Climate change results in lower agricultural outputs, disruption of food supply chains, and widening of the social gap between poor and rich in developing countries, with more vulnerable groups being pushed into untold poverty. This review aims to investigate the consequences of climate change on food insecurity in Africa in the context of environmental degradation. This review emphasizes the complexity of demands on food security systems due to changing climatic conditions under the four pillars (availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability). This review demonstrated the susceptibility of farm production to changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns generated by climate change. In addition, this review investigated the factors shaping food insecurity, such as increasing population growth, poverty, inadequate early warning systems, and weak agricultural infrastructure. Furthermore, the review points out how climate change affects food prices and availability and the widening income gap, potentially leading to social unrest and political instability in Africa. Vulnerable populations, including impoverished, elderly, and physically challenged individuals, are at increased risk due to climate‐related health impacts. Women who face gender inequalities and socioeconomic limitations are particularly susceptible. We posit that there is a need for comprehensive strategies that address health disparities and consider vulnerable subgroups within society alongside broader measures to enhance food security in the face of climate change.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) such as Rhizophagus intraradices (formerly known as Glomus intraradices) are of great importance to maintaining the soil ecosystem while supporting sustainable agriculture and practices. This review explores the taxonomy of Rhizophagus intraradices, their attributes, mycorrhizal symbiosis, plant growth improvement, nutrient recycling in the soil, soil health and environmental rehabilitation, and challenges that impede the effective use of AMF in agriculture. AMF impacts soil structure by releasing organic compounds like glomalin, improving total organic carbon and water-holding capacity, and reducing water scarcity. AMF, in sustainable agriculture, not only improves crop productivity through nutrient uptake but also enhances soil fertility and plants’ resistance to so-called stress from abiotic factors as well. The integration of AMF with other beneficial microorganisms in organic farming will be powerful both to ensure long-term soil output and to protect food from bacteria. Nevertheless, chemical inputs and spatial biases of the researchers remain matters to be solved in connection with the broad feasibility of AMF use.
Background: Influenza D Virus (IDV) presents a possible threat to animal and human health, necessitating the development of effective vaccines. Although no human illness linked to IDV has been reported, the possibility of human susceptibility to infection remains uncertain. Hence, there is a need for an animal vaccine to be designed. Such a vaccine will contribute to preventing and controlling IDV outbreaks and developing effective countermeasures against this emerging pathogen. This study, therefore, aimed to design an mRNA vaccine construct against IDV using immunoinformatic methods and evaluate its potential efficacy. Methods: A comprehensive methodology involving epitope prediction, vaccine construction, and structural analysis was employed. Viral sequences from six continents were collected and analyzed. A total of 88 Hemagglutinin Esterase Fusion (HEF) sequences from IDV isolates were obtained, of which 76 were identified as antigenic. Different bioinformatics tools were used to identify preferred CTL, HTL, and B-cell epitopes. The epitopes underwent thorough analysis, and those that can induce a lasting immunological response were selected for the construction. Results: The vaccine prototype comprised nine epitopes, an adjuvant, MHC I-targeting domain (MITD), Kozaq, 3′ UTR, 5′ UTR, and specific linkers. The mRNA vaccine construct exhibited antigenicity, non-toxicity, and non-allergenicity, with favourable physicochemical properties. The secondary and tertiary structure analyses revealed a stable and accurate vaccine construct. Molecular docking simulations also demonstrated strong binding affinity with toll-like receptors. Conclusions: The study provides a promising framework for developing an effective mRNA vaccine against IDV, highlighting its potential for mitigating the global impact of this viral infection. Further experimental studies are needed to confirm the vaccine’s efficacy and safety.
1 January 2026 in Journal of Parasitology Research
Insecticide resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes poses a growing challenge to malaria elimination efforts across sub‐Saharan Africa, threatening the continued effectiveness of frontline interventions. Among the metabolic mechanisms driving resistance, the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene CYP9K1 has been increasingly associated with detoxification and cross‐resistance to multiple insecticide classes, particularly pyrethroids. This review assessed spatial heterogeneity in CYP9K1 overexpression (log₂ fold change) in cross‐resistant Anopheles mosquito populations across sub‐Saharan Africa. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, drawing data from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, BioMed Central, and Google Scholar (2015–2025). Random‐effects models using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation were applied in JASP, alongside subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses. Out of 17,163 retrieved records, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria, representing data from six sub‐Saharan African countries. The pooled log 2 fold change for CYP9K1 expression was 1.910 (95% CI: 1.274–2.545; p < 0.001), confirming significant upregulation in resistant mosquito populations. Subgroup analyses further revealed that CYP9K1 overexpression followed a similar trend across countries, with no statistically significant differences observed between the countries ( p > 0.05). This consistency suggests that the same CYP9K1 ‐linked resistance mechanism may be spreading across different ecological and geographic regions, possibly through gene flow or shared selection pressure from insecticide use. These findings highlight CYP9K1 as a key metabolic marker conferring cross‐resistance among Anopheles mosquitoes. The integration of CYP9K1 molecular surveillance into national vector control programs will strengthen early detection of resistance hotspots, inform insecticide rotation policies, and support the development of next‐generation long‐lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) incorporating synergists or nonpyrethroid active ingredients. This evidence‐based approach could guide tailored resistance management strategies essential for sustaining malaria control gains across sub‐Saharan Africa.