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Introduction: The influence of non-teaching staff on localizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within universities is underexplored despite its potential significance. This study examines the familiarization with SDGs at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU). Methods: The triangulation convergence model of the mixed methods research design was adopted as the strategy for inquiry. The study surveyed 70 randomly selected non-teaching staff from diverse departments and key informant interviews were done with purposively selected non-teaching staff. Secondary data sources were obtained from the information department and the university website for additional details on SDG localisation initiatives. Results: The results indicate that the non-teaching staff members at GZU exhibit a moderate familiarity with SDGs, scoring 42.14%. About 42.86% of the employees had engaged with SDGs documents. Interestingly, respondents perceived the institution as well-prepared for SDGs localization, scoring 62.17%. The overall SDGs localization score is 58.5%, with variations between specific SDGs. In particular, SDG 5 (Gender Equality) scores highest, while SDG 14 (Life below Water) is the least localized. The study identifies several obstacles that hinder non-teaching staff from actively contributing to SDG implementation, such as primarily financial constraints followed by lack of awareness, demotivated employees, insufficient training, and a scarcity of SDG materials. Structural challenges within the institution were also observed. Discussion: To facilitate the mainstreaming of SDGs issues among nonacademic staff activities and initiatives, the study underscores the need for management to play an enabling role and designate focal persons for SDGs to oversee projects' execution. Overall, this research sheds light on the current status of SDGs familiarization in higher learning institutions and offers insights for enhancing the involvement of non-teaching staff in achieving SDG targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets aims to move the world to a sustainable trajectory of economic development, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. This paper presents a review of relevant reports as well as scientific publications to assess the interlinkages between SDG 9 dealing with industrial innovation and infrastructure and SDGs relating to social inclusion (SDG 2 and 11), environmental sustainability (SDG 6, 13, and 15), and economic development (SDG 7). The identified interlinkages were mapped and characterized based on compatibility (co‐benefit, trade‐off, neutral) in attaining the targets of the considered SDGs. Our results showed that the co‐benefits were by far the most dominant interactions between the targets of SDG 9 and the targets of the SDGs that were considered. The targets of SDG 2 had the largest number of neutral interlinkages with the targets of SDG 9, while trade‐off interlinkages were found mainly between SDG 9 targets and the targets of SDG 6, 13, and 15. This review will raise awareness of the significance of understanding the nature of interlinkages between the different SDGs to relevant role players and will also inform and stimulate science–policy dialogue on the importance of interlinkages in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of SDG 9 targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The canopies of many tree species sustain a large diversity of folivorous arthropods and phytopathogenic fungi. These organisms are thought to influence overall tree and stand productivity. Leaf diseases caused by Phyllosticta owaniana and Periconiella velutina, phytopathogenic fungi commonly found on the native riparian tree Brabejum stellatifolium (wild almond), like any other leaf disease, can potentially reduce a plant's photosynthetic efficiency. In addition to these two phytopathogens, the weevils Setapion provinciale and Setapion quantillum are abundant in wild almond canopies. Despite their pervasive occurrence, the impacts of these phytopathogens and arthropods on host tree leaf physiology have not been examined. The gas exchange response of wild almond leaves to phytopathogens and folivore damage was assessed. Leaf nitrogen, phosphorus and water content were also determined. Declines in photosynthetic rates and other physiological parameters were associated with increasing damage severity by weevils and phytopathogens in leaves of B. stellatifolium. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents were negatively associated with disease severity. Water and phosphorus contents were also negatively correlated with increased weevil damage, while nitrogen content was positively correlated with it. The observed responses of B. stellatifolium metabolic functioning to fungal pathogen and folivory indicate a possibility of suppressed wild populations of wild almond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]