Malawi’s Blantyre City faces escalating waste management challenges due to increased urbanization and inadequate waste collection services. This research utilized remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques to map potential illegal dump sites (PIDSs). MODIS and Sentinel-5P satellite imagery and GPS locations of dumpsites were used to extract environmental and spatial variables, including land surface temperature (LST), the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), Formaldehyde (HCHO), and distances from highways, rivers, and official dumps. An analytical hierarchical process (AHP) pairwise comparison matrix was used to assign weights for the six-factor variables. Further, fuzzy logic was applied, and weighted overlay analysis was used to generate the PIDS map. The results indicated that 10.27% of the study area has a “very high” probability of illegal dumping, while only 2% exhibited a “very low” probability. Validation with field data showed that the GIS and RS were effective, as about 89% of the illegal dumping sites were identified. Zonal statistics identified rivers as the most significant contributor to PIDS identification. The findings of this study underscore the significance of mapping PIDS in low-resource regions like Blantyre, Malawi, where inadequate waste management and illegal dumping are prevalent. Future studies should consider additional factors and account for seasonal variations.

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) implied in this study as direct negative interactions between people and wildlife livelihoods loss, property damage and threat to safety remains a global challenge for conservation and sustainable development. However, the modelling approaches used to predict where and when HWC occurs remain limitedly explained. We conducted a systematic review (2008–2024) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews 2020 guidelines to examine taxonomic focus and modeling methods in HWC research. Searches across four databases identified 81 records of which 41 met strict inclusion criteria that required for a peer review, thesis or United Nations report and modelling. We extracted data on country of study, year of publication, taxonomic focus and modeling approach then analysed these descriptively. Number of publications increased after 2016 with highest in 2023 (n = 10). Mammals dominated the literature (95%) while reptiles and birds were rarely studied indicating a taxonomic bias. Generalised Linear Models (GLM) and Poison Regression were common but advanced machine learning techniques were lowly adopted. To reduce bias, duplicate screening and independent screening were applied. The review reaffirms a reliance on conventional models and large mammal systems which limit inferences to other taxa. As such, we recommend broader taxonomic inclusion and adoption of machine –learning approaches to improve predictive capacity and policy relevance in HWC research.

Choice of trade route and destination by cross border traders is an important decision in today’s increasingly cross border trade of products including fish. The current study examined the geographical factors influencing choice of informal trade route and destination by fish traders. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted for the study. These included semi-structured questionnaires through personal interviews and key informant interviews with fish border inspectors. Data was analyzed through various techniques for trader’s choice and destination. Specifically, principal component analysis and spearman correlation, and Huff’s gravity model were used to identify significant factors influencing choice of trade route and destination, and market attractiveness, respectively. Fish traders bypass official border posts using informal routes connecting the main route before and after the border post. Despite attempts and awareness about formal trade, stringent regulations forced fish traders to use informal trade routes. However, investigations into choice of trade routes and destination found that route distance, presence of alternative destination, mode of transport, demand of the fish product, and personal safety and risks were the factors influencing choice of both trade route and destination by informal fish traders. This geographic analysis provides a basis for addressing challenges in informal cross border trade in Malawi. It is recommended that strategic efforts and investments should be made in the development of transportation infrastructure, such as roads and railways to improve connectivity between secondary routes and one stop border post. The government should also intensify awareness initiatives on COMESA simplified trade regime (STR) to encourage informal traders to transition to the formal sector through use of formal routes.