Article
Veterinary Sciences
Tarni L. Cooper, Dominic Smith, Mark Jaypee C. Gonzales, Marlon T. Maghanay, Sunny Sanderson, Marie Rachelle Jane C. Cornejo, Lohreihleih L. Pineda, Rose Ann A. Sagun, Oliver P. Salvacion
Summary: This study examines the impacts of African Swine Fever (ASF) in smallholder communities and value chains in the Philippines, highlighting the emotional impacts and variations among different actors. The authors recommend a careful and humane approach to ASF control, as well as tailored support programs.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Carin Hill, Mpho Hlahleni, Lebogang Legodi
Summary: The South African Personality Inventory (SAPI) was developed to capture South Africa's rich multicultural and multilingual view of personhood; however, there are issues with the factor structure in the two indigenous language versions, particularly in the Neuroticism factor and Emotional Stability facet.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Trust M. Pfukwa, Olaniyi A. Fawole, Marena Manley, Cletos Mapiye
Summary: This study evaluated the phenolic content and antioxidant profiles of indigenous fruits in Southern Africa and found that the seeds of Colpoon compressum and Syzygium guineense have potential as natural sources of phenolic antioxidants for food application.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
B. E. van Wyngaard, P. E. Strydom, A. Hugo
Summary: This study conducted a survey to examine the meat quality characteristics of beef loin cuts in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa. The aim was to determine the variation and consistency of beef quality over time. The results showed significant variations in characteristics relevant to consumer preferences and satisfaction among different products sold as porterhouse steak in South Africa.
Article
Development Studies
Catherine Mawia Mwema, Wibke Crewett, Job Lagat
Summary: The study found that smallholders rely on close relationships with family members, friends, and neighbors for access to markets, while non-farmer groups and religious networks also play a significant role in facilitating bulk purchases and market access for smallholders. Policies and programs aimed at smallholders' market development should employ targeted strategies for both farmer groups and non-farm associations.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maria Julia Ferreira, Carolina Levis, Leonardo Chaves, Charles Roland Clement, Gustavo Taboada Soldati
Summary: This study synthesized the management practices used by small-scale societies in the South American savannas and demonstrated the importance of this management in maintaining diverse ecosystems. The findings showed that these management practices help to keep the savannas open and increase the occurrence of forest ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Erika Chenais, Klara Fischer, Tonny Aliro, Karl Stahl, Susanna Sternberg Lewerin
Summary: Smallholder subsistence pig production is common in Uganda, however, the endemic spread of African swine fever (ASF) is driven by human activities along the smallholder value chain. Despite stakeholders' awareness and positive attitude towards biosecurity, basic biosecurity is lacking due to costs and a lack of adaptation. Engaging the community and involving stakeholders are important for improving disease prevention and control. Participatory action at the community level was investigated in Northern Uganda to improve biosecurity in the smallholder pig value chain. The methodology facilitated implementation of initially controversial measures and was positively received for strengthening community identity and cooperation.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Edwin Hlangwani, Janet Adeyinka Adebiyi, Oluwafemi Ayodeji Adebo
Summary: Umqombothi is an important dietary beverage for undernourished, low-income consumers, with optimized brewing conditions leading to a beer with higher energy, protein, ash content, glutamic acid, and vitamin B-3 compared to customary brew. The optimized beer also showed higher concentrations of key minerals and antioxidants, making it a desirable nutritional choice.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Economics
Eliza Zhunusova, Vianny Ahimbisibwe, Le Thi Hoa Sen, Azin Sadeghi, Tarin Toledo-Aceves, Gillian Kabwe, Sven Guenter
Summary: This commentary paper discusses the unintended effects of the new European Commission proposal on deforestation-free products, and suggests potential ways to reduce the negative impacts on smallholders and indigenous peoples in producer countries.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Business
Margareet Visser, Matthew Alford
Summary: The prevailing focus of global value chain (GVC) analysis has been on the dominance of Northern retailers over suppliers in the global South. However, the rise of regional and domestic value chains (RVCs/DVCs) within the Global South has brought about changes in the governance of labor standards involving both private and public actors. This study examines the evolving public-private governance of labor standards in RVCs and DVCs that intersect with GVCs and explores the implications for workers operating across different value chains.
JOURNAL OF BUSINESS ETHICS
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Aletta Matshidiso Magoro, Bohani Mtileni, Khanyisile Hadebe, Avhashoni Zwane
Summary: This review focuses on the genetic diversity, conservation, and sustainable utilization of indigenous goat ecotypes in South Africa. The indigenous goats are valuable animal resources, as they can thrive in resource-limited production systems and challenging environmental conditions. However, there are gaps in the current knowledge, necessitating further research using genomics technologies to assess their genetic diversity and inform conservation strategies.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Este Van Marle-Koster, Carina Visser, Judith Sealy, Laurent Frantz
Summary: Cattle populations arrived in Southern Africa almost 2000 years ago, brought by farming communities migrating southwards. Over the centuries, cattle have played a crucial role in livestock production, cultural events, and social status indicators. Research indicates that indigenous cattle breeds in South Africa are well-adapted to local environmental conditions and have the potential to enhance productivity and alleviate poverty in the developing livestock sector.
Article
Business, Finance
Bernard Njindan Iyke, Sin-Yu Ho
Summary: The study found that industries were more exposed to exchange rate risk during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to sectors. While exchange rate exposure mostly hurt sectors and industries, some specific sectors and industries, such as beverages, mining, and technology, may benefit from it.
FINANCE RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Bhaveni B. Kooverjee, Pranisha Soma, Magrieta A. van der Nest, Michiel M. Scholtz, Frederick W. C. Neser
Summary: Climate change has a significant impact on beef production, with greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production systems being a major contributor. This study identified selection signatures related to production and adaptation in Nguni and Bonsmara cattle using genomic data. The results revealed several genes related to DNA methylation, heat stress, feed efficiency, and nitrogen metabolism. Crossbreeding programs utilizing Nguni and Bonsmara cattle are recommended to improve livestock performance in the face of climate change.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gillian F. Black, Pam Sykes
Summary: Community engagement is recognized as an ethical and valuable part of health science research, but it can be challenging in marginalized contexts. This case study focuses on an NGO-led community engagement project in South Africa, which used participatory visual methods to facilitate communication between community members and researchers.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Ian K. Dawson, Wayne Powell, Prasad Hendre, Jon Bancic, John M. Hickey, Roeland Kindt, Steve Hoad, Iago Hale, Ramni Jamnadass
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Ramni Jamnadass, Rita H. Mumm, Iago Hale, Prasad Hendre, Alice Muchugi, Ian K. Dawson, Wayne Powell, Lars Graudal, Howard Yana-Shapiro, Anthony J. Simons, Allen Van Deynze
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maarten van Zonneveld, Roeland Kindt, Svein O. Solberg, Sognigbe N'Danikou, Ian K. Dawson
Summary: Traditional African vegetables have potential to contribute to healthy diets and climate resilience in sub-Saharan African food systems. The geographical diversity and conservation status of these species were examined, with hotspots of diversity identified in West Tropical Africa, South Cameroon, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Eswatini. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to protect vegetable diversity in West Tropical Africa and South Cameroon.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jon Bancic, Christian R. Werner, R. Chris Gaynor, Gregor Gorjanc, Damaris A. Odeny, Henry F. Ojulong, Ian K. Dawson, Stephen P. Hoad, John M. Hickey
Summary: Intercrop breeding programs using genomic selection can generate faster genetic gain compared to those using phenotypic selection, regardless of the genetic correlation between monocrop and intercrop yield.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Stepha McMullin, Barbara Stadlmayr, Kai Mausch, Cesar Revoredo-Giha, Fiona Burnett, Luigi Guarino, Inge D. Brouwer, Ramni Jamnadass, Lars Graudal, Wayne Powell, Ian K. Dawson
Summary: Nutritious orphan crops have the potential to diversify African food systems, but there is a need for appropriate strategies to make this happen. Literature review and analysis of crop production data did not clearly indicate the importance of different interventions, while experts survey showed a lack of consensus on the significance of specific measures for orphan crops. Cross-disciplinary teams are seen as crucial for developing mainstreaming strategies for orphan crops.
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Lars Graudal, Ian K. Dawson, Iago Hale, Wayne Powell, Prasad Hendre, Ramni Jamnadass
Summary: Linking existing plant breeding methods with global trends and values in new and creative ways provides a 'systems approach' to address global production challenges more effectively. We illustrate this approach through tree breeding, which we coin as 'tree diversity breeding'. The features of this approach are applicable to broader plant breeding problems.
TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yun-Yu Chen, Miriam Schreiber, Micha M. Bayer, Ian K. Dawson, Peter E. Hedley, Li Lei, Alina Akhunova, Chaochih Liu, Kevin P. Smith, Justin C. Fay, Gary J. Muehlbauer, Brian J. Steffenson, Peter L. Morrell, Robbie Waugh, Joanne R. Russell
Summary: The pericentromeric regions of barley show reduced diversity compared to wild barley, and there are different types of variations and linkage disequilibrium between the domesticated and wild gene pools. The chromosome 7H clearly differentiates barley types associated with different geographical origins.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maarten van Zonneveld, Roeland Kindt, Stepha McMullin, Enoch G. Achigan-Dako, Sognigbe N'Danikou, Wei-hsun Hsieh, Yann-rong Lin, Ian K. Dawson
Summary: As climate changes in sub-Saharan Africa, forgotten food crops have the potential to diversify major staple production and enhance food security. However, these crops have been neglected in climate-change adaptation strategies. Our study identified 58 prioritized forgotten food crops that can cover a significant portion of the production locations for major staples in sub-Saharan Africa. Integrating these crops into cropping systems can support more climate-resilient and nutrient-sensitive food production in the region.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Roeland Kindt, Sammy Carsan, Lars Graudal, Ramni Jamnadass, Jens-Peter B. Lilleso, Wubalem Tadesse, Joyce Chege, Fabio Pedercini, Soren Moestrup, Ian K. Dawson
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jon Bancic, Damaris A. Odeny, Henry F. Ojulong, Samuel M. Josiah, Jaap Buntjer, R. Chris Gaynor, Stephen P. Hoad, Gregor Gorjanc, Ian K. Dawson
Summary: Advances in sequencing technologies have allowed for the exploration of crop diversification beyond major staples. This study analyzed the genome of finger millet, an orphan crop, and identified four distinct groups of accessions corresponding to major geographic regions of cultivation. The analysis of sub-genomes and phenotypic data revealed a complex diversification history, providing valuable insights for the future development of finger millet.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amy Ickowitz, Stepha McMullin, Todd Rosenstock, Ian Dawson, Dominic Rowland, Bronwen Powell, Kai Mausch, Houria Djoudi, Terry Sunderland, Mulia Nurhasan, Andreea Novak, Vincent Gitz, Alexandre Meybeck, Ramni Jamnadass, Manuel R. Guariguata, Celine Termote, Robert Nasi
Summary: Trees and forests play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of the global food system by providing nutrient-rich foods, income for food security, ecosystem services for food production, and resilience to food systems. They also protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Cesar Revoredo-Giha, Luiza Toma, Faical Akaichi, Ian Dawson
Summary: This study investigates the consumption and nutritional implications of underutilized crops in current diets. Using millet as a case study in Uganda, the results show that although millet can improve the intake of macronutrients and some micronutrients, a significant price reduction is needed to achieve a substantial increase in its quantity in the diet given current preferences and demand inelasticity.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD ECONOMICS
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Todd S. Rosenstock, Ian K. Dawson, Ermias Aynekulu, Susan Chomba, Ann Degrande, Kimberly Fornace, Ramni Jamnadass, Anthony Kimaro, Roeland Kindt, Christine Lamanna, Maimbo Malesu, Kai Mausch, Stepha McMullin, Peninah Murage, Nictor Namoi, Mary Njenga, Isaac Nyoka, Ana Maria Paez Valencia, Phosiso Sola, Keith Shepherd, Peter Steward