Tirivashe Phillip Masere

By Obey Gotore, Tirivashe Phillip Masere, Osamu Nakagoe, Vadzanayi Mushayi, Ramaraj Rameshprabu, Yuwalee Unpaprom and Tomoaki Itayama

The use of low-cost agricultural waste-derived biochar in solving water and environmental challenges induced by climate change was investigated and sound conclusions were presented. Water reuse strategies can diminish the impact of climate change in rural and remote areas of developing countries. The novel biochar materials from three agro-waste biomass (Matamba fruit shell, Mushuma, and Mupane tree barks) were investigated and characterized to attest to their capacity to remove iodine from the aqueous solution. Their surface morphologies were assessed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX) which exhibited their structural phenomena to purge environmental pollutants. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was conducted to show surface functional groups of the biochar materials and Matamba fruit shell exhibited hydroxyl (-OH), carbonyl groups (C=O), C=C stretches of aromatic rings, and the carboxylate (C–O–O–) groups on its surface with corresponding data from the Isotherm and Kinetic models, statistically analyzed by the conventional and Bayesian methods. These surface mechanisms are said to be induced by weak van der Waals forces and - and -stacking interaction on the biochar surface. These adsorbents promised to be potential materials for environmental-ecosystem-protection and water re-use approach.

Part of the book: Biochar

By Tirivashe Phillip Masere

The global land resource is increasingly under pressure due to both anthropogenic and natural factors such as unsustainable land management practices and climate change, respectively. Land degradation and climate change are among the major global threats to the resilience of agro-ecosystems and stability of food production systems. Small-scale resource-constrained farmers, who account for the majority of farmers across the world, are the hardest hit due to the scale of their operations, operating environment, and circumstances. Despite these global challenges, small-scale farmers have continued to adjust their farming systems to withstand the vagaries of climate change, while at the same time aiming to achieve land degradation neutrality. This chapter sought to evaluate the role played by small-scale farmers in soil and water conservation management in attempt to address land degradation and climate change. Further, the chapter investigated key characteristics and circumstances of small-scale farmers as well as their constraints, strengths, and opportunities. The chapter argues that farmers’ indigenous knowledge system has been and continues to be a key strength and offers an opportunity for which more specialized scientific and agricultural extension support can build upon in developing lasting solutions to climate change and soil and water conservation management.

Part of the book: Resource Management in Agroecosystems

By Tirivashe Phillip Masere, Albert Gumbo, Albert Shumba, Kizito Kunaka, Cosmas Parwada and Victoria Stella Masere

Climate change and marine pollution are significantly impacting the fisheries sector in Southern Africa, posing serious threats to the livelihoods and health of communities dependent on fishing and aquaculture. Utilizing a systematic literature review approach, this chapter explores the socio-economic consequences of marine pollution and climate-driven changes in fish populations and fisheries on these communities. A total of 30 studies were included, revealing that marine pollution and climate change contribute to reduced fish catches, lower incomes, and diminished food security, exacerbating poverty, inequality, and other socio-economic vulnerabilities—especially for women and marginalized groups. The review also identifies key adaptation and mitigation strategies, such as climate-resilient fisheries management, livelihood diversification, and improved climate information systems. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted actions to enhance the adaptation and resilience of fish-dependent communities in Southern Africa.

Part of the book: Marine Pollution Crisis

By Tirivashe Phillip Masere

Part of the book: Marine Pollution Crisis