Problem and Objectives: Trends reveal that in Eswatini, there are low quantities of vegetables produced locally and statistics show more volumes of vegetable imports which constitute about 70% of local consumption as a result of local production failing to meet domestic demand. The main objective of this study was to determine the factors affecting Climate Smart Agricultural Technology (CSAT) adoption and intensity among vegetable farmers in Eswatini. Methods: The study used a descriptive quantitative research design to determine the factors affecting the adoption and intensity of adoption of climate-smart agriculture technology among smallholder vegetable farmers. A total of 200 vegetable farmers were purposively sampled from a population of 946 vegetable farmers registered with The National Marketing Board (NAMBoard) and were part of the Market Oriented Climate-Smart Agriculture Project. The study used survey to collect primary data through the use of a questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and Cragg Double Hurdle model. The dependent variables of the model were adoption of CSAT and intensity of CSAT adoption. Adoption of CSAT was measured as a binary variable (1= adopter, 0 = non-adopter) and intensity of adoption of CSAT was measured as a proportion of adopted CSATs given the available CSATs. Findings: The findings of the study indicate that significant factors affecting CSAT adoption decision include age, risk attitude, household size, off-income, and land quality. The results on factors affecting the intensity of CSAT adoption reveal that the adoption intensity is affected by age, access to inputs market, farm size, land quality and frequency of extension contact. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study examined the factors affecting adoption and intensity of adoption of CSAT among vegetable farmers. The findings indicate that CSAT adoption decision depend on access and awareness while CSAT adoption intensity is constrained by structural and institutional factor. The study recommends that more training be undertaken to sensitize farmers to adopt more CSAT and increase awareness of CSAT. It is recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) improve its extension services, capacitation of farmers through CSA workshop and diversify CSA interventions to other enterprises.

Background- Faculty development is a critical determinant of educational quality, curriculum effectiveness, and institutional success in medical education. Despite substantial investments in faculty development activities, many institutions continue to employ fragmented approaches that are not systematically aligned with faculty needs, institutional priorities, or curriculum quality improvement initiatives. To address this challenge, the American University of Barbados School of Medicine (AUB-SOM) designed and development of Faculty Personal Professional Development Plan (PPDP) integrated with a needs assessment process to support individual faculty growth while simultaneously informing institutional planning and curriculum continuous quality improvement (CQI). Objective- To describe the design, development, and anticipated institutional impact of a Faculty Personal Professional Development Plan framework linked to faculty needs assessment, faculty development programming, institutional effectiveness, and curriculum CQI. Methods- A developmental and quality improvement project was conducted using a structured systems-based approach. The PPDP framework was designed through review of faculty development literature, accreditation standards, institutional strategic priorities, and stakeholder consultation. To identify faculty development needs related to the PPDP framework, a structured needs assessment survey was administered to all faculty members. The survey evaluated faculty knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported competencies regarding various aspects of professional development planning, including goal setting, reflective practice, documentation of evidence, appraisal processes, career advancement, and the role of PPDP in institutional effectiveness and curriculum CQI. The items on quantitative and qualitative responses were reviewee to determine areas of knowledge deficiency and professional development priorities. The identified gaps served as the basis for developing targeted faculty development interventions and establishing an annual faculty development agenda aligned with institutional quality improvement goals. The survey was provided with file uploading option of submitting the completed PPDP form sent via individual faculty email address. Results- The PPDP framework facilitated systematic identification of faculty development needs across educational, scholarly, leadership, technological, and clinical domains. The process established a mechanism for aligning individual faculty goals with institutional objectives and provided actionable information for faculty development planning, curriculum review, and quality assurance activities. The model created an institutional feedback loop linking faculty growth with educational quality, curriculum enhancement and achievement of institutional mission while meeting the accreditation standards. Conclusion- The PPDP framework represents a practical and scalable strategy for integrating faculty development, institutional effectiveness, and curriculum CQI. The approach offers medical schools a sustainable mechanism for evidence-informed faculty development and continuous organizational improvement.

Drawing on existing literature in border studies, this article interprets the Indo-Myanmar frontier not as a territorial boundary but rather as a politically contested space of non-sovereignty, security and market transactions. This study merges borderland politics theory with securitization, regional security complexes and border trade studies to explain the vexing disconnection between Indo-Myanmar border policy and its outcome. The article uses a qualitative synthesis of academic literature, policy documents and reliable conflict- and trafficking-focused studies to explore three inter-linked mechanisms that shape outcomes: (a) rugged geography coupled with differential state infrastructural presence; (b) ongoing cross-border ethnic and kinship networks facilitating routine movement and unregulated trade; and (c) splintered authority and structural violence across Myanmar’s borderland regions but especially since the 2021 coup. Securitized "hard border" strategies may move illegal traffic offshore but not out of reach, and shift the transactional costs onto legitimate livelihoods (Donnan & Wilson, 2010; UNODC, 2023). In contrast, externally driven infrastructure coordination strategies aid legal trade but might increase the supply capacity for trafficking when institutional development and accountability do not keep pace with infrastructure construction (Anderson & van Wincoop, 2004; ADB, 2018). This article contributes to political science by adopting an integrated borderland approach that produces security and trade as political consequences. It concludes with policy recommendations, stressing the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement, legal mobility, small-scale trade routes that are both predictable and connective, and connective practices based on governance-first principles.

Background- Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) fungal pathogen that poses a significant global health threat, particularly in healthcare settings. Its ability to cause invasive infections, coupled with its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs and propensity for hospital outbreaks, necessitates rapid and accurate diagnostic and control strategies. Aim- This report aims to comprehensively review the biotechnological approaches employed in the rapid detection, effective control, and proactive prevention of C. auris infections. A particular focus will be placed on CRISPR-based diagnostic methods and novel biotechnological interventions for managing this formidable pathogen. Methodology- Conventional diagnostic methods for C. auris often suffer from limitations such as prolonged turnaround times and misidentification issues. The advent of molecular diagnostics, including PCR, sequencing, and MALDI-TOF, has significantly improved detection capabilities. Among these, CRISPR technology has emerged as a highly promising tool for rapid, sensitive, and specific C. auris detection. Systems like SHERLOCK and DETECTR, utilizing Cas12 and Cas13 enzymes, offer point-of-care potential and the ability to detect resistance genes. Beyond diagnostics, biotechnological strategies for control and prevention involve the development of novel antifungal compounds, nanotechnology-based solutions such as antifungal coatings and targeted nanoparticles, and CRISPR-based gene editing for identifying therapeutic targets. These innovations are crucial for mitigating the spread and impact of C. auris. Conclusion- CRISPR-based diagnostic approaches represent a significant advancement in the rapid and accurate identification of C. auris, facilitating timely intervention and outbreak control. Coupled with other biotechnological innovations in prevention and control, these strategies are poised to revolutionize the management of this challenging fungal pathogen, ultimately improving patient outcomes and public health safety.