Janeth Mjema, Kelvin Kiwale, Yaw Twumasi, Zhu Ning, Lucinda Kangwana, Jeff Dacosta Osei

It is notable, moreover, that vegetated classes remained prevalent—from 90% to 88% of the mapped area—and that the built-up class expanded and consolidated in demand corridors and the urban core (+400–2,100 ha). The notional oscillation of forest/dense vegetation and sparse/crop classes seems attributable to real transitions as well as mixed-pixel or threshold effects. Urban forest areas generally correlated inversely with built-up, though with high scatter, suggesting various influences, including peri-urban regrowth, agriculture, or climate variation. A carbon-storage proxy mirrored forest area closely (1.8–13.8 million tCO2e). MODIS land surface temperature analysis reflected stable cooling disparities: built-up surfaces were hotter (33–38elsius) than forested width (30.5–33), while the built–forest cooling disparity expanded to ~6–6.6cesius post-mid-2010s. Stormwater retention estimates remained high at the study-area scale (0.93–0.99), though increased runoff-risk indicators appeared where impervious cover clustered. Habitat area estimates remained high and Shannon diversity stable as-shown; however, maps imply continued fragmentation near the core. An indicative 2050 scenario characteristic of SSP2 (+0.0188 NDVI over 2022) indicates slight average greening, though conversion hotspots remain. Results thus indicate that mean greenness gains can obscure spatially concentrated losses, supporting canopy-focus and targeted management of corridors.

LUCINDA KANGWANA, Yaw Twumasi, Zhu Ning, Janeth Mjema, Kelvin Kiwale, Jeff Dacosta Osei

Louisiana has reached a critical convergence in the renewable energy transition, where high optimism of biofuel technology meets the complex realities of environmental conservation. This research explores how the state’s strategy in advancing sustainable bioenergy fuels intersects with two key ecological challenges: landscape transformation and biodiversity conservation. The region's biofuels industry has focused increasingly on advanced feedstocks, especially energy cane and forest-derived biomass, which are higher yielding than conventional crops but need significant landscape conversion. To produce significant volumes of cellulosic ethanol, Louisiana would have to convert hundreds of thousands of hectares of agricultural lands or conserved landscapes into perennial energy crops. The environmental impacts of such landscape conversions vary substantially depending on the original land use. Switching from row crops to perennial energy grass could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gases and nutrient leaching, whereas conversion of conserved lands or natural landscapes would augment biodiversity loss. Placing food crops at risk or forcing deforestation elsewhere could wipe out local environmental benefits. Louisiana has a critical need for well-planned, landscape-scale development that maximizes the use of waste biomass, locates energy crops on moderately degraded lands, and salvages intact ecosystems with high-conservation value. 

Dorcas Twumwaa Gyan, Yaw Twumasi, Zhu Ning, Esi Dadzie, Jeff Dacosta, Priscilla Mawuena Loh, Kingsford Kobina Annan, Sheena Dorcoo

Food access varies widely across East Baton Rouge Parish, shaping everyday mobility, affordability, and neighborhood food environments. This study examines proximity to full-line grocery stores and healthy corner stores using ZIP Code Tabulation Areas as the primary spatial unit, allowing for policy-relevant interpretation at a scale commonly used for planning and service delivery. A geocoded inventory of grocery and healthy corner stores was integrated with demographic profiles and parish land-use data to evaluate neighborhood-level access patterns. Ten-minute walk isochrones were generated along the street network to identify areas within and beyond the reasonable reach of healthy food retail. Spatial clustering of food retailers was further assessed using Moran’s Index, yielding a positive spatial autocorrelation value of 0.1219, indicating modest but meaningful clustering of grocery and healthy corner stores rather than an even parishwide distribution. Results reveal that approximately 80% of residents living in low-density areas fall outside the ten-minute walk threshold, highlighting substantial access gaps linked to development patterns and residential dispersion. Parishwide, these gaps coincide with large residential zones and demographic vulnerability, suggesting unmet demand for nearby food retail. While proximity alone does not capture affordability, operating hours, or product diversity, the findings provide actionable evidence to support equitable retail food sit

Ike Inniss, Christopher Chappell, Zhu Ning, Y. A. Twumasi, Miriam Kiiru

Louisiana's distinct ecological and industrial landscape offers unique opportunities for biomass, biofuel, and bioenergy development. The state's shift from a fossil fuel economy to sustainable energy is gaining momentum. Biomass resources, such as sugarcane bagasse, forest residues, energy crops, and municipal waste, are crucial feedstocks in this shift. This transition aims to diversify the economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance rural resilience, and meet renewable energy targets. Recent advancements in conversion technologies, like pyrolysis and gasification, have improved bioenergy efficiency and scalability in Louisiana. As a result, Louisiana is becoming a leader in renewable energy in the Gulf South region. However, challenges remain. Issues like feedstock logistics, land-use competition, carbon accounting, and policy uncertainties hinder bioeconomyexpansion. A holistic approach is needed to address these challenges. This should integrate research, sustainable land management, and supportive policies. Louisiana's biomass and bioenergy sectors have great potential to reduce environmental impacts, create jobs, enhance energy security, and mitigate climate change. The future of bioenergy in Louisiana depends on balancing economic growth and ecological stewardship. Innovation will connect traditional industries with renewable energy, ensuring a sustainable future for Louisiana's energy landscape.

Kelvin Kiwale, Y. A. Twumasi, Zhu Ning, Janeth Mjema, Lucinda Kangwana, Jeff Dacosta Osei

Urban areas are experiencing a rapid increase in municipal solid waste (MSW), which has led to environmental bottlenecks and energy opportunities. This study analyzes the techno-economic and environmental feasibility of bio-energy production from MSW in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Anaerobic digestion (AD), gasification and incineration of organic and mixed MSW to biogas, syngas, electricity and heat was determined through analysis of local waste generation rates, composition, and industrial infrastructure. Anaerobic digestion technology produced the best results for organic waste with methane yield of 400–500 mL CH₄/gVS. Gasification technology produced better results for exergy efficiency with rate between 27 - 47% versus incineration at 17 - 19%. The economic analysis included concepts such as capital and operating costs (CAPEX and OPEX), net revenues from electricity sales, tipping fees, and carbon credits with electricity tariffs and policy incentives playing a vital role. The environmental assessment identified potential GHG reductions by diverting 50,000 - 150,000 tonnes CO₂-equivalent/year of waste from landfill. Key challenges that might hinder the operations include feedstock variability and high-cost dependability dependent on site location. The increased demand for energy and the potential for favorable policy incentives enhance the operations of the plant in Baton Rouge. The study thus recommends phased approach for implementation with pilot-scale AD systems.

Ike Inniss, Christopher Chappell, Zhu Ning, Janana Snowden, Yaw Twumasi, Sarah Mckee, Miriam Kiiru

Automation technologies are becoming essential to advancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and climate resilience. This study examines the integration of automation within research, instructional, and extension programs at Southern University and A&M College, a Historically Black Land-Grant Institution. In collaboration with the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, robotics, unmanned aerial systems, precision irrigation, and smart‑farming platforms are incorporated into applied research, teaching, and community outreach. Findings indicate improvements in crop monitoring accuracy, irrigation decision‑making, labor efficiency, and experiential learning opportunities for students and farmers. Automation exposure also enhances community competencies in weeding technologies, small‑engine systems, and sustainable production practices. Persistent barriers include high capital costs, limited technical expertise, and insufficient human and technological infrastructure. Addressing these constraints requires coordinated investment strategies with agencies such as USDA‑NIFA and NSF. Policy implications emphasize expanding funding pathways for Historically Black Land-Grant Institutions, establishing regional technology demonstration hubs, and strengthening workforce development pipelines. The study positions Southern University as a leader in inclusive agricultural automation and climate‑resilient workforce development.