Bale Zone Research Articles

Analyzing Agricultural Drought Using Remote Sensing Indices in the East Bale Zone, Southeastern Ethiopian Lowlands.

The practical applications of satellite data in comprehending the changing environment must take in account quantitative awareness of the uncertainty across different satellite products. However, prior drought research efforts in Ethiopia paid less attention to evaluating satellite products although drought has led to agricultural failures in the lowlands of Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial-temporal distribution of agricultural drought in the lowlands of the Bale zone throughout the crop growing season (March to May) from 2012 to 2022. The dataset utilized in this study was chosen by assessing the performance of enhanced MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (eMODIS) and enhanced Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (eVIIRS) Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in comparison to observed gridded rainfall, employing the simple linear regression model. The assessment of agricultural drought was conducted using the NDVI anomaly and the vegetation condition index (VCI). The eMODIS exhibited a coefficient of determination of 0.45 with a p-value of 0.02, whereas the eVIIRS had a coefficient of determination of 0.47 with a p-value of 0.01. Thus, eVIIRS NDVI was selected as the best dataset for evaluating agricultural drought in the research site. The findings indicated that in both 2012 and 2022, there were periods of agricultural drought. During these periods, severe to extreme drought conditions were seen in 7.6% to 54.98% of the study area, encompassing both lowland and midland regions. The biggest influence was detected in the northern, middle, and southern regions of the research area. Severe and moderate drought dominated study area as depicted by NDVI anomaly while extreme and severe as seen from VCI. Whereas the years 2014 and 2020 were the wettest. The study implies that eVIIRS NDVI might be an alternate approach to give empirical information that would aid stakeholders in limiting the consequences of agricultural drought on farming activities.

Perception of smallholder farmers about climate change and its impacts on crop production across agroecological zones of the Gassera District, Southeastern Ethiopia.

Climate change and variability have threatened rainfed agriculture by affecting the livelihoods of rural communities in Ethiopia. The study area, Gassera District, is among the high-potential crop production areas of the Bale Zone and is severely impacted by recurrent droughts resulting from climate change. This study evaluated smallholder farmers' perceptions of significant climate change and its effects on food crop production across the agroecological zones of the Gassera District. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 444 farm households via multistage random sampling techniques. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were used for the data analysis. The results revealed that 98.5% of the interviewed farmers were aware of climate variability and that 51.6% understood its impact to a reasonable extent. However, over half of the farmers did not perceive climate change as the greatest threat to their livelihood. Most farmers experienced rain becoming more erratic, starting late, and ending early as medium climatic factors (60.4%, 68.1%, and 66.2%, respectively), affecting their crop production. The results revealed that rainfall had a negative and insignificant decreasing trend (2.92mm/year). The annual mean temperature exhibited a positive and statistically significant increasing trend (Ρ < 0.01). Crop production is positively and linearly correlated with the amount of annual rainfall at the Ρ ≤ 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that the greatest crop yield loss was associated with lowland agroecology. The MLR results revealed that farmer agroecology, age, sex, and chemical use had substantial impacts on crop yield loss. We urge farmers to understand the long-term effects of climate change on their livelihoods.

Evaluations of Morphometric Traits and Body Conformation Indices of Horse Ecotypes Reared in the Highlands of Bale Eco-Region, Ethiopia.

Morphometric traits discrepancies are associated with production, reproduction, adaptation and behaviours in horses. It also determines the design of harnessing implements, physical injury level and working performance of the native horses. Thus, the study was conducted to evaluate morphometric traits and body conformation indices of horse ecotypes reared across four districts of Bale Zone, Ethiopia. Data of croup height, croup length, hip height, mid-back height, wither height, hip width, thoracic depth, chest width, body length, sternum height, thorax perimeter and cannon perimeter were measured in 500 horses (294 male and 206 female). Using those traits, 17 body conformation indices were calculated to define the horses for multi-faceted performances. The study revealed that croup height, hip height, wither height, hip width, croup length, body length, thorax perimeter and sternum height were significantly (p < 0.0001) different among the studied districts. The district effect was also significant at p < 0.05 for mid-back height, thoracic depth, chest width and cannon perimeter. The sexual dimorphism effect was statistically significant for all measured traits; however, females were inferior to males except for cannon perimeter. Body conformation indices of pelvic index, body index, transversal pelvic index and weight were highly significant (p < 0.0001) among the studied districts. The sex dimorphism effect was significant (p < 0.001) for dactyl-costal index, pelvic index, longitudinal pelvic index, transversal pelvic index, weight, tare index 1 (trot or gallop), tare index 2 (walk) and riding comfort degree, while non-significant (p > 0.05) for the remaining indices. The studied horses were classified as mediline, elipometric, light, small and suitable riding ecotypes with a medium-conforming body structure and good capacity for carrying loads on carts and backs for functional effectiveness. The correlations of body conformation indices ranged from very high to low, with positive and negative associations for functional capabilities. Therefore, selection for improvement needs to rank morphometric traits and body conformation indices in correlation to developing racing and modern sport horses in the highlands of the Bale eco-regions. Further, molecular studies will be essential to determine whether the predominated phenotypic multiplicity is genetic or environmentally progressed.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Participation of Smallholder Farmers in Wheat Cluster Farming: The Case of Gasera District, Bale Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Agriculture is the main means of livelihood in Africa. Wheat is one of the globally produced and marketed cereal crops which cover 15% of the total sowing areas of cereal crops in the world. This study focused on the analysis of factors affecting smallholder farmer’s participation in wheat cluster farming in Gasera District of Bale zone. A multi-stage sampling method was employed for this study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 259 sample respondents in three selected Kebeles out of 24 total kebeles in the woreda. Primary data sources were generated using an interview schedule, five Focus Group Discussions, and eight key informant interviews. Besides, secondary data were obtained from literature and the Woreda Agricultural Office. Both descriptive statistics and econometric models were employed to analyze the collected data. The descriptive statistics results showed that from the total sampled households, 169 (65.3%) were participant and, 90 (34.7%) were non-participant smallholder farmers of wheat cluster farming technology. According to the probit regression model, education status, wheat land, livestock size, frequency of extension contact, credit access, availability of fair price, market information, agricultural input access, training access and membership in a cooperative had a positive influence on farmers’ decisions to participate in wheat cluster farming. Therefore, the local community, Woreda Agriculture Office and research institutes need to expand cluster farming technology to increase wheat production and policies aiming at increasing farmers’ awareness of producing wheat in cluster to increase yield of farmers.

Assessment, Characterization, Identification and Prioritization of Major Constraints and Potentials of Three Selected Community Watersheds of Agarfa District, Bale Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

The severity of land degradation due to different socioeconomic and biophysical pressures is a key problem encountered in watersheds. In addition, the lack of research-based references to a given community watershed, particularly with regard to socioeconomic and biophysical aspects, leads to the failure of the interventions. This study aimed to assess and characterize the socioeconomic and biophysical conditions of three selected (Oda Chefo, Wabe Seada, and Oda Nagelle) Community Watersheds of the Agarfa District of Bale Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Furthermore, it identifies and prioritizes constraints and opportunities for scientists, planners, intervention, impact analysis, and project performance evaluation. Communities' watersheds were selected and delineated, followed by household interviews, focus group discussions, and biophysical characterization to generate data. The study used a random sampling technique and a total of 121 sample sizes for socioeconomic data, watershed delineation, slope classification, soil type, and LULC classification map developed based on the preliminary outlet identified with the help of GPS reading and ArcGIS 10.5 software. The socioeconomic parameters were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. The result of the baseline survey identified key constraints such as soil erosion, soil fertility decline, deforestation and climate change, feed and fodder shortage, livestock disease, human disease, unemployment, food insecurity, water shortage, lack of credit access, market, road, cooperatives, high input price, pest and disease, yield decline and lack of irrigation access. The results revealed that the availability of the labor force, local market accessibility, transport services, informal farmer cooperatives, livestock clinics, youth and women associations, and informal intuitions are the main opportunities in selected community watersheds. In conclusion, baseline surveying before any watershed management practice intervention plays ....

Prevalence of injury and utilization of personal protective equipment among building construction workers and associated factors in Bale and West Arsi Zones, southeast Ethiopia 2022.

The building construction industry is well known for being one of the most dangerous industries worldwide. Statistics show it is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of injury, personal protective equipment usage among building construction workers, and associated factors in Southeast Ethiopia. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was done among 406 selected construction workers in Southeast Ethiopia. Study participants were selected randomly. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize study variables. Binary logistic regression was utilized to investigate factors associated with injury among study participants. Accordingly, adjusted odds ratio along its 95% confidence interval were calculated and a p value of <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Generalized linear models were utilized to investigate factors associated with the use of personal protective equipment. Accordingly, an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was determined and a p value of <0.05 was used as a level to declare a significant statistical association. In this research 406 building construction workers were interviewed and 393 participants gave complete responses, yielding a 96.8% response rate. Of all participants included in this study, 27 (6.8%) drink alcohol and 26 (6.6%) chew khats. Uses of personal protective equipment among study participants was 133 (33.3%, with a 95% confidence interval of 28.3% to 37.7%). Of 393 participants in this study, 213 (54.2%) of them sustained at least one building work-related injury in the last year. The commonest type of injury that occurred among this population was abrasion 43.3% followed by muscular pain (13%). Not having orientation about personal protective equipment, without safety training, didn't use personal protective equipment, and rural residence were factors significantly associated with injury among building construction workers. Residence, age, monthly income, service year, orientation about personal protective equipment, safety training, and start using personal protective equipment immediately after the job offers were significantly associated with the uses of personal protective equipment by participants of this study. In general, this study has identified a relatively high prevalence of injury and low use of personal protective equipment in the study subjects and associated factors.

Determinants of recovery time from severe acute malnutrition among cholera-exposed and unexposed children in Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study.

There is a vicious interplay between severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and diarrheal diseases including cholera. The lack of sufficient evidence on the time to recovery and its determinants among children with cholera prompted this investigation. The study aimed to evaluate the time to recovery and determinants among children with severe acute malnutrition, comparing cholera-exposed and unexposed children. A prospective cohort study was carried out from September 10, 2022, to February 21, 2023, among 224 children below 15 years. The study was conducted at cholera treatment centers and nearby communities in the Bale and Guji Zones of Oromia Regional state in Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information and anthropometric measurements were conducted weekly. After checking all assumptions, a multivariable Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to identify independent determinants of time to recovery using an adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Nearly 80% of participants recovered from SAM with a recovery rate of 40/1000 person-week observation and a median time to recovery of 21 days [Inter Quartile Range14-28]. The recovery time from SAM for cholera-exposed children was delayed by 54% [ARR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.30-0.69] compared to unexposed children. Similarly, the recovery time from SAM for food-insecured families was delayed by 39% [ARR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38-0.96] compared to food-secured families. Moreover, children with more than three meal frequencies per day had 1.61 times [ARR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.04-2.50] higher probability of fast recovery from SAM, compared to children with less than three meals. Children from families with good attitudes toward nutrition had more than two times [ARR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.45-3.41] higher probability of faster recovery from SAM than families with poor attitudes. The study revealed that cholera exposure is one of the main determinants of prolonged recovery time for children with SAM. Food insecurity, meal frequency, and the attitude of parents toward children's dietary habits were determinants for the recovery of children from SAM. The findings imply the need for designing interventions to enhance child feeding during cholera illness, focusing on key determinants.

Long Term Historical Precipitation and Temperature Trend Analysis for Selected Stations in Bale and East Bale Zones of Southeastern Ethiopia

Trend analysis for the long-term average temperature and precipitation of Bale and East Bale Zones during 1901 to 2016 has been performed for selected 5 stations to understand the pattern of these important meteorological features under climate change. The precipitation characterizations viz. standardized Precipitation Index has been considered for Sinana, Goro, Ginnir, Dallo menna and Agarfa stations. This study was aimed to analysis ‘’long term historical climate analysis selected stations in Bale and East Bale zones’’. The study considered station nearby kebeles was selected purposively from highland, midland and lowland districts. Standardized Precipitation Index drought index method was used to classify drought condition of the area. The findings showed that, the average temperature of the district showed an increased in the past three decades whereas the annual precipitation of the districts showed a decreasing trend with some variation from the mean in the period 1901- 2016 which was validated with 1984 – 2016 observed data. In line with this, representative respondents were considered from lowland, highland and midland agro-ecologies. Long term annual mean temperature showed increase trends by 0.17°C per decade at Sinana, Goro, Ginnir and Agarfa stations. Additionally, it was revealed more increment by 0.19°C per decade at Dallo menna station. From long term climate data analysis, it was indicated that extremely wet recorded in 1903, 1914, 1917, 1926, 1977 and 2013, while extremely dry conditions were recorded in 1919, 1938 and 1943 annual precipitation recorded for the whole period has been calculated and interpreted.

Multivariate analysis of morphometric traits of the horse ecotypes reared in highlands of Bale Zone, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate morphometric traits of horse ecotypes reared in four districts of the Bale highlands, southeastern Ethiopia. Twenty-seven morphometric traits were measured from 500 horses (294 males and 206 females) of both sexes. Data were analyzed using SAS 2012. This study revealed that certain traits, such as head length, loin length, bi-ischial width, and sternum height of horses were similar. However, significant differences (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01, p < 0.05) were observed in other traits across the districts. All traits were affected by age (p < 0.05) except rump width and canon perimeter. All 27 morphometric traits were subjected to STEPDISC analysis, of which 21 had the best discriminating power. The uppermost distances of 32.2 and, 28.8 were reported between the Agarfa and Dinsho and, Agarfa and Sinana horse populations, respectively. Mean separation distance among districts ranges from -1.75 to 3.57, -2.42 to 2.43, and -1.61 to 0.92 for CAN1, CAN2 and CAN3, respectively. The quadratic discriminate function classified 95.2, 94.4, 96.0, and 96.8 % of the sampled horses into source populations of the Dinsho, Agarfa, Sinana, and Goba districts, respectively. In addition, the cross-validation summary revealed reduced consistency of membership among each districts with 5 % average success rates and 4, 8, 4, and 4 % for the Dinsho, Agarfa, Sinana, and Goba districts, respectively. Therefore, the presence of variation in morphometric traits within the Bale Highland horse ecotypes has the potential for selection and further genetic interventions.

Delayed time to pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in bale zone administrative towns health facilities: multi-center cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe desire to conceive and become parents is a fundamental aspect of human life that carries immense personal, emotional, and societal significance. For many couples, achieving pregnancy represents a long-cherished dream, but the journey to parenthood is not always straightforward. The duration it takes to achieve the desired pregnancy can vary significantly among individuals and is influenced by many factors. This study explores the factors that influence the delayed time of pregnancy among women with naturally planned conception.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to May 30, 2023, in public health facilities of Bale Zone administrative towns, Southeast Ethiopia. Using systematic random sampling, 388 women participated in the study and a pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. Bivariate logistic regression was done, and variables with p-values < 0.25 were exported to multivariable logistic regression, and a statistically significant association was declared at p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe study revealed delayed time to pregnancy was 18.6% with 95% (CI = 14.67-22.44%). Women’s age ≥ 35, (AOR = 2.61; 95%, CI: 1.17–5.82), menstrual irregularity (AOR = 3.79; 95% CI: 1.98–7.25), and frequency of sexual intercourse/week (AOR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.05–4.41) and women’s sexual dysfunction before conception (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.62–6.01) were significantly associated factors with delayed time to pregnancy at p-value < 0.05.ConclusionThe study revealed a substantial proportion of delayed time to pregnancy. This delayed time to pregnancy was associated with older maternal age, irregular menstrual cycles, coital activity per week, and the women’s sexual dysfunction before pregnancy. Consequently, addressing delayed time to pregnancy requires a targeted approach, prioritizing initiatives such as raising awareness, fostering increased frequency of sexual activity per week, exploring interventions for women with irregular menstrual patterns, and challenges related to sexual dysfunction.

Assessment of community-driven drought risk management strategies in pastoral and agro-pastoral district of Bale zones south east Ethiopia

Assessment of community-driven drought risk management strategies in pastoral and agro-pastoral district of Bale zones south east Ethiopia

Assessment of the impact of woody species encroachment on plant species diversity and the livelihood of pastoralists in southeastern Ethiopia

The study aimed to assess the encroachment of woody plants on the rangelands of the Dallo Manna district of Bale Zone, and their impact on plant species diversity and pastoral livelihoods. Plant data were collected from 45 plots at encroaching sites and 4 plots at non-encroached sites, with a size of 20 m × 20 m for comparison. Data on pastoral perceptions were collected through questionnaires, interviews with key informants, and focus group discussions. A total of 62 woody species were recorded at both non-encroached and encroached sites, of which 58 species (93.5%) were recorded at non-encroached sites and 24 (38.7%) at encroached sites. Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight and Arn. was the most abundant and dominant invasive woody species, followed by Senegalia mellifera (Vahl) Siegler and Ebinger, and Dalbergia microphylla Chiov. Overall, our results indicated that the effects of woody species encroachment significantly affected rangeland vegetation conditions and livelihoods. The major drivers for the encroachment were found to be fire suppression, overgrazing, and dispersal syndromes. However, in order to understand the exact causes of the woody plant encroachment, multiple variables should be considered in future research. For the successful control of encroachment, insights from an integrated approach will benefit from both local traditional and scientific knowledge of the ecology.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers having Infants (Aged 0-6 Months) in the Pastoral Community of Sawena District, Bale Zone Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023

Background: Breastfeeding is the recommended feeding method for infants due to its ease, health benefits, and cost-effectiveness. However, there is limited understanding of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) in pastoral communities, such as the Sawena district in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with EBF among mothers with infants (aged 0-6 months) in pastoral communities in Southeast Ethiopia. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study design with a convergent mixed-method approach was employed from March 01 to April 2023 G.C and involved 631 women selected through random sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using statistical software. Variables with a p &lt; 0.25 in the analysis were included in the logistic regression model. Results: Out of 631 eligible mothers, 625 participated in the study, resulting in 53.8% (95% CI; 49.8%-57.4%). prevalence of EBF in the study area. Factors significantly associated with EBF included household food security [AOR = 1.6, 95% CI (1.1-2.2)], ANC follow-up during pregnancy, [AOR = 5.3, 95% CI (2.4-11.9)], counselling about EBF during ANC visits [AOR = 5; 95% CI (2.1-11.7)], number of children [AOR = 1.6, 95% CI (1.1-2.3)] and attitudes toward EBF [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI (1.4-2.6)]. The qualitative findings revealed reasons for not practicing EBF, such as concerns about insufficient breast milk, concerns about the baby becoming thirsty, refusing solid foods later, or being negatively affected. Conclusion: The prevalence of EBF in the Sawena district was lower than recommended. The influential factors include household food security, ANC follow-up, counselling during ANC, number of children, and attitudes toward EBF.

Assessment of nutritional contents of different parts of moringa plant from selected districts of Oromia, Ethiopia

Moringa plants are among high-value trees and belong to the Moringaceae family, consisting of 13 species and highly distributed in Africa and southern Asia. It is multi-purpose tree with medicinal, nutritional, industrial and socio-economic values. Preliminary information indicates that the human dietary usage of the edible parts of these species is limited. Assessment of the nutritional quality of different moringa parts was not well documented in Oromia. Hence, the aim of this activity is to assess the nutritional qualities of different parts of moringa collected from different districts of Oromia. Sample collection was done from Bako from West Showa, Bishoftu from East Showa, Dalo Mena and Goro from Bale Zone, of Oromia representing mid and low land agro-ecologies of the region. Three to four sampling PAs were used from each district. Different parts of Moringa, namely, leaf, pod, bark, seed and flower were collected from the four districts at least in triplicate. The collected samples were made to dry at room temperature, milled with coffee miller, and passed through a 1 mm standard sieve. The prepared samples were analyzed for proximate and mineral compositions using standard methodologies. The result obtained indicated that leaf is rich in nutrients Ca, Na, Mn and Zn. Moringa flower is rich in nutrients like Zn and Mn, and second in K composition next to pod. The pod is also rich in K and Zn, while the fat and CP contents are high in the seed part of moringa. Generally, Higher % CP, K and P were found from the Bishoftu collection, while Mg, Ca and K were higher for the collection from DM. Bark is poor in protein content compared to other parts of the plant. However, Ca, Mg and Zn are double the optimum composition of plant material. Finally, it is possible to use different moringa parts for food fortification, where determination for antioxidant and nutritional composition analysis is mandatory, as well as future research directions. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 62-69, June 2024

Spatial distribution and determinants of Early sexual initiation in Ethiopia

Introduction: Early sexual initiation has negative health, social, and economic consequences for both women and future generations. The trend of early sexual initiation is increasing globally, leading to higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies. Ethiopia has been challenged various disasters that makes women vulnerable and position them at heightened risk of early sexual initiation in the last four years. The spatial patterns and factors of early sexual initiation in the post-conflict-post pandemic settings is not well understood. Hence this research aimed at mapping Spatial Patterns and identifying determinant factors in the Post-COVID-Post-Conflict Settings.MethodsThe study was conducted on secondary data from the PMA 2021 cross-sectional survey which conducted nationally from November 2021 to January 2022 which is in the post pandemic and post-war period. Total weighted sample of 6,036 reproductive age women were included in the analysis. ArcGIS Pro and SaTScan software were used to handle spatial analysis. Multilevel logistic regression model was used to estimate the effects of independent variables on early sexual initiation at individual and community level factors. Adjusted odds ratio with the 95% confidence interval was reported to declare the strength and statistical significance of the association.ResultThe spatial distribution of early sexual initiation was clustered in Ethiopia with a global Moran’s I index value of 0.09 and Z-score 6.01 (p-value < 0.001).Significant hotspots were detected in East Gojjam zone of Amhara region, Bale, Arsi, West Hararge, East Wellega and Horo Gudru Wellega zones of Oromia region. The odds of having early sexual initiation was higher in women with primary education (AOR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.47), secondary or above education (AOR = 4.36, 95%CI: 3.49, 5.44), Women aged 26 to 25 (AOR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.61, 2.26), women aged 36 to 49(AOR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.24, 1.84). However, there was a significant lower likelihood of early sexual initiation in rural resident women (AOR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.35, 0.81) and women living in 5 to 7 family size (AOR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.68, 0.92), and more than 7 members (AOR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.49, 0.81).ConclusionsThe spatial distribution of early sexual initiation was clustered in Ethiopia. Interventions should be taken to eliminate the observed variation by mobilizing resources to high-risk areas. Policies and interventions targeted to this problem may also take the identified associated factors into account for better results.

Determinants of second-dose measles vaccination dropout in Ethiopia: A community-based matched case-control study

BackgroundMeasles vaccination is the most important public health intervention and a cost-effective strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality in under-five children. Although Ethiopia's government developed a measles elimination strategic plan by 2020, the full coverage of immunization was 43 %. Therefore, this study aimed to identify determinants of second-dose measles vaccination (MCV2) dropout among children aged 24–35 months in East Bale Zone, Ethiopia. MethodA community-based matched case-control study was conducted among 351 children (117 cases and 234 controls). Children who received the first dose of measles vaccine but did not receive the second dose were cases, and children who received both doses of measles vaccine were control. The matches were based on age and residence. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire, entered into Epi Data 3.1, cleaned, exported, and analyzed using Stata version 16.1. A multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis was performed. Variables with a P value of <0.05 were considered significant determinants of the dependent variable at the 95 % confidence level. ResultsMothers who were unable to read and write (mAOR: 4.0; 95 % CI: 1.59–10.2), did not receive counseling (mAOR: 3.19; 95 % CI: 1.62–6.27), spent ≥30 min to reach health facilities (mAOR; 2.76, 95 % CI: 1.25–6.1), and did not attend postnatal care (mAOR; 3.46, 95 % CI: 1.58–7.57) were significantly and positively associated with second-dose measles vaccination dropout. In addition, mothers who had poor knowledge of second-dose measles vaccination (mAOR; 3.20, 95 % CI: 1.50–6.70) and waited more than an hour for measles vaccination at health facilities (mAOR; 2.61, 95 % CI: 1.0–6.20) were significantly more likely to experience second-dose measles vaccine dropout. ConclusionsThe key factors associated with second-dose measles vaccination dropout are maternal illiteracy, lack of PNC, inadequate maternal knowledge and poor counseling about MCV2 vaccination, long distances travel to healthcare facilities and extended waiting times at vaccination providing sites. Health extension workers emphasize strengthening home visit programs in catchment households to improve mothers' awareness of measles vaccination.

Assessment and Characterization of the Traditional Parkland Agroforestry Practices in Mid and Lowlands of Bale: In the Case of Goro and Ginnir Districts

Agroforestry parklands are playing an important role, through trees and shrubs providing multiple products and important long-term ecological benefits. Purposive sampling methods were applied to select districts, PAs and farmers which mostly used parkland agroforestry practices. Based on information delivered from informal assessment result, formal survey was done with selected 84 HHHs (sample size) for the study purposes. Based on the existences of long lived parkland agroforestry practice and associated challenges four PAs from Ginir and Goro districts of Bale Zones were selected purposively with assistance of district agriculture office expertise and DAs. Survey results showed the presence of 17 woody species of trees and shrubs representing eleven (11) families at the study areas. Of seventeen (17) woody plant species retained/planted and managed on parklands, 82.4% were native. Fabaceae was the most dominant woody species family which accounted about 41.2% of the total number of species recorded. The Croton macrostachyus Hochst., Faidherbia albida, Cordia africana Lam., Acacia abyssinica Hochst., Junperus procera Hochst and Acacia species were the most frequently observed multipurpose woody species in the study area. Almost all of the respondents did practise different types of management activities or practices for the woody species they owned in parkland of the study areas. This finding revealed that pollarding (33.45%), coppicing (21.08%), branch pruning (35.56) and the rest thinning and protection woody species management practices were applied to the scattered trees on croplands of the study areas. On other side, respondents stated that the major challenges for the improvement of parkland agroforestry practices in the study area were instability of rain fail or drought (34.52%) and shortage of farmlands (21.43%). The finding of this study showed that agricultural landscapes (Parkland agroforestery practices) were the home/host of reasonable number of native woody species flora conservation or it’s almost the remnants of the natural vegetation. Therefore, further need for more comprehensive analysis of the multiple benefits and services provided by parkland trees located on farmlands or the interaction effects of the agroforestery components on soil fertility improvement, crop yields and quality in the future.

Performance Evaluation and Adaptability Study of Fodder Beet (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Beta vulgaris L&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;.) Cultivars in Highlands of Bale Zone South East Ethiopia

Shortage animal feed interims of quality and quantity is the major bottle neck in livestock production through the year in Ethiopia particularly in the highlands of Bale Zone. A study was conducted at Sinana Agricultural Research Center (SARC), South East Ethiopia for three consecutive cropping season (2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23) in two locations (Sinana on station and Agarfa subsite) to evaluate the adaptability of four Cultivars of Fodder beet (namely Bircks, Kulumsa, Magnum and Robbos). Experimental plots were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. All cultivars were performed well. However, there is significant variation among the Cultivars. The combined result over locations over years indicated that, Kulumsa cultivars gives the highest shoot fresh biomass yield (41.88 t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;), root fresh biomass yield (86.49 t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) and shoot Dry biomass yield (4.52 t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;). The remaining cultivars have not statistically significant different. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that the Fodder beet Kulumsa cultivars was found a promising in terms of grain and biomass yield, than others that could be demonstrated and popularized as an alternative feed resources under smallholder conditions in the study areas and with similar climatic and edaphic conditions.

Blood Pressure Control and Associated Factors among Hypertension Comorbid Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Southeast Ethiopia.

Hypertension is the main contributor to the morbidity and mortality of patients with cardiovascular disease. Even though hypertension is very common in comorbid type 2 diabetic patients, it is frequently overlooked. This study aimed to assess blood pressure control and its associated factors among hypertension comorbid type 2 diabetic patients in Bale Zone public hospitals in Southeast Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among hypertension comorbid type 2 diabetic patients. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and a review of the medical charts of patients. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between blood pressure control and its associated factors. Independent variables that showed a P < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis was included in the multivariate analysis. Finally, variables with a P < 0.05 were declared statistically significant factors. The total number of participants in the study was 378. The overall magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension among hypertension comorbid diabetic patients was found to be 82.5% (95% CI: 78.7%, 86.4%). Nonadherence to antihypertensive medication (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.11, 5.39, P = 0.027), duration of hypertension >10 years (AOR = 5.2, 95% CI: 1.27, 21.38, P = 0.022), participants who attended secondary education (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.18, 8.87, P = 0.023), and being obese (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.24, 13.49, P = 0.021) were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension was found to be high among hypertension comorbid type 2 diabetic patients. Patients' adherence to antihypertensive medication, physical activity, and alcohol abstinence should be maximized. Loss of weight is also crucial, as is the early detection and management of comorbidities.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of cholera epidemics in Ethiopia: 2015–2021

Since the onset of the seventh cholera pandemic, Ethiopia has been affected by recurrent epidemics. However, the epidemiology of cholera in this country remains poorly understood. This study aimed to describe cholera outbreak characteristics in Ethiopia from 2015 to 2021. During this period, Ethiopia experienced four epidemic waves. The first wave involved nationwide outbreaks during the second half of 2016 followed by outbreaks predominantly affecting Somali Region in 2017. The second wave primarily affected Tigray and Afar Regions. During the third wave, multiple smaller-scale outbreaks occurred during 2019. The fourth wave was limited to Bale Zone (Oromia Region) in 2021. Overall, a north to south shift was observed over the course of the study period. Major cholera transmission factors included limited access to safe water and sanitation facilities. Severe weather events (drought and flooding) appear to aggravate cholera diffusion. Cholera transmission between Ethiopia and nearby countries (Kenya and Somalia), likely plays a major role in regional cholera dynamics. Overall, this study provides the first understanding of recent spatiotemporal cholera dynamics in Ethiopia to inform cholera control and elimination strategies.