The increased fuelwood demand and commercialization activities in Nigeria over the years have incurred various sustainability issues and concerns along the fuelwood value chain. This study employed value chain analysis to examine the sustainability of the fuelwood value chain in Yobe, Nigeria, in relation to economic, environmental, and social aspects. From the analysis, it was found that fuelwood business activities were conducted by registered licensed actors (formally) and informally by non-licensed actors who do not register with the government agency that controls forest-related activities. Profit was not equally distributed along the value chain, whereby 65% of the total profits were reaped by the transporters. Natural forests were the main source of fuelwood, with 18 tree species being preferred and commonly traded by both formal and informal chain actors. Women’s participation in the formal fuelwood value chain was limited and mainly concentrated in the informal chain. The findings of this study can inform policymakers to enhance the sustainability of fuelwood production and trade along the value chain, especially in terms of profit sharing, exploitation of forest resources, and gender equality.

Tropical Montane Cloud Forest (TMCF) is among the most vulnerable habitats to fragmentation, deforestation, and global climate change. A successful restoration program requires a comprehensive understanding of variables influencing seedling efficiency. This study was conducted on Sg. Terla Forest Reserve Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. In this study, we used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and measured the Magnolia champaca height, root collar diameter, diameter at breast height, plant survival, root diameter, main root length, lateral root length, root coiling, root direction, and chlorophyll content. The soil samples were taken to study the effect of different mulching materials on soil characteristics. We also measured soil compaction, soil texture, soil colour, soil moisture content, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total sulphur, available phosphorus, and exchanged potassium. This study indicates that mulching had no significant effect on plant height, diameter breast height, root collar diameter, and chlorophyll content between treatments. Although mulching had a significant effect on root diameter, main root length, and root distributions among treatments while for lateral root length and root:shoot ratio did not show a significant effect among treatments. However, oil palm mulching treatment had a greater effect on plant height, root collar diameter, and diameter at breast height growth, among treatments. Mulching significantly affected soil pH, soil moisture content, total sulphur, and potassium exchange. In contrast, mulching did not significantly affect soil organic carbon, total soil nitrogen, and soil available phosphorus between treatments.

Rubber plantations in Southeast Asia contribute significantly to deforestation and habitat degradation when replacing natural forests. Nevertheless, well-managed plantations can support sustainability objectives such as climate change mitigation, renewable energy development, and sustainable land management. Aboveground biomass (AGB) is a critical component in assessing carbon storage and potential emissions. This study aimed to develop an optimal statistical model for estimating AGB in rubber plantations using vegetation indices derived from Landsat 8 OLI-TIRS imagery. Linear and non-linear regression analyses were conducted, incorporating vegetation and landscape properties to evaluate their influence on AGB estimation. The resulting model provides a basis for spatial AGB mapping, including differentiation by plantation age and landscape category. Statistical results demonstrated strong agreement between estimated and observed AGB values, with differences below 1%. Non-linear regression outperformed linear approaches, as evidenced by a fivefold increase in the coefficient of determination (R²). The findings highlight the effectiveness of remote sensing-based vegetation indices for accurate AGB estimation in rubber plantations.