Articles

Regional and Irrigation-Induced Variations in Secondary Metabolites of Calotropis procera Flowers in Different Agro-Climatic Zones of Rajasthan

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Calotropis procera, a species of family Asclepiadaceae is known in traditional system of medicine from centuries due to its property of curing a number of ailments. It is a xerophytic shrub found in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It’s flower is useful in anorexia, indigestion and intestinal worm infestation, dysentry, abdominal disorders etc. It is used in many Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha formulations. Hence investigation on  the regional and irrigation-induced variations in secondary metabolites of Calotropis procera flowers across diverse agro-climatic zones in Rajasthan, India,  was taken up to find best region for their collection. The study shows that ACZ IIIA has the highest petroleum ether extract content and ACZ V displays elevated methanol extract yields. Within ACZ IB, involving Hanumangarh and Suratgarh, contrasting results in petroleum ether extract and methanol extract yields are observed, with petroleum ether extract  higher in the irrigated area and methanol higher in the non-irrigated region. ACZ V demonstrates the maximum total extractive yield, while ACZ IB shows minimum values.  Flowers from the irrigated area in Hanumangarh (ACZ IB) exhibit lower values for sterols and alkaloids compared to those from Suratgarh, the non-irrigated region, indicating a complex interplay of environmental factors. The observed variations provide insights into the environmental influences on secondary metabolite content of Calotropis procera  flowers, contributing to a deeper understanding from ecological and agricultural perspectives.

Extractives Industries and Conflict: Reduction of Risks Associated with Extractive Industries in Turkana County, Kenya

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African countries endowed with natural resources, especially oil have seen violent conflicts due to poor management of the natural resources. Violent conflicts largely where local communities have been systematically excluded from decision-making processes and when the economic benefits are concentrated in the hands of a few thereby causing economic disequilibrium in the society. Misuse of the natural resources has frequently been cited as the main factor that activates, increase or support violent conflicts around the world. When the key stakeholders disagree on the management, distribution and protection of natural resources and related bionetworks. Natural resource conflicts arise when parties disagree about the management, distribution and protection of natural resources and related ecosystems. These conflicts can heighten into brutal relations and violence when the parties are incapable or reluctant to engage in a positive process of dialogue and conflict resolution. While there are many issues associated with extractive industries, the role of natural resources in triggering, escalating or sustaining violent conflict is the focus of this survey and consequently offer relevant in reducing these conflicts so that the natural resources found in Turkana County can truly be a blessing and a catalyst for poverty reduction in Turkana County. Conflict turns out to be difficult once societal mechanisms and institutions for handling and determining conflict break down, giving way to violence. Societies with weak institutions, fragile political systems and divisive social relations can be drawn into cycles of conflict and violence. Preventing this negative spiral and ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes is a core interest of the international community. The general objective of the survey was to offer strategies in reducing conflicts associated with extractive industries. The methodology used in this survey was both qualitative and quantitative. The research design employed was descriptive survey design. The sample size was 270 heads of households and 20 stakeholders working in Turkana South and East Sub-Counties respectively. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides combined with observation schedules. The findings of the survey reveal that indeed extractive industries and conflicts are twins and hence there is need to address conflicts to turn natural resources into a blessing for the society.