Sustainability Science and Resources

The Impact of Industry 4.0 on Women-Owned Agribusinesses in South Africa- Gauteng Province

Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi; Shamila Singh — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Women-owned agribusinesses in Gauteng, South Africa face significant challenges in leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies for sustainable growth to understand the influence on business expansion and profitability to design targeted interventions.This study examines the impact of Industry 4.0 on women-owned agribusinesses in Gauteng, South Africa, using a survey of 135 female farmers to identify key factors and strategies for growth.

A survey was distributed through Google Forms to gather quantitative data from 135 female farmers. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Spearman's rank correlation and ordinal regression, were used to analyse the data.

The study found that women-owned agribusinesses face significant financial challenges, with 48.1% reporting losses or no profit in 2022 compared to 2018. Only 9.6% of businesses reported gross profits above R200,000, indicating that very few women-owned agribusinesses were able to reach high profitability levels. The study also found that funding, market accessibility, and agricultural skills are the three most important factors for business expansion, with 73.3% of participants considering funding extremely important. Additionally, the study found a weak positive correlation between the use of Industry 4.0 technology and gross profit margins, suggesting that technology adoption is important but not the primary driver of profitability.

Women-owned agribusinesses in Gauteng face significant financial difficulties, with a majority reporting losses or low profitability. Tailored interventions considering demographic factors and leveraging the potential of technology are needed for sustainable growth. The study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by women-owned agribusinesses to navigate the impact of Industry 4.0. The findings highlight the importance of focused support in areas like funding, market access, and skill development to improve the expansion and sustainability of these businesses.

Key Words: Food security, Industry 4.0, Sustainable Growth, Technology Adoption, Women-owned agribusinesses, Economic empowerment, Smart technologies, Automation

Ethnobotanical use and diversity of Medicinal plants in Zana and Laelay Koraro woredas, Ethiopia

Fitsumbirhan Tewelde — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A study on the diversity and ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants was conducted in Zana and Laelay Koraro Woredas, in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia, in December 2023. The study used ethnobotanical techniques like informant consensus, field observations, semi-structured interviews, ranking and both purposive and stratified sampling methods. In both woredas, a total of 117 medicinal plant species were identified, representing 53 families and 93 genera. The Fabaceae (11.11%), Solanaceae (6.8%), and Euphorbiaceae (4.3%) families were the most commonly used medicinal plants. The most prevalent growth forms were shrubs (35%), trees (33%), and herbs (26%). With 37.6% of the plant, leaves were the most commonly used part, followed by roots (22.8%) and seeds (8.7%). Internal application accounted for 61% of herbal preparations, with 39% of the remainder being used externally. Acaia Lehai is the most endangered medicinal plant, primarily due to agricultural expansion. Lepidium sativum is the preferred remedy for treating febrile illnesses. The study revealed a strong and significant positive correlation between the age of healers and their familiarity with medicinal plants (p < 0.01, r = 0.7) and a weak negative correlation between knowledge of these plants and educational attainment. According to the study, the availability of plant-based medications and their link to medical knowledge have been crucial in maintaining a wide variety of medicinal plant species. Patchy forests are essential hotspots for these plants, providing important information for pharmacological and phytochemical research as well as useful resources for healers. To promote conservation and sustainable forest management, it is essential to ensure that future generations respect and continue to utilize traditional medicine. Educating the use of medicinal plants and how local elders treated for youths are fundamental for the development of modern medicine and pharmacological results.

Challenges and Management Strategies for Mediterranean Cork Oak Forests: Impacts of Climate Change, Human Activities, and Invasive Species – A Review

Mesfin Boja, Kaouther Mechergui, Wahbi Jaouadi , Youssef Ammari — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Mediterranean cork oak (Quercus suber) forests, crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting local economies, are experiencing severe and multifaceted declines driven by an array of environmental and anthropogenic factors. These unique ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change, which is manifesting through more frequent and severe droughts, elevated temperatures, and unpredictable precipitation patterns. Such climatic shifts are not only affecting cork production but are also compromising the overall health and resilience of these forests. Concurrently, human activities, including extensive deforestation, overharvesting, and the conversion of forested lands into agricultural or urban areas, have intensified habitat fragmentation and disrupted natural processes essential for forest regeneration. The spread of invasive species, particularly Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), exacerbates these challenges by encroaching on traditional cork oak habitats. This intrusion alters forest composition, reduces biodiversity, and affects ecosystem functionality. Furthermore, diseases such as Phytophthora cinnamomi are playing a critical role in forest decline by attacking cork oak roots, impairing water and nutrient uptake, and contributing to soil degradation. The combined effects of these pressures result in a diminished capacity for natural regeneration and increased vulnerability of these forests to further disturbances. To counteract these threats, adaptive forest management practices are imperative. Selective thinning operations can enhance forest resilience by reducing competition for resources and improving water and carbon use efficiency. Reforestation efforts should focus on planting drought-resistant native species to better align with future climate conditions. Additionally, effective grazing management is essential to prevent soil degradation and maintain vegetative cover. Long-term monitoring and proactive management strategies are crucial for early detection and control of invasive species and diseases, which will help mitigate their impacts and support forest health. Sustainable land use practices, including the promotion of diverse tree species and the integration of indigenous plants, can bolster ecosystem resilience and support a robust soil trophic network. Engaging stakeholders and local communities in conservation efforts and raising awareness about sustainable forestry practices are vital for the successful implementation of these strategies. By adopting a comprehensive and coordinated approach, we can better safeguard the ecological integrity and economic value of Mediterranean cork oak forests, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

The Effect of Plant Growth-Promoting Fungal Species on Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Growth, Yield, and Grain Nutrient Uptake

Zerihun Tsegaye — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the impact of plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) on the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of tef (Eragrostis tef). We evaluated the effects of three fungal species—Trichoderma harzianum Rifai BGB, Penicillium italicum Wehmer, and Aspergillus v. Tiegham BGB on various growth and yield parameters, including plant height, panicle size, shoot and root dry weight, and grain yield per plant. Additionally, we assessed their influence on the nutrient content of tef grains, specifically nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe).

Results showed that Trichoderma harzianum Rifai BGB and Penicillium italicum Wehmer significantly (P<0.001) enhanced plant height, panicle size, and the number of fertile tillers compared to the control and Aspergillus. Both fungi also significantly increased shoot and root dry weight, as well as grain yield per plant. Regarding nutrient uptake, Trichoderma and Penicillium markedly improved nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron content in the grains. Penicillium showed notable improvements in these nutrients compared to the control and Aspergillus, while Trichoderma was superior in nitrogen content.

Our findings suggest that Trichoderma harzianum Rifai BGB and Penicillium italicum Wehmer are effective in promoting tef growth, enhancing yield, and improving grain nutritional quality. These results indicate the potential of using these fungi as biofertilizers to optimize tef cultivation and address nutrient deficiencies in tef grains

Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Frost Management Strategies for Sustainable Tree Planting in Legambo District, Ethiopia

Mesfin Boja, Bethelhem Solomon — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines traditional ecological knowledge and tree planting practices in Legambo District, Ethiopia, focusing on local farmers' preferred tree species and their frost management techniques. With only two percent forest cover and significant frost affecting seedling survival, understanding these practices is vital for sustainable land management. Using a multistage sampling method, data were gathered from 42 households through interviews, questionnaires, and observations. The findings indicate that Eucalyptus globulus is the most favored tree species, accounting for 52% of planted trees, primarily in woodlots. The research underscores the serious impact of frost on young seedlings, especially on degraded hillsides, where farmers report high mortality rates. Additionally, various traditional frost management strategies were identified, such as mulching, building protective barriers, and careful watering. These practices reflect a deep understanding of local ecological conditions and highlight the need to combine traditional knowledge with modern forestry techniques. The study's implications extend beyond Legambo, contributing to broader discussions on sustainable land management in frost-affected areas of Ethiopia. It emphasizes the critical relationship between ecological factors and local agricultural methods, illustrating how farmers address environmental challenges. By investigating tree species selection and frost resilience, the research calls for adaptive management strategies suited to the region's needs. To improve tree survival and rehabilitate degraded areas, the study offers key recommendations, including regular monitoring of seedlings under one year, targeted training for farmers on frost management, and fostering community engagement to share successful practices. Ensuring access to quality planting materials is also essential. By encouraging collaboration among local communities, policymakers, and forestry practitioners, the study aims to bolster sustainable forestry efforts aligned with the region's ecological and socio-economic contexts.