Hospitality Investment in the Afar Region, Ethiopia: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

BackgroundIdeation refers to the ideas and views that people hold; it has been identified as an important explanation for differences in contraceptive use within and across countries. This study aimed to identify ideational factors that influence intention to use family planning (FP) methods among women of reproductive age (WRA) in the four emerging regions of Ethiopia.MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional survey of 2891 WRA was carried out in the four emerging regions of Ethiopia. A multistage, stratified systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data were collected by trained enumerators, using tablets equipped with Open Data Kit. To assess the impact of ideation on intention to use FP, the research team used 41 items distributed across five broad ideational factors: contraception awareness, self-efficacy, rejection of myth and rumor, intra-family discussion and family support. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to test the fit of these items into the five ideational factors. A multiple binary logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the combined effect of these ideational factors with different sociodemographic variables on intention to use contraceptive methods. In all the statistical analysis, a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsDifferent proportions of women in the four regions intended to use contraceptives in the future: 74.9% in Benishangul-Gumuz, 50.1% in Gambela, 21.8% in Afar, and 20.1% in Somali. The proportion of women who intended to use contraceptives varied with ideation scores. The multiple binary logistic regression revealed that self-efficacy was an important ideational factor of intention to use contraception in all four regions. Rejection of myth and rumor was also an important factor in all regions except in Somali. Contraception awareness and family support were significant predictors of intention to use contraception in the Afar region only. Intra-family discussion was not found significant in any region.ConclusionsRegional/district health offices should focus on increasing self-efficacy for FP use. Demystifying rumors would contribute to improved intention to use FP among women in Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Gambela regions. Raising contraception awareness and encouraging family support would improve intention to use FP in Afar region.

Undernutrition remains a critical public health issue in Ethiopia, driving high under-five morbidity and mortality. Coexisting forms; stunting, wasting, and underweight magnify these risks but their spatial patterns and determinants remain poorly understood. This study investigates the geographic distribution and key factors of coexisting undernutrition among Ethiopian children under five to inform targeted, geographic-specific interventions. We conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS), including a weighted sample of 4,952 children under five years of age. Spatial analysis was employed to explore the geographic distribution of coexisting forms of undernutrition, and significant spatial clusters were identified using SaTScan version 10. To examine associated factors, a multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted. Variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable model. Effect measures were reported using Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). The national prevalence of coexisting forms of undernutrition among children under five in Ethiopia was 19.6% (95% CI: 18.5,20.7), with marked regional disparities ranging from 5.2% in Addis Ababa to 30.7% in the Afar region. Spatial analysis identified a significant high-risk cluster spanning Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Benishangul-Gumuz, and northern Somali regions (Log-Likelihood Ratio [LLR] = 38.83, p < 0.001), indicating pronounced geographic heterogeneity. Maternal education at primary (AOR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.98), secondary (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.77), and higher levels (AOR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.51), higher household wealth (richer: AOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.92; richest: AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.80), and female sex (AOR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.92). Conversely, multiple births (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.33, 3.18) and residing in communities with high poverty levels (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.87) significantly increased the risk of coexisting undernutrition. Significant geographic disparities in coexisting undernutrition among Ethiopian children under five highlight urgent hotspots in Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Benishangul, and northern Somali regions. Protective factors such as maternal education, household wealth, and female sex, while multiple births and poverty were risk factors. These findings highlight the need for geographically targeted interventions focused on hotspot areas, with an emphasis on improving maternal education and alleviating poverty to reduce coexisting forms of undernutrition and enhance child survival.

Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are the leading causes of infectious-disease-related deaths in Ethiopia, but little is known about their spatial distribution across the country. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial patterns of TB and HIV co-infection in Ethiopia at the district level. We conducted an ecological study using TB and HIV data reported from all regions of Ethiopia through the national Health Management Information System (HMIS), between June 2015 and June 2017. Spatial clustering was assessed using Moran's I statistic and Getis-Ord statistic. Spatial binomial regression models were constructed separately for the prevalence of TB among people living with HIV and for the prevalence of HIV among TB patients, with and without spatial components using a Bayesian approach. A total of 1,830,880 HIV and 192,359 TB patients were included in the analysis. The prevalence of HIV among TB patients was 7.34%; hotspots were observed in districts located in Amhara, Afar, and Gambela regions, and cold spots were observed in Oromiya and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People (SNNP) regions. The prevalence of TB among people living with HIV varied from 0.7% in Oromia region to 14.5% in Afar region. Hotspots of TB prevalence among people living with HIV were observed in districts located in Gambela, Afar, Somali, and Oromiya regions; whereas the cold spots were observed in districts located in Amhara and Tigray regions. The ecological-level factors associated with the prevalence of TB among people living with HIV were low wealth index (OR: 1.49; 95% CrI: 1.05, 2.05), low adult literacy rate (OR: 0.67; 95% CrI: 0.46, 0.94), and distance to an international border (OR: 0.61; 95% CrI: 0.40, 0.91). The factors associated with the prevalence of HIV among TB patients were poor health care access (OR: 0.76; 95% CrI: 0.59, 0.95), low wealth index (OR: 1.31; 95% CrI: 1.01, 1.67), and low adult literacy rate (OR: 1.37; 95% CrI: 1.03, 1.78). Our study provides evidence for geographic clustering of TB/HIV co-infection in Ethiopia. Health care access, proximity to international borders, and demographic factors such as low wealth index and adult literacy were significantly associated with the prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore spatiotemporal distribution of under-five mortality in Ethiopia using data from four (2000, 2005, 2011 and 2016) consecutive demographic and health surveys.MethodsA total...

IntroductionMaternal anemia is a worldwide public health problem especially in developing countries including Ethiopia. The burden of anemia among lactating mothers in Ethiopia was higher than those who were neither pregnant nor breastfeeding. To date, there is limited evidence on spatiotemporal patterns of anemia among lactating mothers in the country. Exploring the spatial patterns of maternal anemia is vital to design and monitor effective intervention programs. Therefore this study aimed to explore spatiotemporal patterns of anemia among lactating mothers in Ethiopia over the past one and half-decades.MethodsA total of 11,989 lactating mothers were included from the three consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys(2005, 2011, and 2016). The trend of anemia over the three surveys was showed. Furthermore, spatial autocorrelation analysis, cluster and outlier analysis, hotspot analysis, spatial interpolation, and spatial scan statistics were carried out to identify geographically risk areas of anemia among lactating mothers in Ethiopia. Finally, the most anemia risk areas were detected consistently by different spatial analytic methods in each survey.ResultsAnemia during lactation had an increasing trend from 2011 to 2016 in all regions of Ethiopia. It was also spatially clustered over three survey periods (Moran’s I: 0.102–0.256, P<0.01).The hotspot areas were detected in Afar, Somali, Gambela, Dire Dawa, and Oromia regions during the last fifteen years. In 2005 and 2011, a total of 100 most likely clusters (Loglikelihood Ratio(LLR) = 8.8, P<0.05, and LLR = 45.94, P<0.001, respectively) were identified in the Afar region. However, in the 2016 survey period, primary clusters were shifted to the Somali region where 57 clusters (LLR = 72.73, P<0.001) were detected in the entire region. Besides, the risk prediction map showed that the eastern part of the country was at a higher risk of anemia during lactation.ConclusionAnemia during lactation was spatially clustered in Ethiopia. High-risk areas were detected in the eastern part of Ethiopia prominently in the Afar and Somali regions. Therefore, public health intervention activities designed in a targeted approach to impact high-risk populations in those hot spot areas wound be helpful to reduce anemia in Ethiopia.

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are the leading causes of infectious-disease-related deaths in Ethiopia, but little is known about their spatial distribution across the country. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial patterns of TB and HIV co-infection in Ethiopia at the district level.MethodsWe conducted an ecological study using TB and HIV data reported from all regions of Ethiopia through the national Health Management Information System (HMIS), between June 2015 and June 2017. Spatial clustering was assessed using Moran’s I statistic and Getis-Ord statistic. Spatial binomial regression models were constructed separately for the prevalence of TB among people living with HIV and for the prevalence of HIV among TB patients, with and without spatial components using a Bayesian approach.ResultsA total of 1,830,880 HIV and 192,359 TB patients were included in the analysis. The prevalence of HIV among TB patients was 7.34%; hotspots were observed in districts located in Amhara, Afar, and Gambela regions, and cold spots were observed in Oromiya and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People (SNNP) regions. The prevalence of TB among people living with HIV varied from 0.7% in Oromia region to 14.5% in Afar region. Hotspots of TB prevalence among people living with HIV were observed in districts located in Gambela, Afar, Somali, and Oromiya regions; whereas the cold spots were observed in districts located in Amhara and Tigray regions. The ecological-level factors associated with the prevalence of TB among people living with HIV were low wealth index (OR: 1.49; 95% CrI: 1.05, 2.05), low adult literacy rate (OR: 0.67; 95% CrI: 0.46, 0.94), and distance to an international border (OR: 0.61; 95% CrI: 0.40, 0.91). The factors associated with the prevalence of HIV among TB patients were poor health care access (OR: 0.76; 95% CrI: 0.59, 0.95), low wealth index (OR: 1.31; 95% CrI: 1.01, 1.67), and low adult literacy rate (OR: 1.37; 95% CrI: 1.03, 1.78).ConclusionOur study provides evidence for geographic clustering of TB/HIV co-infection in Ethiopia. Health care access, proximity to international borders, and demographic factors such as low wealth index and adult literacy were significantly associated with the prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection.

Maternal anemia is a worldwide public health problem especially in developing countries including Ethiopia. The burden of anemia among lactating mothers in Ethiopia was higher than those who were neither pregnant nor breastfeeding. To date, there is limited evidence on spatiotemporal patterns of anemia among lactating mothers in the country. Exploring the spatial patterns of maternal anemia is vital to design and monitor effective intervention programs. Therefore this study aimed to explore spatiotemporal patterns of anemia among lactating mothers in Ethiopia over the past one and half-decades. A total of 11,989 lactating mothers were included from the three consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys(2005, 2011, and 2016). The trend of anemia over the three surveys was showed. Furthermore, spatial autocorrelation analysis, cluster and outlier analysis, hotspot analysis, spatial interpolation, and spatial scan statistics were carried out to identify geographically risk areas of anemia among lactating mothers in Ethiopia. Finally, the most anemia risk areas were detected consistently by different spatial analytic methods in each survey. Anemia during lactation had an increasing trend from 2011 to 2016 in all regions of Ethiopia. It was also spatially clustered over three survey periods (Moran's I: 0.102-0.256, P<0.01).The hotspot areas were detected in Afar, Somali, Gambela, Dire Dawa, and Oromia regions during the last fifteen years. In 2005 and 2011, a total of 100 most likely clusters (Loglikelihood Ratio(LLR) = 8.8, P<0.05, and LLR = 45.94, P<0.001, respectively) were identified in the Afar region. However, in the 2016 survey period, primary clusters were shifted to the Somali region where 57 clusters (LLR = 72.73, P<0.001) were detected in the entire region. Besides, the risk prediction map showed that the eastern part of the country was at a higher risk of anemia during lactation. Anemia during lactation was spatially clustered in Ethiopia. High-risk areas were detected in the eastern part of Ethiopia prominently in the Afar and Somali regions. Therefore, public health intervention activities designed in a targeted approach to impact high-risk populations in those hot spot areas wound be helpful to reduce anemia in Ethiopia.

To document factors that hinder or enable strategies to reduce the first and second delays of the Three Delays in rural and pastoralist areas in Ethiopia. A key informant study was conducted with 44 Health Extension Workers in Afar Region, Kafa Zone (Southern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples' Region), and Adwa Woreda (Tigray Region). Health Extension Workers were trained to interview women and ask for stories about their recent experiences of birth. We interviewed the Health Extension Workers about their experiences referring women for Skilled Birth Attendance and Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Themes related to reducing the first delay, such as the tradition of home birth, decision-making, distance and unavailability of transport, did not differ between the three locations. Themes related to reducing the second delay differed substantially. Health Extension Workers in Adwa Woreda were more likely to call ambulances due to support from the Health Development Army and a functioning referral system. In Kafa Zone, some Health Extension Workers were discouraged from calling ambulances as they were used for other purposes. In Afar Region, few Health Extension Workers were called to assist women as most women give birth at home with Traditional Birth Attendants unless they need to travel to health facilities for Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care. Initiatives to reduce delays can improve access to maternal health services, especially when Health Extension Workers are supported by the Health Development Army and a functioning referral system, but district (woreda) health offices should ensure that ambulances are used as intended.

The mental health consequences of war in northern Ethiopia: why we should be concerned

The objective of the study is to provide scientific information of the solar potential of Afar region, for photovoltaic (PV) solar energy industry sectors. The afar region being exceptional solar potential with high average solar radiation flux 239.9W/m² (105.4% of average photon energy surface area of Ethiopia), and average annual solar density of 2.102MW•h/m² (105.5% of the average yearly solar density of Ethiopia). This finding requests the photovoltaic system as an alternative principal energy resource to substitute the present energy system in afar region. These comprehensive indication of the solar energy marketplace in Afar region, Ethiopia, key visions into its governing framework, energy sector, of photovoltaic (PV) industry segments. Therefore, the photovoltaic energy system has the best opportunity for basic energy application in the pastoral community for daily life consumption, such as solar lighting, for solar cooker, small devices and for air conditioning. These studies show that the Afar region gifted with significantly high monthly average daily solar radiation as a potential candidate for development of PV energy systems in Afar region. Therefore, the PV system has the power to run an evaporative air conditioning system effectively. These findings indicate that photovoltaic energy system as most promising energy in the Afar region.

The use of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) services in the first two years of life can facilitate the early identification of common childhood health issues such as malnutrition and infections. It also creates an opportunity to promote education and nutritional counselling. This study is the first to investigate the use of GMP and its influencing factors among mothers in Ethiopia's pastoralist regions, including the Afar National and Regional State, where childhood malnutrition is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Between May and June 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted within the Semera-Logia city administration. The study used a random sampling technique to select 396 children under two, and data were gathered using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse the influence of explanatory variables, which included socio-demographic, health service, and health literacy factors, on the utilisation of GMP services. The overall utilisation of GMP services was 15.9% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 12.0%, 19.5%). Children whose fathers had college or higher education were more likely to utilise GMP services (adjusted odd ratios [AOR] = 7.75; 95% CI: 3.01, 19.99), whereas children living in households with more children were less likely to utilise GMP services (AOR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.28 for households with 3-4 children and AOR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.67 for households with 4+ children). Children who received postnatal care had higher odds of GMP service use (AOR = 8.09; 95% CI: 3.19, 20.50). GMP services are not being fully utilised to decrease infant and child morbidity and mortality caused by malnutrition in Ethiopia. We recommend strengthening GMP services in Ethiopia and taking targeted action to address the low attainment of parental education and poor postnatal care utilisation. Public health initiatives such as the implementation of mobile health (mHealth) approaches and education of mothers by female community healthcare workers on the significance of GMP services could be effective in increasing GMP service utilisation.

IntroductionMalnutrition is one of the most devastating problems in Ethiopia and is inextricably linked with poverty. Women in the reproductive age group and children are most vulnerable to malnutrition due to low dietary intakes, inequitable distribution of food within the household, improper food storage and preparation, dietary taboos, infectious diseases, and care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and determinants of undernutrition among reproductive age of Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. The study included a total sampled weight of 15,139 women aged 15–49 years. The ArcGIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 statistical software were used for exploring the spatial distribution of undernutrition. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted to determine the individual and community level factors associated with women undernutrition. Finally, the factors which were significant at 95% confidence interval were reported.ResultThe spatial analysis revealed that women undernutrition was significantly varied across the country. The SaTScan analysis identified a total of 144 significant hotspot areas of maternal undernutrition with three significant spatial windows. Of these, 134 clusters were primary. The primary spatial window was identified in the southeast Tigray, northwest Afar, central and north Amhara regions (LLR = 57.48, P<0.01, RR = 1.51). Age at first marriage (AOR = 1.57: CI 1.33, 1.99), middle wealth index (AOR = 3.15: CI 1.4, 6.97), rural residence (AOR = 2.82: CI 1.22, 6.52), being in Afar region, Tigray region and Harari region (AOR = 4.88: CI 1.71, 13.91), (AOR = 4.17: CI 1.57, 11.06) and (AOR = 3.01: CI 1.05, 8.68) respectively were significantly associated with women undernutrition.ConclusionIn Ethiopia, undernutrition had significant spatial variations across the country. Residence, age at first marriage, wealth index and region were significantly associated with undernutrition. Therefore, public health interventions that reduce reproductive age women undernutrition and enhance women awareness towards undernutrition in hotspot areas of undernutrition is crucial.

Abiy Ahmed, the current premier and Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2019, is the third prime minister to lead Ethiopia since the overthrow of Derg. Although he had high approval ratings at the beginning of his administration across the coun- try including Tigray, the premier has lost the trust of the TPLF, and most of its leaders have left the capital Addis to settle in Mekelle. This situation increased tension between TPLF and the federal government, which resulted in the ongoing war. This research aims at identifying the main causes of the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia and its socio-economic consequences, utilizing informal methods of data collection and phone interviews. In addition, observations, assessment, and infor- mal communications with members of the Ethiopian and Tigray defence forces were also included in the data collection. The root cause of this war was a matter of gaining power in the federal government. As a consequence of this conflict, peo- ple in the Tigray region and some parts of the Afar and Amhara regions have been suffering for several months. Hundreds of thousands of people displaced from western Tigray to Sudan and central Tigray and war zones in Afar and Amhara are currently searching for safety. The people of Tigray have not had electricity, banking services, and internet access for many months. In the past two months, some parts of the Amhara and Afar regions have also been similarly affected. The economy of the country has been impacted in many sectors including tourism. The military tanks, cars, and aircraft that were destroyed in the war were resources for the country. Most importantly, the country is losing its work force while fighting in the war with many fatalities. The war has also had a psychological impact on community due to rapes and robberies. The other key finding is that most of the people are rather spending their time with arguing on who is responsible for the current war instead of focusing on the development of the economy. In conclu- sion, this war broke out due to a few politicians seeking power, which negatively impacted the livelihood of Ethiopian citizens and country’s economy. As there is nothing more important than peace for the country and its people, it is recom- mended that politicians should sit down to work out their differences.

Prosopis juliflora belongs to fabaceae family, growing to height of 12 meters and 1.2 meter trunk diameter. It is native to Caribbean, South and Central America. Currently, distributed to Africa, where it invades over four million hectares, threatening crops and range land production, desiccating water resources and displacing native flora and fauna. In Ethiopia, it is one of the most invasive alien species causing economic and environmental harm. Specifically, it invaded Afar, Somali and Oromia regions more to the east and southeast direction of the country. Regardless of its negative effects, the tree has potential uses as fuel, charcoal, fodder, gum, food, ethanol source, biochar, biocontrol, windbreaks, shade, soil stabilization, construction and furniture materials. Therefore, this paper reviewed the impacts, merits, demerits and management aspects of prosopis. Thus, many scholars reported that there are high impacts of prosopis on agricultural production and productivity, biodiversity especially on local flora and fauna, livestock’s healths and the livelihoods of pastorals. Alarmingly increment of prosopis invasion covers 3, 60500 (3.8%) in Afar region and 12,000 hectares in Dire Dawa administration. Due to its fast growing habit, rapid multiplicative and vigorous coppicing ability, it is extremely invading arid and semiarid area of the country. Eventhough, weak awareness of pastorals and agropastorals, manually controlling practices, cost-benefit they gain were reported to discouraging them from controlling. If not strategic controlling managements is taken 50% land of Ethiopia was reported to be suitable for prosopis infestation. Thus, participation of government and/or non-government in community mobilization, technology transfer, private sector, and supply of resources are critical to manage. Finally, there should be an urgent need to develop management strategies that are environmentally friend and economically viable. Keywords: alien, crop, Dire Dawa, fabaceae, pastorals, prosopis DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-8-01 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

BackgroundMalnutrition is both a significant cause and a result of poverty and deprivation. In developing nations, child malnutrition is still the main public health issue. Severe malnutrition affects every system of the body and leads to medical instability. The assessment of the burden of severe malnutrition is important for ready-to-use therapeutic foods and preparing therapy for these conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and spatial distribution of severe malnutrition and the factors associated with it.MethodsData from the 2019 Mini-EDHS (Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys) with stratified sampling techniques were used. The data were weighted using sample weight to restore the data's representativeness and provide accurate statistical estimations. A total of 5,006 weighted samples of children under the age of five were used to analyze the study. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was built, and a cutoff P-value of 0.05 was used. The wag staff normalized concentration index and curve as well as spatial analysis were used.ResultsThe prevalence of severe malnutrition practice among under five years children in Ethiopia was 14.89% (95%CI: 13.93%, 15.91%), and ranges from 4.58% in Addis Ababa to 25.81% in the Afar region. Women with secondary and above education status as compared to uneducated [AOR = 0.17; 95%CI;[0.06, 0.48], high community women's education as compared to low [AOR = 0.54; 95%CI; 0.36, 0.78], women from richest household as compared to poorest [AOR = 0.63; 95%CI; 0.26, 0.94] and living in Oromia region as compared to Tigray [AOR = 0.33: 95%CI; 0.15, 0.74] were preventive factors. Whereas children 24–59 months of age as compared to under six months [AOR = 1.62; 95%CI; 1.50, 1.75], and being multiple births as compared to single [AOR = 5.34; 95%CI; 1.36,2 1.01] have significant risk factors for severe malnutrition. There was a pro-poor distribution of severe malnutrition among under-five children in Ethiopia with a concentration index of -0.23 [95%CI: -0.27, -0.19]. Severe malnutrition has significant spatial variation over regions in the country where the entire Afar, Eastern Amhara, Southern, and eastern Tigray regions were severely affected (RR = 1.72, P-value < 0.01).Conclusion and recommendationsThe prevalence of severe malnutrition in Ethiopia is relatively high as compared to other studies and most of them were severe chronic malnutrition. Having an educated mother/caregiver, and living in a cluster with high community women's education were preventive factors for severe malnutrition in children. Whereas having an unmarried mother/caregiver, old age of the child, plurality of birth, and having double children in the family have a positive association with it. Moreover, it was disproportionately concentrated in poor households (pro-poor distribution).The spatial distribution of childhood severe malnutrition was not random. Regions like Tigray, Afar, Eastern parts of Amhara, and Somalia regions should be considered priority areas for nutritional interventions for reducing severe malnutrition. Equity-focused nutritional interventions could be needed to curb the wealth-related inequalities of childhood severe malnutrition.