Nurture

Exploring Climate Change Impacts on Subsistence Agriculture in Chirumanzu District, Midlands, Zimbabwe

2026-10-14T10:34:52-05:00

In Zimbabwe, most rural communities depend on rainfed agriculture for their livelihoods, yet subsistence farming remains highly affected by climate change. In Chirumanzu District, climate change challenges include erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, soil degradation, and declining crop yields. This study aims to explore how climate change affects subsistence farming in Chirumanzu District. Guided by the Vulnerability and Adaptation framework, the study employed a mixed-methods research design. Data were collected through focus group discussions with farmers and interviews with other stakeholders. Purposive random sampling was used to select participants, ensuring the inclusion of diverse perspectives across Ward 21. Findings show that farmers in Chirumanzu have observed significant climatic shifts, including late rainfall, unpredictable seasons, heatwaves and frequent dry spells. These changes have resulted in reduced maize yields, crop failures, livestock losses, and severe food insecurity in households. Farmers have resorted to coping strategies such as small-grain farming, tillage farming, rainwater harvesting, crop rotation, and planting drought-resistant crops. However, limited resources, weak extension support and limited climate information systems hinder long-term adaptation. The study, therefore, concludes that climate change has significantly altered agricultural production and livelihoods in Chirumanzu. It recommends improved access to agricultural inputs, increased support from agricultural extension officers, investment in water infrastructure, strengthening of early warning systems, and support for community-driven adaptation strategies.

Thermal Performance Enhancement of Concrete through Activated Carbon Incorporation

2026-10-21T11:00:13-05:00

Concrete remains the most widely used construction material worldwide, motivating continuous efforts to improve its mechanical and thermal performance through the incorporation of functional additives. This study evaluates the effect of activated carbon microparticles, obtained from crushed charcoal, on the thermal behavior of hardened concrete while preserving its mechanical properties. Concrete mixtures were prepared using different water-to-additive proportions based on recommendations provided by CEMEX Mexico. Fresh-state performance was assessed through flowability and stability tests to verify mixture homogeneity, whereas compressive strength was determined in accordance with Mexican standards. Thermal diffusivity measurements were conducted on hardened specimens to evaluate the influence of activated carbon on heat transfer. The results showed that the incorporation of activated carbon produced a homogeneous mixture without segregation during casting or curing. The modified concrete exhibited an increase in compressive strength from 150 to 158 kg/cm² compared with the control mixture. In addition, the activated carbon enhanced the thermal diffusivity of the concrete, indicating a measurable modification of its thermal response. These findings demonstrate that activated carbon microparticles can be incorporated into conventional concrete without compromising its mechanical performance while improving its thermal characteristics, making this material a promising alternative for applications requiring enhanced thermal performance.

Life Cycle Analysis and Carbon Footprint of Sustainable Bricks Made from Drill Cuttings in Tamaulipas

2026-10-24T10:18:12-05:00

Deepwater hydrocarbon exploration generates significant volumes of drilling cuttings, which traditionally represent a heavy logistical burden and a severe environmental risk regarding final disposal. However, their specific mineralogical composition and physical properties enable their effective integration as secondary raw materials in the manufacturing of ecological bricks and blocks for the construction sector. This research evaluates the environmental sustainability of producing alternative construction materials derived from drill cuttings recovered directly from the Trion field in the Gulf of Mexico. Following the standardized guidelines of ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment was conducted under a cradle to gate approach based on a functional unit of one metric ton of finished masonry. Unlike traditional ceramic processes that rely on high temperature thermal firing, this proposal incorporates a zero emission solar drying technique. Two distinct logistical supply routes to the state of Tamaulipas were thoroughly analyzed: the Port of Matamoros and the Altamira Industrial Corridor. The results reveal that the total carbon footprint ranges between 7.17 and 8.17 kg CO₂-eq per ton. These findings highlight that maritime transportation optimization is the critical determining factor ensuring the environmental viability of this circular economy initiative, successfully minimizing both greenhouse gas emissions and local quarry extraction pressures.

Digital Empowerment through Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies in Nepal: Evidence from a National Mixed-Methods Study

2026-10-28T08:45:18-05:00

This study examines digital empowerment through Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) in Nepal by assessing changes in digital empowerment before and after joining SACCOS, comparing outcomes between female and male members, and identifying factors associated with digital empowerment. The study used primary data from 638 SACCOS members, comprising 319 women and 319 men, selected from 20 SACCOS across all seven provinces of Nepal during fiscal year 2023/24. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, complemented by evidence from Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Digital empowerment increased significantly after joining SACCOS among women (t = 25.657, p < 0.001), men (t = 28.869, p < 0.001), and the overall sample (t = 38.285, p < 0.001). Improvements were observed in mobile banking, ATM use, social media, email, online learning, and digital business activities. However, men recorded higher post-SACCOS digital empowerment than women. Training participation, higher education, and non-agricultural occupation were positively associated with digital empowerment, whereas female gender and older age were negatively associated. SACCOS are associated with substantial improvements in members’ digital empowerment, although gender and age disparities remain. Strengthening digital training, financial literacy, and inclusive digital services through SACCOS could help reduce these disparities.