Abstract:Highland mixed farms often underuse available forage diversity because ration decisions are made quickly without updated feed value references. We evaluated a mobile advisory service that sends short decision nudges combining current forage inventories, indicative nutrient values, and simple balancing suggestions. Participating households improved ration composition and reduced abrupt concentrate substitution during forage fluctuations. Milk consistency indicators and reported animal energy status improved across the trial period, while users highlighted the practical value of concise recommendations in local language formats. The approach required minimal smartphone literacy and integrated smoothly with existing extension visits. Results indicate strong potential for scalable digital support in low resource highland forage management contexts.
Abstract:Seasonal floodplain systems present narrow recovery windows that are easily disrupted by uncoordinated grazing pressure. We co developed participatory grazing calendars with producer groups to align herd movement and rest periods after flood recession. Monitoring over one year showed stronger forage regrowth and improved ground cover persistence in coordinated villages compared with adjacent control areas using open access routines. Households reported fewer conflicts over access timing and observed improved animal weight maintenance at the end of the dry period. The study emphasizes that socially negotiated scheduling tools can complement agronomic interventions and improve resilience of shared forage resources in densely populated floodplain landscapes.
Abstract:Peri urban dairy farms frequently rely on degraded plots with low organic matter, limiting forage nutritional performance across repeated cuts. This study tested compost sourced from segregated urban market residues as a circular input for forage strips near city margins. Treated plots produced higher leaf biomass and improved nutrient profiles relative to mineral fertilizer only controls, particularly in potassium and digestible fiber fractions. Farmers reported better ration flexibility because forage quality remained consistent for longer intervals. The intervention required modest labor increases but reduced purchased feed dependence during price spikes. Results suggest that regulated compost supply chains can strengthen local forage systems while diverting biodegradable municipal waste streams.
Abstract:Seed access constraints often delay adoption of improved forage varieties among remote livestock households. We examined a women led seed exchange network that multiplied and distributed climate resilient forage lines through local savings groups. Survey and field data from two districts show higher varietal uptake, more timely planting, and stronger retention of locally adapted germplasm compared with non network communities. Group based seed quality checks reduced germination failures, while peer demonstrations increased confidence in managing unfamiliar varieties. The model also generated supplemental income through small packet sales. Findings support integrating community seed governance into formal extension plans to accelerate equitable forage innovation diffusion.
Abstract:Post baling losses remain high where forage is stored in poorly ventilated sheds and humidity is not monitored continuously. This research deployed low cost sensor nodes to track temperature and relative humidity across stacked bale zones in cooperative warehouses. A simple alert rule based on threshold persistence enabled earlier rotation and selective aeration before visible mold developed. Compared with prior seasons, participating sites reduced spoiled bale fractions and improved feed acceptance by dairy herds. Interviews indicate that workers adopted the system quickly because alerts were delivered through familiar messaging channels. The approach demonstrates that affordable digital monitoring can produce measurable quality gains in resource constrained storage environments.
Abstract:Forage shortages in semi arid rangelands are increasingly linked to short but intense drought episodes that limit regrowth after cutting. We tested a low rate biochar amendment strategy in mixed legume grass plots managed by family farms in central Chile. Across two dry years, amended plots retained higher near surface moisture and showed faster canopy recovery after harvest events. Crude protein levels remained within acceptable feeding ranges despite rainfall deficits, and producers observed fewer complete stand failures in edge fields. Economic analysis indicates that targeted application in vulnerable zones is more feasible than blanket treatment, offering a practical adaptation pathway for small and medium forage producers.
Abstract:Small dairy producers often face severe feed gaps during dry months, causing abrupt milk decline and household income shocks. This paper analyzes a cooperative silage model implemented by village producer groups that pool transport, chopping, and storage labor. Data from three production cycles show improved feed availability duration and reduced emergency concentrate purchases compared with individual pit management. Milk output variability decreased notably during late dry season weeks, while calf body condition remained more stable in participating farms. The study highlights governance factors such as transparent stock records and rotating supervision as core drivers of cooperative success and recommends scaling through district extension partnerships.
Abstract:This study evaluates a satellite informed scheduling method for forage harvest across mixed crop livestock farms in humid monsoon districts. We combined weekly vegetation indices, local rainfall forecasts, and cooperative field logs from two seasons to identify practical harvest windows under uncertain weather. Compared with fixed calendar cutting, the proposed approach improved dry matter consistency and reduced post harvest spoilage losses during high rainfall weeks. Farmers also reported lower labor bottlenecks because harvest crews were mobilized in shorter targeted windows. The findings show that low cost advisory tools can stabilize forage planning without requiring expensive machinery or intensive technical training.
Abstract:The Congo Basin rainforest faces accelerating deforestation threatening global biodiversity and carbon storage. We analyzed Sentinel satellite imagery to quantify deforestation rates and identify drivers across the Democratic Republic of Congo. Small-scale agriculture expansion drove 64% of forest loss, followed by artisanal logging and mining. Road network expansion facilitated forest access in previously intact areas. Near-real-time monitoring systems enabled rapid alert generation for enforcement agencies. Our methodology supports REDD+ monitoring requirements while informing targeted conservation interventions.
Abstract:Refugee youth face elevated mental health risks yet evidence-based interventions remain limited. We systematically reviewed 67 studies of psychological interventions for refugee children and adolescents. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy showed strongest evidence for PTSD symptom reduction. School-based programs reached larger populations with moderate effectiveness for depression and anxiety. Cultural adaptation and community involvement improved intervention acceptability. Our synthesis identifies promising approaches while highlighting research gaps in humanitarian mental health programming.