Awi Zone Research Articles

Determinants of participation in charcoal production and its distributive impact on household welfare in rural Ethiopia

Charcoal production is one of the main sources of households’ income in some part of rural Ethiopia. However, existing literature has rarely explored the presence of an entry barrier that might prevent the poorest from participating in this lucrative activity nor have they accounted for heterogeneity in the welfare effects of participation. To provide evidence for these issues, this study assesses the determinants of participation in charcoal production and its heterogeneous impact on household welfare using primary data from 390 households in selected rural villages of Awi zone, Ethiopia. This study uses a probit regression model to identify the determinants of participation and the quantile treatment effect (QTE) regression model to examine the welfare gap between participants and nonparticipants at different points of the welfare distribution and a decomposition technique to investigate whether the welfare gap is attributed to differences in characteristics or returns to these characteristics. Our probit model estimation result shows that poor households are less likely to participate in charcoal production, implying the existence of an entry barrier which may be attributed to the requirement of higher capital investment in the study area. Our QTE result suggests that participation affect welfare heterogeneously across the welfare distribution and the welfare gap is higher at the upper quantiles, suggesting that poor participants gain lower return from participation. Finally, our decomposition analysis reveals that the welfare gap exists due to coefficients effect. Although the results suggest the importance of policy to improve the participation of households in charcoal production for greater welfare, they also indicate the existence of uneven returns against poor participants.

Seed tuber cutting improves tuber yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L,) varieties under irrigation conditions in Dangla district of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important cash and food crop in Ethiopia. However, lack of planting material and improved varieties are among the major factors affecting its productivity. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at Gayeta Kebele of Dangla district, Awi Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia to study the effect of seed tuber cutting on yield and yield components of potato varieties under irrigated conditions. The experiment consisted of two improved varieties (‘Belete’ and ‘Jalenie’) along with one local variety and two tuber size categories and their half cuttings (whole large tuber (>75g), whole-medium tuber (39-75g), half cuttings of large tuber and half cuttings medium tuber. It was arranged with a factorial combination in RCBD with three replications. Phenological, growth, yield and quality parameters were significantly affected by the main factors (cutting and variety). Whole-large and half-large tuber sizes and Belete variety showed superior performance on marketable (38.24 t ha-1) and total tuber yield (40.26 tha-1) over the rest of the tuber sizes and varieties. The combination of Belete variety with whole-large seed tubers recorded the highest net benefit 261,516 ETB ha-1 with an acceptable marginal rate of return (113.6%). The second highest net benefit (247,001.3 ETB ha-1) with an acceptable marginal rate of return (2566.67%) was recorded when Beltete variety was planted using half-large cut tubers. Hence, Belete variety with whole-large seed tubers, and half-large cut tubers could be recommended for resource-rich and poor farmers, respectively, for the production of potatoes under irrigated conditions in Gayeta kebele and areas with similar agro-ecology. Repeating the research in different seasons and locations is also recommended.

Factors affecting the market outlet choice of bamboo culm producers in Banja district, Awi zone, Ethiopia

Factors affecting the market outlet choice of bamboo culm producers in Banja district, Awi zone, Ethiopia

Livelihood benefits and challenges of Acacia decurrens-based agroforestry system in Awi Zone highlands, Northwest Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Acacia decurrens (hereafter Acacia) agroforestry system has been expanding rapidly in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. The agroforestry system provides multiple eco-environmental services; however, there is inadequate quantitative evidence on its livelihood benefits. This study, therefore, investigated the livelihood benefits and challenges of Acacia-based agroforestry system in the Awi area, Northwest Ethiopia. Data was collected through household survey quetionnaires (296 randomly selected Acacia growers), focused-group discussions, interviews, and observations. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used for the data analysis. The findings showed that crop production, charcoal making, animal rearing, and fuelwood selling were the major sources of livelihood. Notwithstanding the complex challenges (Acacia pests/diseases, traditional charcoal-making, limited road access and market opportunities, negative human-health impacts, and high production cost), Acacia-based agroforestry positively affected farmers livelihoods. Comparatively, the natural, physical, financial, human and social capital indices of farmers were higher by 0.25, 0.24, 0.43, 0.25, and 0.06, respectively, in the post-than pre-Acacia periods. The overall livelihood index of farmers increased from 0.47 (pre-Acacia) to 0.71 in the post-Acacia period. The study concluded that this agroforestry practice has immense livelihood benefits, although diverse challenges question its sustainability. Therefore, short and long-term strategies should be designed to strengthen the opportunities and address the challenges.

Value Chain Analysis of Highland Bamboo (Yushania alpina) in Banja District, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Bamboo is one of the most important vegetation resources in highlands of Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, understanding the socioeconomic significance of bamboo resources and linkages between policy makers and other organizations is a persistent issue for the expansion of bamboo industry. This study aims at analyzing the value chain of highland bamboo originating from Banja district, Awi zone, Ethiopia. Specifically, it investigates the current value chain structure of highland bamboo and the role of actors and identifies the existing upgrading strategies along the chain, estimates the market performance, analyzes the determinants that affect the market supply of highland bamboo, and analyzes the governance structure along the highland bamboo value chain. Primary data were collected from direct value chain actors such as 122 sampled households, 13 traders, 16 processors, and 30 final users through semistructured interview schedules, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observation. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and value chain analysis were employed to analyze the data. Government offices and international network of bamboo and rattan and micro and small enterprises were support service providers. The governance structures in the bamboo value chain differ from one stage to the other stage. The result of multiple linear regression model indicated that the land size allocated for bamboo plantation, number of culm harvested, access of market information, and silviculture management practice positively affected the market supply of bamboo culm, whereas distance to the market affected the market supply of bamboo culm negatively and significantly. Based on the findings of this study, designing policies help to increase farmers’ knowledge and skills through capacity building and help to improve information access, silviculture management practice, and market supply of culm.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of Acacia decurrens plantations in Awi Zone Highlands, Northwest Ethiopia

This study aimed to assess the Spatio-temporal Acacia decurrens plantation (ADP) cover dynamics and its drivers in the Awi highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia. Landsat imageries (1993, 2007, and 2022) with Support vector machine classification techniques and Normalized difference vegetation index were used to analyze the ADP cover changes from 1993 to 2022. Besides, questionnaires, focused-group discussions, and interviews were employed to identify the drivers of ADP cover changes. The findings revealed that ADP cover witnessed substantial changes between 1993 and 2022 in the study area. ADP cover dramatically increased from 0.05 percent in 1993 to 24.53 percent in 2022, with a total gain of 40,788.97 ha. In contrast, cropland, grassland, and shrubland significantly decreased from 1993 to 2022, with a net loss of 23,111.63 ha, 18,479.23 ha, and 7942.44 ha, respectively. Hence, ADP was expanded considerably in the study area at the expense of cropland, grassland, and shrubland in the past 29 years. Soil infertility/acidity; land degradation; attractive benefits of ADP; increasing fuelwood demand; living condition improvement of ADP growers; and suitability of ADP with other land uses were identified as the top six drivers for ADP expansion. The innovative environmental rehabilitation and tree plantation experiences of the Awi-community should be upgraded and expanded to other areas.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 beef carcass contamination and its antibiotic resistance in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a cause of foodborne disease and global public health issues especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was done from January 2022 to July 2022 in Awi Zone to assess the occurrence and antibiograms of E. coli O157:H7. Abattoirs and butcher shops were selected purposively, whereas a systematic random and purposive sampling technique was employed to select study units in abattoirs and butcher shops, respectively. A total of 248 swab samples were collected, isolated, and confirmed using bacteriological culture, biochemical tests, and latex agglutination tests. Escherichia coli O1157:H7 antibiogram tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Logistic regression was used to analyze and measure the degree of association between the presumed risk factors and E. coli O157:H7 occurrence. The overall occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 was estimated to be 8.87% and a relative higher (11.29%) occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 was recorded at butcher shops when compared to abattoirs (6.45%). All isolates were susceptible to gentamicin followed by chloramphenicol (81.81%). About 81.81% of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin and 77.23% of isolates developed resistance to two and more than two antibiotics (MDR). In conclusion, E. coli O157:H7 was detected in the study area. Thus, educating abattoir and butcher shop workers, and consumers, on hygienic handling practices and safe consumption of meat could eliminate foodborne infection associated with E. coli O157:H7 occurrence.

Species diversity, relative abundance, and distribution of avifauna in different habitats within Lewi Mountain, Awi zone, Ethiopia

Almost all habitats on the planet are home to birds, from the lowest deserts to the highest mountains. Birds have proved to be excellent indicators of biodiversity or productivity as they are easily observed and are relatively well known compared to other animals. Although bird species are distributed across the globe, habitat destruction, fragmentation, and loss have adversely affected their survival and distribution. Therefore, this study is an attempt to prepare a baseline data on avifaunal diversity with their relative abundance and species richness in different habitats within Lewi Mountain Awi zone, Ethiopia from December 2018 to October 2020, including both the wet and dry seasons. The sampling sites were stratified based on land cover features, and transect count techniques were employed. The data were summarized per season and habitat type in the excel spreadsheet throughout the study period. In this study, one-way ANOVA was used to determine the effect of habitat type on species diversity and abundance. T-tests are also use to analyze bird populations among seasons. A total of 1591 individuals, 56 bird species belonging to 29 families and 12 orders were identified during the two seasons. The Wetland habitat had the highest species diversity index (H’ = 3) with high evenness index (J = 0.88) during the dry season followed by the open shrubs habitat (H’ = 2.97) with the highest evenness index (J = 0.95). The settlement had the lowest species diversity (H' = 2.17) and the lowest evenness index (J = 0.8) in the same season. During the wet season, disturbed forests recorded the highest Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’ = 3.2) with the highest evenness (J = 0.92) followed by Wetland habitat (H’ = 2.97) with high evenness index (J = 0.87). During dry and wet seasons, the abundance of birds' species in different habitat types did not differ significantly (F = 1.91, p = 0.193, dƒ = 3) and (F = 1.579, p = 0.199, dƒ = 3), respectively. From all studied habitats, the overall mean abundance of bird species between dry and wet seasons was significantly different (F = 3642, P ≤ 0.001, dƒ = 1). In conclusion, settlement had the lowest species diversity and the lowest evenness index in the research area for the entire season. The habitats are important to the conservation of birds, so good habitat management is required, such as minimizing agricultural expansion and overgrazing, demarcating the forest habitats for wild species only, and creating awareness among local communities.

Determination Of Aflatoxin M1 In Raw Cow's Milk Using Hplc- Fld, In Injibara Town, Awi Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia

Background: Consumption of contaminated milk is a major health problem for consumers, and aflatoxins are potent liver carcinogens, mutagens, and immunosuppressive compounds. Therefore, raw cow milk must be constantly monitored for the presence of AFM1 contamination. It is extremely important to keep AFM1 levels low in raw cow’s milk. The level of AFM1 in milk varies depending on the level of AFB1 ingested by dairy cattle through the feed. Objective: This investigation is mainly focused on the detection of levels of AFM1 in raw cow’s milk. There is little information on the level and distribution of aflatoxin in raw milk samples from cows in the vicinity of Injibara Town. Therefore, it is important to analyze the level and distribution of aflatoxin in raw milk samples from cows in Injibara Town. Methods: This study is mainly a quantitative investigation of the amount of AFM1 in raw cow’s milk using the HPLC-FLD spectrometry methods. All the milk samples were collected using a random sampling technique method from different areas during the night and morning a day and the collected raw cow’s milk samples were stored in a clean polyethylene bag. Results: In the present study, a total of 324 raw cow’s milk samples were collected from farmers in Injibara town, and samples were analyzed in triplicate for AFM1 determination by HPLC-FLD. Aflatoxin M1 was detected in 3 (0.92 percent of whole samples) out of 324 samples with quantities ranging from 0.046 to 0.22 µg/L and a mean value of 0.121 µg/L. From 324 raw cow’s milk samples, two (0.62 %) were seen over and one sample (0.31 %) was below the permissible limits of EU and ES (0.05 µg/L. The most number of samples were not detected in AFM1 analysis. Conclusions: From this result conclude that two samples (0.096 and 0.22 μg/L) were over the EU (0.05μg/L) and ES (0.05μg/L) permitted levels and under analysis, one sample (0.046 μg/L) was below the standard limit in the USA (0.5 μg/L). The average contamination was 0.121µg/L and this data revealed that the raw cow’s milk is to a small extent contaminated with aflatoxins.

Adverse neonatal outcomes and associated factors among mothers who gave birth through induced and spontaneous labor in public hospitals of Awi zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdverse neonatal outcomes are one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Empirical evidence across the world shows that induction of labor potentiates adverse neonatal outcomes. In Ethiopia, there has been limited data that compares the frequency of adverse neonatal outcomes between induced and spontaneous labor.ObjectivesTo compare the prevalence of adverse neonatal outcomes between induced and spontaneous labor and to determine associated factors among women who gave birth in public hospitals of Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Awi Zone public hospitals from May 1 to June 30, 2022. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 788 (260 induced and 528 spontaneous) women. The collected data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 26. The Chi-square test and an independent t-test were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between the outcome and explanatory variables. In the bivariate analysis, a p-value ≤ 0.2 at a 95% confidence interval was used to consider the variables in the multivariate analysis. Finally, statistical significance was stated at a p-value of less than 0.05.ResultThe adverse neonatal outcomes among women who gave birth through induced labor were 41.1%, whereas spontaneous labor was 10.3%. The odds of adverse neonatal outcomes in induced labor were nearly two times higher than in spontaneous labor (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.11–3.22). No education (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.56, 6.44), chronic disease (AOR = 3.99, 95% CI: 1.87, 8.52), male involvement (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.23, 4.06), preterm birth (AOR = 9.83, 95% CI: 8.74, 76.37), operative delivery (AOR = 8.60, 95% CI: 4.63, 15.90), cesarean section (AOR = 4.17, 95% CI: 1.94, 8.95), and labor complications (AOR = 5.16, 95% CI: 2.90, 9.18) were significantly associated factors with adverse neonatal outcomes.Conclusion and recommendationAdverse neonatal outcomes in the study area were higher. Composite adverse neonatal outcomes were significantly higher in induced labor compared to spontaneous labor. Therefore, it is important to anticipate the possible adverse neonatal outcomes and plan management strategies while conducting every labor induction.

The effect of innovation orientation on firm performance: evidence from micro and small manufacturing firms in selected towns of Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Innovation in micro and small enterprises is widely regarded as one of the most important sources of sustainable competitive advantage with an embedded purpose of performance improvement in an increasingly changing environment. This study aimed to examine the effect of innovation on the performance of micro and small manufacturing firms in selected towns of Awi Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia. The target population of the study was 643 micro and small manufacturing firms in Injibara, Dangila, and Tilili; a number provided by Awi zone enterprise development office data during 2021. Data were drawn from a sample of 247 manufacturing firms using cross-sectional primary data collected from wood and metal manufacturing firms in selected towns of Awi Zone. The study adopted descriptive and explanatory designs and used correlation and multiple linear regression analysis to estimate the effect of innovation on firm performance. The regression results revealed that product, process, marketing and organizational innovation were positively and significantly related to firm performance, while product innovation was found to have a strong positive effect on the dependent variable firm performance followed by process and organizational innovation, respectively. However, a weak statistical relationship was reported between marketing innovation and the performance of manufacturing firms than other variables. Hence, firms which have a strong orientation towards product, process, organizational and marketing innovation have better performance in manufacturing firms in the study area.

Composition, Relative Abundance, and Diversity of Medium and Large Mammals in Tirba Lake Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Understanding the diversity, abundance, and habitat preferences of the fauna is essential for determining the status and suggesting effective conservation actions. A study was conducted in Tirba Lake Awi zone, Ethiopia, to evaluate the wealth, diversity, and composition of the medium and large mammal communities. It is also important to consider how these parameters differ from one habitat type to another and from one season to another. Researchers collected data using a transect method. As a result of the study, 330 individuals and 11 different species of mammals were identified across four orders and six families. The result shows that globally threatened species like the Leopard (Panthera pardus) were included. In terms of seasonal variation in wild mammal abundance, the difference was statistically significant (P $$\le$$ 0.001). A total of 330 ± 26.2 wild mammals were recorded, of which 180 ± 11 (55%) were observed during the wet season and 150 ± 6.5 (45%) during the dry season. Olive Baboons (Papio Anubis) accounted for 30.61% of the 11 mammalian species with 101 individuals, followed by Vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) with 16.67% and 55 individuals, respectively. Mammalian populations were statistically significant among habitat types, with the highest similarity index (SI = 0.8) observed between open forests and shrubland, followed by shrubland adjacent to Cliff sites (SI = 0.7). The shrubland habitat type (Hʹ = 1) supports the greatest diversity of mammalian species, followed by the open forest habitat type (Hʹ = 0.8). In terms of diversity among habitat types, dense forests had the lowest Hʹ value (0.5). Based on the species similarity index, open forest and shrubland shared the most similarity of mammalian species (Sl = 0.8), while shrubland and cliff sites hosted the least similar species (SI = 0.7). To conclude, our findings contribute significantly to the conservation of Ethiopia's mammal populations. As a result of our findings, managers of the area will be able to make effective conservation decisions, and researchers wishing to conduct related studies will be able to use the findings as a baseline for their research. Studies in the study area have revealed that anthropogenic factors interact with the mammals in the area, putting them at risk. It is imperative that these animals are protected through an urgent conservation program.

Diet quality of preparatory school students in Awi Zone, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess diet quality and associated factors among preparatory school students in Awi Zone, Ethiopia.DesignA school-based cross-sectional study design was used in this study.SettingThe study was carried...

Diversity and relative abundance of bird species in the two habitat types of Dokima forest Awi zone, Ethiopia.

Birds are the most widespread vertebrate group, as they can be found in practically every type of habitat. However, lack of knowledge on bird ecology in Afrotropical highlands and bird habitat degradation are the main problems that is why this research was studied. The study was conducted in Awi zone, Amhara National Regional State with the objective of the diversity and relative abundance of bird species in the two habitat types of Dokima forest in Awi zone, Ethiopia. Between November 2018 and December 2020, the transect method was conducted in both dry and wet seasons. Using one-way ANOVA, the effect of seasons and habitats on species richness and abundance was investigated and compared. In both the dry and wet seasons, a total of 2233 individuals, 47 species belonging to 35 families, and 14 orders were recorded. The abundance of bird species was not statistically differed between habitat types in the dry season, but it was statistically significantly in the wet season. The mean abundance of bird species differed significantly between the dry and wet seasons. In the dry season, the forest habitat type had the highest species diversity index (H' = 3.18) and the highest evenness (J = 0.94), while in the wet season, the forest habitat type had the highest evenness (J = 0.94). These habitats must be conserved in order to protect the birds that live in the area.

Determinants associated with an effective online learning system of a teachers’ training college in Awi Zone, Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Higher educational institutions were forced to stop face-to-face classes and shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government of Ethiopia closed schools in all educational institutions on 16 March 2020, and then directed educational institutions to teach students online. This study was conducted to discover the determinants of online teaching practices at teachers training colleges. A cross-sectional study design was conducted using randomly selected 343 students from Injibara College of Teacher's Education, Ethiopia. Results of the statistical analyses revealed that socio-demographic characteristics of students do not affect the effectiveness of the online learning system; but determinates that are directly related to the online learning system, such as infrastructure, access to the internet, parent support, and technological resources have a significant effect. Online learning at the study area was only 77% effective, which indicates that there is a need for intervention to make it more effective. Therefore, we recommend to governmental and non-governmental institutions to establish ICT centers and provide online learning trainings.

Risk Aversion and Perception of Farmers about Endogenous Risks: An Empirical Study for Maize Producers in Awi Zone, Amhara Region of Ethiopia

Agriculture is a risky business that is subject to endogenous risks. Endogenous risks caused by input utilization, input affordability and input availability may prove detrimental to the production potential of farmers. The study was aimed at examining the risk perception, risk aversion and risk management strategies of maize producers in Awi zone, which is found in the northwest part of Ethiopia. The study involved 343 respondents who produced maize under risk. Descriptive statistics, a seven-point Likert scale, the observed economic behaviour method, factor analysis and a seemingly unrelated regression model were used to process the data. The results showed that farmers have different perceptions of the endogenous risk associated with input availability and input affordability which has a different probability of occurrence and severity of damage. The observed economic behaviour method showed that farmers in the area also have different risk aversion behaviours: about 7.29% of the respondents in the study area have high risk aversion attitudes, while about 30.61% have medium risk aversion attitudes and 62.10% of them have low risk aversion attitudes. The seemingly unrelated regression model output showed that farmers’ economic, social, demographic and institutional factors, as well as their risk behaviour, determine the risk management strategies that they employ. Maize farmers in the area applied human risk management strategies, production risk management strategies, diversification, financial risk management strategies and marketing risk management strategies to tackle the endogenous risks in the area. It was deduced that maize farmers have a risk averse behaviour even if their risk aversion levels differ based on the scope of the management strategies that they employ to combat risk. Following the finding of the study, a holistic approach to risk management that encompasses all actors, such as farmers, researchers, extension services and financial institutions should be involved to make the appropriate interventions.

Prevalence of Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Amhara Region, Ethiopia, after 8 Years of Trachoma Control Interventions.

Although trachoma mass drug administration (MDA) programs target ocular Chlamydia trachomatis, the global trachoma control program does not monitor infection as a measure of impact but instead relies on monitoring clinical indicators. This study aimed to monitor the prevalence of ocular C. trachomatis among a population-based sample of children ages 1-5 years throughout Amhara, Ethiopia, a region that has received approximately 8 years of annual MDA as part of trachoma control. Between 2014 and 2021, trachoma impact surveys and surveillance surveys were conducted in all 156 districts of Amhara using a multistage cluster randomized methodology. Certified graders assessed individuals ages ≥ 1 year for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), and a random subset of children ages 1-5 years also provided a conjunctival swab. Polymerase chain reaction was used to test for C. trachomatis. A total of 28,410 conjunctival swabs were collected from children ages 1-5 years across Amhara. The regional C. trachomatis infection prevalence was 4.7% (95% uncertainty interval: 4.3-5.1%). Infection was detected in all 10 zones of the region and ranged from 0.2% in Awi Zone to 11.9% in Waghemra Zone. Infection was detected in 17 (26%) districts with a TF prevalence < 10% and in 7 (21%) districts with a TF prevalence < 5%. Through programmatic monitoring of C. trachomatis infection, this study demonstrated that considerable infection remained throughout Amhara despite approximately 8 years of trachoma interventions and that enhanced interventions such as more frequent than annual MDA will be needed if elimination thresholds are to be reached.

Timely initiation of first antenatal care visit and associated factors among pregnant women in the Amhara Region, North-west Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

timely initiation of the first antenatal care visit is still a major public health problem in Ethiopia, especially in Amhara Region. This study assessed the prevalence of timely initiation of first ANC visit and its associated factors among pregnant women in transformed and non-transformed districts, Awi zone, Amhara Region, North-west Ethiopia. a community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from November-December 2020, among 748 women. A multistage-stratified random sampling technique was used. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done by SPSS-version 20. Binary logistics regression analysis was used to identify factors. The odds ratios were computed and a p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. the overall prevalence of timely first ANC visits was 40% (95%CI: 36.6-43.7%). It was higher for the transformed districts 46.9% (95%CI: 42.1%-52.5%) compared to non-transformed districts 32.9% (95%CI: 28.3%-37.9%). Higher wealth (AOR=2.17, 95%CI: 1.44-3.27), previous service satisfaction (AOR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.26- 2.51), nearer to the health facility (AOR=3.09, 95%CI: 1.69-5.63), primary education and above (AOR=5.18, 95%CI: 2.99-8.96), knowledgeable mothers (AOR=2.30, 95%CI: 1.38-3.85) and waiting time (< 1-hour) (AOR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.02-2.08) were significantly associated factors. the prevalence of timely initiation was higher for transformed districts but it is below the WHO target. Higher wealth, previous service satisfaction, being nearer to the health facility, maternal education, being knowledgeable, and waiting time were significantly associated with timely initiation of the first ANC visit. Hence, the district´s transformation should be enhanced. Maternal knowledge, access, and quality of maternal health services should be enhanced.

Participatory Evaluation and Selection of Recently Released tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Varieties in Awi Zone, Western Ethiopia

<em>Tef</em> is honored and the main dietary food for health existence and food security in Ethiopia. It is adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions; however its production and productivity varied across the environment.

Physical performance of small-scale irrigation scheme: a case study of Tilku Fetam irrigation scheme, Awi zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Physical performance of small-scale irrigation scheme: a case study of Tilku Fetam irrigation scheme, Awi zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia