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Research Article
Frankincense Production from Boswellia papyrifera “(Del.) Hochst” in South Kordofan State, Sudan (Production, Opportunities and Value Chain)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
173-185
Received:
22 July 2025
Accepted:
11 August 2025
Published:
3 September 2025
Abstract: Boswellia papyrifera “(Del.) Hochst” is an important multipurpose tree in the Savanna zone of Sudan. The tree produces frankincense which is considered as an important commodity in many African countries. There is lack of information about frankincense production, processing and marketing in Sudan. Therefore, this study aims to provide information about production, tapping, collection and processing and to disseminate this information to the producers, stakeholders such as companies, forest administrations and producers’ association. The methodology includes critical review to current literature on frankincense production and export from Sudan. Key informant interview with FNC staff and analyses of production data in the study area. The results showed that the average frankincense yield in the study area ranged between 1.7 to 2.6kg/tree. The average producer production is ranged between 60-85 quintal/ year. The analysis of the production data for the period 2017 to 2025 showed that the highest frankincense production (432.85 tonne/year) was recorded for Rashad locality followed by (343.32 tonne/year) for Talodi locality, while the lowest frankincense production of (12.3 tonne/year and 13.48 tonne/year) was recorded for Dalanj and Abu Gebiha localities, respectively. The frankincense price in the study area is started from 2700 US$ in the beginning of the season to 4450 US$/ tonne by the end of the season. For the value chain about eight actors in frankincense production were identified and their role in production, marketing and export was examined. Those actors include government bodies (Forest National Corporation (FNC), State Ministry of Finance, State Ministry of Agriculture, Zekat, Taxation office, and locality), local leader (Ommads and Sheikhs), Producers, village trader, traders in domestic markets, trader in urban markets and exporters. The study showed that the net revenue at village level is about 230000 SDG/quintal about 92 USD$, the revenue from domestic market is about 16 USD$/quintal, while the revenue from the auction market is about 116 USD$/quintal. The main production constrains in the study area include excessive tapping, lack of fund for tapping and collection, low frankincense price, expansion of cultivation, war, illicit cutting and animal grazing. The study concluded that frankincense production from Boswellia is profitable for all actors in the frankincense value chain. The study recommended providing financial support to frankincense producers during tapping and collection and offering credit facilities to local community to get production permit, reduction of taxes and fees. More research is need in production, marketing and supply chain of frankincense in Sudan as general and in South Kordofan in particular.
Abstract: Boswellia papyrifera “(Del.) Hochst” is an important multipurpose tree in the Savanna zone of Sudan. The tree produces frankincense which is considered as an important commodity in many African countries. There is lack of information about frankincense production, processing and marketing in Sudan. Therefore, this study aims to provide information ...
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Research Article
Assessment of Yam Varieties Reaction to Plant Parasitic Nematodes Infestation in -Two Agro-Ecologies of FCT, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
186-190
Received:
11 August 2025
Accepted:
20 August 2025
Published:
11 September 2025
Abstract: Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are monocotyledonous plant that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae, originated from Southeast Asia. In this study, five popular Yam varieties namely Kwasi, Yangbede, Shakata, Army and Pamio were evaluated for their reactions to Plant Parasitic Nematodes (PPNs) infestation in two locations Kwali and Kuje of FCT, Nigeria where yam is cultivated. Percentage frequency of PPNs, Mean population densities of PPNs and Occurrence of yam varieties were analyzed using Analysis of Variance where means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of probability. The percentage frequency Pratylenchus spp of Kwasi yam variety at Kwali was 51.3% higher than at Kuje 47.5%. Three nematodes; Pratylenchus spp, Meloidogyne spp, and Scutellonema spp were isolated from rhizosphere soils across the locations. Pratylenchus spp mean population was 121.08% and 97.24% higher than Meloidogyne spp was 113.01% and 91.23% and Scutellonema spp was 82.21% & 36.13% at Kwali respectively. However, the mean population at Kuje shows that Pratylenchus spp has 77.08% which is higher than, Scutellonema spp and Meloidogyne spp (28.23% and 23.37%) Similarly, 77.08% and 55.11% of Pamio yam variety were found more than Army at Kwali and Kuje respectively. This research has highlighted the presence of Shakata, Yangbede, Kwasi, Army and Pamio and yangbede yam varieties infestation of PPNs in all locations. Thus, there is a need to factor in nematode suppressive strategies into the cultural practices utilized in the entire yam producing endemic area if optimum yield is to be realized.
Abstract: Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are monocotyledonous plant that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae, originated from Southeast Asia. In this study, five popular Yam varieties namely Kwasi, Yangbede, Shakata, Army and Pamio were evaluated for their reactions to Plant Parasitic Nematodes (PPNs) infestation in two locations Kwali and Kuje of FCT, Nigeria where ...
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Research Article
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Micro-Scale Irrigation Program Among Tea Farmers in Burere Sub-County, Buhweju District
Turyahabwe Naboth*,
Osiru David,
Ssemakula Edward
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
191-199
Received:
21 August 2025
Accepted:
9 September 2025
Published:
26 September 2025
Abstract: The study assessed the factors influencing the adoption of micro-scale irrigation systems among tea farmers in Burere Sub-County, Buhweju District. It was guided by three objectives which were to; analyze the factors affecting the adoption of micro-scale irrigation programs among tea farmers, establish the effect of micro-scale irrigation programs on tea production among farmers and establish strategies for increasing the adoption of micro-scale irrigation systems to improve tea production and farmer livelihoods. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design and primary data was collected from 300 respondents. The researcher used questionnaire and focus group discussion guide to collect primary data. The data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0. The study concludes that multiple interlinked strategies significantly influence the adoption of micro-scale irrigation systems among tea farmers. Access to extension services, financial support, and training programs were the most influential strategies to adoption. The study recommends that; there is a need to deploy more extension workers and ensure frequent farmer contact to improve awareness and skills, there is a need to partner with microfinance institutions to provide low-interest loans for irrigation equipment, implement public-private partnerships to lower costs through subsidies or bulk purchases, invest in community dams, tanks, or boreholes near tea-growing zones and support the formation and training of farmer cooperatives/farmer groups to promote peer-based irrigation adoption.
Abstract: The study assessed the factors influencing the adoption of micro-scale irrigation systems among tea farmers in Burere Sub-County, Buhweju District. It was guided by three objectives which were to; analyze the factors affecting the adoption of micro-scale irrigation programs among tea farmers, establish the effect of micro-scale irrigation programs ...
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Research/Technical Note
Pastoralists and Agropatoralists Adaptation to Climate Change at Zallingei, Locality Central Darfur State, Sudan
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
200-214
Received:
2 August 2025
Accepted:
13 August 2025
Published:
26 September 2025
Abstract: Adaptive mechanisms of communities to cope with climate changes was studied in Zallingei, Central Darfur State. Samples of population in three selected areas (Teraj, Orukom and Abatta) were estimated according to villages family size. The study utilized primary data (questionnaire, field visits, open key informants discussion). SPSS was used for categorical analysis and multivariate correlation was carried out using R software. Chi- square was used for the correlations among natural resources and community perceptions. The results showed that respondents’ perception (pastoralists and agropastoralists) of climate change impacts were conceived by most (77%) of the respondents for the last 40 years as increase in temperature and fluctuation in rainfall. Media was shown to be the source of information for 66%. For the historical situation of rangeland, most (69.3%) rated as dense, while some (24.3%) as medium. For the current changes were related to climate variability as confirmed by 73% but 40% related changes to degradation, whereas 16% related it to land degradation. The majority (85%) believed that palatable species had disappeared. Correlation analysis between the main sources of grazing and disappearance of pasture plants was significantly (P ≤ 0.001). Availability of the pasture was not enough as expressed by most (88.3%) of the respondents. Impacts on animal production were related mostly to rainfall (92%) and temperature (60%), wind seemed to have no effect. Incidents of fire were highly (66%) recognized. Various mechanisms were adopted by pastoralists to adapt to climate variability. Migration to neighboring countries in search of pasture and forage (53%). 82.3% used trees as animal feed, 52% would sell their animals or change herd structure and composition (32%). Income generating activities was presented in charcoal making (42%), trading (31%), and as labor in cities (10%). Some of the herders would convert to agriculture activities (11%) or mining (3%), others who converted to agricultural activities included free lancers (26%), gold miners (4%) and animal breeders (2%). Women participation in dairy processing as income generating activities was cited by many participants (69%). It could be concluded that adaptive strategies adopted by farmers might not be enough to best cope with climate variability, some recommendations are provided to improve rangeland condition and animal performance.
Abstract: Adaptive mechanisms of communities to cope with climate changes was studied in Zallingei, Central Darfur State. Samples of population in three selected areas (Teraj, Orukom and Abatta) were estimated according to villages family size. The study utilized primary data (questionnaire, field visits, open key informants discussion). SPSS was used for ca...
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Research Article
Butterflies’ Diversity Indicates Habitat Quality in Magombera Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania
Fredy Ndandika*
,
Paulo John Lyimo,
Ezekiel Edward Mwakalukwa
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
215-225
Received:
20 May 2025
Accepted:
3 June 2025
Published:
18 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20251405.15
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Abstract: Butterflies are widely recognized as biological indicators of habitat quality due to sensitivity to environmental changes and habitat disturbances. This study aimed to assess butterflies’ species diversity in Magombera Nature Forest Reserve (MNFR), Tanzania as indication of forest recovery from the previous disturbances. Specifically, the study aimed to assess i) current status of butterfly species richness and diversity in MNFR, and (ii) butterfly species abundance, dominance and distribution in MNFR. Data collected through line transects using sweep nets and visual observations across the forest area of 2,623 ha. Species richness computed as a total number of species in a given area, species diversity computed using Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H') and abundance computed as a total count of all individuals. The results indicated that a total of 155 butterfly species belonging to six families and 64 genera recorded in MNFR. Closed forest had high species richness (105) and diversity values (H' = 4.06) and Grassland has least species (46) and diversity values (H' = 3.27). Variation in vegetation composition in MNFR influence higher butterfly species richness, diversity and abundance in closed forest and open woodland than in grassland and riparian vegetation indicating the improvement of forest recovery from prior disturbances after being upgraded to nature reserve in 2018. Therefore, intensive management approaches that currently implemented by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) at MNFR should be maintained to overcome other ecological changes. This will assure proper ecological flow within the forest and between Udzungwa Mountain National Park and Selous Game Reserve.
Abstract: Butterflies are widely recognized as biological indicators of habitat quality due to sensitivity to environmental changes and habitat disturbances. This study aimed to assess butterflies’ species diversity in Magombera Nature Forest Reserve (MNFR), Tanzania as indication of forest recovery from the previous disturbances. Specifically, the study aim...
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