ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the economic impact of participation in the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) on the net farm income of cassava farmers in Anambra and Enugu States, Nigeria. Utilizing primary survey data from 600 smallholder cassava farmers (334 participants and 266 non-participants), the analysis employs an Augmented Inverse Probability Weighting (AIPW) estimator to control for selection bias and endogeneity, with Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and independent samples t-tests used as robustness checks. The findings show that VCDP participants generated substantially higher total revenue than non-participants (₦2,639,486.78 and ₦1,724,681.80), largely driven by higher yield outputs among participants (33.68 tonnes) compared with non-participants (21.98 tonnes) rather than price differentials. Descriptive analysis reveals an observed mean net farm income of ₦2,223,971 for participants compared to ₦1,409,672 for non-participants. The doubly robust AIPW estimation confirms a positive, statistically significant causal effect, indicating that VCDP participation increased annual net farm income by ₦813,903.30 (p<0.001). Robustness checks using PSM showed a highly consistent treatment effect of ₦805,227.70 (p<0.001). Post-estimation diagnostics confirm that propensity score weighting successfully eliminated covariate imbalances, ensuring reliable counterfactual comparisons. Therefore, the study concluded that integrated value-chain interventions effectively enhance farm profitability and smallholder economic welfare, supporting the expansion of coordinated agricultural support models and recommends strengthening and expanding integrated VCDP support, particularly interventions that improve productivity, timely input access, market linkages, and access to agricultural finance, to sustain and broaden income gains among cassava farmers.

ABSTRACT
The search for practical antibiotic-sparing strategies in poultry is moving from single phytochemicals toward fermented plant matrices, where microbial biotransformation can modify nutrient availability, antimicrobial activity, and the delivery of bioactive compounds. This systematic review evaluated fermented agricultural botanicals in broiler production and performed a focused meta-analysis of feed conversion ratio (FCR). Searches through 20 September 2026 identified 23 in vivo reports meeting qualitative eligibility criteria; five non-overlapping trials provided compatible whole-period FCR data with measures of dispersion. The evidence covered fermented Ginkgo leaves, pine needles, Astragalus, ginger, grape and tomato pomace, mulberry, Chenopodium, dandelion, Artemisia, Moringa, chive, and shallot. Across studies, responses were more consistent for intestinal integrity, antioxidant status, pathogen control, and resilience under enteric or environmental challenge than for growth alone. Random-effects meta-analysis yielded a small point estimate favoring fermented botanicals (mean difference, -0.044 FCR units), but the Hartung-Knapp 95% confidence interval crossed zero (-0.093 to 0.005) and heterogeneity was high (I2=84.8%). Recent Allium studies illustrate a coherent development pathway linking host-derived probiotic selection, controlled fermentation, challenge testing, and practical delivery. Overall, fermented botanicals are promising components of antibiotic-sparing programs, but the evidence does not support universal replacement of therapeutic antimicrobials. Standardized fermentation, chemical and microbial quality control, direct antimicrobial-use outcomes, and multi-farm validation are priorities for the next phase of research.

ABSTRACT
Climate change and climate variability are important challenges for crop production in Somalia, where agricultural systems are highly exposed to changes in rainfall and temperature. This review synthesizes published empirical studies, climate analyses, farmer-based studies, and relevant institutional evidence on the effects of climate variability on crop production and the adaptation strategies used or proposed in Somalia. The reviewed evidence shows that rainfall variability, rising temperature, drought, and flooding influence crop production, but the magnitude and direction of effects differ among crops and production systems. National and crop-specific studies indicate that sorghum, maize, wheat, beans, rice, and other crops respond differently to climatic conditions. The literature also identifies irrigation, water harvesting, climate-resilient and early-maturing varieties, crop diversification, intercropping, soil and water conservation, improved agronomic practices, and access to climate information as important adaptation measures. Farmers’ ability to implement these practices is influenced by access to water, improved seed, finance, information, extension services, and appropriate technologies. Strengthening irrigation and water management, seed systems, agricultural research, extension services, climate information, and early-warning systems is therefore important for sustaining crop production and improving agricultural resilience in Somalia.