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Research Article
The Impact of Solid Waste Management on Community Livelihoods in Gasabo District, Rwanda: A Case Study of Nduba Landfill (2019-2023)
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
108-126
Received:
8 August 2025
Accepted:
5 September 2025
Published:
22 October 2025
Abstract: Solid waste management (SWM) has a direct and critical impact on the livelihoods of communities, especially those residing near major landfills. In Kigali, the Nduba Landfill faces immense pressure from rapid urbanization and poor waste handling practices, resulting in widespread environmental degradation, health issues, and economic hardship for nearby populations. Informal waste pickers also face unsafe working conditions and limited income opportunities due to the absence of formal recognition and support systems. Therefore, the study aimed to the effect of solid waste management and community livelihood in Nduba Landfill. The study employed a descriptive survey design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The sample was 357 respondents and the data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. Findings revealed a generally high level of community satisfaction with existing waste management practices, reflected in mean ratings of 4.1 to 4.3, indicating positive perceptions. However, laboratory results showed serious environmental issues. Water samples had critically low dissolved oxygen levels (0.16 mg/L) and elevated Chemical Oxygen Demand (5004.5 mg/L) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (88.92 mg/L), signaling heavy organic pollution. Soil tests found an alkaline pH of 8.03 and trace metals within acceptable limits, though lead presence (20 mg/kg) requires long-term monitoring. These findings conclude that effective waste management not only sustains acceptable environmental conditions but also significantly enhances socio-economic outcomes for the local community. The most pressing concern identified was the poor water quality caused by landfill leachate, posing serious health risks to the community. The study recommends the installation of effective leachate treatment systems, formal recognition and protection of informal waste pickers, and investment in waste-to-energy initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and strengthen community livelihoods.
Abstract: Solid waste management (SWM) has a direct and critical impact on the livelihoods of communities, especially those residing near major landfills. In Kigali, the Nduba Landfill faces immense pressure from rapid urbanization and poor waste handling practices, resulting in widespread environmental degradation, health issues, and economic hardship for n...
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Research Article
Adoption Patterns and Determinants of Prosopis juliflora Management Interventions Among Households in Baringo South Sub-county, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
127-136
Received:
5 November 2025
Accepted:
17 November 2025
Published:
28 November 2025
Abstract: Prosopis juliflora is a highly invasive species in Kenya's semi-arid lands, presenting significant ecological threats while simultaneously offering potential livelihood opportunities. This study aimed to examine the adoption patterns and determinants of its management interventions by using a cross-sectional research design, collecting data from 270 households in Baringo South Sub-County through a multistage sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a Generalized Poisson Regression Model (GPRM) to identify adoption patterns and assess the intensity of adoption of the Prosopis juliflora management interventions, respectively. The study findings reveal that the most prevalent management interventions are low-value options, dominated by charcoal production (84.85%) and firewood production (47.73%), whereas there is limited adoption of higher-value alternatives such as livestock feed processing (12.88%) and biochar production (5.68%). The regression analysis showed that adoption intensity is positively influenced by landholding size (p<0.01) and distance to the market (p<0.01), and on the contrary, it is negatively associated with household size, access to credit, casual labour occupation, training, access to information, and awareness of legal frameworks. These findings highlight a critical need for targeted interventions to promote sustainable and diversified Prosopis juliflora management. The study recommends implementing tailored training programs, enhancing market access for higher-value products, and establishing supportive policy frameworks to improve both ecological restoration and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Abstract: Prosopis juliflora is a highly invasive species in Kenya's semi-arid lands, presenting significant ecological threats while simultaneously offering potential livelihood opportunities. This study aimed to examine the adoption patterns and determinants of its management interventions by using a cross-sectional research design, collecting data from 27...
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Review Article
Crop Residues Management for Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Mitigation
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
137-148
Received:
29 October 2025
Accepted:
7 November 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajere.20251004.13
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Abstract: Agriculture contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for roughly one-eighth of total anthropogenic emissions. A major yet underutilized resource within this sector is crop residues, biomass byproducts often discarded or burned in open fields. Such practices release large amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, degrade soil quality, and exacerbate air pollution. Conversely, sustainable crop residue management presents a critical opportunity for renewable energy generation, greenhouse gas mitigation, and rural development. This review article synthesizes existing research on the current patterns, technologies, and policy frameworks of crop residue management, with a particular focus on developing countries. It highlights the persistence of inefficient traditional practices such as open-field burning and low-efficiency household combustion, and evaluates cleaner and more efficient thermochemical (e.g., pyrolysis, gasification) and biochemical (e.g., anaerobic digestion) conversion pathways. These technologies can transform crop residues into a variety of valuable bio-products, including biofuels, syngas, biochar, biogas, and digestate, that simultaneously offset fossil fuel use and enhance soil fertility. Drawing on findings from life-cycle assessment studies, this review shows that substituting fossil fuels with crop-residue-derived energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% and non-renewable energy demand by over 80%. The analysis underscores the dual benefits of crop residue utilization for climate change mitigation and sustainable rural energy access, while identifying persistent barriers such as technological inefficiency, collection logistics, soil carbon trade-offs, and inadequate policy and financial support. The review concludes that integrating sustainable crop residue management into national energy and agricultural strategies is essential for achieving low-carbon development and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Strengthened policy measures, promoting technological innovation, farmer education, and private-sector investment, are crucial to transforming crop residues from an environmental burden into a cornerstone of a circular bioeconomy that fosters energy security, soil restoration, and climate resilience.
Abstract: Agriculture contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for roughly one-eighth of total anthropogenic emissions. A major yet underutilized resource within this sector is crop residues, biomass byproducts often discarded or burned in open fields. Such practices release large amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrou...
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Research Article
Forecasting the Impact of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on Asia-Pacific Forest Product Trade
Yuanhui Hu,
Qian Meng*
,
Neng Chen,
Mei Yuan,
Jie Xia
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
149-160
Received:
20 October 2025
Accepted:
2 November 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajere.20251004.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study provides a comprehensive, quantitative forecast of the dynamic impact of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on forest product exports from nine major Asia-Pacific economies to the EU market. To address the complexity of this policy shock, we develop a novel two-stage forecasting framework that integrates LASSO regression for high-dimensional variable selection with OLS modeling. This approach generates dynamic monthly projections from October 2025 to December 2027, simulating the policy’s effect by combining a historical proxy from the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) with a calibrated “intensity multiplier” based on the EUDR country-risk classification. Our projections reveal a distinct multi-phase adjustment process across the region: an immediate, sharp contraction in Q4 2025, followed by a period of significant volatility and supply chain disruption throughout 2026, and an uneven recovery in 2027. The findings underscore substantial heterogeneity in impacts driven by the EUDR risk-based framework. Standard-risk countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, are projected to face severe volatility and suppressed growth trajectories, with Malaysia’s exports showing particular vulnerability. In contrast, some smaller, low-risk nations like the Philippines may capitalize on a substitution effect, gaining market share as larger suppliers struggle with compliance. The study concludes that the EUDR acts as a powerful disruptive force, reshaping competitive dynamics and necessitating urgent policy responses, including enhanced traceability infrastructure and strategic market diversification, for Asia-Pacific exporters.
Abstract: This study provides a comprehensive, quantitative forecast of the dynamic impact of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on forest product exports from nine major Asia-Pacific economies to the EU market. To address the complexity of this policy shock, we develop a novel two-stage forecasting framework that integrates LASSO regression ...
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