ABSTRACT
Up to 30% of harvested maize is lost due to climate variability, which disrupts the drying process and creates conditions favourable for grain spoilage. Despite the availability of improved post-harvest storage technologies in the study area, their adoption remains low among maize farmers. Thus, the aim of this research was to determine farmers’ perceptions of climate variability on post-harvest technologies adoption. A quasi-longitudinal research design was adopted for the study guided by Expected Utility and Diffusion theories. The unit of analysis was household maize farmers. The study encompassed the entire maize farming population of 32,137 households in Bungoma South Sub-County. Utilizing a systematic sampling technique, 400 respondents were selected from each ward, based on the proportionate share of maize farmers in each locality. The data collection was done using structured questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). Secondary data was sourced from the Kenya Meteorological Departments’ database and unpublished documents. Data was analyzed using means, standard deviations while qualitative done thematically. Inferential statistics was done using Chi Square and Cramer’s V. The findings showed that farmers demonstrated high awareness of climate variability, with 80% perceiving temperature changes and noting increased rainfall unpredictability. The Chi square tests showed high statistically significant influences between temperature, rainfall and rainfall duration and technology adoption for storage respectively (χ²(16) = 270.77, p < 0.001), (χ²(14) = 251.468, p < 0.001), (χ²(14) = 256.244, p < 0.001 with the effect size measured using Cramer’s V of 0.850, 0.819 and 0.827 that indicated very strong influences between farmers’ perception categories of temperature, rainfall and rainfall duration variations and the post-harvest technologies adopted respectively. The study concluded that farmers’ perceptions of climate variability significantly influenc

ABSTRACT
This study assessed fern species diversity within Otuoke University Community, Nigeria, to examine distribution patterns and conservation implications. Field surveys were conducted in two assessment areas (AA1: mixed-use institutional landscape; AA2: closed-canopy forest). A progressive time-meander sampling approach was employed, and sampling effort was standardized to 120 minutes, with 60 minutes allocated per assessment area. All vascular fern sporophytes occurring within approximately 2metres on either side of the meander path were recorded. Species abundance was estimated using a modified Braun-Blanquet scale based on patch size. Moisture preference was assessed using hydrological site index, while disturbance-tolerance was evaluated using habitat fidelity index. A total of 28 fern species were recorded, with uneven distribution between the mixed-use campus (AA1) and the less-disturbed forest habitat (AA2). Forest-restricted species, predominantly shade-dependent and moisture-loving, indicated ecological significance of their undisturbed habitats. In contrast, only seven disturbance-tolerant generalists (M. mauritiana, M. punctatum, N. biserrata, N. cordifolia, N. undulata, P. calomelanos and P. aquilinum) were confined to AA1. Growth forms which included terrestrial, epiphytic, climbing, aquatic, and semi-aquatic species reflect structural heterogeneity across forest stands, wetlands, floodplains, and regrowth areas. Species distributions were associated with moisture availability, with many taxa restricted to creek edges, marshes, and forest swamps. High tolerant species (P. aquilinum, D. linearis, N. biserrata and N. cordifolia) dominated fallows, edges and regrowth, whereas low-tolerance forest specialists (D. ballardianum, O.distenta, B. acrostichoides and P. stemaris) persisted only in shaded understories. Epiphytic species exhibited moderate to low disturbance tolerance. And patch-dynamics analysis revealed variations in ecological dominance, widespread

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This study examined the effects of climate shocks on coffee production, yield, and export revenues in East Africa from 1995 to 2024 using secondary data. Climate indicators included annual and seasonal rainfall, rainfall anomalies, temperature trends, and ENSO phases, analyzed alongside coffee production, yield per hectare, and export revenue data for Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Descriptive statistics, trend analysis, correlation analysis, and ENSO-based comparisons were used to assess long-term trends and short-term climate variability. Results indicate a clear warming trend across the region, with steadily rising mean temperatures, while rainfall variability linked to ENSO cycles strongly influenced year-to-year fluctuations in production and export performance. During neutral years, average export revenue was approximately USD 379 million. El Niño years were associated with lower export revenues, declining by about 1.6 percent due to excess rainfall, disease pressure, and post-harvest challenges. In contrast, La Niña years recorded export revenues about 6.6 percent above neutral levels, reflecting more stable moisture conditions that support flowering, harvesting, and bean quality. Despite increasing climate pressure, production, yield per hectare, and export revenues increased over time, indicating improvements in farm management, processing systems, and market integration. The findings confirm that climate shocks significantly influence coffee export performance in East Africa, underscoring the importance of climate-smart practices and quality-focused value chains for long-term resilience.

ABSTRACT
Fruit flies, Bactrocera spp., are among the most destructive fruit/vegetable- eating agricultural pests in the world, particularly in African countries such as Sudan. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of trap color, cultural and sanitation measures on density of the peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Several field surveys were conducted in the Gezira State, Sudan during the 2016/2017 growing season. Three locations were selected in the study area and three sites were selected at each location. An orchard was randomly selected at each site and five directions at each orchard were determined. Methyl eugenol trap was used to estimate the effect of trap color, cultural and sanitation measures on the population density of the fruit flies. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis and analysis of variance. The results obtained showed that during the flowering period of mango, peach fruit fly was highly attracted to other colors rather than the yellow color, whereas, during fruiting the insect was highly attracted to the yellow color compared to the other colors. The density of the insects was significantly lower in the well managed orchards (8.7 insects per trap per week) compared to the poor managed orchards (36.9 insects per trap per week). Accordingly, the trap color, composition of the horticultural crop, proper cultural practices and good sanitation measures are factors need to be addressed when considering peach fruit fly control.

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support for environmental maintenance and physical health can be done when environmental awareness arises and maintaining it so as not to damage the environment requires religious support, especially from the main source of the teachings of the Quran. by finding a number of verses of the Quran that support environmental preservation so that religious adherents are increasingly convinced to carry out the missions of teachings for the good and survival of human life through a heuristic study of the Quran and theoretical support found in the Quran related to Go Green (5 verses), Islamic Ecology (4 verses), Commemorating Islamic Holidays (10 verses), Preventing Drugs and AIDS (15 verses).

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The aim of this work is to study the development of a response surface methodology for the optimization of hesperidin extraction from orangette composition. The optimization of extraction parameters such as concentration, pH, temperature and extraction time were performed by the centered composite design (CCD) method. The analysis of variance showed a good fit of the model and the performance of the RSM method to improve hesperidin extraction, due to the fact that R2=0.927, R2Adjusted=0.825, R2Pred=0.602 and P<0.05. The optimal conditions determined for the extraction of hesperidin by the response surface methodology were 130 mg/ml for the solvent concentration, pH (12.67), temperature (62°C) and extraction time 3.45h for the extraction time with a theoretical yield is 67.44%. These results showed that the developed model is satisfactory and relevant for hesperidin extraction.

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Introduction: The degradation of soil fertility in West Bengal has become a pressing issue on both an ecological and agricultural level due to years of intensive agricultural practices, the use of unbalanced fertilizers, nutrient depletion (mining), decreasing organic matter content (soil organic carbon), salinity encroachment in coastal areas, arsenic contamination, and widespread erosion of riverine terrain. The decline in organic matter in agricultural soils in the state is one of the most significant drivers of reduced fertility in West Bengal. Objectives: The aims of study are to assess the impact of soil fertility degradation upon agricultural productivity and sustainability and suggest appropriate soil management and conservation measures. Research Methodology: The methodology for this study is qualitative and quantitative, using a combination of descriptive analysis with comparative and interpretive assessments. The methodology enables an assessment of soil fertility over time spatially without having to conduct new field experiments on soil fertility. Result and Discussion: Impacts of Diminishing Soil Fertility on Agricultural Products and Productivity, Soil Management and Conservation Strategies, Limitations of the Study have been discussed. Conclusion: Soil fertility degradation in the Cooch Behar District has in fact become an obstacle to the sustainability of agricultural production.