Ethiopian Journal of Environment and Development

Growth and phenological responses of selected improved coffee varieties (Coffea arabica L.) to Vermicast application

Wendimu Melese Siyoum, Diriba Daba Bedane, Bonsa Tesfaye Milkesa — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Organic soil amendment is important for sustainable coffee production; however, efforts to establish its scientific basis have been insufficient. This study evaluated the phenological and growth responses of selected CBD-resistant coffee varieties to different vermicast application rates at Wonago, Gedeo, during 2022–2023 under irrigation. A 4 × 6 pot experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments consisted of four coffee varieties (74112, 74110, Kotti, and Fayate) and six levels of cow dung vermicast (4.5, 6.3, 8.1, 9.9, and 11.7t ha−1, plus a control) were considered as treatments. ANOVA showed that both variety and vermicast significantly affected seedling girth, number of primary branches, leaf number, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area, specific leaf area, primary branch length, biomass, and dry weight of seven-month-old coffee seedlings. In addition, node number, seedling height, and days to 50% emergence were significantly influenced by the interaction between variety and vermicast. Variety Kotti exhibited the highest biomass, seedling girth, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area, and specific leaf area, possibly in relation to this variety is native to the study area, while variety 74112 produced the highest number of primary branches, primary branch length, leaf number, and seedling dry weight. Application of 9.9 and 11.7t ha−1 vermicast shortened the number of days to first emergence and 50% emergence. As the vermicast rate increased up to 9.9t ha−1, seedling growth improved for most parameters; however, when the rate exceeded 9.9t ha−1, a slight decline was observed, possibly because some growth regulators in the vermicast became dominant in the growth process. Further studies are suggested to determine the levels and types of growth hormones present in cow dung vermicast.

Seasonal and Spatial Variation in Selected Mineral Concentrations of Dairy Cows in the Rift Valley of Ethiopia: A Case Study of Bishoftu and Wonji Shewa

Wondewsen Bekele — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Mineral nutrition is a key determinant of dairy cow productivity and health in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, where seasonal fluctuations and location-specific feeding systems influence mineral availability. Despite its importance, evidence on seasonal and spatial variations in the mineral status of lactating dairy cows in Ethiopia’s major dairy-producing areas remains limited. This knowledge gap constrains the development of effective, location-specific mineral supplementation strategies. This study assessed seasonal and spatial variations in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and cobalt in lactating dairy cows and their feeds in the dairy production areas of Bishoftu and Wonji. A total of 80 blood and 78 feed samples collected during the dry and wet seasons were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Significant location × season interactions were observed for Ca and Fe (p < 0.05). Calcium was marginally adequate, phosphorus remained close to deficiency thresholds, and magnesium and zinc were generally adequate, particularly during the dry season. Copper concentrations were below critical levels and were likely worsened by elevated iron concentrations. Mineral deficiencies were more prevalent in Wonji Shewa (72.5%) than Bishoftu (60%) and were associated with season and physiological status. Lactating cows sampled during the dry season showed the highest deficiency rates. In addition, farmers had limited awareness of mineral deficiency symptoms, especially subclinical reproductive effects. Overall, mineral status varied significantly across locations and seasons, with copper deficiency emerging as the major nutritional constraint. Region- and season-specific mineral supplementation programs, along with farmer education on mineral nutrition and deficiency recognition, should be implemented to improve dairy productivity and cow health.

Determinants of agroforestry-based smallholder farmers’ choices of adaptation to climate change and variability in southern Rift Valley Escarpments of Ethiopia

Tigistu Gezahegn1, Mesele Negash, Eshetu Yirsaw — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Climate change poses substantial risks to agriculture and food security in Ethiopia, particularly among smallholder farmers in the southern Rift Valley. This study investigates the key determinants influencing adaptation choices among farmers in the Gedeo Zone. Employing an explanatory research design, the study integrates both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 384 households across three districts, complemented by focus group discussions and key informant interviews to enrich qualitative insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a propensity score matching (PSM) framework, combined with a binary logistic regression model to estimate treatment effects and control for confounding variables. Concurrently, qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis, where emergent patterns and recurrent concepts were systematically identified, categorized, and synthesized into coherent thematic constructs. Findings reveal that the majority of farmers in Kochere (65.67%) and Wonago (62.16%) districts do not adopt agroforestry, whereas Yirgachefe district exhibits a higher adoption rate (51.08%). Factors significantly influencing agroforestry-based adaptation choices include household age, gender, farm size, access to basic services, participation in local institutions, and wealth and asset status. The study demonstrates that agroforestry substantially enhances climate resilience, with 59.75% of adopters reporting improved resilience compared to only 5.78% of non-adopters (t-value = 14.32). This proven the synergy between agroforestry and climate resilience firmly establishes it as a strategic pillar of sustainable rural development. The results underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions and community-driven strategies to promote agroforestry, thereby fostering resilience, sustainability, and food security in the Gedeo Zone.

Epidemiology and Community Knowledge of Bovine Trypanosomiasis in Yirgacheffe District, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Wondewsen Bekele — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022 in selected kebeles of Yirgacheffe District, Southern Ethiopia, to assess the epidemiology of bovine trypanosomiasis and farmers’ knowledge, awareness, and management practices. A total of 384 indigenous cattle were systematically sampled and examined using the buffy coat technique and packed cell volume (PCV) determination. In addition, 200 cattle-owning households were purposively interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. Trypanosomiasis infection prevalence ranged from 8.6% to 11.9% across origins (OR = 1.30–1.55). Infection was higher in adults (15.48%, OR = 1.56) and in poorly conditioned cattle (6.02–21.1%, OR = 2.16–3.16). Sex showed no significant effect, indicating that age and body condition are the main determinants of trypanosome infection risk. Community findings showed that 67% of farmers recognized bovine trypanosomiasis and 85% were aware of its clinical signs. Most respondents relied on trypanocide drugs and insecticide application, and 77.5% were willing to pay for improved veterinary services. Despite this awareness, ongoing transmission suggests gaps in vector control, diagnostics, and extension services. In conclusion, bovine trypanosomiasis remains an important constraint to cattle productivity in Yirgacheffe District, with anemia as a key pathological indicator. Integrated, areaspecific control strategies —including targeted vector management, strengthened veterinary services, routine PCV monitoring, and farmer-focused extension —are essential for sustainable disease control.