Research Article
Assessing Community Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change Through Watershed Management: A Case Study of Walacha Watershed, Damot Gale Woreda, Wolaita Zone
Tessema Ankilo Tigicho*
,
Tesfaye Shiferaw
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
49-54
Received:
9 January 2026
Accepted:
16 March 2026
Published:
27 July 2026
Abstract: Climate change presents significant challenges to agricultural communities, particularly resource-limited households in developing regions. Watershed management has been implemented as a strategy to enhance adaptive capacity and promote self-sufficiency in food, fuelwood, and fodder. The purpose of this study is to assess communities' adaptive capacity to climate change through watershed management practices in the Walacha Watershed of Damot Gale Woreda, It examined communities' climate change adaptive interventions, watershed management strategies, and factors influencing both indigenous and technology-based adaptation in Walacha Watershed. Using a survey research design, data were collected from 140 farm households through questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Quantitative data from questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests. Qualitative data from interviews, discussions, and observations were analyzed thematically to complement and triangulate quantitative findings. Findings reveal that watershed management activities predominantly focus on farmland conservation, with landowners benefiting more than smallholders. Most interventions are implemented through government-mandated community mobilization rather than farmer initiative. Indigenous knowledge, local crops, and livestock receive inadequate attention despite their potential for climate adaptation. The study identifies institutional, socioeconomic, and technical factors constraining effective watershed management and recommends integrated, participatory approaches that recognize local knowledge and address the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Abstract: Climate change presents significant challenges to agricultural communities, particularly resource-limited households in developing regions. Watershed management has been implemented as a strategy to enhance adaptive capacity and promote self-sufficiency in food, fuelwood, and fodder. The purpose of this study is to assess communities' adaptive capa...
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Research Article
Performance Evaluation of Blended Activated
Charcoal–Calcium Carbonate Adsorbent in the Treatment of Abattoir Wastewater
Eshiole Lucky Oshiobugie,
Wasiu John,
Ibrahim Abdulrazaq Olayinka*,
Sule Joseph
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
55-60
Received:
21 April 2026
Accepted:
24 July 2026
Published:
10 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jeece.20261102.12
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Views:
Abstract: The discharge of untreated abattoir wastewater poses a significant environmental and public health challenge due to its high concentrations of organic matter, suspended solids, nutrients, and other pollutants. Conventional treatment methods are often expensive and difficult to sustain in developing countries, creating the need for affordable and environmentally friendly alternatives. This study investigated the effectiveness of blended activated charcoal and calcium carbonate (AC–CaCO3) as a low-cost adsorbent for the treatment of abattoir effluent. Wastewater samples were collected from the Warake Road abattoir in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, and treated using AC–CaCO3 blends prepared in ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1. The treatment performance was evaluated by analysing physicochemical parameters, including pH, temperature, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate, phosphate, and selected heavy metals. The results showed that the adsorption efficiency depended on the blending ratio, with the 1:2 (AC–CaCO3) blend exhibiting the best overall performance. This blend achieved removal efficiencies of 81% for BOD, 83% for COD, 82% for TSS, 72% for nitrate, and 68% for phosphate. Furthermore, the pH of the treated effluent was stabilised within the range of 6.7–7.7, while dissolved oxygen increased significantly from 0.8 to 4.3 mg/L, indicating substantial improvement in water quality. The treated effluent approached the permissible limits specified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) for wastewater discharge. The findings demonstrate that blended AC–CaCO3 is an effective, economical, and environmentally sustainable adsorbent for the treatment of abattoir wastewater and offers a promising solution for improving wastewater management in resource-constrained settings.
Abstract: The discharge of untreated abattoir wastewater poses a significant environmental and public health challenge due to its high concentrations of organic matter, suspended solids, nutrients, and other pollutants. Conventional treatment methods are often expensive and difficult to sustain in developing countries, creating the need for affordable and en...
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