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Research Article
Smart Forestry, Digital Tools, Technologies, and Innovations for Sustainable Forest Management in Kenya
Benjamin Mutuku Kinyili*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
258-274
Received:
2 November 2025
Accepted:
18 November 2025
Published:
17 December 2025
Abstract: Smart forestry, the strategic use of digital tools, Earth Observation (EO) systems, drones, mobile GIS applications, and integrated data platforms and is becoming increasingly important for effective forest governance in Kenya. Forest ecosystems across the country face persistent pressures from illegal logging, charcoal production, encroachment, and climate-driven disturbances, creating a need for faster, more transparent, and data-driven management. In response, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and partners have adopted a suite of digital innovations including satellite-based forest-cover monitoring, drone-supported reconnaissance, mobile data-collection tools, and a national Forest Information System (FIS) that integrates licensing, real-time inventory, and automated alerts. These digital systems have already yielded measurable gains, including a documented reduction in illegal logging cases between 2020 and 2024 and greater participation of Community Forest Associations (CFAs) through mobile reporting of forest health, fire outbreaks, and encroachment. Pilot deployments in Kericho and Baringo show that drones enhance coverage of inaccessible sites and reduce operational costs by up to 35 percent, while emerging digital marketplaces and blockchain-style traceability systems are improving value chains for legal timber and non-timber forest products. Despite this progress, structural barriers—such as weak rural Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure, high device and data costs, and low digital literacy—continue to limit widespread adoption. The paper recommends targeted investments in digital infrastructure, public–private partnerships, capacity-building programs, and policy support to scale up smart forestry nationwide. Integrating digital tools into routine operations offers a transformative pathway toward sustainable forest management, enhanced accountability, a stronger forest-based economy, and progress on Kenya’s climate, restoration, and biodiversity commitments.
Abstract: Smart forestry, the strategic use of digital tools, Earth Observation (EO) systems, drones, mobile GIS applications, and integrated data platforms and is becoming increasingly important for effective forest governance in Kenya. Forest ecosystems across the country face persistent pressures from illegal logging, charcoal production, encroachment, an...
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Case Report
The Role of Agroforestry in Climate-resilient Land and Soil Management: A Case Study of Nigeria’s Ogbomoso Agroforestry Project
Mohammed Abubakar Mohammed*,
Ofia Innocent Chinedu,
Abdul Rahim Mohammed Abubakar,
Soliu Muhammad Jamiu Badari
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
275-280
Received:
12 July 2025
Accepted:
8 August 2025
Published:
19 December 2025
Abstract: Agroforestry is increasingly recognized as a vital tool for sustainable land and soil management, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change. This abstract explores the Ogbomoso Agroforestry Project in Oyo State, Nigeria, where the integration of tree crops such as mango, cashew, and teak with traditional staple crops like maize and yam has been employed as a climate-resilient strategy. This initiative addresses key issues such as soil erosion, declining soil fertility, and unpredictable rainfall patterns, which are exacerbated by climate change. The practice of agroforestry in Ogbomoso helps stabilize the soil through tree root systems that reduce erosion caused by wind and water. Additionally, leguminous trees enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, thus enhancing soil fertility naturally and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. The inclusion of trees in farming systems also improves water retention, a critical factor in semi-arid regions, ensuring that crops can thrive even during dry periods. By promoting biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and providing additional sources of income from tree crops, the Ogbomoso Agroforestry Project not only improves the land’s productivity but also contributes to environmental sustainability and economic diversification. However, despite these benefits, there are challenges, including limited access to technical knowledge, resources, and the long maturation period of tree crops. Addressing these challenges requires government support and policies promoting agroforestry, as well as local and international collaboration. By integrating trees with agriculture, the project provides a holistic solution that enhances soil health, increases agricultural productivity, and fosters ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.
Abstract: Agroforestry is increasingly recognized as a vital tool for sustainable land and soil management, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change. This abstract explores the Ogbomoso Agroforestry Project in Oyo State, Nigeria, where the integration of tree crops such as mango, cashew, and teak with traditional staple crops like maize and yam h...
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Research Article
Agro-Pedological Characterization of Cashew Plantations (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Casamance, Senegal
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
281-289
Received:
19 August 2025
Accepted:
16 September 2025
Published:
29 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20251306.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: In Senegal, the agricultural production system is dominated by rainfed crops, and the tree-crop association is an alternative for sustainable production. The introduction of high value-added woody species into the agricultural space should be one of the solutions for ensuring diversified and sustainable agricultural production. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L., Anacardiaceae), which plays an important role in Senegal's agricultural sector, could be one of the species with high agroforestry potential, but has been little evaluated. The present study aims to contribute to understanding the importance of agroforestry species in agricultural production by characterizing the physicochemical fertility level of soils under cashew tree cover and establishing their cultural aptitudes. To this end, 18 samples were taken from 2/3 of the cashew tree crown radius at two depths, 0-20 and 20-40cm, in different production zones (Kolda, Sédhiou, Ziguinchor) in Casamance, characterized by the presence of poorly developed, ferralitic and hydromorphic soils. The results indicate a silty-clay-sandy texture of the soils in these regions. The texture of the 0-20cm horizon is also silty-clayey-sandy. However, the 20-40cm horizon has a sandy-clay texture. The soils are highly acidic (pH<5), with significant differences between regions and horizons. The highest values for pH, P/Ass, MO, CE, KCl, C, C/N were found in Kolda. A highly significant effect was detected between horizons. The 0-20cm horizon gave the highest values for MO (00.43±0.08%), CE (67.36±1.76), KCL (4.30±0.08), pH (4.69±0.09), P/Ass (2.77±0.45 ppm), C (13.33±0.76%), C/N (13.22±0.72). It appears that variations in pH (water, KCl) are strongly, positively linked to those in EC, C and OM, but negatively linked to clay. These results show that cashew soils are rich in mineral elements. However, it would be interesting to see whether soil properties are influenced by Anacardium occidentale L., and to learn more about the species' acidifying properties.
Abstract: In Senegal, the agricultural production system is dominated by rainfed crops, and the tree-crop association is an alternative for sustainable production. The introduction of high value-added woody species into the agricultural space should be one of the solutions for ensuring diversified and sustainable agricultural production. Cashew (Anacardium o...
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Research Article
Innovative Formulation and Quality Optimization of Herbal Pain Relief Oil Using Solar Thermal Technology
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
290-303
Received:
3 November 2025
Accepted:
17 November 2025
Published:
29 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20251306.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study focused on preparing and optimizing herbal pain relief oil using solar thermal technology, specifically a solar box cooker, during winter and summer seasons. The performance of solar device was assessed through stagnation temperature and full-load tests using water and herbal pain relief oil, separately, measuring temperatures inside the cooker and pot, as well as ambient temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation. Figures of merit (F1 and F2) were calculated to evaluate device efficiency. The herbal pain relief oil was formulated with mustard oil and varying proportions of nirgundi leaves (5%, 10%, 15%) and 5% of other raw herbs like ajwain, garlic, fenugreek and turmeric, processed for one or two days. The resulting oil was filtered, stored in sealed glass or plastic bottles, and subjected to laboratory analysis to determine pH, specific gravity, viscosity, acid value, saponification value, and refractive index. Sensory and organoleptic evaluations, including colour, odour, sensitivity, irritation, and overall acceptance, were conducted by 18 panellists, comparing the formulated oil to a commercial product. The optimal formulation, using 15% nirgundi leaves and 5% other herbs heated for two days in the box type cooker, yielded high quality yellowish green oil with a pH of 7.8, specific gravity of 0.92, viscosity of 29.09, acid value of 0.70, saponification value of 29.45, and refractive index of 1.38. This formulation, processed using the box type solar cooker, also demonstrated a profit margin of 50–60 ₹/L, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of solar thermal technology for herbal oil production.
Abstract: This study focused on preparing and optimizing herbal pain relief oil using solar thermal technology, specifically a solar box cooker, during winter and summer seasons. The performance of solar device was assessed through stagnation temperature and full-load tests using water and herbal pain relief oil, separately, measuring temperatures inside the...
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