Afar Regional State Research Articles

Participatory forage production for biomass and seed production through different sowing methods in Afar Regional State, Ethiopia: In the Case of Afambo District of Afar Ethiopia

This experiment was conducted with the objective of to evaluate effect of sowing methods on biomass, seed and planting materials production with participatory of the local community in Afambo districts. Accordingly, the biomass yield of Panicum antidotale, Cenchrus ciliaris, Lablab purpureus (147), Vigna unguiculata (9333), and sowing by drill method was significantly higher than sowing by broadcasting methods. Drilling method was having significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on days of seed maturity, seed yield and plant height than broadcast method. But there was no significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) of sowing methods on days of emergence and diseases incidence on both grasses and legumes. Similarly, drilling method was having significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on herbage yield than broadcast method on both grasses and legumes. But there was no significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) of sowing methods on days of flowering, days of seed setting and on both grasses and legumes. According to the trial agro pastoralist perception P. antidotale was selected first followed by Cenchrus ciliaris for their palatability, bio mass yield, drought tolerance, due to its vegetation and morphological performance.

Ardipithecus ramidus postcrania from the Gona Project area, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia

Functional analyses of the 4.4 Ma hominin Ardipithecus ramidus postcrania revealed a previously unknown and unpredicted locomotor pattern combining arboreal clambering and a form of terrestrial bipedality. To date, all of the fossil evidence of Ar. ramidus locomotion has been collected from the Aramis area of the Middle Awash Research Project in Ethiopia. Here, we present the results of an analysis of additional early Pliocene Ar. ramidus fossils from the Gona Project study area, Ethiopia, that includes a fragmentary but informative partial skeleton (GWM67/P2) and additional isolated manual remains. While we reinforce the original functional interpretations of Ar. ramidus of having a mixed locomotor adaptation of terrestrial bipedality and arboreal clambering, we broaden our understanding of the nature of its locomotor pattern by documenting better the function of the hip, ankle, and foot. The newly recovered fossils document a greater adaptation to bipedality in the Ar. ramidus ankle and hallux than previously recognized. In addition, a newly discovered scaphoid bone with a fusing os centrale provides further evidence about the nature of hominin hand evolution.

Knowledge of pregnancy danger signs and associated factors among pastoral women in Afar Regional State, Ethiopia

Introduction: Knowledge of pregnancy danger sign is the vital step in receiving appropriate and timely referral to maternal and newborn care units. Therefore, the current analysis assesses knowledg...

Analysis of the determinants of poverty in tigrai and afar national regional state, Ethiopia

Despite the presence of studies on the determinants of poverty, the literature review of the article shows that there is limited attention in Tigrai and Afar Regions. The objective of the paper is to analysis the determinants of poverty in these two regions. This finding of the factors that determine of poverty has been analyzed both in descriptive and econometrics analyses. In this respect, the paper investigated approximately 25 percent of a number of poor existed in Tigrai and Afar region with a Gini coefficient of 0.36. The econometrics result showed that increment of production of different crops in quintal using improved seed and irrigation, livestock owned in tropical livestock unit and education are very crucial things to reduce poverty. In addition, managing family size and providing infrastructures like telecommunication and market for their product are important aspects of the study area to reduce the poverty of the household. So, concerned bodies should take measures at grass root level to tackle problems related to poverty.

Status of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Services Utilization and Factors Affecting PMTCT Service Uptake by Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in Selected Health Facilities of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is the predominant way for children to acquire human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection worldwide including Ethiopia. Thus, objective of this study was to determine the status of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services utilization and factors affecting PMTCT utilization in health facilities of Afar region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2014 to April 2015 taking 347 pregnant women and 22 health care providers. Data were collected using a questioner prepared separately for pregnant women and health care providers involved in PMTCT service delivery. Data were analyzed using SPSS considering P value <0.05 statistical significant. The study indicated that the PMTCT service utilization was 67.7%. The study also showed that there is statistically significant association in using PMTCT service with women education level, monthly income, and residence around PMTCT site. Though not statistically significant, excess waiting time, limited physical access to PMTCT sites, and transportation problem were identified as barriers for PMTCT service utilization by pregnant women. Though knowledge of mothers on MTCT of HIV and PMTCT service utilization in agropostural community of Afar region was promising, there were also different barriers identified hindering PMTCT utilization. Thus, we recommend “Wored” and zonal health office to create awareness on significance of PMTCT service in the community, enhance accessibility of PMTCT sites, provide up-to-date trainings for health care providers, and ensure constant supply for PMTCT service.

Beekeeping practice and honey production potential in Afar Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract The contribution of beekeeping is perhaps one of the most important income-generating activities for millions of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This study was intended to assess beekeeping practices and potential in three districts of Afar Region, northern Ethiopia. Primary data were collected from 120 respondents proportionally selected from each district. Semi-structured questionnaire were employed to collect the primary data. Focus-group discussion was also used to support interpretation of the interview data. Basically, descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. All respondents use traditional honey production system despite some recent trials. The mean live colony ownership of the sample beekeepers is 10.08 colonies per household, with a maximum ownership of 62 colonies. The study showed that the annual honey production per beehive varies from 4 to 17 kg, with a mean production of 9.66 kg. The majority of the respondents harvest two times per year, while 18%, 19%, and 14.2% of the respondents harvest three, four, and five times per year respectively. This might be due to the special floral calendar of tropical plants found in the areas. 67.5% of respondents supplement their colonies during dry season. Producers travel more than seven kilometres to sell their honey. On average, beekeepers sell 77.86 kg per year individually, with a range of 0 to 353 kg. The main constraints of honey production in the area are recurrent drought, poor extension service, lack of access to improved technology, deforestation, etc. Therefore, it requires intervention to change the old beekeeping practices through training and introducing improved production systems.

Breastfeeding performance in Afar regional state, northeastern Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

BackgroundIn Ethiopia fewer than 20% of infants aged less than six months are appropriately fed. This study aimed to identify predictors of poor breastfeeding performance among mother-infant pairs in Samara-Logia city administration, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia.MethodsFive hundred and seventy six mothers of infants aged less than six months were recruited to participate in face-to-face structured interviews at their home. Infant feeding practices were measured by breastfeeding performance index (BPI). Infants who scored 0–3 BPI were classified as achieving ‘Low BPI’, 4–5 as ‘Medium BPI’, and 6–7 scores as ‘High BPI’. A pre-tested instrument was used to assess demographic characteristics of mothers and their experiences of infant feeding. EpiData version 3.02 was used to enter, clean and code the data. Then, data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultsFive hundred thirty six (93.1%) of the study mothers had ever breastfed their infants. About 83% [95% CI: 80.0, 86.0%] of infants had achieved low or medium BPI scores. Being older than 34 years [AOR: 4.55; 95% CI (1.33, 15.73)], having an infant aged 4–5 months [AOR: 2.49; 95% CI (1.08, 5.76)], giving birth at home [AOR: 4.25; 95% CI (1.37, 13.23)] or by caesarean section [AOR: 8.00; 95% CI (2.78, 23.09)] and receiving advice on proper infant feeding practices at postnatal checkup [AOR:0.28; 95% CI (0.13,0.59)] were independent predictors of low/medium BPI scores.ConclusionThis study revealed that nearly eight in ten infants aged less than six months achieved low/medium BPI scores. Being older than 34 years, having an infant aged 4–5 months, giving birth at home or by caesarean section and lack of advice on proper infant feeding practices were associated with higher odds of low/medium BPI scores.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Capacity of Health Facility Laboratories in Zone One of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia.

Role of laboratory service in patient care is well recognized in developed compared to developing countries like Ethiopia where most medical decisions are based on clinical judgment. Laboratory based medical decisions save life and resources. Thus, health facilities (HFs) having capacitated laboratories provide better health care service. Thus, this study assessed capacity of laboratories found in all nine HFs in zone one of Afar region, Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2015. Data were collected using questioner from medical laboratory professionals (MLPs) and using cheek list from laboratory registration books. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS. Availability of laboratory related national guidelines and standard operating procedure varies among HFs studied. In 42 selected laboratory equipment and materials assessed, their availability shows variations among HFs from 13 (30.2%) to 32 (74.4%). Among different laboratory tests recommended to be performed at health center (HC) level by World Health Organization (WHO), six tests were not performed in all HC laboratories. Moreover, 11 (31.4%) MLPs received in-service training in the past one year. Internal quality control measures were done in 3 (33.3%) laboratories. However, all laboratories were involved in external quality assurance with varied schedules. Specimens after testing and specimen with prolonged transit time were discarded using standard rejection criteria in 8 (88.9%) and 3 (33.3) laboratories, respectively. Study showed that laboratories assessed have good capacities in involving external quality assurance and having proper laboratory test request format. But capacity of laboratories assessed is limited and unsatisfactory in number of laboratory tests performed at HC laboratories, in internal quality control measure implementation, and in getting up-to-date in-service training to staff. Thus, to enhance capacity of laboratories in HC, responsible bodies shall avail basic laboratory materials and equipment, make fair distribution of MLPs, provide up-to-date training, and implement internal quality control measures in laboratories.

Taming requirements in the domestication process of donkeys: The methods and concepts of the training among the Afar pastoralists in Ethiopia

To clarify the system involved in the initial domestication of asses, this study explores breaking and the consequent establishment of tameness through focusing on a human ecological approach based on reports of the epigenetic inheritance of human-induced stress in animals. The research subjects are Afar pastoralists who use donkeys for packing loads in two areas (A and B) in the Afar Regional State of Ethiopia; both areas are home to an endangered species of wild ass. Interviews were conducted on the methods of wild ass capture that caused initial human-induced stress. Next, the method currently adopted for breaking donkeys for packing which the Afar pastoralists considered to promote tameness was investigated. The number of informants from Community (A) who answered in the negative to the possibility of capturing wild asses for domestication was significantly greater than those who replied in the positive. However, four suggestions were made for capturing wild asses for domestication. In both areas, the target age for breaking the donkeys for packing was 1 to 3 years inclusively. Differences, however, were seen between Afar communities with regard to whether training for packing should happen in a series of processes and with regard to the number of days needed for the process. The training methods characteristically used in both areas includes forelimbs tying, jaw tying, and ears tying. A combination of these methods was observed to be a neuro-physiologically effective approach, promoting obedience while controlling stress; stress caused by jaw and forelimbs tying was nullified by ears tying, which produced an analgesic effect. Therefore, for domestication during the ancient period and maintaining the tame status of donkeys, the age for training for packing and controlling stress by tying the forelimbs, jaws, and ears might have been the effective techniques in taming the animal through epigenetic mutations.

Institutional Paradox and Tenure Insecurity in Ethiopian Pastoral Land Administration

Laws governing pastoral communal lands are barely developed in Ethiopia. The Federal Constitution firmly recognizes uninterrupted land use right of pastoralists including for grazing. Federal land laws, however, mention pastoralists’ issues incidentally and are far from being comprehensive frameworks. This research is the review of pillars of federal and regional land laws, examination of their implementation, synergy between state and customary land administration system, and the implication of gaps in accessing land for different programmes in Ethiopian Afar and Somali regional states. The findings revealed that in the absence of any federal laws that effectively regulate communal lands uses, regional laws were found to be precarious, feeble and far from being comprehensive. Ironically, the regional laws offered more protection to crop fields than communal (pastoral) land. It is also shown that customary and state land administration systems that operate simultaneously in the areas lack synergy and created stalemate.

Participatory Evaluation of Some Selected Forage Species in Afar Regional State, Ethiopia: In the Case of Koneba and Telalak Districts

This experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating the on-farm productivity of the selected improved forage species and assessing pastoralists’ perception on the selected forage species and assessing pastoralist criteria for selecting forage species as livestock feed. Accordingly, the biomass yield of Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense) was significantly higher than all the grass species in both Koneba (8.24 t/ha) and Telalak (7.79 t/ha) districts followed by Chloris gayana. The number of tillers/plant for C. gayana were significantly higher than the other species in both Koneba (27.45 tillers/plant) and Telalak (20.41 tillers/plant). C. gayana and S. sudanese showed significantly higher vigor score than the other grass types. C. gayana (5.00), Panicum coloratum (4.75) and Panicum antidotale (4.25) showed significantly higher (0.05) plot cover sore. C. gayana, S. sudanense and P. antidotale were reached their 50% flowering stage earlier than the other grasses. According to the pastoralist perception C. gayana was selected first followed by P. antidotale for their palatability, early maturity, drought tolerance and regeneration capacity. C. gayana and P. antidotale showed higher vegetational and perceptional performance; therefore, these grasses should be tested in different areas and disseminated to the community by creating awareness about proper management system.

Date Palm Production Practices and Constraints in the Value Chain in Afar Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted during 2015/2016 in two districts of Afar Regional State which were purposively selected based on their experiences on date palm production and locations relative to Awash River. Objectives of the study were evaluating the existing production practices and constraints of date palm production to generate baseline information for further researches and extension. A total of 117 household heads were interviewed using structured and semistructured questionnaires. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations of date palm plantations have been also conducted. The study was designed to address date palm production along the value chain. The majority of household heads were male, married, and illiterate. About 94.19% of household heads allocated less than one hectare of land for date palm production and had 21–40 years (77.8%) of experience. Seeds (90.6%) were dominantly used for propagation, which are not appropriate for date palm production. Local varieties with low yielding potential were cultivated using flooding irrigation (76.9%). Date palm production was practiced traditionally and constrained with high incidence of insect pests. Capacity building training sessions and researches on proper agronomic, management, and postharvest handling practices are recommended to improve the production of date palm in the region.

Household Food Insecurity, Underweight Status, and Associated Characteristics among Women of Reproductive Age Group in Assayita District, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia.

Background Poor nutritional status of women has been a serious problem in Ethiopia. Rural women are more likely to be undernourished than urban women. Afar region is the most likely to be undernourished (43.5%). Despite the humanitarian and food aid, food insecurity and maternal underweight are very high in the region. Household food insecurity is not adequately studied in Afar region. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of household food insecurity and underweight status and its association among reproductive age women. Method The study was conducted in Assayita district in June 2015. Community-based cross-sectional study design was used among nonpregnant women. Household data was collected using structured questionnaire. Multistage cluster sampling procedure was applied. Two pastoral and two agropastoral Kebeles have been selected by simple random sampling. Systematic random sampling was used to select respondents. The total sample size was 549 households. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and anthropometric data were used to determine food insecurity and underweight, respectively. Multivariate regression models were used to measure associations. Results Prevalence of HFIAS was 70.4 with a mean of 7.0 (3.6 ± SD); 26.1%, 30.20%, and 14.1% were mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity, respectively. Underweight prevalence (BMI < 18.5) was 41.1% with prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe underweight being 34.5%, 3.9%, and 2.7%, respectively. Age, parity, and having >2 children below five years of age were statistically associated with household food insecurity and maternal underweight. Conclusion Household food insecurity and maternal underweight were very high. Age, parity, and having ≥2 children below five years of age were associated with household food insecurity. Maternal underweight was associated with maternal age, marital status, parity, number of children below 5 years, household food insecurity, and vocation of the respondents.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and the Occurrences of Birth Complications Among Women of Reproductive Age in Gewane Woreda, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), one of the most deeply rooted, harmful traditional practices, is still highly prevalent in many African countries, including Ethiopia. The reproductive health complications of FGM/C include acute hemorrhage, painful sexual life, the inability-to-conceive, fistula, and death secondary to birth complications. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude, associated factors and birth outcomes of FGM/C among women of reproductive age groups (15-49 years) in Gewane, Woreda from July 4 to 17, 2016. A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted using quantitative data collection methods. A sample of 792 women who ever gave birth was selected using systematic random methods. Data was collected using pretested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Chi-square and logistic regression models were used to analyze and find the associations between the study variables. The prevalence of FGM/C among childbearing women was 90.8%. Infibulations (WHO Type III) was the predominantly (86.1%) practiced type of FGM/C. Higher age (AOR, 11.56; 95% CI: 2.56, 48.39), Afar Ethnic group (AOR, 4.55; 95% CI: 1.95-10.61), literate (AOR, 0.35; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.81) were factors significantly associated with FGM/C. A statistically significant association (P< 0.05) was found between FGM/C and perineal lacerations, episiotomy, postpartum complications, postpartum hemorrhage, wound infection, and stillbirth. FGM/C was highly prevalent in the study area. Infibulation, WHO Type III was the most severe form of FGM/C widely practiced. Age, ethnicity and literacy were associated with FGM/C. Women with Type III FGM/C was at higher risk of having birth and postpartum complications. Education, culturally sound community awareness raising programs, and enforcing legislation are recommended to reduce the adverse outcomes associated with FGM/C.

Urban dwellers and solid waste management plans: A case study of selected towns in Afar regional state, Ethiopia

The increase in quantity and composition of solid waste has come up with a necessity of effective measures to cope up with its negative impacts in our society. One possible measure, in this case, i...

The Status of Ecosystem Resources in Ethiopia: Potentials, Challenges and Threats: Review Paper

Vegetation type is the major element to categorize Ethiopian ecosystem. The objective of this article is to describe the status and potentials of Ethiopian vegetation and associated threats for ecosystem resources. Furthermore, it also identifies the challenges and treats and future directions to put into practice. The analysis is based on theoretical considerations and overviews on the existing resources. Ethiopian agroecology includes the highest altitude, Ras Dashan in Simien mountain chains which is 4533 meters above sea level to the low depressions of 110 below sea level Dallol depression which is one of the warmest place in East Africa and a unique ecosystem in Ethiopia the place is found in Afar Regional state where different fauna and flora bio diversities are engaged. Classification of agroecosystem and agrobiodiversity is important in planning watershed management activities and conservation of biodiversity.

Climate change adaptation-disaster risk reduction nexus: case study from Ethiopia

PurposeThe recently released fifth IPCC report indicates a high agreement among global actors on the need to integrate climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). However, there remains little local level evidence on how DRR and CCA could be linked, the sorts of adjustments that are required for the two concepts to be integrated and the challenges ahead. This paper aims to provide an empirical insight on the possible links and departures between DRR and CCA.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a qualitative case study approach to excavate lessons from an existing DRR intervention for CCA using a local-level adaptive capacity assessment framework as a normative criteria. Data was collected both from primary and secondary sources. The primary data collection involved the use of participatory rural appraisal techniques with village communities in Chifra District, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia.FindingsThe findings showed that the DRR interventions studied addressed parts of the elements of adaptive capacity at the local level. The findings also showed the limitation of the DRR intervention, which could be attributed to both the nature of the DRR interventions in general and implementation problems of the case study intervention in particular. The limitations show cases where full integration of DRR with CCA could be challenging.Originality/valueThe paper argues why the two approaches may not be integrated fully and also shows the need to focus on the design of DRR interventions in achieving both short-term (reducing disaster risks) and long-term objectives (enhancing adaptive capacity).

The State of Human Rights and Human Security in FDRE: A Comparative Case Study of Tigray and Afar Regional States

This study is the result of a comparative case study about the protection of human right from the vintage point of the promotion of human security in Tigray and Afar National Regional States in Ethiopia. Despite the multifaceted differences between the two regions, the study shows how the universality of human rights and contextual nature of human security plays off and has comparatively examined the protection and promotion of human right and human security in the study area. In the academic literature, glossy either condemnation or admiration of the state of human right and human security in FDRE (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) is a common representation. However, this study contends that there are similarities and stark differences in the state of human rights and human security between the two regions. Still, human right violations remain to significantly hinder the promotion of human security. Besides political (threats and risks) insecurity, which is common to regions, livelihood insecurity in Afar, personal and physical insecurities in Tigray are major indicators of slack in human right protection.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PRELACTEAL FEEDING IN AFAR REGIONAL STATE, NORTHEASTERN ETHIOPIA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Proper infant and young child feeding is critical for child health and survival. Despite of this fact, prelacteal feeding is still common in different parts of the world. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess prelacteal feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-23 months in Afar Regional State of Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in 2016 in Afar Regional State. A multistage cluster sampling was employed to select mothers of children aged 6-23 months. Data were cleaned, coded and entered into EpiData version 3.02. Then, data were exported to SPSS version 20 statistical package for analysis. Results: About 96% of the study children had ever breastfed. Of the mothers who had ever breastfed their index child, 42.9% [95 % CI: 39.0%, 47%] reported giving prelacteal feeds to their children. The most common prelacteal foods were raw butter (54.2%) and animal milk (28.5%). Being housewife, women of husbands without formal education, initiating breastfeeding after one hour of birth, having increased household income and lack of awareness on proper breastfeeding practices were associated with increased odds of prelacteal feeding practices. Conclusion: This study showed that nearly four women in every ten practiced prelacteal feeding. Therefore, health education and information programs on the advantages of early initiation of breastfeeding and the disadvantages prelacteal feeding at the village level for housewives, and strengthening health extension package could be important to hamper prelacteal feeding practices.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal and edible plants of Yalo Woreda in Afar regional state, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe Afar people inhabit the sub-arid and arid part of Ethiopia. Recurrent drought and invasive encroaching plants are taking out plants that have cultural importance, and threaten the biodiversity and the associated traditional knowledge. Thus, the aim of the current study is to conduct an ethnobotanical survey and document medicinal and edible plants in Yalo Woreda in Afar regional state.MethodsA cross-sectional ethnobotanical study was carried out in eight kebeles of Yalo Woreda from October 2015 to December 2016. One hundred sixty informants were selected using purposive sampling. The data on diseases, medicinal and edible plants were collected using semi-structure interview and group discussion. The statistical methods, informant consensus factor, fidelity level, and preference ranking were conducted to analyze the data.ResultsOne hundred and six plants were reported; gender and age differences had implication on the number of plants reported by informants. The knowledge of medicinal plants among informants of each kebele was not different (p < 0.5) and was not associated in particular with the religious establishment in the kebeles (informant*kebeles, Eta square = 0.19). Family Fabaceae was the major plant species, and shrubs (44%) were dominant plants reported. Leaf (52.94%) and oral (68%) were primary plant part used for remedy preparation and route of application, respectively. The plants with low fidelity values Indigofera articulata (0.25), Cadaba farinosa (0.22), Cadaba rotundifolia (0.19), and Acalypha fruticosa (0.15) were used to treat the category of diseases with high informant consensus value (0.69). Sixteen edible plants were identified that were consumed during wet and dry seasons. Balanites aegyptiaca, Balanites rotundifolia, and Dobera glabra were ‘famine food’ that were collected and stored for years.ConclusionPeople in Yalo Woreda are more dependent on natural resources of the area for their livelihood. The threat of climatic change and encroaching invasive plants on medicinal and edible plants affects the traditional use of plants in the Yalo Woreda. The conservation of the plants in the home garden and natural habitat and integration of edible plants into agroforestry development programs in sub-arid and arid regions has to be encouraged to conserve plants of medical and economic importance.