Sustainability Science and Resources

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

Fitsumbirhan Tewelde — 2025-06-24

Abstract

Between December 2023 and June 2024, ethnobotanical use and the diversity of medicinal plants were studied in Zana and Laelay Koraro Woredas, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia. Semi-structured interviews, field observations, ranking methods, and informant consensus were among the ethnobotanical techniques used in the study. 117 medicinal plants in both woredas were gathered and identified that represent 53 families and 93 genera. The most commonly utilized medicinal plants were those belonging to the Fabaceae family (11.11%), Solanaceae family (6.8%), and Euphorbiaceae family (4.3%).

The most common plant growth forms were trees (33.33%), shrubs (35%), and herbs (25.6%). The most often used plant parts were the leaves, which included 56 species (37.6%), roots (22.8%), and seeds (8.7%). The majority of herbal preparations are applied internally and externally, accounting for 61% and 39%, respectively. Agricultural expansion is the main threat factor for medicinal plants. There was a significant, strong positive correlation (p<0.01, r = 0.7) between the age of healers and their medicinal plant knowledge. However, a negatively weak correlation result was observed between educational level and the knowledge of medicinal plants. The study's findings showed that the availability of plant-based medicines and their correlation with healing knowledge have preserved a variety of species of medicinal plants. The patchy forests are a hotspot area for medicinal plants, which serves valuable resources for healers and provides essential information for phytochemical and pharmacological research. If the younger generation is to respect and use traditional medicine for conservation and sustainable forest use, it is also crucial that they learn about the use of medicinal plants and how elders used them to treat their own and their livestock's illnesses in the absence of modern medications.

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

Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi — 2025-06-16

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

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

Mesfin Boja — 2025-06-04

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.