Archives

• ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN ALE SPECIAL DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

  Vol. 3 No. 2 (2021)

  Abstract
  An Ethno-botanical study was carried out to investigate the type, associated knowledge and practices of
  medicinal plants used by the local people in Ale Special District, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Ninety informants were
  selected by preferential sampling technique. Ethnobotanical data about traditional medicinal plant names
  and associated knowledge such as use, remedy preparation, administration, and others were collected using semi-structured interview, field observation, and focus group discussion. Informant consensus, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor and fidelity level were computed. A total of 72 medicinal plant species belonging to 68 genera and 39 families were documented.

• Determinants and Challenges of Enrollment in Community-Based Health Insurance in Southern Ethiopia

  Vol. 6 No. 2 (2024)

  Since 2011, Ethiopia has been implementing the Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) scheme in various regions to enhance universal health coverage by reducing out-of-pocket expenses for low-income families and to promote healthcare access for poorer households. The purpose of this study is to examine household enrollment and non-enrollment decisions, as well as the main challenges in implementing the program. A multi-stage sampling process was employed to select the participating households. Study subjects were chosen through simple random selection based on population proportions (PPS). Primary data was gathered using a pretested questionnaire. To support the quantitative findings, interviews with CBHI specialists and focus group discussions (FGDs) with both members and non-members of CBHI were conducted. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 15 and SPSS version 20, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the total respondents, 42.7% were enrolled in the CBHI program, while 57.3% were not. To understand the primary determinants of CBHI enrollment, 15 variables were identified. Factors such as residence, illness, family size, occupation, attitude, awareness, information, payment fairness, service quality, and drug availability were found to be significant in relation to CBHI enrollment in the multivariable analysis (P < 0.05). The main challenges identified in the program include poor service delivery and long waiting times, among others. The study revealed the factors influencing enrollment and non-enrollment in the CBHI scheme, as well as its key implementation challenges. It is essential for the government to collaborate with relevant organizations to address the barriers faced by low income households in enrolling in the program and to find solutions to the challenges of its implementation

• ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF CRUDE EXTRACT OF CROTON MACROSTACHYUS LEAVES AND PURE COMPOUND (METHYL LAURATE) ISOLATED FROM IT

  Vol. 3 No. 1 (2020)

  Abstract
  Croton macrostachyus Delil belongs to one of the largest genera of the family Euphorbiaceae, called Croton under the subfamily Crotonoideae. The genus Croton is ecologically prominent, and an important source of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties in tropics and subtropics. The objective of this study was to test the antibacterial property of the leaf extract of Croton macrostachyus and a lauric acid derivative, Methyl Laurate, isolated from it. Crude extract was obtained through phytochemical screening using the solvent acetone.

• Changes in soil physicochemical properties and nutrient dynamics under liming acid soils Wakshuma Yadesa Mergo

  Vol. 6 No. 1 (2024)

  Area specific investigation of impacts derived from liming acid soils and the consequent effects on plant nutrient bioavailability and soil physicochemical properties is important. This work aimed at investigating dynamics of nutrient bioavailability and changes in soil physicochemical properties under liming acid soils in the west Wallaga zone of western Ethiopian high rainfall regions. Lime requirements were calculated for all soil samples using the acid saturation procedure. Then, important physicochemical properties of the soils and bioavailability of nutrients were determined following standard procedures. The highest changes observed as a result of liming were 36.59 to 37.19 cmol Kg⁻¹ for CEC, 0.97% to 0.47% for SOC, 1.76 to 1.40 g cm⁻³ for bulk density, 30.31 to 37.21% for porosity, 30.25 to 34.55 µS cm⁻¹ for EC, 2.56 to 0.26 cmol Kg⁻¹ for EA, and 0.08 to 0.02% for TN. This is attributed to the relatively higher CEC of clayey soils. It was observed that liming conditions, CEC, EC, EA, SOM, TN, and AP have significant (p < 0.001) correlations amongst themselves and with some other soil physicochemical properties such as porosity, bulk density, and C/N ratio. Bioavailability of P, N, S, Ca, K, and Mg were significantly positively (p < 0.01) enhanced by liming. This is due to improved mineralization of organic compounds, solubilization of some K, Ca, and Mg compounds, and input of Ca and Mg through liming. More research may be necessary to create a further understanding of the long-term effects of liming acidic soils on innate sources of nutrients and biological properties.

• Determinants of Farmers’ Decision to Use Improved Land Management Practice in Gindara Watershed, Southern Ethiopia

  Vol. 2 No. 2 (2019)

  Abstract
  The principal environmental problem in Ethiopia is land degradation in the form of severe soil erosion, gully formation and soil fertility loss. To overcome this problem, promoting appropriate land management technologies are best options. However, farmers’ decisions to use land management practices are determined by complex factor. Thus, this study was conducted in Gindara watershed with the objective of analyzing the status of farmers’ choice of improved land management practices and investigating determinants of farmers’ decisions to use improved land management practices.

• Ethnobotanical survey of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments in Arero District, Borena Zone, Ethiopia

  Vol. 5 No. 2 (2023)

  Abstract

  Pastoralist communities have traditionally possessed extensive knowledge regarding the plants and grazing areas in their vicinity, acquired through continuous practice and meticulous observation. As members of the Borana pastoralist communities, the people residing in the Arereo District utilize a variety of plant resources found in their rangelands. In order to evaluate the traditional use of medicinal plants in treating human ailments in Arero District, Borena Zone, an ethnobotanical study was conducted. The primary objective of this study was to document the medicinal plants employed by the local community. Fifty-one key informants were purposefully selected to participate in the study. Data was obtained through the use of questionnaires, focus group discussions, and field observations. In the study area, a total of forty-four medicinal plant species belonging to thirty-six genera and twenty-four plant families, were identified and documented. These plants were reported to be used in the treatment of thirty-five different human ailments. Among the various plant parts used for medicinal purposes, roots were found to be the primary source of remedies (47.7%), followed by leaves (13.6%). Of the remedies documented, 59.7% were prepared for internal use, with oral consumption being the most common method (53.73%). Additionally, 40.3% of the remedies were intended for external applications. The decoction was the predominant method of remedy preparation, accounting for 41.8% of the remedies known in the study area. The findings indicated that the local community possessed valuable knowledge regarding the use, preparation, and application of medicinal plants for the treatment of human ailments. However, it was also noted that certain medicinal plants in the study area, such as Vachellia nilotica and Vachellia tortilis, were reported to be locally threatened. It is crucial to pay adequate attention to prevent further threats to these medicinal plants and to conserve them, along with the associated local knowledge. Efforts should be made to safeguard the medicinal plant resources in the study area, ensuring their sustainable use and preservation for future generations.

• The Eco-cultural Shift in the Gede’o and Sidama Indigenous Agroforestry System

  Vol. 4 No. 2 (2022)

  Abstract

  The Gedeo and Sidama are neighboring communities well known in Ethiopia for their indigenous agroforestry system. Both communities have strong attachments to the indigenous agroforestry system. However, in recent years, there has been a dramatic change in the agroforestry system of both communities: a shift in the value system and economic engagements that reflects a departure from the culturally embedded local knowledge, belief, norms, and environmental ethics of regulating the human-nature relationships. This paper attempts to show the eco-cultural shift in the indigenous agroforestry systems of the Gedeo and Sidama communities. The paper specifically addresses the relationship between nature and culture, and their dynamics and the challenges related to the eco-cultural shifts in the everyday lives of the communities. Methodologically, qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, observation, focused group discussions; narrative interview and review of secondary sources have been employed to collect data. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques have been used to find key informants in the study areas. The results have shown that various factors such as disease to native crops, erosion of traditional social structures, urbanization, modernization, modern schooling and expansion of mainstream religions have been inducing adverse effects in the indigenous agroforestry system of Gedeo and Sidama communities. In addition, with the “monetization” of the production system in the area, the indigenous agroforestry system of the Gedeo and Sidama is now shifting towards cash-oriented cropping system. As a result, the communities have started to experience ecological, social and institutional challenges. Ecologically, the communities have started to experience loss of biodiversity, infertility of soil and food insecurity; socially, uncommon and abnormal behaviors such as beggary, snatching and prostitution are on the rise; institutionally, the decay of indigenous social institutions that preserved society-nature symbiosis is quite visible. The paper recommends necessary preventive measures to reduce drivers of eco-cultural shift in the indigenous land use systems of Gedeo and Sidama and their adverse effects on the harmonious relationship between society and nature in the areas.

• The Effect of Smallholder Farmers’ Managed Wetlands on Plants’ Diversity and Soil Properties in Gedeo Zone, Gedeb wereda, Southern Ethiopia.

  Vol. 2 No. 1 (2019)

  Abstract
  This study was conducted in southern Ethiopia to assess the impact of smallholder farmers’
  managed wetlands on plants diversity and soil properties. Vegetation data were collected from 60
  plots having (1m x1m) quadrats laid on five transects lines along the altitudinal gradient. Vegetation
  data were analyzed using, descriptive statistics, Sorenson’s similarity, and Shannon-Wiener
  diversity index and R. 2.14 software.

• Gondoro as a Social Capital: Analysis of an Indigenous Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding Practice of the Guji and Gedeo Peoples

  Vol. 5 No. 1 (2023)

  The people ruled by the Gada system have a tradition of stopping conflict and establishing peace. The Guji and Gede’o people have a tradition of conflict resolution and peacemaking called Gondoro. This research paper aims to show that the Gondoro traditional method of conflict resolution is the social capital of the Guji and Gedeo people. To achieve this purpose, the qualitative descriptive research approach was applied. Through this approach, the Gondoro tradition was described in terms of how it was performed and the traditional practices and their contextual meanings it embodied. A purposive sampling technique was used to select key informants who were cultural group leaders from Guji and Gede’o. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis (archival analysis) were employed for data collection. The data were analyzed by dividing them into different topics to adequately answer the research questions. Based on the analysis of the qualitative data, Gondoro is performed to cleanse ‘fratricide’ that could happen between the Guji and Gedeo people or within the Guji or Gedeo people. It is done to cleanse the grief resulting from the ‘fratricide’ and restore peace among the communities. The article discusses that the Guji and Gede’o people have ‘fraternal’ relationship that has been reinforced through their shared legendary narratives and cultural practices. Accordingly, the article argues that the Gondoro tradition is the social capital of the Guji and Gede’o people. The article concludes that indigenous knowledge, such as the Gondoro tradition, can serve as a good experience for Ethiopian ethnic groups sharing the border to solve their security problems through their common tradition

• Asian Vitis Species for Modern Grapevine Breeding and Wine Industry: A Review

  Vol. 1 No. 1 (2019)

  Abstract
  Viticulture is one of the major horticultural industries of the world, with the area of grapevines cultivated exceeding 7.9 million hectare. The grapevines belong to the family Vitaceae, which are mostly woody, tree-climbing vines, though a few have a shrubby growth habit. They have tendrils and inflorescences opposite the leaves. The grapevine fruit is used in a wide variety of products, ranging through fresh fruit, preserves, juice, wine and raisins. This review paper attempts to address a potential Asian Vitis species, as there was no sufficient information and most of the species were ignored in modern viticulture and enology. Vitis amurensis, Vitis heyneana, Vitis davidii, and Vitis yeshanensis are the most common and most popular species in Asia.

• ASSESSING ADOPTION LEVEL OF CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO FOOD SECURITY OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN ARTUMA-FURSI WOREDA, OROMO-SPECIAL ZONE OF AMHARA REGION, ETHIOPIA

  Vol. 4 No. 1 (2022)

  Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is a new agricultural approach designed to improve resilience and food
  security of farmers in the face of climate change. The study was thus intended to assess CSA adoption level and its contribution to food security of farmers in Artuma-Fursi Woreda, Oromo Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Two-stage sampling was used to select 259 households, from whom primary data were collected via crosssectional household survey. Content analysis was used to identify farm level CSA Practices/Technologies (CSAPTs) with close examination of locally specific character of climate-induced food insecurity. Adaptation Strategy Use Index and Composite Score Method were used to assess CSA adoption level and classify households as Low/L, Medium/M and High/H adoption groups (AG). Household Food Balance Model (HFBM) was used to assess food security of households. An ordered Probit regression model was applied to assess factors influencing adoption level of CSAPTs. The study identified 30 CSAPTs. Results showed that Crop and Livestock Management were most frequently adopted, while the later 2 were least frequently adopted CSAPTs. Results also indicated that 22.8%, 32.8% and 44.4% of the households fall under HAG, MAG and LAG with a mean dietary energy scores of 1946.0, 1785.82 and 1692.84kcals/household/day. Results of the one-way between-groups ANOVA showed that the observed differences in mean dietary energy scores of the three adoption groups were larger than what would be expected by chance with p < :05 significant level. HFBM showed that 49.2% of HAG were in acceptable consumption category, in which only 4.7% of low adopters were found. On contrary, 64.7% of LAG were in poor consumption category, in which only 13.56% of high adopters were found, implying that increased level of CSA adoption had higher contribution to improve households’ food security. Results of the ordered probit model indicated that membership in SACCOs, livestock ownership and education level of household head were significant explanatory variables determining CSA adoption level in LAG, MAG and HAG at 1%, 5% & 10% significant levels, respectively.
  Marginal effects estimated for the rest of variables were negatively related in LAG, while they were positively related in HAG, implying that increases in these variables make it less likely to find households in LAG and more likely to boost adoption in HAG showing potential entry points for future intervention.

• WATER HYACINTH INVASION IN THE RIFT VALLEY LAKES BASIN—AN EMERGING ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES: A REVIEW PAPER

  Vol. 3 No. 2 (2021)

  Abstract
  Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) occurs almost throughout wetlands of Africa and poses serious socioeconomic and environmental problems of people in riparian communities, which added constraints on the sluggish development process. This review aims to show the spatial distribution, characteristic and impacts of water hyacinth to initiate urgent policy attention and amelioration mechanisms in Rift Valley Lakes Basin (RVLB). This invasive weed has spread quickly from Amazon to many tropical and sub-tropical countries and known to cause major ecological, environmental, and socioeconomic challenges.

• Institutional Transparency of Urban Land Management in Ethiopia: a Case Study in Sebeta, Gelan and Sendaf-Bake Towns of the Oromia Region

  Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025)

  The study examines the transparency of urban land management in Ethiopia considering the case of Sebeta, Gelan and Sendafa-Bake towns of the Oromia Region. To achieve the objective, the study employed a convergent research design within the framework of a mixed-methods research approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Interview schedules, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis techniques were used to solicit information. The study used both probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling techniques to select sample respondents. Statistical and context analysis methods were utilized to present and analyze the data. The findings of the study indicate that the land management system in the study area lacked a rigorous transparency system. In addition, more than sixty percent of the respondents stated that the level of transparency in the official activities of land management offices was limited. The study, based on the findings, recommends that governments at regional and local levels need to ensure that the land management system follows open, consistent, and clear service provision standards to provide impartial, objective, and non-discriminatory services to citizens. This helps to ensure that an efficient and effective land and land-related service system is consolidated in the study area

• SELECTING SOLIDWASTE SITES USING INTEGRATED FUZZY LOGIC MODEL AND MULTI CRITERIA APPROACH IN SHASHEMENE TOWN: OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

  Vol. 3 No. 1 (2020)

  Abstract
  Solid waste is unwanted material generated from combined residential, industrial, and commercial activities in a given area. Since landfills are permanent sites, they need special attention in selecting the location by applying an efficient method. This study employed the Fuzzy logic in combination with Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) methods for the selection of solid waste landfill site in Shashemene town. Moreover, the study used multi-criteria decision-making integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) to evaluate solid waste site.

• Smallholder Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation Practices and their Determinants in Negelle Arsi District, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

  Vol. 6 No. 2 (2024)

  Climate change presents an unavoidable challenge that disproportionately affects developing nations. In Ethiopia, the livelihoods of smallholder farmers heavily depend on rain-fed agriculture, making them particularly vulnerable to recurrent droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns. Therefore, adaptation mechanisms are crucial for addressing the impacts of climate change. This study aims to assess the climate change adaptation practices of smallholder farmers and their determinants in the Negelle Arsi district. A cross-sectional survey design with a mixed-methods approach was employed. Both primary and secondary data were collected, utilizing systematic random sampling to identify the sampled households. Primary data were gathered through a survey questionnaire involving 184 households, supplemented by four focus group discussions and four key informant interviews. Secondary data relevant to the study were obtained from both published and unpublished sources. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi square tests, and a multivariate probit model. The results revealed that the dominant adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers in the study area included improved crop varieties, adjusting planting dates, crop diversification, terracing, and reserving crop residues. The maximum likelihood estimates from the multivariate probit model indicated that the probabilities of households adopting these adaptation measures were 93%for improved crop varieties, 85% for adjusting planting dates, 57% for crop diversification, 90% for practicing terracing, and 91% for reserving crop residues. The implementation of these strategies varied by agro-ecological location. Significant factors influencing the choice of climate adaptation strategies included education, family size, access to communication devices, farm size, extension services, membership in social organizations, and agro-ecological location. Consequently, future policy should focus on raising awareness among farmers and extension workers regarding the determinants of climate change adaptation. Additionally, it is essential to implement location-specific measures that are appropriate for both current and projected climate conditions

• Informal Economy and Livelihood: Experiences of Women in Dilla Town, Southern Ethiopia

  Vol. 2 No. 2 (2019)

  Abstract
  This study investigates the nexus between the informal economy and women's livelihood improvement in developing economies like Ethiopia. Women in developing countries in general and in Ethiopian developing economy in particular face multi-dimensional challenges that include economic, political, social and cultural factors which undermine both of their agency and capability. The high incidence of poverty and family responsibility under such circumstances compels them to the informal sector where operations are far from getting policy support. The objective of this research is to investigate the role of the informal economy in improving the livelihood of women in terms of income, employment and reduction of poverty of households led by women operating in the informal sector in Dilla town.

• Morpho-physiological Response of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Seedlings to Different Salinity Levels in Sidam National Regional State, Southern Ethiopia

  Vol. 6 No. 1 (2024)

  Salt stress is the most important environmental stress that adversely affects avocado morpho-physiological performance. Therefore, this study has been conducted to evaluate the response of avocado seedlings to different salinity levels. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Design (RCD) with four salt concentration levels (0, 1.3 dS/m, 2.6 dS/m, and 3.9 dS/m) on grafted avocado seedlings, with three replications. The avocado seedlings were raised from Ettinger avocado scion grafted on Guatemalan race rootstock. The results indicate that most of the morphological growth parameters, such as rootstock diameter, sucker development, and root length, were significantly (p<0.01) affected by salt stress level. While tap root diameter and lateral root length were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by salt treatment. Except for the number of suckers developed on the rootstock, rootstock and scion diameter significantly decreased as salt concentrations increased from 0 to 3.9 dS/m. Similarly, significant (p<0.01) variations were also observed in leaf length, bud number, leaf fresh weight and dry weight, leaf area, shoot height, taproot length, and lateral root length. These parameters were also significantly decreased with the increase in salt concentrations. Likewise, photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and instantaneous water use efficiency were significantly affected by salt concentration, where relatively maximum scores were obtained at 0 and 1.3 dS/m. In general, salt concentration at 0 and 1.3 dS/m EC favors most of the growth and physiological performance of avocado seedlings compared to 2.6 and 3.9 dS/m. Thus, the study revealed that for vigorous growth of avocado seedlings at an early stage, the quality of irrigation water needs considerable attention to ensure robust avocado seedling growth.

• Assessing spatial accessibility of bus stops and user satisfaction with transportation services: a case of Dilla Town, South Ethiopia Region, Ethiopia

  Vol. 5 No. 2 (2023)

  Abstract

  Bus stop accessibility is a vital component of a successful transportation system. This study aimed to investigate the network characteristics of bus stop locations and evaluate bus service users’ satisfaction. The road networks were digitized from aerial photographs and the locations of the bus stops were collected by Handheld GPS to assess the accessibility of bus stops. Additionally, an administered questionnaire related to service quality was collected to evaluate the bus transportation service quality provided by Dilla University. Network analysis techniques were employed to analyze the spatial distribution and accessibility of bus stops. The bus stop coverage ratio index was determined from the ideal access coverage and the actual access coverage of bus stops. The SCRI result indicates Getsmart Bus stop has the highest value (0.96), suggesting that it has a high level of functionality for its surrounding area. On the other hand, the bus stop with the lowest value (0.60) is ‘Molla Golja’. The findings of the study highlighted significant variations in bus stop coverage, indicating differences in accessibility among the stops. The questionnaire survey results showed that passengers were not generally satisfied with the bus service. In summary, the network analysis is useful for identifying areas with low accessibility and areas where improvements are needed.The significance of this study extends beyond providing solely to the needs of Dilla University administrators for creating a more efficient and user-friendly transportation system for their workers and the wider community. It is useful for the Dilla Town Administrative Road Transport Office and other organizations seeking to improve transportation systems.

• Talking Plants: Communication and Signaling via Volatiles

  Vol. 2 No. 1 (2019)

  Abstract
  There is an urgent need for new sustainable solutions to support plants in facing current environmental challenges. In particular, strengthening of productivity and food security needs sustainable exploitation of natural resources and metabolites. In this review, we fetch the attention to the agronomic potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from plants, as a natural and eco-friendly solution to defend from stresses and to enhance crop production. Plants defense by emitting volatile organic compounds communicate with herbivore-attacked neighbors to activate defenses before being attacked.

• SITUATION ANALYSIS OF IRREGULAR STEPWISE CROSS-BORDER ETHIOPIAN MIGRANTS IN THE SUDAN IN VIEW OF SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

  Vol. 4 No. 2 (2022)

  Abstract

  The main objective of this research was to investigate the socioeconomic and human rights status of the irregular cross-border Ethiopian migrants in Sudan. The research targeted identifying key policy lessons that could contribute to the existing endeavors of managing migration and preventing human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. Data were collected through desk reviews, informant interviews, group discussions, and observations. The results show that Ethiopian emigrants in Khartoum have been suffering beginning from their origin, en route, and destination. The most common drivers of the emigrants are found to be an amalgam of socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors as well as pseudo-success-stories of the pioneer migrants. The en route was perilous for the migrants in which they faced physical assault, confinement, mistreatment, sexual abuse, and robbery. At the destination, the emigrants had been suffering from religion-based disparagement, nationality-based stigmatization, restricted mobility, exploitative working conditions, confiscation of resources, sexual abuse, vulnerability to drug dependence, and maltreatment. The mechanism to alleviate the problem is triple: one is expected from Ethiopia, the other from Sudan, and the third is a combined effort. In Ethiopia, enhanced democratic culture, political tolerance, good governance, improved access to legal travel authorization (visa) for safe migration, awareness creation campaigns, enhanced monitoring of the private employment agencies, and increased cooperation among stakeholders are found to be vital solutions to prevent illicit cross-border human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. Sudan is recommended to comply with the international conventions it ratified and the national legal frameworks it enforced regarding human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, and refugee protection. Ethiopia and Sudan have also something great to do together to combat the quandary of illicit migration: abolition of visa obligation for the citizens of one another and establishing robust co-managed border supervision command post mandated to address conflicts, irregular migration, and displacement at border areas.

• The Role of Moisture Schemes in Regional Climate Modeling of Precipitation over the Horn of Africa

  Vol. 2 No. 1 (2019)

  Abstract
  This study aims to evaluate the performance of the latest Regional Climate Model version 4 (RegCM4) to simulate the precipitation over the Horn of Africa. Although there are several aspects in which the model can be improved, the focus of this study is to tackle the problem of its moisture scheme. RegCM4 moisture scheme has fourteen moisture scheme parameters, which can be tuned within the allowed physical limits. Each of the fourteen moisture parameters have been varied around the current default setting and over 80 model runs have been performed for a domain defined by 60km resolution, 18 vertical levels covering spatially the whole Africa and the major circulation patterns that derive climate over the region.

• Plant-pollinator interactions of three selected plant species in Gullele Botanic Garden, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  Vol. 5 No. 1 (2023)

  
  Assessment of plant-pollinator interaction in three selected naturally grown plant species (Rosa abyssinica,Hypericum revolutum, and Vernonia leopoldi) was conducted using pollination observation method in the Gullele Botanic Garden, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Critical observation of pollinators was conducted while visiting the floral parts of each species, capturing a photo of each pollinator on the floral part, and at the same time recording the time and giving the general name of pollinators. This observation activity was conducted by walking along the garden, choosing any flowering individual for about 30 min observations for five flowers. Data was collected in five weeks between November and December 2021 about the plant-pollinator
  visits, pollinators’ diversity, number of visits to each species, and pollinators’ preferred time in a day were
  analyzed using descriptive analysis. A total of six functional groups (bees-Hymnoptera, beetles-Coleoptera,
  flies-Diptera, moths and butterflies-Lepidoptera, and bird) were recorded from pollination observation. Bees were the most flower-visiting/pollinating insect group for the three species. Beetles were the second most visited insects on the flowers of the three species, followed by flies, moths, butterflies, and birds. Plants attracted a range of insects, with bees as the most abundant visitor/pollinator, accounting for 88% of the total visits. The rate of insect flower visits for the three species indicated a decrease from the first to the fifth week of floral blooming. For mutual benefit and sustainable conservation of selected flowering plants and pollinating insects, it would be important to promote the botanic garden by establishing a pollinator garden as part of the thematic garden.

• Large Scale Commercial Farming and Its Environmental Impacts: The Case of Gambella Regional State

  Vol. 1 No. 1 (2019)

  Abstract
  The change in Ethiopia’s economic policy from small scale farming to large scale farming began with the global food and fuel crisis in 2007/8. This has led many countries including the Gulf States and several East Asian countries, to re-evaluate their strategies and secure land and water essentially to produce food and fuel. Consequently, in Ethiopia, more than four million hectares of land has been leased to investors for large-scale commercial farming out of which the total land area of 524,202.58 hectares has been distributed for both local and foreign investors in Gambella Regional State. Hence, the main purpose of the study was to assess the impacts of large-scale commercial farming on the sustainability of environment in Gambella regional state.

• Backyard Sheep Fattening: Constraints, and Economic Implications in Bule District, Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia

  Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025)

  The study was conducted in the Bule district of the Gedeo Zone to assess backyard sheep fattening practices, limitations, opportunities, and economic viability. Six out of 18 Kebeles were purposively selected based on sheep resources, farmer experience, and accessibility. A total of 126 households were randomly chosen for the survey. Sheep fattening was prevalent in the area, with 94.4% of households utilizing tethering and free-grazing systems. Traditional fattening methods were dominant, with an average of 1.97 ± 0.08 sheep fattened over periods of 2 to 6 months, and 1.59 ± 0.059 rounds per year. Rams were the preferred type for fattening (72.2%), followed by both rams and ewes (17.5%), and ewes alone (10.3%). The Easter season (27.78%) was the most common time for fattening, and 40.48% of fatteners engaged in this practice primarily for income generation. Separate housing for sheep was common, although often poorly managed; 35.7% of households housed sheep separately within other livestock shelters. Key challenges included feed shortages, diseases, rising veterinary drug prices, decreasing grazing land, low sheep productivity, and issues with predators and theft. Conversely, opportunities included favorable agro-ecological conditions, abundant fresh grass, experienced farmers, a large sheep population, increasing market demand, rising sheep prices, higher literacy rates, and larger household sizes, all of which could enhance fattening practices. Despite these opportunities, sheep fattening remained unprofitable under current management systems. To improve profitability, the study recommends targeted training, ongoing support, collaboration among stakeholders, improved forage development, and consistent monitoring and evaluation.

• CROPPING SYSTEM, SOIL CONSERVATION AND TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION IN THE ENSET (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) BASED FARMING SYSTEM IN GEDEO ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

  Vol. 4 No. 1 (2022)

  Enset (Ensete ventricosum) is a multipurpose crop used for food, fodder, fiber production, fuel, traditional
  medicine, and other cultural practices. The Gedeo enset based farming system is diversified and unique
  in its design and function. The objective of this study was to assess cropping system, soil conservation,
  and technology adoption in the Gedeo enset based farming. The enset based farming system of Gedeo was stratified based on the agro-ecological zones. Accordingly, two kebeles from Dega (highlands), four kebeles from Weyna Dega (midland), and one kebele from Kola (lowland) woredas were selected. Data were collected through key informant interviews, structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions. A total of 230 randomly selected households were interviewed, which was about 10% of the total number of enset producers. The study provides an overview of enset based farming systems, traditional and modern tools, soil erosion conservation activities, and technology adoption of the Gedeo. The result revealed that compared to other existed mixed crops, as altitude increases, enset cropland coverage increases. In lowland areas, the land cover of enset was insignificant. Comparative enset-coffee land covers mainly maters in the midland. The type and the number of animals holding differ across and within the households. In the Gedeo agroforestry system, the problem of soil erosion and conservation practices was insignificant. The result suggests the need for the involvement of the concerned body in the introduction and dissemination of improved technologies by considering the agroforestry system and the mixed crops.