Agroecology Research Articles

Micronutrient management in an advance line of rice (CN6) to increase the spikelet fertility under Aman season

The experiment was conducted in the Aman season of 2016, at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute farm under the Agro Ecological Zone (AEZ 28) Modhupur Tract. The CN6 is a high spikelet bearing advanced line of rice but low in spikelet fertility. Micronutrient management was examined to increase its spikelet fertility. Five treatments were used in this experiment. The treatments were as follows: T1= BRRI recommended fertilizer dose + MgO @ 0.05%, T2 = BRRI recommended fertilizer dose + 60 g MoP + 60 g elemental S (80% wp) + 20 g ZnSO4, T3 = BRRI recommended fertilizer dose + Boron @ 5ppm, T4= BRRI recommended fertilizer dose + Copper @ 5ppm) and T5 = BRRI recommended fertilizer dose alone. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block design with three replications. The results indicated that Treatment T3 (BRRI recommended fertilizer dose + Boron @ 5ppm) produced the more number of grains per panicle with an average of 194 which is higher number of grains per panicle over the control treatment T5 (BRRI recommended fertilization alone). Treatment T4 produced the highest number of 1000- grains weight (17.9 g). However, highest grain yield was recorded in the treatment T4 with an average of 3.94 t ha-1 compare to the control treatment T5 (BRRI recommended fertilization alone). Second highest grain yield (3.70 t ha-1) was found under the treatment T2 followed by T1 (3.57 t ha-1) and T3 (3.57 t ha-1). The lowest grain yield was recorded in the control treatment T5 (BRRI recommended fertilization alone). Taken together, our results suggested that micronutrient management, especially copper and zinc, improved the spikelet fertility of an advanced line CN6 resulting higher yield.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(1): 51-59, April 2020

Pasteurellosis Status in Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Review

Ethiopia has the largest national livestock populations in Africa. However, the productivity is one of the marginal due to a number of technical and non-technical factors. Infectious diseases like pasteurellosis are highly affecting livestock industry in the country. Pasteurellosis is a multifactorial disease caused by numerous etiologic agents. Mannheimia haemolytica, Bibersteinia trehalosi and Pasteurella multocida cause pasteurellosis in animals and humans. Pasteurella are commensal organisms of healthy animals which can be trigger with stress factors to cause fatal disease in farm animals. Infective agents acquired by inhalation of infected droplets or close contacts among susceptible animals. Pasteurellosis is responsible for huge mortality in feedlot animals worldwide. Haemorrhagic septicemia is an acute and characterized by sudden onset of fever, profuse salivation, severe dyspnea and death in about 24 hours whereas shipping fever causes severe broncho-pneumonia and pleurisy. The diagnosis of the disease is based on the clinical signs, gross pathological lesions, isolation of the pathogens and molecular characterization. Pasteurellosis is complex multifactorial disease difficult to control however, good management, chemotherapy, chemoprophylaxis and early immunization are control and preventive measures. In Ethiopia pasteurellosis is an endemic disease posing a serious threat to the animal productions. However, data on epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention and control is scarce. Therefore, a routine national wide survey encompassing multiple hosts and wider area should be undertaken to figure out prevalence and identify circulating serotypes in different agro ecology to design and implement appropriate interventions.

Sorghum development for staple food and industrial raw materials in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia: A review

East Nusa Tenggara/NTT has been known as one of the poorest provinces in Indonesia which has a dry climate with very low rainfall. Poor food security is partly due to community dependence on rice as a staple food while rice cannot grow well in NTT. These also has an impact on the poor nutritional status of the community, such as the high prevalence of stunting. Sorghum previously was cultivated as a local food however, it had long been abandoned. Fortunately, nowadays sorghum began to consume again by the community. This paper presents the potential and challenges faced in developing sorghum as a staple food and raw material for industry in NTT, especially in East Flores. The data and information was collected from the survey, secondary sources as well as journal and personal communication with sorghum stakeholders. After a long time being forgotten, sorghum has grown back about a decade ago. Various local varieties of sorghum are in NTT and have been identified. The main focus of the development of sorghum is that the community re-consumes sorghum, only a small portion is sold. Likotuden is a complete center for developing sorghum from the supply of seeds, cultivation to processing and marketing of sorghum seeds. The factor of rapid development of sorghum is supported by various parties, including NGOs, local government, central government and universities. The extent of marginal land in NTT, the availability of sorghum superior seeds, the suitability of agro ecology and socio-economic and cultural sorghum with various functional advantages will foster the development of sorghum. Besides, the support of local government programs such as the pajaleso program (corn rice, soybean plus sorghum) sorghum will be foster the development sorghum in NTT. However, some obstacles are still found, among others, the need for agriculture machineries, both pre-harvest for land preparation and planting and post-harvest. In addition, socialization and training also need to be encouraged, especially in areas where other food crops are difficult to grow.

Performance of Released Soybean Varieties at Jimma, South Western Ethiopia

Soybean is becoming economical important oil crop in Ethiopia. The process of plant growth and development is important to the successful adaptation of a species to its geographic and climatic environment. Evaluating the adaptability of released soybean varieties in diverse agro ecology is important for efficient use of nationally released varieties in their area of adaptation and thereby increases production and productivity of soybean in the country. The trial was conducted with 19 released soybean varieties in the year 2015 and 2016 main cropping season at Jimma, South Western parts of Ethiopia. The experimental design used was RCBD with three replications. The parameters collected include; days to flowering, days to maturity ,number of pod per plant, number of seed per plant ,hundred seed weight, rust ,common bacterial blight ,lodging score and grain yield. The statistical analysis showed significant difference at (P<0.05) among the varieties for some parameters. The interactions of year by varieties showed significant differences for all of the traits except hundred seed weight. Mean grain yield ranged from 1.16 t/ha to 4.2 t/ha. The three high yielding varieties were Nyala (4.19 t / ha), Cocker-240 (3.9 t/ ha) and Williams (3.7 t/ ha). The above mentioned three varieties are recommended for south western Ethiopia. Keywords : Potential yield, released, Recommend DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-4-02 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

Development from Within: Agroecology and the Quest for Utziil K’asleem in the Maya-Achí Territory of Guatemala

Development from Within: Agroecology and the Quest for Utziil K’asleem in the Maya-Achí Territory of Guatemala

Development from Within: Agroecology and the Quest for Utziil K'asleem in the Maya-Achí Territory of Guatemala

Development from Within: Agroecology and the Quest for Utziil K'asleem in the Maya-Achí Territory of Guatemala

Participatory Variety Selection of Improved Potato (<i>Solanium tuberosum</i> L) Varieties in Harari People Regional State and Eastern Hararghe Zone

Participatory varietal selection involves both scientific measurements and farmers evaluations; hence it has emerged as the best method to identify farmers’ preferred crop varieties and their popularization. The experiment was conducted during 2019 cropping season at Dire Xayara and Gurawa districts of Harari People Regional State and Eastern Hararghe zone of Oromia Regional State, respectively. The objective of the study was to identify adaptable, high yielding and diseases and pest tolerant potato varieties based on farmer`s management, and to evaluate and select potato varieties based on farmer’s preference. The treatments arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were consisted of eight potato varieties including standard check. Both agronomic data and farmers preferences toward the varieties were collected and analyzed using Genstat software and matrix ranking respectively. The analysis result showed that there were significant (p<0.05) difference among the varieties in all agronomic parameters except flowering date. Belete Variety gave the highest yield (39.6t/ha) followed by Bubu (29.91t/ha) and Gudanie (28.63t/ha). Matrix ranking of farmers’ preference also showed that Belete and Bubu varieties ranked first and second in both districts. Dagim and Horro varieties were not only the low yielding, but also the least preferred varieties by farmers in the study districts. Farmers also liked Marachere for earliness and Gudanie for marketable yield and vegetative performance. However, they indicated that tuber size of Marachere is very small and Gudanie is susceptible to late blight. Therefore based on the findings, Belete and Bubu varieties could be recommended to potato growers in study area and similar agro ecology for further promotion and the two varieties (Marachere and Gudanie) could be used by potato breeders in their breeding program to exploit their merits.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perception and Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change and Variability in Ankesha Guagusa District of Awi Zone, North Western Ethiopia

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for rural communities in Ethiopia which is highly sensitive to Climate change and variability. Farmers should adapt and their decision to adapt depends on their perception to climate change and variability and other socio-economic factors. The main objective of this study was to assess smallholder farmers’ perception, identifying the major adaptation strategies and determinant factors that affect farmers’ choices of adaptation to climate change and variability in Ankesha Guagusa district, Awi Zone, Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics were employed to assess farmers’ socio- demographic characteristics, perceptions and adaptation measures. A Multi-Nominal Logit model (MNL) was also used to identify the determinant factors that influence the choice of farmer’s adaptation strategies. The study finds that, most of the local farmers perceived decreasing in the amount of seasonal rainfal1, increasing in temperature, increased frequency of drought and flood. In response to these impacts of climate change and variability; farmers used crop diversification, improved and early maturing crops, planting trees and engaging on off-farm activities, credit and taking loss as the most dominant adaptation strategies. The MNL regression analysis showed that agro ecology of woina dega (AEZWD), age, sex, education, family size, farm size, farming experience, income, livestock holding (TLU), access to extension services, credit, access to irrigation and water harvesting schemes and Perception to climate change and variability were the key determinant factors influencing farmers’ choice of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. farmers’ adaptive capacity is hindered by different factors and focusing on addressing these factors efforts should be made to develop and implement integrated policies and strategies that enhance access to income and farm inputs, agricultural extension services, livelihood diversification, farmers’ awareness on climate change required to build resilience of communities and promote a transition to climate-smart agriculture. Keywords : Climate Change and variability, Perception, Adaptation Strategies, Determinants, MNL model, Ethiopia DOI : 10.7176/JESD/11-1-05 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Response of Chickpea (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cicer aeritinum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Genotype to Intra and Inter Row Spacing at Huletegna Choroko, Southern Ethiopia

Chickpea has a major role in the daily diet of the rural community and urban population as a good source of energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, fiber and its straw is used for animal feed, and it also improves soil fertility by fixing the atmospheric nitrogen. Optimum plant density and appropriate genotypes for a given agro ecology influences plant size, yield components and ultimately the seed yield. Hence, a field experiment was carried out to determine the effect of intra and inter-row spacing on growth, yield and yield component of chickpea (Cicer aeritinum L.) Genotypes under rain fed condition in Huletegna Choroko, Southern Ethiopia in 2016 cropping season. A split-split plot design with three replications was used with two chickpea genotypes: Genotypes Habru and Mastewal were arranged in main plot and intra-row spacing of 5, 10 and 15 cm in sub-plot and inter-row spacing’s of 30, 40 and 50 cm in sub-sub plot. Days to flowering and hundred seed weight were significantly different between the two genotypes. Intra-row spacing had significantly affected physiological maturity, nodule dry weight plant-1, plant height, primary branch plant-1, pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, above ground biomass and seed yield. Inter row spacing also significantly affected days to flowering, days to physiological maturity, nodule number plant-1, nodule dry weight, plant height, primary branch, pod plant-1, seed number pod-1, above ground dry matter and seed yield. Mastewal genotype obtained the maximum (2.91 t ha-1) grain yield at the combination of 15 cm intra row and 30 cm inter row spacing while Habru genotype obtained (2.57 t ha-1) at the same intra and inter-row spacing. Finally it could be concluded that intra row spacing of 15 cm and inter row spacing of 30 cm were found to be the optimum for maximum grain yield of chickpea using genotype Mastewal and Habru at Halaba, Huletegna choroko.

Response of Hot Pepper (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Capsicum annuum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) as Affected by NP Fertilizer and Planting Method on Yield and Yield Related Traits in West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia

Hot Pepper is an important food and cash crop in eastern Ethiopia including Daro labu and Boke Districts of West Hararghe Zone. A field experiment was conducted in Daro labu and Boke Districts, under rainfed during 2016-2017 cropping season, with the objectives of to determine the influence of NP fertilizers rates and method of planting on the yield and yield components of hot pepper and to estimate the cost-benefit of application fertilize rates and planting method in hot pepper production. Mareko fana variety, which is the dominant hot pepper variety produced in the area was used as planting material for the study, The treatments consisted of five combined rates of Nitrogen and phosphorus (0/0, 41/46, 61/69, 82/92 and 102/115 kg level of N/P2O5 ha-1) and three methods of planting (broadcasting, drilling and transplanting method) were used. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design in a 5 x 3 factorial arrangement and replicated three times. From the combined analysis of variance over the location, the result revealed that the two main factors fertilizer rates and planting method had a significant effect on all traits, except that fertilizer and planting method had a non-significant effect on fruit diameter, from interaction effect of fertilizer rates and planting methods, the highest mean of plant height (64.24cm), canopy diameter (44.15cm) and fruit number (26.70) per plant were obtained from 102/115kg N/P ha-1 in combined with drilling planting method. The highest fruit length (9.33cm), diameter (3.92), weight (2.82 gm), marketable (2.05t/ha) and total yield (2.26 t/ha) were recorded from plots that received 102/115 kg N/P ha-1 fertilizers combined with drilling planting method, while the lowest dry pod yield (0.55t/ha) was obtained from plot received control 0/0 kg NP ha-1 combined with transplanting method. While the highest unmarketable fruit yield (0.42 t/ha) was recorded from control (0/0) with the broadcasting method. Moreover, Partial budget analysis result has shown that application of 102/115 kg N/P ha-1 fertilizer rate with combined with drilling planting method was found to be economically viable with net income 71572.25 of Birr ha-1 with 265.28% marginal rate of return was obtained from the application of 102/115 kg N/P ha-1 fertilizer rate combined with drilling sowing method. Therefore, it could be recommended for the production of hot pepper crops in the study area and similar agro ecology.

Assessment on rural poultry production and marketing system of Horro chicken ecotypes in Western Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess production and marketing system of Horro chicken ecotypes, and to determine poultry health and marketing constraints across different agro-ecologies of western Ethiopia. A total of 360 householders were interviewed for the survey in Horro area (western Ethiopia) where the Horro chicken ecotypes are mainly found; the sample size was determined using proportionate sampling technique. Household characteristics studied indicated that 87.45% household heads were males and about 90.32% of householders’ age group were between 20 and 60 years. Household heads whose ages lie below 20 and above 60 yrs were very small (9.68%). The low proportion of these age group might be because of the age category below 20 yrs and above 60 yrs are age groups before marriage and after retirement, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of the family size of the study area was 6.19±2.16; where a mixed crop-livestock production system was the main stay in the area. Agricultural landholding ranges between 0 and 10 hectares and per-household landholding was 1.68±1.50. The mean per household landholding in the highland agro-ecology is 2.36 ±1.59; however, the mean chicken flock size was the least. The large per household landholding at highland matches the largest mean cattle herd size (10.64 ± 4.93) as opposed to chicken flock size. This might be because of the use of cattle for cropland preparation. About 90.85% producers rear chickens for sale, which was for an immediate income generation and savings. Horro chickens in addition to low productive performance were constrained with poor housing (where only 7% of producers had separate poultry houses), insufficient feed supplement and poor health management. Chickens were exclusively scavenging for feed and about 83.82% of poultry producers interviewed responded that they were not satisfied with veterinary services delivery. Key words: Agro-ecology, chicken-ecotypes, Ethiopia, Horro chicken, traditional-management.

Performance of Soybean Genotypes under Rhizobia Inoculation across Three Agro Ecologies of Nigeria

There is need to improve soybean yield potentials per unit area in the tropics, at least to the world average productivity level. To achieve this, attention has to be paid to the selection of high yielding and stable genotypes through plant breeding improvement programmers. Twenty four soybean lines were investigated across three agro ecological zones in Nigeria to determine their productivity. In each of the sites, the experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters.

Effect of Plant Media Composition and POC Doses of Rabbit Urine on Growth and Yield of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Plants

Melon has a high economic value but in its cultivation, this plant requires quite an intensive handling.One effort to increase the production of melon plants is modifying planting media composition andfertilizing. This research aimed to examine the interaction between plant media composition and therabbit urine fertilizer dosage on melon growth and yield. The research was held on April 4 to August4, 2019, at The Agro Fruit Purwosari Greenhouse, Mijen, Semarang and Ecology, and CropProduction Laboratory, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University,Semarang. The study used a completely randomized factorial design 3x5 with 5 replications. The firstfactor was the growing media composition of 100% husk charcoal (M1), 75% husk charcoal + 25%soil (M2), 50% husk charcoal + 50% soil (M3). The second factor was rabbit urine fertilizer dosageof 55 ml/plant (P1), 82,5 ml/plant (P2), 110 ml/plant (P3), 137,5 ml/plant (P4), 165 ml/plant (P5).Data were analyzed by variance and proceeded with the DMRT test. The observed variables wereplant height, amount of leaves, harvest age, fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit sweetness level, crown,and root fresh weight, crown and root dry weight. The results of the study showed that the interactionof the growing media composition and rabbit urine fertilizer dosage was significant (P&lt;0.05) on theparameters of plant height, amount of leaves, and fruit sweetness level. The treatment of (M2)obtained the highest result on the parameters of plant height, amount of leaves, and fruit sweetnesslevel but had not been shown on the parameters of harvest age, fruit weight, fruit diameter, crownand root fresh weight, crown, and root dry weight.

Chemical Characterization of Green Coffee Beans and Determining the Effect of Roasting Temperature on the Content of Caffeine

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. The quality of coffee depends on post harvesting process, agricultural practices, agro ecology conditions and chemical composition of coffee beans. Hararghe is among the major coffee producing areas in Ethiopia. However, the chemical profiles of Hararghe coffee beans have never been reported. The objectives of the present study was to determine pH value, total acidity and total polyphenols of Hararghe green coffee beans and also evaluates the effect of roasting temperature on caffeine content. Fifteen coffee bean samples were collected from different areas of Hararghe, Ethiopia. Total polyphenols were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The pH value was measured by a pH meter. The total acidities were determined by titrating with NaOH. The caffeine content from roasted coffee beans was measured using a UV-Vis spectroscopy. The lowest (5.26) and the highest (5.66) pH values showed by the coffee bean samples collected from Jarso and Gurachae, respectively. On the contrary, the lowest (1.44 ml of NaOHg -1 ) and highest (2.3 NaOHg -1 ) total acidity values revealed by Gurache and Jarso coffee green beans, respectively. Likewise, the lowest and the highest total polyphenols content exhibited by Girawa (7.22 mg GAE/g) and Kobo (20.96 mg GAE/g) coffee beans, respectively. The caffeine content in coffee bean samples roasted at different temperatures varied from 2.36 (w/w %) to 6.09 (w/w %). The content of caffeine increased from low temperature - long ranged time roasted coffee beans to intermediate temperature - intermediate ranged time. However, it was gradually decreased from intermediate temperature - intermediate ranged time to high temperature - short ranged time. Keywords: Coffee, Caffeine, UV-Vis spectroscopy, total acidity, total polyphenols. DOI : 10.7176/CMR/11-8-03 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

Review on Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Breeding in Ethiopia

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a self-pollinated diploid species with 2n = 26 chromosomes. Sesame improvement research in Ethiopia was started in the late l960s at Werer Agricultural Research Center. The objective of sesame breeding in Ethiopia is to develop the potential by creating cultivars which meet the demands of the sesame farmers, processor and user. The improvement of sesame has lagged behind due to a lack of research shortage of trained personnel, limited financial support and limited international cooperation. Although Indeterminate flowering nature and shattering of capsules at maturity, insects, pests and diseases, heat and drought, among other things are the major factors for low yields of sesame are seen as the challenges of the crop breeding. Suitability of different agro ecology, availability of genetic resource and diversities, market proximity, mutation breeding and different biotechnology approaches are some opportunities of Sesame breeding in Ethiopia. Application of biotechnology together with conventional breeding methods is a valuable approach for breeding superior varieties in a short period of time. Keywords: diversity, importance, opportunities and Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-17-07 Publication date :September 30 th 2019

Grain quality and yield response of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum l.) varieties to different rates of blended fertilizer at Kulumsa, South-eastern Ethiopia

This study was initiated to assess the effect of blended fertilizer of Nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), sulfur(S) and boron(B) rate on yield and quality of Ethiopian newly release varieties of wane (2016) and king bird (2015) of bread wheat varieties by Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center Wheat Breeding Program. A field experiment was carried out in 2018 robi season to determine grain quality and yield response of bread wheat varieties to different rate of fertilizer. The treatments was factorial combination of eight levels control, recommended PN (150 kg ha-1 TSP (69 P2O5) + 158.7 kg ha-1 Urea (73 N), 100 kg NPSB (18.1N + 36.1P2O5 + 6.7S + 0.71B), 100 kg NPSB + Rec. Urea (46 kg N) , 150 kg NPSB + Rec. Urea, 200 kg NPSB + Rec. Urea, 250 kg NPSB + Rec. Urea, 300 kg NPSB + Rec. Urea) and two bread wheat varieties (wane and king bird). The experiment design was laid in Randomized Complete Block Design with factorial arrangement of two varieties. Phonological traits, grain quality parameters and yield were taken as experimental variables. The result showed that grain yield, thousand kernel weight and hectoliter weight were significantly affected by interaction of fertilizer rate and varieties. However, days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, number of productive tillers, straw yield and number of grains per spike were significantly affected by both fertilizer rate and varieties. The highest Seeds per spick (53.9), thousand kernel weight (37.3 g), and SY (9071.7 kg ha-1) in the main effect were recorded from 300 kg NPSB treatment with supplementary urea, whereas grain protein content (12.1%) was recorded from 73/69 kg recommended NP (12.1%). The interaction effect of PT and BY showed that variety Wane scored Wane7.7 PT and 14053 kg ha-1 as compared to 6.0 PT and 12009 kg ha-1 BY in variety Kingbird at 300 kg NPSB fertilizer treatment with supplementary urea; whereas the least was observed at control. The higher GY was produced in Wane (4236 kg ha-1) variety at 300 kg NPSB fertilizer treatment; but in Kingbird (3737 kg ha-1) variety 200 kg NPSB fertilizer treatment with supplementary urea. Wane variety was found to be better in terms of both agronomic and economical feasible. However, as the experiment was conducted only for a single season, the repeat of the study is suggested for more seasons around Kulumsa area and similar agro ecology.

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL IN KULFO WATERSHED, SOUTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

The great variation in physical landscape of the Ethiopian highlands gives rise to the formation of different relief features, which are inurn causes for variations in agro-climatic and soil parent materials of the country. The aim of the research was to characterize the physio-chemical properties of soils in Kulfo Watershed, Southwest Ethiopia. In the study both primary and secondary data were used. The primary data was generated from Kebele transect walks, composite soil sample and Soil GPS points of varying land use/ cover types, while secondary data was obtained from satellite imaginaries, National Metrological agency and Central Statistical Agency etc. 36 composite surface soil samples (0-30cm depth) were collected from varying land use/ cover types of three agro-ecologies of the watershed namely, upland, mid and lowlands. Collected soil data Were analyzed in soil laboratory of Arba Minch University. The study result revealed that Kulfo watershed was characterized into four traditional agro ecologies, namely lowland (20.9%), midland (35.9 %), highland (37.4%) and cold high mountain areas (5.8%). The soil analysis results showed that dominantly soils of the watershed are characterized as texturally clay loam to sandy loam and they have no significant textural class difference among soils in all agro-ecologies. The soil reaction varies from moderately acidic (with pH 5.4) to neutral (pH 7.3) status.Grid based climate analysis showed that precipitation and temperature pattern showed gradual decrease from northern to the southern parts of the watershed.Furthermore, the analysis showed that soil chemical properties in the watershed are dominated by medium organic matter, low total nitrogen, very low available phosphorus (3.83-6.65ppm), high potassium and very low to low CEC content. Therefore, in order to rehabilitate theproductivity of soil-chemical properties the application of Soil and Water Conservation measures in the upland, use of organic manure in the low lying areas could be the viable options for promising crop yield in the area Keywords: GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques, physio-chemical properties, transect walk, Agro ecology, Kulfo Watershed.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perception and Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change and Variability in Ankesha Guagusa District of Awi Zone, North Western Ethiopia

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for rural communities in Ethiopia which is highly sensitive to Climate change and variability. Farmers should adapt and their decision to adapt depends on their perception to climate change and variability and other socio-economic factors. The main objective of this study was to assess smallholder farmers’ perception, identifying the major adaptation strategies and determinant factors that affect farmers’ choices of adaptation to climate change and variability in Ankesha Guagusa district, Awi Zone, Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics were employed to assess farmers’ socio- demographic characteristics, perceptions and adaptation measures. A Multi-Nominal Logit model (MNL) was also used to identify the determinant factors that influence the choice of farmer’s adaptation strategies. The study finds that, most of the local farmers perceived decreasing in the amount of seasonal rainfal1, increasing in temperature, increased frequency of drought and flood. In response to these impacts of climate change and variability; farmers used crop diversification, improved and early maturing crops, planting trees and engaging on off-farm activities, credit and taking loss as the most dominant adaptation strategies. The MNL regression analysis showed that agro ecology of woina dega (AEZWD), age, sex, education, family size, farm size, farming experience, income, livestock holding (TLU), access to extension services, credit, access to irrigation and water harvesting schemes and Perception to climate change and variability were the key determinant factors influencing farmers’ choice of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. farmers’ adaptive capacity is hindered by different factors and focusing on addressing these factors efforts should be made to develop and implement integrated policies and strategies that enhance access to income and farm inputs, agricultural extension services, livelihood diversification, farmers’ awareness on climate change required to build resilience of communities and promote a transition to climate-smart agriculture. Keywords : Climate Change and variability, Perceptions, Adaptation Strategies, Determinants, MNL model, Ethiopia DOI : 10.7176/JRDM/58-02 Publication date : August 31 st 2019

Effects of Soil and Water Conservation on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties and Its Implication on Soil Productivity in Ethiopia. A Review

Soil erosion and land degradation have been a severe problem in the Ethiopian highlands due to dense population, high livestock density and intensive crop production in the area. Soil and water conservation practice is one the mechanism used to reduce soil and associated nutrient loss; thus, reduce the risk of production. Efforts were started through soil and water conservation strategy at a large scale on farmland since the mid-1970 and 1980’s. However, its effectiveness depends on specific site conditions. Therefore, reviewing the effects and implication of the soil and water conservation practices on selected soil physicochemical properties and soil productivity is essential. The study conducted in various part of the country showed that the implemented soil bund reduced annual runoff and soil loss at different rates. Soil and water conservation have improved the soil physicochemical properties on conserved cropland (BD, SMC, infiltration rate, clay content, pH, CEC, av. K, av. P, SOC and TN) than in the adjacent cropland without soil and water conservation measures. In contrast, the constructed soil and water conservation has shown no significant variations as compared to adjacent cropland in a study conducted at Dawuro zone, Southern Ethiopia. Soil and water conservation, reduce the removal of fertile topsoil and improves soil moisture, which favors crop growth as a result grain yield of the crops were increased at various rates based on agro ecology, crop type and local management practices. In general, the effect of constructed soil and water conservation had clearly showed positive impact on selected soil physicochemical properties and crop yields. Therefore, maintenance of the existing soil and water conservation structures is highly recommended to sustain its benefit, productivity and production; hence, improve the livelihood of the community. Keywords : land degradation, soil and water conservation, soil properties, soil productivity. DOI : 10.7176/JEES/9-5-02 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Livestock Held Farmers’ Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in Case of Selected Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia

The climate change is increasing the frequent of droughts and sudden flooding. This research was aimed to assess the livestock induced farmers vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in Sikkoo-Mandoo societies in selected zones of Oromia region. The study sites and thirteen key informants were purposive selected whereas 64 households were selected by stratified random sampling. Stratifying household in to two traditional agro ecology zones they were randomly selected from each strata. Data were mainly collected by respondents’ interview and reviewing of literatures, and analyzed by descriptive statistics. The cattle, poultry, donkeys, sheep, goat, horses and mule were the livestock found in study area. As evaluated by respondents from their experience the scarcity of water and fodders were caused highly vulnerable of livestock to extreme climatic events in winter and autumn season. Very high vulnerability were recorded in cattle types of livestock and communities livelihood. The vulnerability of farmers’ livelihoods were related to the frequent exposure and high sensitivity of livestock to extreme climatic events. The medium livestock adaptive capacity in average were identified in general. The storing of straw, livestock mobility, herd splitting, using forest fodders and harvested/tap water were the livestock based climate change adaptation strategies used by majorities of farmers. Livestock based farmers’ adaptation strategies were focused on livestock products and services. Their products are egg, milk and its product, using livestock dung for manure, meat, selling livestock and their products, and renting livestock labor as a source of income whereas their services includes the use of livestock in farming practice, transportation, and recreation for climate change adaptation. The first animals sold during crop fallers were poultry, sheep, goats, cattle and their products. Thus building climate change and variability’s adaptive capacity of livestock have significant role in advancing climate resilient agriculture for sustainable farmers’ livelihood. Keywords: Adaptation, Extreme Climatic Event, Livestock’s Vulnerability DOI : 10.7176/CER/11-4-04 Publication date :May 31 st 2019