s</em>, with rates ranging from 0.15 mm/year to 1.72 mm/year. In contrast, ONDJ season exhibits a declining trend at a rate of -0.08 mm/year. Temperature analysis shows that the mean annual maximum temperature (Tmax) ranges from 19.11 °C to 31.30 °C, while the mean annual minimum temperature (Tmin) ranges from 6.82 °C to 15.37 °C. Both Tmax and Tmin are increasing across AEZs, accompanied by significant seasonal and annual variability. These climatic changes have led to shifting boundaries of AEZs, which may impact agricultural productivity, water resource availability, and ecosystem sustainability. This research underscores the importance of integrating remote sensing and GIS approaches with high-resolution WorldClim data to examine climate dynamics in medium-sized catchments. It enhances our understanding of Ethiopian climate dynamics and provides valuable information for environmental management, policy-making, and climate change adaptation planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03274"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147395301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing groundwater and climate susceptibility in Masgeredo-Bulal catchment, Ethiopia","authors":"Amenti Merga Tafesa ,&nbsp;Tenalem Ayenew ,&nbsp;Shankar Karuppannan","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03112","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03112","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Due to recurrent droughts and a lack of surface and groundwater resources, Southern Ethiopia's semi-arid region of the Borena zone faces a serious water shortage. This study addresses water scarcity in Southern Ethiopia's Borena zone, focusing on the Masgeredo-Bulal catchment, utilizing Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing, and climate modeling. This research combines multi-criteria groundwater assessment using eight thematic layers with future climate projections under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied in ArcGIS 10.8 to delineate groundwater potential zone (GWPZ), while Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) Africa regional climate models were used to project future temperature and precipitation trends. The finding reveals that 51.6 % of the Masgeredo-Bulal catchment has good groundwater potential, 47.47 % is moderate, 0.69 % is very good, and 0.22 % is poor. The southern and southwestern regions exhibit superior potential compared to the north and east, with geology and rainfall identified as crucial factors. Under Representative Concentration Pathway RCP 4.5 and 8.5, future climate projections show a logical increase in temperature and reduced precipitation compared to the baseline. Mean monthly precipitation is expected to decrease by 2.82 mm and 2.9 mm, while temperatures could rise by 22.9 °C and 23.19 °C, respectively. The combined groundwater–climate approach in this offers new insights for sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies, providing vital information for policymakers and resource planners in the region. Further, research and development initiatives are recommended to enhance resilience and adaptability to climate change impacts on water availability in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03112"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent advances in IoT-driven crop monitoring and precision irrigation: Technologies, models, and future challenges","authors":"Mohamed Elhoseny ,&nbsp;Khadija Jahid ,&nbsp;Rachid Latif ,&nbsp;Amine Saddik ,&nbsp;Reem Atassi","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03222","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03222","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The application of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to agriculture is converting traditional decision-making models from being retrospective and subjective to real-time and data-driven. This paper provides an in-depth and structured review of recent developments in the Verizon Smart Crop systems for precision irrigation and crop monitoring, highlighting the importance of wireless communication protocols, sensor networks, and artificial intelligence (AI) for early intervention monitoring as a proactive, adaptive approach to changing field conditions. It also explores mathematical modeling approaches and vegetation indices, to inform irrigation scheduling and crop stress detection. A tiered system architecture framework has been developed, and case studies illustrate how these technologies can address resource usage and improve yield outcomes. The review also comments on some of the challenges such as interoperability, data overload and cost, and suggests future research directions that would improve sustainability, scalability and efficiency of smart agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03222"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tracing wildlife crime: A retrospective analysis of forensic case files from the government chemist laboratory authority, Tanzania","authors":"Ally O Kanenda ,&nbsp;Leticia N Waitara ,&nbsp;Daud J Ngasa ,&nbsp;Sosthenes R Kusekwa ,&nbsp;Nsanya J Sote ,&nbsp;Abdilahi H Kiula ,&nbsp;Fidelis C Bugoye ,&nbsp;Fidelice M S Mafumiko","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tanzania, a global biodiversity hotspot, harbours approximately 20% of Africa’s large mammal population and plays a critical role in regional and international wildlife conservation. However, Tanzania experiences persistent threats from wildlife crime, including poaching and illegal trafficking of protected wildlife species. This study presents the first comprehensive retrospective assessment of wildlife forensic case files handled by the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) between 2013 and 2022. A total of 75 case files and 280 associated samples were analysed to identify trends in sample types, regional origins, investigative priorities, and the effectiveness of forensic methods employed. Tissue samples from wildlife species were the most frequently received, with the Arusha region contributing the highest number of submissions. The majority of forensic inquiries from the law enforcement agents focused on species identification (75 inquiries) and classification (61), while species individualisation (18) and origin determination (2) were less commonly inquired. Among the analytical methods used, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Sanger sequencing was found to be the most effective for classification and species identification, while traditional methods, including precipitin testing and morphological or anatomical analysis, showed scope limitations. Despite the growing application of forensic science in wildlife crime investigations, the current study identified gaps in sample submission rates and the use of advanced methods in wildlife forensics analysis. To enhance the effectiveness of wildlife forensic services in Tanzania, the study recommends strengthening analytical capacity, expanding molecular approaches for individualisation and provenance analysis, and promoting greater collaboration among enforcement, conservation, and forensic institutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03247"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Conscious or unconscious digitalised credit decisions? An application of the dual-system theory to agricultural finance and welfare","authors":"Mohammed Tanko,&nbsp;Awal Fuseini","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03186","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03186","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There are two systems according to the dual-system theory that influence human decision-making processes in psychology classified as system one and system two. These systems impact human cognition and behaviour and results in actions that are either unconsciously or consciously taken. In the first system, decisions are not the results of deliberate reasoning but default and often intuitive, offering quick but not rational and consistent results. Alternatively, the second system is controlled and deliberate and as such dominates the default system under time sufficiency. Despite the several initiatives to make credit available to farmers, commercial banks consider the agricultural sector risky and informal, with a high cost of holding capital. This result in farmers depending on costly loans from informal sectors that aggravate their debt situations, and restrict their ability to invest in productivity-enhancing inputs. Digitalized microcredit offers farmers alternatives and broad possibilities to access credit with improved efficiency and capable of reaching several underserved rural farming communities. This study therefore intends to examine the effects of digitalized credit on the welfare of farmers using ordinary least square approach and corroborated with Propensity Score Matching (PSM) as a robustness check. The findings indicate that digital financial services increased the income and welfare of rural households, as it provided an accessible and more formalized means of financial support. The research also confirmed the dual-system theory posits that deliberate and conscious decisions, the results of system two lead to reasonable and beneficial outcomes as shown by the welfare indicator in the treatment effects analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03186"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}