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The purpose of the study was to identify and analyze the fuzzy relationships among criteria for the development of community-based tourism (CBT) in Malaysia through a multi-stakeholder lens. By exploring these relationships, the study aimed to provide valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of CBT initiatives in Malaysia. The focus was on understanding the interplay between environmental, economic and socio-cultural criteria to guide decision-making and planning processes for sustainable tourism development.

The study utilized a quantitative approach, specifically employing a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model known as decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). This methodology allowed for the integration of diverse perspectives from multiple stakeholders involved in CBT in Malaysia. By using DEMATEL, the researchers were able to analyze the complex relationships among sustainable criteria, identify causal factors and assess the interdependencies among environmental, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. The approach aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the criteria influencing the sustainability of CBT development in Malaysia.

The findings of the study revealed that environmental and economic factors emerged as pivotal causal criteria influencing socio-cultural outcomes in the development of CBT in Malaysia. The research highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in building sustainability in CBT, emphasizing the need for regular meetings, shared decision-making processes and clear communication channels among all involved parties. These insights empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and prioritize criteria for sustainable CBT development, ultimately contributing to the well-being of communities, preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and long-term environmental sustainability.

The study's limitations include the focus on CBT in Malaysia, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other contexts. Additionally, the research relied on a quantitative approach, potentially overlooking qualitative nuances in stakeholder perspectives. Future studies could address these limitations by exploring diverse geographical locations and incorporating qualitative methods to capture a more comprehensive understanding of sustainable criteria in CBT development. These implications suggest opportunities for further research to validate and extend the findings in different contexts and with a broader range of stakeholder perspectives.

The practical implications of the study include providing guidance for tourism policymakers and key stakeholders in developing effective policy interventions for CBT in Malaysia. By understanding the complex relationships among sustainable criteria, stakeholders can make informed decisions to foster environmental, economic and socio-cultural growth in CBT initiatives. The findings offer insights for creating economic opportunities, promoting fair trade practices and enhancing linkages between CBT and local businesses. These practical implications aim to support sustainable decision-making, planning processes and implementation strategies to ensure the long-term success and positive impact of CBT in Malaysia.

The social implications of the study underscore the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in CBT development in Malaysia. By engaging various stakeholders, including host communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and tourists, the research promotes social cohesion, cultural exchange and community empowerment. Enhancing social interactions and mutual understanding among stakeholders can lead to inclusive decision-making processes, equitable distribution of benefits and the preservation of local heritage and traditions. These social implications emphasize the potential for CBT to contribute to social well-being, cultural preservation and sustainable development, fostering positive social impacts and strengthening community resilience.

The originality and value of the study lie in its exploration of the complex relationships among sustainable criteria for CBT development in Malaysia from a multi-stakeholder perspective. By utilizing the DEMATEL method and quantitative analysis, the research offers a novel approach to understanding the causal factors influencing environmental, economic and socio-cultural outcomes in CBT initiatives. The study's findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers to make informed decisions, prioritize criteria and develop effective strategies for sustainable CBT development. This original contribution enhances the understanding of sustainable criteria relationships and empowers stakeholders to drive positive change in the tourism sector.

This paper aims to review the current status of wheat production, farming systems, production constraints and wheat demand-supply chain analysis; the role of international and national breeding programs and their approaches in wheat genetic improvement including targeting mega environments, shuttle breeding, doubled haploids, marker-assisted selection and key location phenotyping; and future prospects and opportunities of wheat production in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA).

Relevant literature works have been used and cited accordingly.

Though traditionally wheat was not the leading staple crop in SSA, it is becoming an important food crop because of rapid population growth associated with increased urbanization and change in food preference for easy and fast food such as bread, biscuits, pasta, noodles and porridge. In 2013, total wheat consumption in SSA reached 25 million tons with import accounting for 17.5 million tons at a price of USD6 billion, while during the same period the region produces only 7.3 million tons on a total area of 2.9 million hectares. The low productivity (2t/ha) in the region is principally because of abiotic (drought and heat) and biotic (yellow rust, stem rust, septoria and fusarium) stresses which are increasing in intensity and frequency associated with climate change. Furthermore, increased cost of production, growing populations, increased rural-urban migration, low public and private investments, weak extension systems and policies, and low adoption rates of new technologies remain to be major challenges for wheat production in SSA. Wheat breeding in SSA is dominantly carried out by National Agricultural Research Systems, in partnership with the international research centers [International center for improvement of maize and wheat (CIMMYT) and International center for agricultural research in the dry areas (ICARDA)], to develop high yielding and widely adapted wheat genotypes with increased water-use efficiency, heat tolerance and resistance to major diseases and pests. Most of the cultivars grown in SSA are originated from the international research centers, CIMMYT and ICARDA.

This paper will help to promote available wheat technologies in SSA by creating awareness to wheat scientists, extension agents and policymakers.

This manuscript is an original review paper which has not been published in this form elsewhere.