Stem Cells in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment | IJB 2026

Mirza Masroor Ali Beg,  Nilam Bhasker,  Tridiv Katiyar, and Amar Chandra Sharma, from the department of India. Wrote a review article about, Stem Cells in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment. Entitled, Clinical importance of stem cells in T2D treatment: A systematic review.This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Advanced pharmacological treatments have not been able to effectively manage the course of type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] as a result of these challenges to investigate the possible intervention of regenerative medicine such as stem-cell therapies to restore metabolic functions and improve complications of diabetes. The systematic review was done in accordance with PRISMA 2020, PubMed/MEDLINE [2016-2026] were searched on the topic of stem cell therapies in T2DM. Eight studies [RCTs, Phase I-IV trials, observational and case studies] were counted, and they were based on bone marrow-derived MSCs, adipose-derived stromal cells, and umbilical cord-derived MSCs. MSC based therapy has shown high therapeutic promise in T2DM with a consistent improvement in the HbA1C, glycemic control and 8-cell performance, especially using umbilical cord MSCs and bone marrow MSCs. Metabolic results are further improved as a consequence of combination [e.g., in hyperbaric oxygen]. The long-term outcomes such as long-term glycemic control and 8 years of 15 8cell functioning have been reported. The complications that have been reported to have improved notably include wound healing, limb perfusion, and slowed down kidney disease progression. These processes are mediated by β-cell regeneration in patients with long-term diabetes, which demonstrates the benefit of early intervention. Regenerative therapies through stem cells offer an option to treat T2DM. The approaches have the potential to improve glycemic control and result in improvements in complications associated with diabetes.  

Introduction

T2DM is a complicated metabolic condition with a combination of insulin resistance, progressive pancreatic 2-cell dysfunction, and chronic hyperglycemia resulting in the severe complications related to diabetes such as foot ulcers, kidney disease, and critical limb ischemia (Zhao et al., 2017). Despite development and advances in pharmacological care, the number of patients with progressive disease and complications remains high, over the last few years, regenerative medicine, such as stem cell-based therapy, has been growing fast and is being as a clinical option for the diabetic treatment (Zhao et al., 2017). There is developing evidence that cell-based regenerative therapies can have a beneficial effect on pancreatic activity and metabolic control. Indicatively, platelet-derived mitochondria have been reported to express embryonic stem cell markers and improve pancreatic islet cell function in humans which suggests a new way of metabolic recovery in diabetes (Zhao et al., 2017). Bone marrow-derived cell therapies have been shown to have a potential beneficial effect in diabetes management, such as tissue regeneration and muscle control. It has been clinically demonstrated that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has proven to be effective in the treatment of diabetic complications, including long-term treatment of severe diabetics such as recurrent cases of lower limb bullosis diabeticorum (Chen et al., 2018). Moreover, there are randomized controlled trials conducted on combination therapies, including autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which depict therapeutic effectiveness in persons with T2DM (Estrada et al., 2019). Vascular complications in diabetes have also been proven to be treated with the help of stem cell therapies. Long-term outcomes of extracting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell [BMMSCs] or bone marrow mononuclear cells [BMMNCs] have been shown to have positive results in diabetic critical limb ischemia patients and foot ulcer patients (Lu et al., 2019).

Moreover, adipose-derived stromal cells and stromal vascular fraction cells showed their regenerative potential in reversing chronic diabetic foot ulcers, by enhancing wound-healing process (Carstens et al., 2021; Soria-Juan et al., 2021). An additional mesenchymal stem cell source of the umbilical cord has also undergone clinical trials and reported safety and the possibility of an effective outcome in adults with type 2 diabetes to enhance metabolic parameters (Zang et al., 2022; Zang et al., 2023). These regenerative treatments have facilitated tissue repair through mechanisms such as angiogenesis, immunomodulation, and enhanced microvascular circulation.

Also, recent studies have been investigating the mesenchymal stromal cell therapy with regards to diabetic kidney disease, noting its safety and initial effectiveness in the enhancement of renal outcomes (Habiba et al., 2024). The clinical outcomes of stem cell therapies can differ depending on the disease duration and disease, which was proved to affect the efficacy of the autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (Velikova et al., 2024). Experimental and clinical research has been building evidence that stem cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine technologies can provide a prospective tool in enhancing metabolic regulation and intervention of the complications that can be linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, there is need to carry out additional research and properly designed clinical trials to determine the safety, longterm efficacy, and clinical applicability of these emerging therapeutic interventions. Thus, the current review aimed to summarize the stem cell-based therapies of type 2 diabetes, and especially highlight recent clinical developments, the current challenges in the field, and the future outlook of regenerative diabetes care.

Reference

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Chen Y, Ma Y, Li N, Wang H, Chen B, Liang Z. 2018. Efficacy and long-term longitudinal follow-up of bone marrow mesenchymal cell transplantation therapy in a diabetic patient with recurrent lower limb bullosis diabeticorum. Stem Cell Research and Therapy 9, 99.

Estrada EJ, Decima JL, Bortman G, Roberti J, Romero EB, Samaja G. 2019. Combination treatment of autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial. Cell Transplantation 28, 1632–1640.

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Habiba UE, Khan N, Greene DL, Shamim S, Umer A. 2024. The therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells in diabetic kidney disease. Journal of Molecular Medicine 102, 537–570. DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02432-w.

Huang J, Deng Q, Tsang LL, Chang G, Guo J, Ruan YC, Wang CC, Li G, Chan HF, Zhang X, Jiang X. 2025. Mesenchymal stem cells from perinatal tissues promote diabetic wound healing via PI3K/AKT activation. Stem Cell Research and Therapy 16, 59. DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04141-8.

Jafar H, Almousa R, Alhawari H, Shahin D, Al Soudi M, Abusharieh E. 2025. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cell derivatives in treating diabetic foot ulcers: A phase I/II trial. Stem Cell Research and Therapy 16, 657.

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Lu D, Jiang Y, Deng W, Zhang Y, Liang Z, Wu Q. 2019. Long-term outcomes of BMMSC compared with BMMNC for treatment of critical limb ischemia and foot ulcer in patients with diabetes. Cell Transplantation 28, 645–652.

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Article source : Clinical importance of stem cells in T2D treatment: A systematic review 

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Plant-Based Biopesticides Against Rice Green Leafhopper | IJB 2026

Diosa G. Alasaas,  Angelina T. Gonzales,  Ricardo Casauay, and Mayflor D. Compra, from the institute of the Philippines. Wrote a research article about, Plant-Based Biopesticides Against Rice Green Leafhopper. Entitled, Bioefficacy testing of indigenous plant-based biopesticides against green leafhopper (GLH) of rice. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

In the Philippines, rice is the major staple crop but its production is affected by insect pests such as the rice green leafhopper (GLH). This study assessed the efficacy of three indigenous plant-based biopesticides namely: Hagonoy (Chromolaena odorata), Lantana (Lantana camara), and Makabuhay (Tinospora crispa) against GLH under laboratory and nursery conditions. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared at a ratio of 100 g plant material to 1 L solvent and applied at different concentrations. Based on the results of phytochemical analysis, it reveals that Lantana camara and Hagonoy contained the highest number of secondary metabolites in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. Under laboratory conditions, Cypermethrin obtained the 100% GLH mortality, however the Makabuhay at 40 mL showed statistically comparable efficacy with 93.33% mortality after one hour of application. In nursery trials at 56 days after transplanting, all three plant extracts obtained mortality rates comparable to Cypermethrin. These findings indicate that the tested biopesticides, particularly Makabuhay, have potential as environmentally friendly alternatives for GLH management, although further field validation is recommended. 

Introduction

Rice production in the Philippines plays a vital role in ensuring the country's food security and contributing to its economy. The Philippines is among the world's leading rice-producing countries, accounting for approximately 2.8% of global rice production. Rice is the staple food of the Filipino population and serves as the primary source of dietary carbohydrates (Palanog et al., 2019). Beyond its nutritional value, rice provides what anthropologists describe as the physiological sensation of satiety. It is consumed daily by millions of Filipinos, particularly low-income households, and serves as the primary livelihood of millions of rice farmers throughout the country.

The annual per capita consumption of rice in the country is estimated at 109.5 kg, which provides 56% of the calories, 37% of the proteins, and 3.8% of the fats required per person per day . In the Philippines, rice is seen as an effective delivery system for food fortification because of its high per capita consumption (109 kg/person/day) Palanog et al., 2019. Similarly, Roy et al. (2011) reported that more than half of the world's population relies on rice as its primary staple food.

Despite its importance, rice production is constrained by several factors, including unfavorable climatic conditions and the incidence of insect pests and diseases. These problems significantly reduce crop productivity and farmers' income. Annually, farmers lose an estimated average of 37% of their rice yield due to insect pests, diseases, and weeds, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). To lessen these losses, many farmers are highly dependent on synthetic pesticides. However, this practice has resulted in several adverse effects such as the development of pesticide resistance, environmental pollution, pesticide residues in agricultural products, and detrimental on beneficial organisms and other nontarget species.

To reduce the massive use of chemical pesticides, several indigenous plant species possess natural pesticidal properties and offer effective, affordable, and environmentally safe. Plant species such as lantana (Lantana camara L.), hagonoy (Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H. Rob.), and makabuhay (Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. and Thomson) contain bioactive compounds with insecticidal, antifeedant, and repellent properties that have demonstrated potential for managing insect pests (Ahmad et al., 2016; Raj and Syriac, 2016).

The development of indigenous plant-based biopesticides presents a promising opportunity to reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides while promoting sustainable rice production. Such ecofriendly pest management strategies can contribute to effective insect pest control, environmental conservation, improved farmer health and safety, and the long-term sustainability of rice farming systems in the Philippines. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of indigenous plant based biopesticide against green leafhopper of rice, compare the efficacy of indigenous plant based biopesticide with the standard insecticide used for insect pest of rice, and generate bioefficacy data to support the registration of the product with Fertilizer Pesticides Authority (FPA) in the Philippines.

Reference

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Emeziem DM, Iwu IC. 2024. GC-MS characterization of phytochemicals and antimicrobial properties of Chromolaena odorata leaf harvested from South Eastern Nigeria. Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology 16(7), 85–97. DOI: 10.9734/AJBGMB/2024/v16i7393

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Article source : Bioefficacy testing of indigenous plant-based biopesticides against green leafhopper (GLH) of rice 

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Heavy Metal Risks in Iligan Dumpsite Soil | JBES 2025

Shekinah Ruth R. Manupac,  Hernando P. Bacosa,  Johniel E. Babiera,  Wella T. Tatil,  Jaime Q. Guihawan and Peter D. Suson, from the different institute of the Philippines. Wrote a research article about, Heavy Metal Risks in Iligan Dumpsite Soil. Entitled, Chromium and arsenic in an abandoned open dumpsite soil in Iligan, Philippines: A comprehensive ecological and health risk analysis. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Environmental Sciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Improper municipal solid waste disposal is a critical issue impacting soil quality, mainly through the contamination of heavy metals. This study aims to assess the concentrations of chromium and arsenic in the open dumpsite soil of Iligan City, Philippines, and its impacts on the environment and human health. Currently there is no data on the ecological and human health risks associated with open dumpsites in the Philippines.  The results indicated that while chromium concentrations fell within acceptable limits for agricultural use, arsenic concentrations significantly exceeded the maximum permissible concentrations set by regulatory bodies, posing a serious environmental hazard. The potential ecological risk index classifies the area as having a low ecological risk, yet highlighted a severe risk associated with arsenic. Health risk assessments indicated that both adults and children fall within acceptable levels for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Overall, these findings demonstrate a need for targeted environmental management strategies in Iligan City to mitigate heavy metal contamination, especially arsenic, and to protect the health of local populations. Remediation efforts and ongoing monitoring are essential to prevent further ecological damage and safeguard public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children. 

Introduction

Solid waste management (SWM) is a major concern for many countries (Mavakala, 2022). It is estimated that municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in South Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa will double or triple by 2050, making up to 35% of the world’s MSW (World Bank, 2018). Increasing population, urbanization, economic development, and improved living standards in developing countries have led to a significant increase in municipal solid waste generation (Minghua et al., 2009). Improper waste management practices have led to releasing of significant amounts of toxic materials, particularly heavy metals, into the environment, exacerbating environmental concerns. Dumpsites, prevalent in many developing countries, pose a significant risk as they contain an amount of contaminants that can potentially leach into the surrounding soil, including heavy metals like arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) (Kanmani and Gandhimathi, 2013; Olayiwola et al., 2017). In the Philippines, for instance, which records 14.66 million tons of trash annually, heavy metals in open dumpsites are a significant concern (Ali et al., 2013; Rebuelta-The, 2022). Heavy metals such as As and Cr in dumpsites and their toxic nature and persistence in the environment further raise environmental concerns (Flyhammar et al., 1998; Riber et al., 2005; Sankaran and Ebbs, 2007).

Heavy metal contamination of soil may pose risks and hazards to humans and the ecosystem via direct ingestion or contact with contaminated soil, the food chain (soil-plant-human or soil-plant-animalhuman), drinking contaminated groundwater, reduction in food quality (safety and marketability) via phytotoxicity, reduction in land usability for agricultural production resulting in food insecurity, and land tenure issues (McLaughlin et al., 2000; Ling et al., 2007). It can accumulate in fatty tissues, influence the central nervous system, be deposited in the circulatory system, and disturb the proper functioning of internal organs. For instance, chromium (Cr) compounds can be absorbed by the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and, to a limited extent, intact skin. This absorption can lead to respiratory tract irritation, an increased risk of lung cancer, and various health issues affecting the kidneys, liver, stomach, and blood (Wilbur, 2012). Similarly, arsenic can lead to severe health effects such as chronic arsenic poisoning and an elevated risk of skin cancer through prolonged exposure to contaminated soil, food, and water (World Health Organization). As a result, it is critical to monitor and balance heavy metal concentrations in various environmental media to minimize hazardous effects on biota.

Ecological and health risk assessments are essential tools for evaluating the potential impacts of pollutants (Yu et al., 2022). Analyzing soil for toxic metals is vital for understanding environmental pollution and assessing risks to nearby communities (Kasassi et al., 2008; Akanchise et al., 2020; Aja et al., 2021). However, there is currently no data on the ecological and human health risks associated with open dumpsites in the Philippines. This study aims to investigate the distribution of Cr and As in the soil of the vicinity of the abandoned dumpsite in Iligan City, Philippines, and to pre-assess the associated ecological and health risks. The findings will provide a scientific basis for protecting the soil environment and guiding remediation efforts, contributing to minimal environmental impact and reduced health risks.

This study relies on secondary data for the background values of heavy metals, as obtaining primary data from locations several kilometers away from the sampling site would require additional financial resources that are currently unavailable.

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Article source : Chromium and arsenic inan abandoned open dumpsite soil in Iligan, Philippines: A comprehensive ecological and health risk analysis 

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Genetic Diversity of Omicron Spike Variants in Vietnam | IJB 2022

Quan Ke Thai, Department of Saigon University, 273 An Duong Vuong, Ward 3 District 5, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. Phuoc Huynh, department of aVNU HCMC University of Science, 227 Nguyen Van Cu, Ward 4 District 5, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. Yen Le Thi, department of DSI1191, Saigon University, 273 An Duong Vuong, Ward 3 District 5, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam.  Huyen Nguyen Thi Thuong, department of Biology, HCMC University of Education, 280 An Duong Vuong Ward 4 District 5, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. Wrote a research article about, Genetic Diversity of Omicron Spike Variants in Vietnam. Entitled, Genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants’ spike gene in Vietnam. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

The recently emerging Omicron is of prime concern because this variant has been the cause of current large outbreaks. Omicron becomes more dangerous when numerous content mutations in the Spike (S) gene lead to more than 30 substitutions of amino acids in spike protein. Omicron variant had been identified as Variants Of Concern (VOC) when it had transmission rate overtake previous VOCs. In this report, we focus on analyzing the genetic diversity of the S gene of Omicron variants in Vietnam. Our results indicate the high level of haplotype diversity when confirmed 362 haplotypes and the haplotype diversity index at 0.9160 ± 0.0037. The analysis of nucleotide diversity display nucleotide diversity at 0.0053 ± 0.0026 and recorded 318 polymorphic sites with the average number of mutations of 40 ± 9. Almost missense mutations appeared in the RBD region, and deletion and insertion occurred in the NTD region. Besides, we note conserved mutation in the S gene of Omicron in Vietnam, namely C21618T G21987A T22200G G22578A C22674T T22679C C22686T A22688G G22775A A22786C G22813T T22882G G22992A C22995A A23013C A23040G A23055G A23063T T23075C A23403G C23525T T23599G C23604A C23854A G23948T A24424T T24469A, and C25000T. Furthermore, the genetic networks of the S gene provided more correlation between infection and mutation in this gene. Ultimately, we propose the close relation between BA.2 and BA.4, BA.5 through the network, in which necessary focus T22917G (L452R), T23018G (F486V), and other novel mutations will appear in the S gene. The network provided the whole picture of Omicron variants in Vietnam, supporting the tracing of the source of a new outbreak in the future.  

Introduction

The recently emerging Omicron is of prime concern because this variant has been the cause of current large outbreaks. Omicron becomes more dangerous when numerous content mutations in the Spike (S) gene lead to more than 30 substitutions of amino acids in spike protein. Omicron variant had been identified as Variants Of Concern (VOC) when it had transmission rate overtake previous VOCs. In this report, we focus on analyzing the genetic diversity of the S gene of Omicron variants in Vietnam. Our results indicate the high level of haplotype diversity when confirmed 362 haplotypes and the haplotype diversity index at 0.9160 ± 0.0037. The analysis of nucleotide diversity display nucleotide diversity at 0.0053 ± 0.0026 and recorded 318 polymorphic sites with the average number of mutations of 40 ± 9. Almost missense mutations appeared in the RBD region, and deletion and insertion occurred in the NTD region. Besides, we note conserved mutation in the S gene of Omicron in Vietnam, namely C21618T G21987A T22200G G22578A C22674T T22679C C22686T A22688G G22775A A22786C G22813T T22882G G22992A C22995A A23013C A23040G A23055G A23063T T23075C A23403G C23525T T23599G C23604A C23854A G23948T A24424T T24469A, and C25000T. Furthermore, the genetic networks of the S gene provided more correlation between infection and mutation in this gene. Ultimately, we propose the close relation between BA.2 and BA.4, BA.5 through the network, in which necessary focus T22917G (L452R), T23018G (F486V), and other novel mutations will appear in the S gene. The network provided the whole picture of Omicron variants in Vietnam, supporting the tracing of the source of a new outbreak in the future.

appearance of the Delta variant is almost eliminated, breaking the achievements preventing the pandemic in some countries. Delta's rapid transmission is determined mainly by the spike protein's L452R, T478K, and E484Q N501Y mutations (Kumar, Singh et al., 2021) (Fan, Hu et al., 2021). In addition, some substitutions, such as E484K, D614G, and P681H/R, have also been conserved in many different VOC variants (Papanikolaou, Chrysovergis et al., 2022) (Lubinski, Frazier et al., 2021) . Recently, a new variant is thought to be more infectious than the Delta variant and maintains from 30 to 45 mutations in the spike protein (Wei, Shan et al., 2021) (Kumar, Thambiraja et al., 2022). According to PANGO Lineages, this variant belongs to lineage B.1.1.529, named Omicron by WHO and classified as a VOC variant. Since December 2021, Omicron has almost replaced Delta as the primary source of infection infections in the United States (Fall, Eldesouki et al., 2022). After that, the Omicron variant became almost universally dominant and gradually replaced the previously dangerous Delta variant (Chaguza, Coppi et al., 2022).

Vietnam is one of the infrequent countries that has succeeded in controlling the epidemic situation in the early stages of the pandemic outbreak in the world. Vietnam has successfully gone 99 days with no community transmission, and most cases (60%) in Vietnam are due to entry from China, Europe, and the United States (Thai, Rabaa et al., 2021). Examination of genomics indicated that the nucleotide similarity of the sequences in Vietnam in the two outbreaks was very high (minimum 99.96%, mean 99.97%), combined with familiar mutation exhibiting that virus is not competent to silently infect the community from April 2020 (Phuong, Tung et al., 2021). In Vietnam, each epidemic wave corresponds to the emergence of a new variant with a more robust infectious fitness. During the third wave of epidemics (beginning on January 28, 2021), the outbreak in northern Vietnam occurred rapidly with the main contribution of Alpha variants (Chau, Hong et al., 2021). Then, the fourth wave (beginning on April 27, 2021) had been the worst ever experienced by the country. In May 2021, all patients in Vietnam were derived by the Delta variant (Nguyen, Wong et al., 2021). In November, this wave had caused 99.9% of total deaths in the country (Hoang, Pham et al., 2022). The Vietnamese government has had to implement unprecedented strict epidemic prevention measures, including encouraging people to isolate themselves at home, mobilizing the participation of the army and military medics, and setting up field hospitals. However, the epidemic situation had been still difficult to control because the Delta variant has high transmissibility.

After November 2021, when the vaccination rate in Vietnam reached a relatively high threshold, government took to restore social life under "new normal" conditions.

The gradual easing of epidemic prevention measures has facilitated the spread of the virus in the community. The first case confirmed that the Omicron variant was recorded in Vietnam on December 19, 2021. Until March 2022, the Omicron became the primary circulating variant and the cause of infections in the Hanoi capital. On March 12, 2022, Vietnam recorded the highest number of infections ever at 454,179 cases/day. This number is much larger than the previous wave of epidemics caused by the Delta variants. Proposes that Omicron will become the dominant variant in Vietnam shortly. Despite the sudden increase in cases, the mortality rate tends to be the opposite.

The number of deaths caused by the Omicron on March 13, 2022, is 95 cases, and the average of the last seven days is 82. These concerns were lower than Delta's 803 cases on September 1, 2021, and the average of the last seven days in 360 cases (according to Vietnam's Ministry of Health). The current research literature indicates that the Omicron variants are more infectious than previously recorded variants (Ren, Wang et al., 2022) (He, Hong et al., 2021). On the other hand, Omicron can cause symptoms less severe (Callaway and Ledford, 2021) (Kupferschmidt and Vogel, 2021) (Ren, Wang et al., 2022). Even so, the high transmission rate of Omicron will pose a significant challenge for diagnostics and vaccine strategies. Therefore, tracking the genetic shifts of these variants is significant. For these reasons, the genetic diversity of the S gene of Omicron variants isolated in Vietnam was investigated. By constructing a network, the genetic relationship of Omicron variants would be revealed, supporting the tracing of a infection source of a new outbreak in the future.

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Article source : Genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants’ spike gene in Vietnam   

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Crop Protection and Human–Wildlife Conflict in Côte d’Ivoire | JBES 2025

 

Koffi Kouamé Christophe,  Ouffoue Affoué Eugénie Naomie,  Gagbé Dalié Sylvestre, and Beda Alex, from the institute of the Côte d’Ivoire. Wrote a research article about, Crop Protection and Human–Wildlife Conflict in Côte d’Ivoire. Entitled, Household socio-agricultural profiles and the adoption of crop protection strategies in human-wildlife conflict contexts: Insights from western Côte d’Ivoire around mount Sangbé National Park. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Environmental Sciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

In rural sub-Saharan Africa, proximity to protected areas and habitat fragmentation intensify human-wildlife conflicts, particularly through crop-raiding. This study examines how household socio-agricultural profiles influence the adoption of protection strategies against wildlife incursions. The study took place near mount Sangbé national park in Côte d’Ivoire and involved surveying 121 farming households from three villages through structured interviews, complemented by field observations and expert consultations. Nineteen wildlife species were identified as crop raiders, with granivores and rodents, especially the grass cutter, red-headed quelea, and patas monkey, causing significant damage to rice, cassava, and cocoa. A hierarchical classification revealed four distinct household clusters, differentiated by landholding size, education level, age structure, and proximity to the park. Binary indicators were constructed for each method to evaluate protection practices and visualized by cluster. Strategies were grouped into physical deterrents, agroecological measures, and community-based interventions. A bias-reduced multinomial logistic regression was conducted using adjusted score equations to obtain stable estimates. Results show that field guarding is the most widely used strategy, especially among educated households with smaller landholdings, while traditional hunting and trapping are more common among older, less educated households with larger farms. Passive tolerance was positively associated across all clusters, suggesting widespread reliance on non-confrontational coping mechanisms. Scarecrows and trapping methods showed low or negative adoption rates, indicating limited perceived effectiveness. These findings underscore the need to tailor mitigation strategies to household-specific capacities and spatial contexts. The study advocates for agroecological and community-based approaches to enhance resilience and sustainability in buffer zones near protected areas.

Introduction

In rural regions of sub-Saharan Africa, agricultural systems are increasingly subjected to ecological and social pressures resulting from habitat fragmentation, expansion of cultivated areas, and proximity to protected zones. These factors exacerbate humanwildlife conflicts, particularly via wildlife encroachments into subsistence crops, a phenomenon extensively documented in buffer zones adjacent to natural reserves (Dibloni et al., 2020; Chepkwony et al., 2025). Such crop-raiding events jeopardize food security, economic stability, and the psychological well-being of farming households (Barua et al., 2013; Nyhus, 2016). Crop-raiding, defined as the incursion of wild animals into cultivated fields, results in direct economic losses and indirect effects on the mental health and social cohesion of farmers (Hill, 2005; Galley and Anthony, 2024). These conflicts are further aggravated by land pressure, habitat degradation, and inadequate compensation or prevention mechanisms (Asaye et al., 2024).

While forest ecosystems provide essential services that enhance rural resilience to climate change, their proximity also increases exposure to crop-raiding, especially in low-diversity farming systems. This paradox highlights the need for integrated approaches that balance conservation and agricultural productivity. Agroecology is a theoretically grounded and operational framework to address this dual challenge. Rooted in ecological principles and local knowledge, agroecology promotes crop diversification, sustainable soil management, and landscape-level planning. It offers practical strategies such as vegetative barriers, agroforestry, and community-based surveillance systems that can mitigate wildlife incursions while enhancing ecosystem services (Altieri, 1995; Bommarco, 2024; Dickman, 2010; Wezel et al., 2009).

Despite growing recognition of crop-raiding impacts, existing research remains fragmented and overly focused on direct economic losses. It often neglects the socio-territorial and behavioral dimensions that shape household responses and rarely incorporates agroecological or resilience-based perspectives. Moreover, the socio-agricultural typologies of farming households and their influence on the adoption of mitigation strategies are insufficiently characterized. This study fills these gaps by analyzing the complex interactions between household socio-agricultural profiles, crop-raiding dynamics, and protection strategies. It adopts a differentiated and sustainability-oriented approach to managing human-wildlife conflicts in rural areas adjacent to protected zones. Specifically, the study identifies the plant and animal species involved in crop-raiding events, characterizes the socio-agricultural profiles of affected households, evaluates the protection strategies adopted based on household profiles and geographic location, and statistically models the influence of household characteristics on mitigation methods.

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Chang’a A, Souza De N, Muya J, Keyyu J, Mwakatobe A, Malugu L, Ndossi HP, Konuche J, Omondi P, Mpinge A, Hahn N, Saibulu J, Kioko J, Kiffner C. 2016. Scaling-up the use of chili fences for reducing human-elephant conflict across landscapes in Tanzania. Tropical Conservation Science 9(2), 921 930. https://doi.org/10.1177/194008291600900220

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Article source : Household socio-agricultural profiles and the adoption of crop protection strategies inhuman-wildlife conflict contexts: Insights from western Côte d’Ivoire around mount Sangbé National Park 

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