G-Space Institutional Repository
Welcome to the Gwanda State University Institutional Repository, G-Space. G-Space is an open access digital archive that collects, preserves, and distributes digital scholarly output produced, owned, and maintained by the Gwanda State University community.
Communities in G-Space
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
An analysis of mixed linear model, lagged rainfall effects on gastrointestinal parasite intensity in Chacma baboons, Filabusi, Zimbabwe
(Brill, 2026-05-14) Banda, Annabel; Moyo, Doreen Z.; Utete, Edmore; Tapedzwa, Enock; Ncube, Nokubonga; Ndlovu, Meshach; Magenge, Mangirichi M; Gandiwa, Edson
The spread of zoonotic diseases jeopardizes public health and wildlife conservation. Environmental, edaphic, and biological factors influence parasite intensity, thereby impacting zoonotic disease transmission. This study investigated the impact of rainfall, year, parasite type, and troops on the intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in Chacma baboons at Epoch Mine Campus, Gwanda State University, located in Filabusi, Insiza District. Data were collected in 2023 and 2024. A number of linear mixed-effects models were constructed to evaluate the factors influencing gastrointestinal parasite intensity in baboons. The analysis revealed two notable interaction effects regarding parasite intensity. The interaction between year and parasite type showed a substantial increase in parasite intensity in 2023 and 2024 (Estimate = 169.80, p < 0.001), even after controlling for rainfall factors. In contrast, lagged models showed no significant improvement, with a difference in the Akaike Information Criterion (ΔAIC) of less than 0.15. It is concluded that rainfall, year, and parasite type may influence the intensity of gastrointestinal parasites, but rainfall effects vary across parasites.
Carbon sequestration potential of climate smart finger millet for sustainable food and nutritional security
(Springer Nature, 2026-04-08) Tariro Mafirakurewa; Maltase Mutanda
Finger millet is emerging as a climate-smart cereal with strong potential for carbon farming and sustainable food systems. As an underutilized crop with inherent
drought tolerance, low input requirements and superior nutritional quality, it supports agricultural resilience while contributing to carbon sequestration in
marginal environments. Its extensive root architecture, delayed senescence and sustained photosynthetic activity under stress conditions promote biomass
production and belowground carbon inputs. This mini review evaluates the capacity and role of finger millet to transform agri-food systems through improved carbon capture, enhanced nutrient cycling and strengthened food and nutritional security. Recent advances in breeding, genomics and agronomy have generated nutrient dense and stress-resilient varieties optimized for low-carbon production systems. Integrating conservation agriculture, residue retention and intercropping can further enhance soil organic carbon accumulation and system sustainability. Despite its potential, adoption remains constrained by limited policy support, weak market incentives and low awareness of carbon farming opportunities. Therefore, targeted research, participatory breeding and carbon credit frameworks are essential for mainstreaming finger millet in climate-smart agriculture.