Efforts to conserve wetland ecosystems depend on the recognition of ecosystem services they provide. Hence, the study was conducted to analyze the ecosystem services of the Geray wetland and the driving force of its degradation. Structured questionnaires, personal interviews, focused group discussions, and field observations were used in data collection. Questionnaires were administered to 114 respondents obtained through random sampling of households. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression. Descriptive statistics like mean, percentage and frequency distribution were used to analyze quantitative data. The binary logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the impact of household-related independent variables on the dependent variable. Results showed that Geray wetland provides provisioning services (fish, fresh water, fodder and grazing services, firewood, crop, and fruit), regulating services (temperature regulation, water purification, sediment retention and erosion control), cultural services (recreation, tourism, and aesthetic) and supporting services (nursery, habitat, and accumulation of organic matter). Farm expansion, sedimentation, overgrazing, uncontrolled irrigation practices and deforestation of wetland vegetation, which are rooted in rapid population growth, open access to wetland resources, lack of awareness, lack of clear boundaries and weak institutional framework, were the main causes of the wetland degradation. Predictor variables like household size have a negative, and landholding size and age have positive significant impacts on the Geray wetland ecosystem. A high number of respondents were also aware of the measures (planting trees, trace building as a controlling method of erosion and conservation education to the community) to be taken to overcome the problems that face the Geray wetland. Thus, participatory sustainable wetland management is recommended to obtain more benefits from the wetland and minimize its destruction

Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and accounts for 50% of the country's freshwater resources. It provides a unique habitat for biodiversity and plays an economic role via tourism, electricity, agriculture, fishery, and, most importantly, it provides drinking water to the local inhabitants. Because of its immense water resource potential for socioeconomic development, Lake Tana has been identified as a major economic corridor in the country. Given the importance of the lake to the region and nation’s economy, human health, and livelihoods, assessing the water security problems of the lake in terms of water scarcity and quality is critical for its sustainable management. Doing so, studies on water level fluctuation and water scarcity, and physicochemical and related hydrological and biological features of the lake, which have been reported in the literature over more than a decade, were reviewed, and the studies showed that water level fluctuation was observed and resulted in water scarcity problems for surrounding communities. In addition to water scarcity and water fluctuation problems, the lake's trophic status has also gradually changed from oligotrophic to mesotrophic and eutrophic. In addition, faecal pollution, heavy metal pollution, and toxicogenic cyanobacteria are detected in the lake, especially on the shores and its tributary river mouths. Moreover, Lake Tana is infested by the ecologically dangerous and worst invasive weed, the so-called water hyacinth, with rapid area coverage and has resulted in dominant other important floras and posing a significant negative impact on water quality, biodiversity, fishing, water supply, water transportation, and other economic activities. There are options recommended to manage the lake. In this regard, different lake ecosystem management options like delineation of buffer zones, integrated watershed management, awareness creation about the lake and its associated wetlands, development of waste management practices, eradicating/reducing water hyacinth, and enforcement of environmental related policies and Strategies are recommended for sustainable management of Lake Tana.

Abstract This study was conducted in the Eucalyptus globulus tree growing area of Wogera district, North Gondar, Ethiopia. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean yield/volume of Eucalyptus globulus, ranging from 78.9 ± 51.3 m3 ha-1 (mean ± SD) to 148.6 ± 54.7 m3 ha-1. Coppicing levels, interaction of season and coppicing levels were statistically significant at p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively. We also found that there was a significant difference in the mean basal area of Eucalyptus globulus, ranging from 15.5 ± 7.7 m2 ha-1 (mean ± SD) to 21.3 ± 6.7 m2 ha-1. Coppicing levels, interaction of season and coppicing levels were statistically significant at p < 0.009 and p < 0.006, respectively. The number of trees per hectare varied from 10682 to 15135 trees ha-1. First coppicing had the highest number of trees per hectare with 18400 trees ha-1, followed by second coppicing level 15135 trees ha-1 and third coppicing level 11546 trees ha-1. The number of trees trend showed a decreasing pattern with increasing the level of coppicing. The lowest numbers of trees were found in not coppiced trees. The mean diameter varied from 3.5 ± 0.3 (mean ± SD) to 4.1 ± 0.5 with the first coppicing level and third coppicing levels, respectively. The results indicated that the mean number of re-sprouts/shoots of the study area varied with different coppicing levels. The number of re-sprouts/shoots increased with the increasing of coppicing level. The highest and the lowest number of sprouts/shoots were Mean 309 ± 87.5 trees ha-1 and 223 ± 28.1 in third and the first coppicing levels, respectively.

Ethiopian agriculture is characterized by low productivity due to natural, social, economic, and institutional factors. Farmers with homogeneous resources produce different outputs per hectare due to inefficient utilization of limited resources. There is no due attention given to crop production efficiency issues, particularly in sorghum production. The objective of this study was to assess the level of technical efficiency and its determinant factors on sorghum production in Dejen District, North-west Ethiopia. The two-stage sampling procedure was used to determine the sample size. Data were collected from 192 households using a systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were also conducted. Both descriptive statistics and econometric analysis were used for data analysis. The average technical efficiency of Sorghum producers was 62.8%, with a min of 23.5% and a max of 96.7%. About 37.2% of output variation from optimal production was observed in the study area. The estimated Gamma (γ) value was 73.4% indicating the presence of inefficiency. Thus, farmers have a chance to maximize their output level by making efficient use of existing resources and technology

Abstract Despite being one of the most studied white-rot fungi, nothing has been done to discover and domesticate Ethiopia's high-yielding wild Trametes versicolor. Thus, this study was initiated to evaluate the growth performance of T. versicolor on growth media. Accordingly, ten substrates (S1–S10) were formulated by a combination of agroindustrial by-products that mainly constituted sugarcane wastes and animal manures. The effect of substrates on yields, biological efficiencies, and nutritional compositions was examined. The mushroom developed a white, cottony mass on the growth media. T. versicolor cultivated on the S5 combination of 80% sugarcane bagasse, 12% horse manure, and 8% poultry manure had the highest yield (158.33 g/500 g bag) and biological efficiency (31.5%), which had an optimum 31:1 C:N. It has shown good mycelial growth, short colonization, and short pinhead formation time compared to other substrates. Low biological efficiency and yields of 11.50% and 57.67% were obtained from S7, which was not supplemented with nitrogen sources. The content of crude protein, fiber, low fat, and carbohydrates were in the range of 7.46–14.65%, 12.89–18.38%, 0.42–0.53%, and 48.75–66.75%, respectively. The highest nutritional values were obtained from S5, except for carbohydrates from sugarcane bagasse mixed with cotton seed hull (S8). Thus, S5 was found to be a suitable growth medium for domesticating wild T. versicolor mushrooms, particularly in regions where poultry, horse manures, and sugarcane bagasse are abundantly available. Hence, S5 is an optimum substrate for T. versicolor cultivation to improve productivity and nutritional quality at lower costs.

Abstract To evaluate the effect of greater inclusion levels of DDGS with or without a Syncra SWI (SWI; bacillus plus protease; IFF, USA) in swine grower-finisher diets, a trial was conducted consisting of 528 pigs across 6 treatments with 8 replicates consisting of 11 pigs each where weights were balanced at the start of the trial. Inclusion levels of DDGS were 0%, 15%, and 30% all containing phytase and carbohydrase enzymes. Each inclusion level was split to include or not include SWI. At the end of the trial, slaughter weights were measured. While no significant differences were detected, the heaviest slaughter weights were observed in the 0% DDGS diet, 30% DDGS diet with SWI and the 0% DDGS diet with SWI (115.28, 115.16, and 115.15 kg, respectively). For total body weight gain, there were no significant differences between both 0% DDGS diets, the 15% DDGS diet without SWI, and both 30% diets. However, the 15% diet with SWI was significantly lighter than both 0% DDGS diets and the 30% DDGS with SWI diet (P = 0.01, 0.04, 0.008 respectively). Similarly, no significant differences were found between both of the 0% DDGS diets, the 15% DDGS diet without SWI, or both 30% DDGS diets on average daily gain. A significant difference was detected between the 15% DDGS with SWI and both 0% DDGS diets and the 30% DDGS diet with SWI (P = 0.002, 0.0003, and 0.001, respectively) on average daily gain. The lightest cold carcass weight was observed in pigs fed the 15% DDGS diet with SWI, which was significantly (P < 0.05) different from all other diets, while the heaviest cold carcass weight was observed in pigs fed the 0% DDGS diet with SWI (87.22 kg) followed by the 30% DDGS diet with SWI (86.53 kg) but were not significantly different. While there were no significant differences detected in the economics of the trial, the feed with the greatest cost was the 0% DDGS diet with SWI ($299.98) while the least cost was demonstrated in the 30% DDGS with SWI diet ($288.80). The diet that generated the highest revenue was the 0% DDGS diet with SWI ($124.89) followed by the 30% DDGS diet with SWI ($123.94) while the least revenue was seen in the 15% DDGS diet with SWI ($119.65). Margin over feed cost was greatest in the 15% DDGS diet ($66.87) and the 30% DDGS diet with SWI ($66.16) and the least MOFC was seen in the 0% DDGS diet. While no significant differences were detected in performance between the 0% DDGS diets and the 30% DDGS diets, these data shows there is a potential benefit to feeding greater inclusion DDGS diet if an SWI is added.

Abstract The micronutrient copper (Cu) is known to improve performance variables and the overall health of livestock animals. Different responses have been reported based on the molecular form of Cu and the inclusion level supplemented to growing pigs. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate four inclusion levels (25 ppm, 75 ppm, 125 ppm, 175 ppm) of CuSO4 and two Cu sources tribasic Cu chloride and organic Cu, in performance variables and economics of production of pigs during the grower-finisher phases. This trial was conducted at the Baynesfield Swine Research Unit at Baynsefield Estate in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, following local farm protocols. A total of 528 animals (70 d of age; Initial BW of 33.1 ± 0.31 kg; TN 70 Topig Genetics) were randomly allotted to 48 mixed sex pens, with 11 pigs/pen. The treatments were as follow: TRT1 25 ppm CuSO4, TRT2 75 ppm CuSO4, TRT3 125 ppm CuSO4, TRT4 175 CuSO4, TRT5 hydroxy Cu, and TRT6 organic Cu. Each treatment had 8 repetitions with an equal number of boars and gilts (44). A four-phase corn and soy-based diet were formulated on the same specs having the premixes altered to accommodate the four Cu levels and/or Cu sources. Experimental animals had ad libitum access to feed and water. Feed intake and body weight were measured at every phase change. Additionally, the carcass variables (lean meat %, grading, cold carcass weight, and dressing%) were measured at slaughter. Feed cost, carcass value, MOFC, and cost per gain were calculated to determine economic value for each treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted in SAS (2021) utilizing the Proc GLM model for the average effects within each period, and if significant (P < 0.05) the Fisher’s test was used for LSMeans. There were no significant differences between the dietary treatments for BW, ADFI, ADG, FCR, or yield (Table 1). However, cost over feed was greater for the TRT6 fed pigs compared with either the TRT2 or TRT3 treatments but similar to the other treatments (P < 0.05). But when considering margin over feed, there were no significant differences amongst the treatments. In conclusion, this trial did not demonstrate an economic advantage of feeding copper greater than 75 ppm or utilizing alternative forms of copper.

Abstract Most of the biomass equations were developed using sample trees collected mainly from pan-tropical and tropical regions that may over- or underestimate biomass. Site-specific models would improve the accuracy of the biomass estimates and enhance the country’s MRV activities. The aim of the study is to develop site & species-specific biomass estimation models and validate and evaluate the existing generic models developed for pan-tropical forest and newly developed allometric models. Total of 150 individual sample trees was harvested from each diameter class (proportionally) for the site-specific biomass model development. Data was analyzed using SAS procedures. All relevant statistical tests (normality, multicollinearity and heteroscedasticity) were performed. Data was transformed to logarithmic functions and multiple linear regression techniques were used to develop model to estimate aboveground biomass. The root mean square error (RMSE) was used for measuring model bias, precision and accuracy. The coefficient of determination (R2 & adj-R2), the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the Schwarz Bayesian information Criterion (SBC) was employed to select most appropriate models. The results showed that a best fit-model for above-ground biomass of tree components (stem, branch and foliage) was developed. AGBStem = exp {-1.8296 + 0.4814 Ln (ρD2H) + 0.1751 Ln (CW) + 0.4059 Ln (DSH30)} AGBBranch = exp {-131.6 + 15.0013 Ln (ρD2H) + 13.176 Ln (CW) + 21.8506 Ln (DSH30)} AGBFoliage = exp {-0.9496 + 0.5282 Ln (DSH30) + 2.3492 Ln (ρ) + 0.4286 Ln (CW)} AGBTotal = exp {-1.8245 + 1.4358 Ln (DSH30) + 1.9921 Ln (ρ) + 0.6154 Ln (CW)} The results of this study demonstrate that the development of local models derived from an appropriate sample of representative species can greatly improve the estimation of AGBTotal.

Protected areas (PAs) are crucial for natural resources and biodiversity conservation. However, they also hurt local communities by limiting access to farmland, forest product resources, and imposing fees. In some cases, local communities may view PAs as a risk to their livelihood or appreciate benefits of having PAs at other times. Hence, improving the positive attitudes of the local community toward PAs is important for the success of PAs preservation. This paper examined factors influencing the attitudes of the local community towards protected areas, a Case Study on Ambatara Protected Area (APA) forest Conservation, Northwest Ethiopia. Data was collected through household surveys. Econometric model were used for further analysis. The result identified influential factors and revealed that higher levels of age, education, family size, farmland size, livestock size, benefits, and awareness were all significantly associated with a more positive attitude of the local community towards PAs but having severe problems with a negative attitude. These were the key factors influencing the attitudes of the local community and should be a consideration when designing conservation initiatives and policy decisions. In general, most respondents had a positive attitude(supportive) towards PA and believed the conservation of APA is essential for them. However, they had some concerns about the management and lack of access to appropriate resources; this needs to be addressed to ensure their long-term sustainability. This study concludes that understanding the attitudes of local communities toward protected areas is essential to provide a successful conservation strategy and tangible benefits to local communities and PAs. These will help to ensure and preserve PAs for generations to come.

The mung bean crop is an essential legume crop among smallholder farmers because of its benefits like income generation, foreign currency earnings, supplies for local industries, and rural employment. The study intended to find determinants of the adoption of the mung bean variety in the Ebinat District. A multipurpose random sampling technique was used, and 150 smallholder farmers were chosen randomly to collect primary and secondary data. Both econometrics modelling and descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data. A double hurdle model was used. It showed that, respectively, 46% and 54% existed adopters and non-adopters of mung beans. Model outcomes indicated that total livestock holdings, training, participation in demonstration sites, sex, and access to market information influenced mung bean cultivars. Additionally, the government, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders should focus on strengthening participation in demonstration sites and training, encouraging, and improving the extension system, and increasing access to farmer's market information