Mussels are bivalve species with established ecological and economic importance. They are known to provide essential supporting services such as nutrient recycling and storage, structural habitat, substrate, and food web modification, and are also used as environmental monitors; regulating services such as water purification (biofiltration); and provisioning and cultural services, including their use as a food source, for making tools and jewelry, and for spiritual enhancement. Mussel hatcheries are crucial for ensuring a stable supply of mussel seeds, supporting the growing global demand, and contributing to sustainable aquaculture practices. This study evaluated the profitability and economic viability of an upscaled mussel hatchery in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines. Primary and secondary data were used to analyze the project profitability and financial viability. Six business revenue models were considered in the study: (1) invest in housing and produce 1-mm spats, (2) invest in housing and produce 1-cm spats, (3) invest in housing and grow 1 mm-spats until 1 cm, (4) no investment in housing - produce until 1-mm, (5) no investment in housing - produce until 1 cm, and (6) no housing-produce 1 cm-spats from the until 1mm. The indicators used include total revenue, net profit, gross profit margin, net profit margin, return on investment, net present value, internal rate of return, breakeven volume and price, and payback period. The results showed that the upgraded mussel hatchery requires an investment of approximately PhP. 3 million. The most profitable business model involves producing mussel spats of up to 1 mm. Investment in mussel hatchery is capital intensive. In the short run, existing or unused hatcheries owned by State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and government institutions can be rehabilitated to increase production. Meanwhile, to increase profitability, existing R&D efforts can be extended to improve survival rates, particularly at the pediveliger to early spats and 1-mm to 1-cm stages.

This study explores the economic benefits of locally managed protected areas (LPA), the role of natural resources in local livelihoods, and the future existence of natural resources in connection with community-based natural resource management. The study selected eight Local Protected Areas (LPAs): three Community Forestry (CF) areas in Kampong Thom province and five Community Protected Areas (CPA) in Siem Reap provinces, Cambodia. The study interviewed 320 households that are members of the eight LPAs. In addition, a total of 17 key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with relevant stakeholders and eight group interviews with the eight LPA committee members. The study revealed that agriculture, forest-related activities, and labor are major sources of income, with forest-related income contributing an average of 23%. Livelihood changes are linked to income sources, the perceived importance of LPAs, and participation in natural resource (NR) protection. Despite conservation efforts, challenges such as deforestation and limited financial support persist. Women significantly contribute to livelihood activities but are less involved in NR management activities. A perception gap exists between the poor and non-poor regarding NR benefits. NR persistence was influenced by the benefits people received and their participation in protective activities. Therefore, enhancing community awareness, especially among the poor, along with financial and technical support, is crucial for sustaining NR use. Awareness-raising programs, government financial support, and external assistance to address challenges and seize opportunities are recommended.

Global warming is a significant challenge faced by many countries worldwide. It adversely affects the environment, climate, society, agriculture, and human life as a whole. The primary cause of global warming is the accumulation of greenhouse gases, which leads to issues such as droughts, decreased agricultural productivity, and climate change. Notably, soil and plants can store more carbon than the atmosphere can. Salt-affected soils are a prevalent issue in many regions worldwide. Therefore, monitoring and surveying soil carbon storage are essential. This study aimed to utilize geographic information systems (GIS) to assess organic carbon levels in salt-affected soils in an area where vermicomposting was applied with organic waste materials. The results showed that the saline soils treated with vermicompost, and organic waste had a higher SOC of 0.560% compared to the unmanaged areas, which had an SOC of 0.350%. Moreover, the soil electrical conductivity in the managed areas with vermicompost was lower (10.16 dSm-1) than that in the unmanaged areas (13.69 dSm-1), and the soil salinity levels during the rainy season were also reduced. The electrical conductivity (ECa) values at a depth of 0-0.75 m were higher than those at 0-1.5 m, indicating that soil with a high organic carbon content had a lower electrical conductivity. In contrast, soils with low organic carbon content exhibited higher conductivities. In conclusion, the experiment demonstrated that managing saline soil areas with vermicompost and organic waste materials effectively increased soil carbon sequestration and reduced soil electrical conductivity, with more benefits observed during the rainy season than during the dry season.

The formation of a freshwater lens, a distinctive lens-shaped body of underground freshwater, is a marvel in areas surrounded by saltwater, such as islands and peninsulas. Despite saltwater infiltration beneath underground freshwater, the density difference ensures that the freshwater floats on the saltwater and remains separate. This freshwater lens, replenished by rainwater infiltration and temporarily storing freshwater, is a precious water resource of immense significance. A freshwater lens has been used for agriculture in the Yumi-Hama Peninsula in Tottori, Japan. However, the limited number of studies on the availability of freshwater resources and their fluctuations in this area is a cause for concern for future sustainability. Moreover, droughts have occurred frequently. Therefore, unstable surface water, such as rivers, reinforces the importance of sustainable groundwater usage. This study investigated the effects of precipitation on groundwater levels using a cross-correlation analysis of the Antecedent Precipitation Index (API) and groundwater levels. The API is an indicator of precipitation involved in groundwater level fluctuations, which is calculated using an exponential function to describe underground infiltration and storage processes. We found positive correlations between the API and groundwater levels at some sites. However, the correlation coefficients were relatively low at sites close to canals, large-scale farms, and shorelines. Possible factors contributing to the low correlation coefficients were the effects of infiltration from canals, pumping for agricultural purposes, and tides. In addition, the time lags for rainwater to reach the groundwater table from the land surface were within 1 day at most sites. These can be explained by the high hydraulic conductivity of sandy soil in the study area.

Blending different agricultural residues for pellet production can address the problem of seasonal availability of materials and improve biomass pellet quality and efficiency. With widely available agricultural residues in Thailand, our previous research took the blending approach to produce biomass pellets from five residue types, including Rice Stubble (RB), Rice Straw (RW), Sugarcane Leaves (SL), Cassava Leaves (CL), and Cassava Rhizome (CR). By combining high and low energy residues, it is possible to enhance the energy density, durability, and other desirable properties of the pellets. To gain a better understanding of agricultural residue availability, this study investigated farming practices and crop/residue characteristics by considering several factors, including the plantation process (site, area, growing crops, production, and harvesting), crop residue production, and crop residue utilization and the management. Using a sub-district in Mahasarakham Province as a case study, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 100 households to collect data on rice, sugarcane, and cassava crops and their associated residues. The Surplus Availability Factor (SAF) was estimated using survey data to assess the ratio of residues available for energy use to the total residue produced. This factor indicates the portion of the residue that can be collected for energy as a surplus after basic local usage. The study showed that RB and RW are the most commonly produced residues in Mahasarakham Province, but only RB has the greatest potential for energy use. SL and CR exhibited substantial volumes in the area despite the lower production of cassava and sugarcane. Regarding seasonal availability, RB and RW are available for a longer duration, whereas SL, CL, and CR are only available for four to five months. The results show that SL and CL were not used at all, and their SAFs were 1.00. Meanwhile, CR and RB had relatively lower SAF values (0.913 and 0.875, respectively). As rice straw may be sold and utilized for various applications, it had the lowest SAF (0.134). An estimated 5,509 tons of biomass pellets could be produced annually in Mahasarakham Province using the agricultural residues that are currently available. The biomass blending technique can offer an alternative use of agricultural waste to generate energy and value-added products. Using agricultural waste as an energy source has numerous environmental benefits, including minimizing harvesting burning, providing a carbon-neutral fuel supply, and encouraging the circular economy by using waste as an input for new products.

The rapid expansion of oil palm plantation areas in Southeast Asia has brought economic benefits but has also led to substantial environmental challenges due to deforestation and excessive fertilizer use. This study examined the hydro-chemical and isotopic characteristics of water in irrigation channels in oil palm plantations in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia. Water samples demonstrated oxidative environments with pH ranging from 2.67-6.59, EC ranging from 7.27-138 mS/m and DO ranging from 0.46-4.83 mg/L. Channel waters in peatland areas were highly acidic (pH 3.25-3.67), probably because of the presence of humic acids. Isotopic analysis indicated that meteoric water was the primary source of water in the irrigation channels, with isotope fractionation due to water evaporation observed at specific points. The δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O values of NO₃^- suggest that the sources of nitrate were primarily ammonia fertilizers and atmospheric deposition. Overall, these findings imply that after precipitation enters the plantation irrigation water, subsequent evaporation and human activities modify water quality. These results highlight the need for sustainable oil palm management practices to safeguard water resources and mitigate the environmental impacts on surrounding ecosystems.

Wagina Island, a small island within the Solomon Islands chain, is located in the South Pacific Ocean, 1700 km northeast of Australia. Wagina Island has an area of 110 km², with 60% of the island (48 km²) containing an economically viable quantity of bauxite. The Solomon Bauxite Limited (SBL) mining company was granted a prospective license over Wagina Island in 2011 and development consent in 2013. In 2018, the residents of Wagina opposed the development of the bauxite mine. In 2019, the Landowners Advocacy and Legal Support Unit (LALSU) within the Solomon Islands Public Solicitors Office (PSO) represented Wagina Island residents in 2018. The Solomon Islands Environment Advisory Committee (EAC) convened in 2018 for the first time since the 1998 introduction of the Environment Act 1998. All grounds presented by LALSU were upheld by the EAC, providing a historic defeat for the bauxite mine development. This study focuses on evaluating the environmental factors that influenced the revocation of the bauxite mine development. The EAC decision was based on: ’(i) legislative procedures for public consultation and publication of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) were not followed; (ii) the EIS did not meet legislative and regulatory requirements; (iii) the decision to issue a development consent is inconsistent with the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and (iv) the unacceptable impacts to the environment, to the residents of Wagina and their livelihoods and on nearby islands and marine environment.’ The decision was a win for the Wagina people and the environment of the Solomon Islands, incorporating an independent legal appeals process and building environmental law capacity in the Pacific region.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of organic matter, has emerged as a promising soil amendment for enhancing soil properties. It has been shown to increase soil pH, boost microbial activity, improve nutrient retention, and enhance water-holding capacity. When applied to acidic soils, biochar neutralizes the pH and improves nutrient availability, creating a more favorable environment for crop growth. However, the effects of biochar vary significantly depending on the soil type, crop species, and biochar application rate. This study explored the impact of biochar application made from branches and twigs on soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), under Avena sativa cultivation. Biochar was applied at rates of 0, 2, 4, and 8 tons per hectare, and soil pH and EC, and plant growth were monitored over two and a half months. The results demonstrated that biochar initially increased soil pH, with higher application rates of 4 and 8 t/ha, reaching mild alkaline levels favorable for leguminous crops. Biochar significantly increased pH and EC, particularly at higher rates, although the effects diminished over time. These findings highlight the potential of biochar as a short-term soil amendment for pH and nutrient enhancement in acidic soils. This study emphasizes the need for periodic applications or combined soil management strategies to sustain soil quality improvements. This study contributes to sustainable agriculture by offering insights into the role of biochar in enhancing soil health and productivity. Further research on the long-term effects of biochar and its interactions with other soil amendments could help optimize its use for sustainable crop production.

This study assessed the vulnerability of households in the Cangaranan Watershed to climate variability and extremes and examined their adaptive strategies. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions across two municipalities in Antique Province, Philippines: Bugasong and Valderrama. The study involved 192 randomly selected respondents, complemented by socio-demographic data and development plans from municipal and provincial sources. A community-based vulnerability index was developed to identify the key factors contributing to this vulnerability. The findings revealed that the average respondent age was over 55 years, with a balanced gender distribution (54% women). Most respondents were married, had diverse educational backgrounds, and had an average monthly household income of PhP 12,434.00. Agriculture, particularly rice farming, is the primary livelihood in this area. The watershed has faced severe climate-related challenges over the past two decades, including numerous typhoons (e.g., Frank, Ondoy, Yolanda, Paeng, and Odette), prolonged droughts (notably during the 2009-2015 period), and recent El Nino events (2023-2024). These events have resulted in food shortages, water scarcity, and disruption of domestic water supply. Farmers employ various coping mechanisms, such as reducing consumption, taking out loans, and seeking assistance from social networks, NGOs, and government agencies. This study underscores the urgent need for effective and inclusive climate resilience strategies, emphasizing the importance of development planning that prioritizes the most vulnerable populations. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term impact of adaptation measures and addressing socioeconomic barriers in marginalized communities.

The agricultural sector in several countries in the Western world faces a two-sided problem: the aging of farmers and the shifting of the younger generation toward other sectors. In Japan, this issue is accentuated by the shrinking of the agricultural workforce, as the number of young new farmers has been declining significantly since 2016. Farming is, above all, an entrepreneurial activity, as it requires investment, risk-taking, and management skills. Over the years, Japan has consistently ranked low in terms of youth entrepreneurial intentions. This study suggests that the lack of attractiveness of farming activities to the younger generation is tied to the generally low entrepreneurial orientation of youth in Japan. Considering that European countries succeed in attracting and retaining more youth as agricultural entrepreneurs and workers, this study answers three questions: What are the characteristics of young professionals evolving in agriculture in European countries? What strategies have these countries implemented to attract younger generations to farming? What assets can a country like Japan mobilize to make farming more appealing to its youth? We analyzed the policies and farm business environments in selected European countries where youth are increasingly represented in agriculture. To this end, we followed the PSALSAR methodology to search, appraise, synthesize, analyze, and report the results. Countries included in the overview were France, Germany, Finland, Austria, and Poland. Ultimately, this study discusses how Japan can concretely address this issue to guarantee its future competitiveness and improve its self-sufficiency by attracting young professionals in agriculture. By analyzing the European Common Agricultural Policy (2023-27) and national institutional innovations of selected countries, the review finds that incentives are more effective than financial grants in attracting and retaining young people in farming.

Agricultural information dissemination systems play a key role in farmers’ decision-making. Recently, much emphasis has been placed on agricultural modernization facilitated by digitizing agricultural information services in Tamil Nadu’s agricultural sector. Studies point to various facilitating and limiting factors related to the availability, accessibility, and adoption and use of digital agricultural information dissemination systems, including the provision of information related to extension and advisory services, weather-based agricultural advisory services, and market-based agricultural advisory services. The Uzhavan application (app), a key digital agricultural information dissemination system developed by the Tamil Nadu government in 2018, provides comprehensive market prices, subsidy schemes, and weather forecasts. However, it has had poor uptake and utilization, and only 18% of Tamil Nadu farmers have registered on the Uzhavan app. To address this, we examined the evolution and institutional frameworks of agricultural information dissemination systems (extension and advisory services, weather-based, and market-based agricultural advisory services), we analysed facilitating and hindering factors of different digital agricultural information dissemination systems, and we identified challenges facing the farmers in the study area. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 farmers in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu. We also obtained relevant secondary data from the literature for this study. The results showed a lack of ideal institutional design for disseminating digital agricultural information in equitable and affordable ways. Lack of awareness, lack of institutional trust, gender and socioeconomic gaps in access, lack of contextualized content, and costs of access were identified as challenges to accessing digital agricultural information. Therefore, in the future, it is necessary to identify and incorporate factors responsible for the equitable and affordable dissemination of digital agricultural information.

The food retail landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by the rapid expansion of online shopping and shifts in internal and external environments. This change has catalyzed the growth of pure-play digital food retailers and the adoption of a ’phygital’ (physical and digital) approach by modern retailers. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit model, this study evaluated the efficiency of digital (n=17) and phygital (n=42) food retailers across different regions and the key factors contributing to their efficiency. Digital food retailers were slightly more efficient than their phygital counterparts. Financial, structural, and macroenvironmental variables influence online retail efficiency, with farmer partnerships emerging as a critical factor for enhancing performance. Structural and financial factors showed the importance of experience, strong supplier relationships, and cost-control strategies in creating more efficient retail systems. Interestingly, macroenvironmental factors, such as high internet penetration rates, impeded efficiency, while a nation’s overall network readiness showed no significant influence.

Urbanization, coupled with inadequate sewage infrastructure, results in the accumulation of septic tank sludge, which poses significant environmental and public health risks. This study explored the potential of transforming dewatered septage into a valuable agricultural resource through composting, aligning with the goals of sustainable development and rural-urban synergy. This study investigated the composting of dewatered septage mixed with bulking agents (rice straw, sawdust, and wood chips), focusing on key environmental management aspects such as pathogen reduction, nutrient cycling, and heavy metal stability. Pathogen reduction was significant, with E. coli levels in rice straw and sawdust compost falling below the EPA Class A standard of 1,000 MPN/g, whereas wood chips met Class B standards with levels below 2,000,000 MPN/g. The composts contained no viable helminths, ensuring their safety for agricultural use. Nutrient analysis revealed suitable levels of nitrogen (2.20% in rice straw, 1.08% in sawdust, and 2.22% in wood chips), phosphorus (1.98% in rice straw, 0.70% in sawdust, and 1.97% in wood chips), and potassium (0.77% in rice straw, 0.04% in sawdust, and 0.14% in wood chips), which support soil fertility and land conservation efforts. This study provides a sustainable, circular approach to septage management, highlighting its potential to enhance soil quality, reduce environmental pollution, and promote climate resilience. This composting method offers an innovative pathway for transforming urban waste into agricultural resources, fostering rural-urban synergy, and supporting sustainable development. Future studies should optimize composting conditions and explore the long-term benefits of composting for agricultural productivity and environmental health.

This study developed and evaluated novel hybrid granular fertilizers by blending urea with locally available organic materials using molasses as a binder. Six treatments (T1-T6) were prepared with varying ingredient ratios and granulated using a small concrete mixer. Granule uniformity and size distribution (2.01-4.75 mm and 4.76-8.00 mm) were determined by hand sieving, indicating their suitability for bulk production and industrial application. Water stability was assessed using an aggregate analyzer for over two hours. Nutrient dissolution experiments were conducted to measure the initial release of nitrate and potassium. The results showed low uniformity indices, indicating consistent granule size and production scalability. Molasses alone did not dictate granule formation; a balanced mix of organic materials was essential for this process. Molasses enhanced water stability, but compost (T4) was the most effective for granule stability, outperforming chicken manure. Compost is recommended as a core organic component for stable slow-release granules. One-way ANOVA confirmed a highly significant treatment effect on nutrient release (P < 0.001). T5 and T6 were optimal for crops requiring rapid early season nutrition (leafy vegetables), whereas T4 was suitable for perennials or leaching-prone soils. Biochar-rich T1 and T2 treatments are recommended for soils requiring long-term nutrient cycling. Further optimization is required to tailor the formulations to specific agronomic requirements. These findings contribute to the development of slow-release hybrid fertilizers, thereby supporting sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka.

Hydroponic greenhouses are a potential solution to the increasing demand for food and nutrition for the global human population. However, agriculture is influenced by complex relationships between multiple variables, particularly in regard to controlled environments, making it challenging for farmers to identify essential factors to create and manage optimal conditions for higher crop yields. Data-driven decision-making is an appealing solution for overcoming this challenge. The objective of this study was to use data science methods to identify the essential factors affecting a hydroponic tomato farm in Hino City, Tokyo, Japan. Specifically, this study identified the essential microclimatic and hydroponic factors that affect tomato yield. Further, this study compared the application of linear multiple regression and random forest regression models to identify the essential factors impacting the tomato harvest. Data sensors were installed in the greenhouse to obtain microclimatic and hydroponic data. Farm records, plant growth records, and tomato harvest data from three crop cycles (November 2021 to July 2024) were also collected. The moving average method was applied to smooth the data during preprocessing. The random forest regression model outperformed the linear regression model with a higher R² value of 0.9, whereas the linear model had a lower R² value of 0.31. Both models identified electrical conductivity supply, temperature, and the amount of water per plant as significant factors affecting tomato yield. Electrical conductivity showed a negative correlation, whereas temperature and the amount of water per plant showed a positive correlation, highlighting the importance of maintaining optimal levels for higher yields. This study provides practical insights into the essential yield-influencing factors and supports the implementation of customized management practices through data-driven decision-making, empowering smallholder hydroponic farmers to increase productivity.

Eco-entrepreneurship refers to social enterprises formed to address local and global problems such as poverty and climate change. This study examines two developing coffee enterprises based in the municipalities of Kalamansig and Lebak in the province of Sultan Kudarat and employs focus group discussions and SWOT analysis to understand the strategies adopted by coffee farmer associations. A survey was conducted to assess the participants’ readiness to engage in community-based entrepreneurial activities. The two producer associations represent less than 5% of the total coffee growers in their Barangays. These farmer associations were formed to access assistance from the government and other donors. Additionally, they aim to consolidate their production to meet the volume and quality specifications of major buyers in the future. Moreover, the members expressed interest in establishing a trading store to consolidate coffee beans from both members and nonmembers. However, they currently lack working capital, as the association is expected to pay cash upon delivery of Green Coffee Beans (GCB). Association members also face several ecological and erratic climatic conditions, such as heavy rains and landslides, which continually affect coffee production. These challenges present significant obstacles to their operations; however, the spirit of cooperation among members signals growth and progress. One of the community activities that the association members participated in was tree planting in forested areas to reduce landslide incidence. Despite entrepreneurial and environmental uncertainties, the association has been exploring consolidated trading by engaging with a cooperative for a possible market arrangement. The association plans to unite and enhance each member’s competencies and inspire other farmers to join by implementing meaningful capacity building and entrepreneurial activities. Moreover, the association has joined a network of coffee farmers to collectively address the environmental and economic challenges they face.

The project "Erosion Study and Action Plan for the City of Skopje" was initiated by the administration of the City of Skopje, as well as the expert community, after a catastrophic flood event occurred in August 2016 in the Skopje region, resulting in the loss of 22 lives and causing immense damage and losses. According to Article 135 of the Law on Water: "On the basis of technical documentation, the state administrative body competent for environment, the council of the municipalities of the City of Skopje and the water management enterprises for their respective areas, shall determine the boundaries of both the erosive area and the area endangered from erosion, and specify the measures and the activities pertaining to the protection of land from erosion and regulation of torrents." Based on this legal framework, a methodology was developed to define the actual and potential erosive areas. The starting point was the creation of an erosion map using the Erosion Potential Method, in which all identified erosive areas were considered and analyzed. To define the erosion risk, the erosion map was overlaid with critical infrastructure, inhabited areas, and main transport infrastructure. In the Skopje region, 5,874 ha of actual erosion risk areas and 36,332 ha of potential erosion risk areas were delineated as part of the Action Plan. The Action Plan proposed administrative measures and technical work, including prohibited and obligatory activities specific to actual and potential erosive areas.

Northeast Thailand, home to 60% of the nation's rice paddies, is a crucial rice-producing area. Over 90% of its fields are rain-fed, making them highly vulnerable to climate variability. Therefore, studying the impact of climate change on rice cultivation and proposing adaptation strategies is essential. One such strategy is shifting the transplanting date (TPD), which can help avoid extreme summer temperatures and increase water availability. Many studies have shown that shifting the TPD can improve rice yields, but in rain-fed systems, the harvest area is equally vital because of water limitations. Thus, this study examined the differences in the effects of TPD adjustments when evaluated using unit yield versus total rice production. A model was developed to estimate both crop growth and harvest area, with TPD determined by the condition that free water levels remained above a threshold for three consecutive weeks. The threshold was set at 12.9 mm based on a previous study. The model was calibrated using data from 2007 to 2016 and validated using data from 1997 to 2006. The model accuracy during both periods, evaluated using RMSE, demonstrated good agreement with the observed data for all provinces except Loei. To identify the optimal TPD for maximizing unit yield and total production, the threshold was adjusted in 5 mm increments, ranging from 12.8mm to 32.8mm. In 1991, the results showed that 10 out of 16 provinces had different optimal TPDs depending on whether the objective was to maximize unit yield or total production. Specifically, in seven provinces, the optimal TPD for total production occurred later than that for unit yield, likely due to heterogeneous rainfall patterns. These findings suggest that climate change adaptation strategies should prioritize total rice production over unit yield when assessing their impacts.

Forest grazing, which uses grassland and woodlands for livestock grazing, is generally considered an environmentally friendly method of livestock management. However, its implementation is rare, and the full extent of its environmental impact is poorly defined. Here, we examined the effect of forest grazing on the current state of river water quality. The study site was the S River, which flows through K Farm, located in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. The K Farm offers forest grazing for its beef cattle. River water was collected at nine points on the main S river and at five tributaries that join the main river near the pastureland and upstream of the dam. The mean ion concentration of river water was 8.1-16.4 mg/L for cations and 6.5-11.5 mg/L for anions. The concentrations were relatively low at all the sampling points. The average total nitrogen (T-N) concentration ranged from 0.18 to 0.75 mg/L, which is below the environmental standard of 1.0 mg/L. In the tributaries, the nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) ratio was approximately 45%, which was greater than the main river value of 30%. Regarding the relationship between the first and second principal components of the PCA results, the plot trends differed between the main river upstream and downstream and between the tributaries. The overall ion concentration in the main river upstream was low. In contrast, the five tributaries showed a different trend from the main river; in particular, the overall water quality concentration of tributary T2 was high, and K+, PO₄^2-, and T-N were high. It is necessary to conduct long-term observations of seasonal and temporal fluctuations in the tributaries flowing through grazing areas to investigate the effects of grazing.

Eutrophic reservoirs play a pivotal role in the carbon cycle by releasing methane (CH₄) from water into the air. However, efforts to estimate these emissions are limited by high analysis costs and inconsistent methodological approaches. Therefore, we surveyed and evaluated the occurrences of violent eutrophication in two reservoirs and estimated CH4 emissions based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change guidelines. We studied the physicochemical characteristics of water, nutrient ratio, and trophic state status in two reservoirs, Bueng Si Than and Bueng Kaen Nakhon, in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. The results demonstrate a violent eutrophication phenomenon at a hypertrophic level. The Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen to Total Phosphorus (TKN:TP) ratio was high at 20.24 in Bueng Si Than, indicating a TP limitation, whereas a low TKN:TP ratio of 4.87 in Bueng Kaen Nakhon indicated that TKN was a limiting nutrient factor for algal blooms. The trophic state index (TSI) (TP) and TSI Chlorophyll a (Chl a) of greater than 70 confirmed hypertrophic status in both reservoirs. The average scores, ranging from high to low, were: TSI (Chl a), TSI (TP), and TSI (SD), with a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the two reservoirs. Furthermore, the estimation of CH₄ gas emissions was achieved on the average of 303.41±25.12 and 1,449.23±186.77 kgCH₄/day in Bueng Si Than and Bueng Kaen Nakhon, respectively. In addition, the relationship between Secchi depth and Chl a with the estimated CH₄ gas emissions was obtained in this study. However, the maximum Secchi depth in the range of 0.38-0.43 m. obtained from the simulation was preliminarily recommended for the estimation of CH₄ gas emissions from eutrophic reservoirs.

The Philippine coffee industry faces decreasing yields and an increasing reliance on imports. Climate change exacerbates these difficulties, particularly for small-scale coffee farmers who lack the resources and infrastructure to adapt to changing weather, pests and diseases. Internet of Things (IoT) technologies present a promising solution for small-scale coffee farmers as a tool to monitor environmental conditions, manage and improve crop health, and optimize resource use. However, the effective adoption of IoT technology requires targeted capacity building to equip farmers with positive attitudes and essential knowledge and skills. A Pre-Assessment Survey (PAS) was conducted with 40 farmer participants across two coffee farming communities in the province of Bukidnon, Philippines. The PAS evaluated current knowledge, skills, and attitudes in each of the five key components: IoT familiarity, nursery management, plant nutrient management, pest and disease management, and openness to learning new horticultural handling techniques. The results revealed that most farmers were unfamiliar with IoT technologies and had limited or no experience in operating digital tools for agricultural purposes. While some expressed awareness of the potential benefits of technology in farming, this did not translate into actual usage or skills. Nursery management practices are often inconsistent, with many farmers lacking familiarity with proper spacing, shading, and seedling hardening techniques. Similarly, while the importance of plant nutrition has been acknowledged, practical understanding of microbial fertilizers and diagnostic methods, such as soil and leaf testing, remains limited. In terms of pest and disease management, farmers tended to rely on traditional methods, with minimal exposure to or use of technological tools for early detection of pests and diseases. Despite these gaps, farmers demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and were open to adopting new practices aimed at improving seedling quality and productivity. A comprehensive, culturally contextualized training program is recommended to build farmers’ capacity, foster technology adoption, and support the transition toward climate-resilient, sustainable coffee production systems.

Land use and land cover (LU/LC) classification is an important aspect of research in various sectors of society. With technological advancements, LU/LC classification is a catalyst to achieve set goals, including the Malawi 2063 agenda. Diamphwe Basin, with over 90% farmers, is in central Malawi on vastly flat land, with a lot of potential in both commercial and subsistence agriculture production. Using the September 2017 and 2022 Sentinel-2 images, supervised classification and change detection were performed to track LU/LC changes using the maximum likelihood algorithm. The classes used for this classification were dense vegetation, wetland vegetation, agricultural land, settlement land, and bare land. The results showed that dense vegetation land increased by 10%, mostly converted from wetlands in forest reserves, and agricultural land decreased by 15.5%, of which a large proportion was converted to settlement land, thus increasing settlement land (urbanization) by 11.7%. The increased dense forest is expected to have a cooling effect and can increase baseflow to river discharge, whereas decreased agricultural land is expected to have a heating effect on the land mass. However, owing to the proximity to agricultural land, people in the basin experience more heating effects than cooling effects. Urbanization can create a ready market and can be leveraged to increase agricultural production through irrigation in the basin, as seen in the case of the Ganges River Basin. An increase in dense forest area could lead to an increase in river discharge owing to an increase in basin storage in the form of a baseflow increase. Since almost all human developments occur on land, LU/LC change detection is the key to policymakers and other stakeholders in achieving the three pillars of the Malawi 2063 agenda, thus agricultural development, industrialization, and urbanization by keeping abreast of the changes on the land.

This study examines the impact of the Provision of Expanded Access to Child Education and Protection in Conflict-Affected Areas (PEACE-PRO) project in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where ongoing armed conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted basic education. Conducted over five months (May-August 2024), this ethnographic case study employed semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with learners, teachers, parents and project implementers. Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a framework, this study analyzes how PEACE-PRO addressed both educational quality and child protection through the creation of safe learning spaces, provision of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, teacher training, and community-based education governance. The findings indicate that 100% of the parent participants gained a deeper understanding of child protection principles, while 65% recognized the value of educational sessions despite logistical barriers. Moreover, 95% expressed interest in integrating livelihood support into child-focused interventions. This study highlights the potential of private-sector initiatives to contribute meaningfully to rural development, child protection, and educational resilience in conflict-affected settings.

This study evaluated the determinants and adoption patterns associated with sustainable rice farming practices in Central Northeast Thailand. A sample of 109 farmers was selected using multistage sampling, targeting regions with a high number of GAP-certified or organic rice farmers. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise regression. The findings revealed that the most widely adopted sustainable rice farming practice was manure application (89.91%), whereas more advanced practices, such as climate-smart or precision agriculture, exhibited low adoption rates (9.17%). Participation in farmer groups played a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices, with 93.75% of high adopters engaging in farmer groups, underscoring the importance of local institutions in facilitating adoption. Risk attitude also influenced adoption, with risk-tolerant farmers more likely to embrace sustainable practices, particularly among the high-adoption group (56.25%). Economic awareness was significantly correlated with higher adoption levels, with an average Likert score of 4.41 among high adopters. The regression analysis confirmed that farmer group participation and economic awareness had statistically significant positive effects on adoption, whereas risk aversion had a statistically significant negative effect. Additionally, challenges related to pest and weed management have encouraged farmers to seek more effective solutions, thereby facilitating the adoption of sustainable practices. These results indicate that enhancing local institutional support and promoting superior rice varieties are crucial for increasing sustainable rice farming practices in this region.

Japan has about 150,000 irrigation ponds, primarily located in areas with low rainfall and regions lacking nearby rivers. These ponds primarily supply irrigation water for paddy fields and serve as year-round sources of domestic and fire-fighting water. In recent years, Japan has experienced an intensification and increase in the frequency of heavy rainfall events from summer to autumn (July to September), leading to an increase in the number of water-related disasters. These irrigation ponds have also suffered an increase in disasters caused by heavy rainfall. To address this issue, one of the flood control methods for irrigation ponds is "low-water-level management". By maintaining lower water levels, it is expected that the risks of dike breaches due to overtopping will be minimized, and peak flow from the spillway will also be mitigated. However, implementing low-water-level management may lead to the potential risk of not being able to secure a sufficient water supply for irrigation. This study evaluated the feasibility of implementing low-water-level management across 52 irrigation ponds in the Oro River Basin in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture. We calculated the recovery period for water storage using only baseflow to determine whether it is possible to maintain low water levels without compromising the necessary water supply. The results indicate that low-water-level management can be implemented in many ponds without significant concerns regarding water availability, supporting its potential as a flood control measure.

This study investigated the impact of seasonal variations on the quality of fresh semen in two Thai Native chicken breeds: Deang Dok Koon (DDK) and Pradu Hang Dam (PD). A 3 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD). The factors considered were season (summer, rainy, and winter) and breed (DDK and PD). Twelve roosters per breed (aged 1 year) and 40 commercial laying hens were housed in open-air conditions. Semen was collected twice a week for 24 weeks (48 total collections). Semen volume, mass movement, sperm progressive motility, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm viability, sperm morphology, and fertility were evaluated. No significant interaction was found between season and breed. While the season did not affect mass movement, sperm progressive motility, and total sperm count, it significantly influenced semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm viability, sperm morphology, and fertility. Winter had the highest sperm concentration (4.51 × 10⁹ sperm/mL), followed by summer (4.16 × 10⁹ sperm/mL) and the rainy season (3.82 × 10⁹ sperm/mL). Summer had the lowest sperm viability (93.45%), whereas rainy (95.49%) and winter (95.22%) seasons were similar. Sperm morphology was higher in summer (6.79%) than in the rainy season (5.66%) and winter (5.18%); however, the rainy season and winter were not significantly different. Fertility rates were highest in winter (86.81%) and the rainy season (85.88%), with summer (77.99%) being the lowest. Breed significantly affected mass movement, sperm progressive motility, sperm concentration, and sperm viability, but not fertility. The PD breed showed superior semen quality compared to DDK. Overall, seasonal variations significantly impacted fresh semen quality, with winter providing optimal conditions compared to summer and rainy seasons.

Food products in the Philippines mostly use synthetic preservatives, including the curing powder for pork longganisa (sausages) (PL), a widely consumed cured meat. Currently, there is an emerging trend to look for natural alternatives to increase the nutritional value of food while ensuring its stability during storage. In Sibalom, Antique, 41.9% or 11,250pcs. of watermelons are surveyed to be rejected and left on the field to rot after harvest. The development of these rejects as food preservatives and additives from the rinds and peels of red-fleshed "Sweet 16" (RF16) and yellow-fleshed "Sweet Gold" (YFSG) watermelons was conducted. The peels and rinds were oven-dried at 60OC were powdered and added at 6% to the PL. A positive control using Prague powder (PRP) and a negative control (NC) were used alongside the treatments. The sensory evaluation results showed a significant difference in odor among the PRP, RF16, and YFSG samples on day 16. Meanwhile, no significant differences were found between the color, texture, and flavor of all samples. The free fatty acid content of PRP and NC increased on day 27, whereas it decreased for RF16 and YFSG, suggesting better shelf-life stability. When analyzing the nutritional content, no significant differences were observed in the moisture content of all samples, whereas the crude fat content did not differ between YFSG and PRP. Crude protein was highest in PRP, whereas the crude fiber content of YFSG and RF16 was significantly higher and even increased on day 27. The use of watermelon peels and rind powders from the rejects was comparable to that of the commercial preservative, as it further improved the nutritional content and shelf-life stability of pork longganisa, promoting a circular food system that can also be introduced to a wide variety of food products.

Indonesia, the world’s top palm oil producer, yielded 46.99 million tons in 2023. The province of Riau, which leads in both production and plantation area, has initiated three industrial zones focused on palm oil cultivation. Of all the industrial estates, only the Dumai Industrial Estate (DIE) is implementing downstream processing by 2025, potentially enhancing the sector’s value-added contribution. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the palm oil value chain in Indonesia, no research has focused on specific regions or examined the relationships between the entities within those regions. This study examines the structure and governance of the value chain in DIE. DIE has four distinct value chains: Wilmar International Group (WIG), First Resources Group (FRG), Permata Hijau Group (PHG), and Sumber Jaya Oleo Group (SJIOLEO). These four supply chains function independently with no horizontal integration. DIE specializes in palm oil-based products, including oleofood, oleochemicals, and oleofuel (biodiesel). Notably, only the WIG chain, through PT Wilmar Nabati Indonesia, employs RSPO-certified CPO for its export products. PT Wilmar Bioenergi Indonesia, operating within the WIG, FRG, PHG, and SJIOLEO chains, does not procure RSPO-certified CPO because its production of biofuels and oleochemicals primarily serves the domestic market. In DIE, not all downstream palm oil activities focus on exports, and value chain governance, whether based on RSPO or non-RSPO certification, follows a hierarchy type.

In Cambodia, forest cover decreased from 73% in the 1960s to 41% in 2020. The causes of deforestation and forest degradation include forest clearing and agricultural expansion, large-scale illegal logging, and timber trade following the issuance of Economic Land Concessions (ELCs). The impact of deforestation continues due to the overexploitation of forest resources by the growing population and unofficial ELCs. The massive forest loss in Cambodia has increased the risk of natural disasters, decreased the biological and genetic diversity of indigenous trees, and jeopardized local livelihoods where residents have traditionally relied on forest resources. Therefore, the Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation (ERECON) has been addressing the challenges of forest loss with the aim of sustainable community development across Cambodian provinces. Initiatives are formed by integrating all three organizational programs, including: 1. Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation - We recommend promoting participatory reforestation and management activities, enhancing carbon sequestration through agroforestry, conserving biodiversity through mixed planting of native tree species, and promoting genetic diversity through the propagation of seedlings. 2. Utilization of Natural Resources: Enhancing natural resource circulation through agroforestry, compost making using locally available organic resources, and promoting sustainable forest resource utilization. 3. Environmental Education: Promoting capacity building of local communities through workshops, training sessions, and participatory rural appraisal methods; formulating management groups that play a central role in managing planted seedlings; strengthening the capacity of schoolteachers; and promoting environmental education in elementary schools. In the program year of 2024, the project on promoting school environment greening, aiming for forest environmental education in Tboung Khmum Province, as well as the project on promoting reforestation and education for sustainable development in Siem Reap Province, were implemented. Based on the cases implemented in both provinces, the achievements and challenges of sustainable forest management in Cambodia are discussed.

In rural Cambodia, inadequate school facilities and a shortage of classrooms continue to constrain children’s access to education, despite increasing parental demand for schooling. Equally critically, the legacy of the Pol Pot era disrupted traditional forms of cooperation, eroded trust among villagers, and left many communities with limited experience in collective action. These conditions have made the concept of ’community’ fragile and underdeveloped, posing significant challenges for rural development. To address both the educational and social dimensions, this project introduced school construction not as an end, but as a strategic entry point for community development. In the fiscal year 2024, the project was implemented in four primary schools in Tboung Khmum Province. At each site, school construction committees composed of local residents and teachers mobilized donations and labor, supervised construction progress, and practiced joint decision-making and accountability. Through these processes, residents began to rebuild trust and recognize the value of working together for a shared public good. After construction, contributions were reinvested into community development funds, which initiated small-scale businesses, such as community loans, chicken raising, fertilizer sales, and agricultural product collection. The profits from these activities are intended to be reinvested in education as revenue grows, reinforcing a cycle that links improved learning environments with community-led economic activities. The results suggest that school construction, when strategically positioned as a driver, can not only improve educational infrastructure but also foster cooperation, ownership, and self-reliance among rural Cambodian communities that have historically lacked strong traditions of collective action.