Vol 14 Issue 2 April 2026-June 2026

Abstract: This study examined the causal relationship between agroforestry adoption and household welfare, particularly livelihood resilience, among beneficiaries of the Green Gicumbi Project in Gicumbi District, Rwanda. A cross-sectional research design was employed, using primary data collected through structured questionnaires from 393 households selected from a population of 21,932 smallholder farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, chi-square tests, and multiple regression analysis. The findings showed that 63.1% of households had adopted agroforestry, with fruit and timber trees being the most commonly planted species. Adoption intensity was higher among households that had access to extension services, training, and project support. Agroforestry adopters demonstrated better livelihood outcomes than non-adopters, including higher levels of income diversification, asset ownership, and food security. The mean Livelihood Resilience Index was 0.72 among adopters compared to 0.58 among non-adopters, indicating greater capacity to cope with and recover from shocks. Multiple regression results revealed that agroforestry adoption had a positive and statistically significant causal effect on livelihood resilience (B = 0.14, p < 0.01), even after controlling for household size, education level, landholding size, soil quality, and access to credit and extension services. These findings suggest that agroforestry contributes substantially to improved household welfare and resilience to climate-related risks. The study further highlights the critical role of institutional support, training, and financial assistance in enhancing adoption rates and maximizing livelihood benefits. The results provide empirical evidence to inform policy formulation, program implementation, and sustainable landscape management strategies in Rwanda and other sub-Saharan African countries, while contributing to the growing body of knowledge on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, and rural development.

Keywords: Agroforestry Adoption, Livelihood Resilience, Green Gicumbi Project, Rwanda.

Title: Exploration of Causal Effects of Agroforestry Adoption on Livelihood Resilience: Evidence from the Green Gicumbi Project, Rwanda

Author: Modeste Nsabimana, Assoc. Prof. Isaac Olajide AREO

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026

Page No: 62-74

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 10-June-2026

Abstract: Der öffentliche Dienst steht angesichts des demografischen Wandels, eines akuten Fachkräftemangels und steigender gesellschaftlicher Erwartungen an Transparenz, Effizienz und Innovationsfähigkeit vor tiefgreifenden Herausforderungen. Empirische Studien zeigen jedoch, dass die Leistungsmotivation von Verwaltungsbeschäftigten häufig hinter jener in der Privatwirtschaft zurückbleibt, bedingt durch starre Hierarchien, begrenzte Entwicklungsperspektiven und fehlende leistungsorientierte Anreizsysteme. Gleichzeitig wird bis 2030 rund ein Drittel der Belegschaft altersbedingt ausscheiden, was den Handlungsdruck zusätzlich erhöht. Vor diesem Hintergrund untersucht der Beitrag, wie Motivation und Leistungsfähigkeit im öffentlichen Sektor systematisch gestärkt werden können. Theoretische Modelle wie Maslows Bedürfnishierarchie und Herzbergs Zwei-Faktoren-Theorie verdeutlichen, dass nachhaltige Motivation weniger durch monetäre Anreize als vielmehr durch Sinnstiftung, Autonomie, Wertschätzung und Entwicklungsperspektiven entsteht. Aufbauend auf den Prinzipien des New Public Management werden daher partizipative Führungsansätze, lebensphasenorientierte Personalstrategien sowie generationsübergreifende Entwicklungsprogramme als zentrale Hebel identifiziert.

Darüber hinaus zeigt die Analyse, dass datenbasierte Steuerungsinstrumente wie Performance-Based Budgeting, internationale Benchmarking-Systeme und der gezielte Einsatz generativer KI substanzielle Effizienzgewinne ermöglichen, sofern sie von einer lernorientierten Organisationskultur flankiert werden. Mit dem Konzept der Adaptive Performance Governance wird ein integriertes Steuerungsmodell vorgestellt, das technologische Innovation, dezentrale Entscheidungsfreiheit, Fehlertoleranz und Kompetenzentwicklung miteinander verbindet. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass eine zukunftsfähige Verwaltung nur durch ein Zusammenspiel von moderner Führung, motivationsfördernden Arbeitsbedingungen und kontinuierlicher Qualifizierung realisiert werden kann. So lässt sich die Attraktivität des öffentlichen Dienstes als Arbeitgeber steigern und seine Leistungsfähigkeit langfristig sichern.

Keywords:  Öffentliche Verwaltung, New Public Management, NPM, Performancesteigerung, Adaptive Performance Governance, Modernization Framework, Adaptive Performance Governance, Agile Budgeting.

Title: Performancesteigerung im öffentlichen Dienst

Author: Karl-Heinz Dieser

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026

Page No: 52-61

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 10-June-2026

Abstract: This study examined community perceptions and participation in mine environmental rehabilitation programs at Trinity Nyakabingo Mines in Rulindo District, Rwanda. Mining activities in the area have created both socio-economic benefits and environmental challenges for surrounding communities, yet limited evidence existed on how local residents understand and engage in rehabilitation initiatives. The study aimed to assess community knowledge and perceptions of mine rehabilitation programs, identify factors influencing participation, and examine the relationship between community knowledge and participation. A descriptive cross-sectional design using mixed methods was employed. The study targeted 18,151 households surrounding the mining area, from which 391 respondents were selected using Yamane’s formula. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including binary logistic regression and linear regression in IBM SPSS Statistics. Qualitative data from focus group discussions were analyzed thematically to support and triangulate quantitative findings. Results showed that while 70.6% of respondents were aware of rehabilitation programs, only 28.7% demonstrated good or very good knowledge. Respondents acknowledged significant environmental degradation caused by mining activities, whereas perceptions regarding the effectiveness and inclusiveness of rehabilitation programs were mixed. Participation in rehabilitation activities was relatively high at 62.1%, although 37.9% of respondents had never participated. The findings further revealed that socio-economic benefits, motivational factors, and institutional support significantly increased participation in rehabilitation programs, while barriers reduced community involvement. In addition, a statistically significant positive relationship was found between community knowledge and participation, indicating that increased awareness and understanding enhanced engagement in rehabilitation activities. The study concludes that strengthening community knowledge, improving institutional support, and promoting inclusive participation mechanisms are essential for enhancing community engagement and ensuring sustainable and effective mine rehabilitation programs in Rwanda.

Keywords: Community Perceptions, Mine, Environmental Rehabilitation, Trinity Nyakabingo Mines, Rwanda.

Title: Community Perceptions and Participation in Mine Environmental Rehabilitation Programs: A Case Study of Trinity Nyakabingo Mines in Rulindo District, Rwanda

Author: NKUNDABATWARE Frank, Runyambo Irakiza

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026

Page No: 38-51

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 04-June-2026

Abstract: This study examined how agricultural shifts promoted through the CDAT-RAB Project influence environmental conservation practices among smallholder farmers in Gatsibo District, Rwanda. The project encourages a transition from subsistence farming to more diversified and market-oriented agriculture by supporting farmers with improved inputs, training, and market access. Despite these efforts, limited evidence existed on whether such agricultural changes contribute to sustainable land management, creating a research gap addressed by this study. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected from 394 households using structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including correlation and regression, were applied. Findings revealed a strong shift toward market-oriented production, with 32.5% of farmers selling 51–75% of their produce and 25.8% selling more than 75%. Weekly market participation was reported by 44.3% of respondents, while many farmers benefited from CDAT-supported markets (61.3%), improved agricultural inputs (71.1%), and participation in value chains (55.2%). The study also found high adoption of environmental conservation practices. Soil erosion control measures were practiced by 70.6% of farmers, use of organic manure by 63.9%, mulching by 60.8%, and agroforestry by 58.8%. In addition, 68.0% of respondents reported practicing conservation methods frequently, showing strong engagement in sustainable farming. Inferential results indicated a significant positive relationship between agricultural shifts and environmental conservation practices (R = 0.735, R² = 0.540, p < 0.001). Market participation (β = 0.301) and the proportion of produce sold (β = 0.264) emerged as the strongest predictors of conservation practice adoption. Overall, the findings demonstrate that agricultural transformation under the CDAT Project not only improves farmers’ livelihoods and market integration but also promotes sustainable environmental management. The study therefore recommends continued support for integrated agricultural policies that combine productivity enhancement with environmental sustainability in Rwanda.

Keywords: Agricultural Shifts, Environment, Conservation Practices, CDAT Project, Rwanda.

Title: Effects of Agricultural Shifts on Environmental Conservation Practices; A Case Study of the CDAT Project in Gatsibo District, Rwanda

Author: ZIGIRANYIRAZO Jean Claude, Dr. James Kant Kamuhanda

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026

Page No: 27-37

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 03-June-2026

Abstract: Nyungwe National Park (NNP), Rwanda, sustains a montane forest ecosystem of exceptional biodiversity and carbon significance within the Albertine Rift, yet the drivers of its vegetation changes remain poorly characterized at fine spatial scales. This study presents a spatio-temporal assessment of vegetation cover change across NNP from 2013–2022, integrating MODIS NDVI (MOD13A2), CHIRPS rainfall, and MODIS land surface temperature (LST; MOD11A2). Long-term NDVI trends were quantified using Sen's slope estimator and the Mann-Kendall test; climate–vegetation relationships were assessed through Pearson correlation and OLS multiple regression with lagged analysis; and spatial clustering of change was identified via Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis. MODIS-derived trends were independently validated against Landsat 8 OLI imagery (30 m).

Results revealed that 70.9% of NNP exhibited significant greening and 28.1% significant browning, with 98% of pixels showing statistically significant change (p<0.05). Despite moderate interannual rainfall variability (CV=8.20%), NDVI remained exceptionally stable (CV=0.68%) a decoupling ratio of approximately 12:1 underscoring the ecosystem's intrinsic buffering capacity. Climate explained virtually none of this variability: NDVI–rainfall correlation was negligible (r=0.075, p=0.836), and the OLS model was non-significant (R²=0.118, p=0.645; n=10 years). Getis-Ord Gi* analysis identified 4,000 ha of 99%-confidence decline coldspots concentrated within 1 km of the northern and southeastern boundaries, and 11,500 ha of recovery hotspots. Edge zones were 1.42 times more likely to contain decline pixels than core areas (chi-squared=36.2, p<0.001).

These findings establish that NNP's montane forest is resilient to normal climate variability and that localised degradation is driven primarily by anthropogenic boundary pressure. The study recommends: (1) improved boundary protection with increased patrol frequency; (2) active restoration targeting 4,000 ha of severe-decline coldspots; and (3) strengthened buffer zone policy with structured community engagement.

Keywords: Nyungwe National Park; NDVI; Spatio-temporal vegetation change; MODIS; CHIRPS; Mann-Kendall trend test; Sen's Slope; Getis-Ord Gi*; Hotspot analysis; Edge effects; Climate–vegetation relationship; Conservation management; Albertine Rift.

Title: Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Vegetation Cover Changes in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda (2013–2022): Implications for Conservation Management

Author: Mr. Telephosa Bakuriramumwami

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026

Page No: 12-26

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 06-May-2026

Abstract: Transforming growth factor-β activated kinase1 (TAK1) is a serine threonine kinase stimulated by TGF- β, in addition to other stimuli including inflammatory cytokines, microbial products and environmental stress. TAK1 regulates multiple cellular events notably developmental processes, differentiation, autophagy, apoptosis and cell survival through extensive cross-talk with crucial signalling pathways like, MAP kinases, IKK and JNK. On one hand it engages with energy sensor mechanisms via AMPK and on the other with growth regulation processes dominated by mTOR signaling. By creating a stable TAK1 knockout cell line, we can dissect how loss of TAK1 affects mTORC1 activation, autophagy induction, and cell survival under conditions of nutrient restriction or metabolic stress, thereby clarifying whether TAK1 functions as a pro‑survival, pro‑death, or context‑dependent modulator in hyperproliferative and aging‑like states. For this, three sgRNAs were designed for TAK1 gene. The sgRNA1 and sgRNA2 with the higher activity were respectively used to construct pSpCas9(BB)-2A-Puro-sgRNA1 and pSpCas9(BB)-2A-Puro-sgRNA2. The knockout plasmid vectors were transfected into HEK-293 cells. Through drug screening, the TAK1 gene-knockout HEK293 (TAK1^-/-) cell lines was obtained which was subsequently confirmed with Western blotting and sequencing. This isogenic CRISPR‑derived knockout line will also provide a clean genetic background for rescue experiments and pharmacological studies, improving mechanistic rigour and enabling us to identify TAK1‑dependent nodes that could be targeted for therapeutic intervention in cancer or age‑related pathologies.

Keywords: CRISPR/Cas, TAK1, mTOR, Puromycin.

Title: Targeted disruption of TAK1 in HEK293 cells via CRISPR/Cas 9: A tool for functional dissection of inflammatory and autophagic signaling

Author: Tawseeq Abdullah, Waseem Rashid, Asiya Batool, Mohammad Afzal Zargar, Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026

Page No: 5-11

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 01-May-2026

Abstract: Clitoria ternatea L., a climber belonging to family Fabaceae, is mentioned in Ayurveda (ancient literature) as an important medicinal herb. Dormancy of seeds has been ascribed to hard seed coat and presence of waxy layer in it. Pre-treatment with chemical solvents thus developed as the most common method to promote germination. The study aimed to investigate the mechanism of dormancy by studying the effect of prolonged seed-dipping in water. Treatment seeds were dipped in water for different durations like 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, while the seeds plated directly on moistened filter paper served as Control. The percent germination at the end of 30 days for Control, 24 hours dip, 48 hours dip, 72 hours dip was 64.00±2.30%, 70.66±1.33%, 77.33±1.33% and 93.33±2.66% respectively. Germination did not improve drastically by 24 hours and 48 hours dipping but responded significantly well to prolonged dipping of 72 hours. It indicates that either the hard seed coat is major factor controlling dormancy which gets softened by prolonged dipping or the inhibitors in seed coat, if any, are not waxy but water-soluble substances, which leach-out by water dipping. The study not only dispels the proposition of waxy layer as inhibitor but also the resultant hazardous chemical seed-dipping methods. Dipping in water also promotes rapid germination of all viable seeds within shorter duration, which would help to get plants and crop of uniform age and maturity.

Keywords: Seed dormancy, Clitoria ternatea, Germination inhibitors, Seed coat.

Title: An investigation into mechanism of seed dormancy in medicinal plant Clitoria ternatea and development of an effective method to overcome dormancy

Author: Pratik Mohammad, Herman Uppal, Jaskaran Singh, M.C. Ravikumar, Heminder Singh

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026

Page No: 1-4

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 02-April-2026