Browsing by Author "Ojija,Fredrick"

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    Artificial Intelligence-Driven Solutions for Mitigating Human–Wildlife Conflict in Biodiversity Hotspots
    (Sage, 2025-04-23) Ojija,Fredrick; Ogwu,Matthew C.; Ally, Juma; John,John P.; Stephano,Azaria; Felix,Nancy; Tekka,Ramadhani
    Biodiversity hotspots are biologically rich yet highly threatened regions that play a critical role in global conservation but often serve as epicentres of human–wildlife conflict (HWC). HWC poses major conservation and development challenges, undermining both human livelihoods and wildlife protection efforts. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative tools for mitigating HWC by enhancing monitoring, prediction, and decision support. Through systematic searches of peer-reviewed and grey literature, this review analyzed 105 studies (1990–2025) from 163 screened sources, revealing that AI improved HWC monitoring (65%), predictive accuracy (47%), and community engagement (39%). AI-driven technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision enable conservationists to process large datasets, automate species identification, and make real-time decisions. Integrated platforms like Earth Ranger and the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) use AI to manage data from rangers, camera traps, drones, and patrol logs, providing situational awareness and strategic planning tools. Furthermore, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and participatory data integration offer multi-layered insights for mapping HWC zones, tracking wildlife movement, and modelling species distribution. This review highlights the application of AI in conflict detection, community engagement, and decision support while addressing challenges, limitations, and ethical concerns. It also underscores the importance of policies and future research to integrate AI with local knowledge systems, participatory governance, and adaptive conservation strategies. Overall, AI advancements are transforming HWC surveillance and enabling more proactive, equitable, and sustainable biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide.
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    The Critical Role and Application of Microbes towards Sustainable Development and Human Wellbeing
    (EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2022-08-08) Ojija,Fredrick; Mng’ong’o ,Marco; Mayowela, Farida
    Microorganisms (also called microbes) make up a large portion (1 trillion (1012) species or 60%) of the Earth’s living as they are abundant and diversified in nature. Though they are vital for ecosystems and human welfare, their roles are often ignored or underrated. While most studies are underway in the global north to figure out how to utilise microbes in agriculture, industries, medical, space mission, and many other sectors, this kind of research is limited in the global south, particularly in Sub–Saharan Africa. Also, there has been scarce knowledge regarding the importance of microorganisms. The present paper aims to highlight and discuss current knowledge on the roles and/ or applications of microorganisms and their contribution toward sustainable development and human welfare in the global south. It also aims to help the scientists and/ or researchers in sub Saharan Africa comprehends the use of microbial communities. We reviewed 84 published original research and review articles to explore microbial roles and their applications. We establish that many microbes play critical roles, which include but are not limited to ecological, pharmaceuticals, food source, biofuel or energy production, drugs or medicine development, nitrogen and carbon fixation, biocontrol agents, bioremediation, decomposition of organic matters, and soil formation. Since microbes potentially ensure the functioning of the Earth’s ecosystem and support human welfare, research on this subject should be prioritised in the global south to improve human development and well-being.