Communities In Southern Ethiopia Research Articles

Mosquito odour-baited mass trapping reduced malaria transmission intensity: a result from a controlled before-and-after intervention study

BackgroundConventional vector control strategies have significantly reduced the malaria burden. The sustainability of these methods is currently challenged. Odour-based traps are emerging technologies that can complement the existing tools. Implementation of odour-based traps for mass trapping is limited due to the restricted range of vectors caught with available carbon dioxide-dependent lures, and the lack of comprehensive field studies. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of odour-mediated mass trapping targeting outdoor vectors, using a synthetic cattle urine lure that attracts a wide range of vector species in a variety of physiological states, on malaria prevalence and entomological parameters to determine malaria transmission intensities.MethodsA controlled before-and-after study was conducted in two rural communities in southern Ethiopia. Baseline monthly entomological and seasonal cross-sectional malaria prevalence surveys were conducted in both communities for a year. Then, mass trapping of mosquitoes was conducted in one of the villages, while the monthly entomological surveillance and seasonal malaria prevalence surveys continued in both villages. Generalised linear mixed models were constructed and tested to determine which factors were significantly affected by the intervention.ResultsMass trapping contributed to the reduction of the population of the principal malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis, and the associated entomological indicators, the human bite rate (HBR) and the entomological inoculation rate (EIR), in the intervention village compared to the control village. The intervention village had an average HBR by An. arabiensis of 3.0 (95% CI 1.4–4.6) during the peak malaria transmission season, compared to 10.5 (95% CI − 0.5–21.5; P < 0.0001) in the control village. The intervention village (mean 0.02, 95% CI − 0.05–0.4.8) had a daily EIR eight times lower than the control village (mean 0.17, 95% CI), which likely contributed to the reduced malaria prevalence in the intervention community following its introduction by ca. 60% (95% CI 55–63).ConclusionsThe combined use of odour-based mass trapping and conventional control strategies coincided with a reduction of human-vector contact and malaria prevalence, providing support for odour-baited technologies as a viable option for next-generation vector control tools. Further cluster-randomised control studies are recommended in different eco-epidemiological settings with varying malaria transmission intensities.

Temporal climate conditions and spatial drought patterns across rangelands in pastoral areas of West Guji and Borana zones, Southern Ethiopia

Climate change and its variability adversely impact pastoral livelihoods, and understanding climate variability and its change is important to deduce policy implications for pastoral communities. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the temporal climate conditions and spatial patterns of drought across the rangelands in pastoral areas of West Guji and Borana Zones, Southern Ethiopia. Temporal climate conditions were performed at the rangeland level, and spatial drought patterns (distributions) were estimated across the sample Kebeles (Kebele is the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia which works in the Duda rangeland) and Reeras (Reeras refer to the smallest customary administrative unit in the Borana Zonal administration) structures. Station-satellite temperature and rainfall data (38 years from 1981 to 2018) were obtained from the Ethiopian Meteorological Agency. For data analysis, the Mann–Kendall trend test was employed to test rainfall, temperature and drought patterns, while Sen’s slope was used to test their magnitude of change, and coefficient of variation was employed to estimate rainfall and temperature variability. Standardized precipitation index was used to estimate drought event, while inverse distance-weighted method was used to estimate spatial drought patterns. The study reveals very high temporal rainfall variability with notable disparities in the rangelands mainly attributed to climate change. Besides, the study area exhibits high spatial variability of drought signifying agro-ecological characteristics in the rangelands. In the Duda and Gomole rangelands, annual rainfall increased non-significantly by 0.01 and 0.03 mm per annum, respectively. The annual minimum temperature in both Duda and Gomole increased significantly by 0.008 and 0.007 ℃ per year, respectively, albeit the annual maximum temperature in the rangelands decreased non-significantly by 0.02 and 0.009 ℃ per annum. Both rangelands experienced high annual rainfall variability, increasing annual minimum temperature, drought frequency and severity. Therefore, the outcome of the study is believed to be vital for identifying drought hotspot areas in the rangelands and devising strategies that help to reduce drought impacts on pastoral communities in Southern Ethiopia.

Active Trachoma Prevalence and Related Variables among Children in a Pastoralist Community in Southern Ethiopia in 2021: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

An estimated 30% of trachoma burden is borne by Ethiopia. Data on the prevalence of active trachoma and related factors in a pastoralist population are currently lacking. Additionally, no research has been conducted in the Oromia, Guji Zone of the Liben District. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 children 1-9 years old in the pastoralist community of the Liben District from March 1 to April 30, 2021. A multistage systematic sampling method was applied to choose the sample. A structured questionnaire and WHO's trachoma grading scheme were used to identify active trachoma. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to determine associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated to decide the level of significance: 157 (29.2%) (95% CI: 24.9, 33.1) of children had clinical signs of active trachoma, 103 (66%) had trachomatous follicles, 41 (26%) had trachomatous intense, and 13 (8%) had both. There was an independent relationship between active trachoma and open defecation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.24, 6.09), defecating outside close to a house (AOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.07, 6.08), not having a latrine (AOR: 3.70; 95% CI: 1.60, 8.60), children who did not wash their faces with soap (AOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.10, 3.07), and being in a widowed household (AOR: 3.26; 95% CI: 1.57, 6.63). The study's findings revealed that about one-third of the children had clinical signs of trachoma. Research indicates that trachoma is a major concern for children in rural communities. Therefore, attention to trachoma control with antibiotics, facial hygiene, and environmental sanitation is strongly encouraged.

Ethno-pharmacological investigations of Moringa stenopetala Bak. Cuf. and its production challenges in southern Ethiopia.

IntroductionMoringa stenopetala Bak. Cuf. is a native plant of Ethiopia with important nutraceutical applications. However, little is known about its nutritional, ethno-pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties. Hence, the present study sought to assess the nutraceutical applications of M. stenopetala among traditional healers in southern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 selected administrative units in Gamo Gofa, Segen areas and south Omo zones of southern Ethiopia from May to June 2020. Data were gathered using a semi-structured interview, field observation, and group discussion. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using Excel 2019 and open code version 4.03, respectively. The results were presented using descriptive statistics, with the fidelity level (FL)% used to distinguish the preferential use of various plant parts.ResultsA total of 120 individuals participated in the study, and the majority of them, 89 (74.2%), were male and farmers by occupation. Eight four (70%) of them were residents of the Gamo Gofa Zone. The fidelity level revealed that the leaf and root were the most commonly used parts for nutraceutical purposes. Remarkably, M. stenopetala is used to treat human ailments such as leprosy and kidney and liver infections via various modes of utilisation and administration. As a result, the most common methods of utilising plant products are chewing or consuming crushed plant parts, and the oral route is the much-preferred method of application. On the other hand, the larvae of Moringa moth Nurda blitealis, are a defoliating insect during the rainy season and have been identified as a limiting factor for its production.ConclusionsThe nutraceutical aspects of M. stenopetala are extremely important to the rural community in southern Ethiopia. However, the defoliating moth larvae threaten its growth and biomass production, necessitating the need to manage and improve the plant’s productivity and sustainable use. Additionally, conducting experimental studies to validate the plant’s pharmacological potential correspond to a milestone in drug discovery.

Heterogeneous Effects of Migration and Remittances on Migrant- Sending Agricultural Communities: The Case of Southern Ethiopia

Using household survey data, the paper empirically evaluates the heterogeneous effects of migration and remittances on migrant-sending communities in southern Ethiopia. A multi-stage stratified sampling procedure was used to select sample villages from each survey area and households from each sample unit. To account for several econometric issues and consistently estimate the impacts of migration and remittances, the study adopted a three-stage least-squares method complemented with endogeneity and multicollinearity test. The findings of the paper reveal that the migration of labor out of agriculture has a significant negative effect on a household’s adoption of different agricultural technologies, as well as crop yield. By contrast, the remittances sent by migrants partially compensate for the lost-labor deficit, leading to increased use of modern agricultural inputs and crop yield. Besides, it’s observed that the adoption of different agricultural technology is invariant to the migrants’ gender. Overall, the return of migration suggests that the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and crop yield in migrant-sending communities are found to be higher after migration participation, though the impacts vary for households with different production conditions.

Validation of a HACCP community-based infants’ complementary food safety assurance method in cash crop producing communities in Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia

A method based on a hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP)-based standard operating procedure (SOP) has been developed and implemented in community-based (CB) production of complementary foods (CFs) in agrarian regions in rural Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to validate the method in another setup, more specifically in cash crop (coffee and khat) producing communities in Southern Ethiopia. A quasi-experimental study was employed for the method validation. Two villages in the Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia were selected and a total of 40 mother-child pairs, 20 in each village, were involved in the study. Sociodemographic data, knowledge, and complementary feeding practices were collected using pretested questionnaires. The training was given to each mother for 1 h about community-based CFs production and implementation of the method. Then, 30 CF samples were collected and the level of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) was determined using a validated method. The majority (77.5%) of the mothers understand the importance of complementary feeding and give it to their infants beyond 6 months. Nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of the mothers had knowledge about the health impacts of aflatoxins, but the remaining 37.5% lacked awareness about the health risks of aflatoxins. Mothers were very well-motivated for the training and they promised to implement the knowledge and skill gained from the training for improving the nutritional status of their children. Overall, 23.3% of the CFs were contaminated by aflatoxins. AFB1 and AFG1 were detected in 6.7 and 16.7% of the CF samples, respectively. In cash crop-producing communities around the country, the HACCP-based SOP is easily validated in CB CFs production. Therefore, a scaleup of the method at the national level and beyond is recommended.

Sedentarization as an adaptation to socio-environmental changes? Everyday herding practices in pastoralist communities in southern Ethiopia

As humanity is faced with various changes in social-environmental systems, adaptation efforts have become increasingly important. Significant effort and resources have been spent on devising overarching, large-scale strategies in response to climate change and associated socioeconomic challenges. However, the mechanisms of adaptation employed by individuals and households in ordinary, daily life have received insufficient scholarly examination. This research aims to demonstrate the significance of everyday adaptation strategies of smallholder pastoralists who are on the front lines of changing socioeconomic regimes in East African drylands. We analyzed the daily spatiotemporal patterns of livestock behavior to understand everyday adaptation practices. Two different pastoralist communities in the Borana Zone in southern Ethiopia were compared, one of which keeps the traditional mobile pastoralism livelihood, while the other has sedentarized because of socio-environmental changes and policy incentives. The mobile pastoralists have larger grazing areas, and their cattle spend more time on foraging and resting. In contrast, the sedentarized pastoralists utilize the land near their settlements intensively and the cattle travel longer distances on average. Our findings suggest that sedentarization is a constrained adaptation strategy at best because it increases the recursive use of rangeland and its fragmentation and forces livestock to move more intensively on a daily and seasonal basis.

Respectable conviviality: Orthodox Christianity as a solution to value conflicts in southern Ethiopia

AbstractThis article explains the recent emergence of Orthodox Christianity in a majoritarian Evangelical Protestant community in southern Ethiopia. Examining conversion motives and forms of religious engagement, I show that Orthodoxy is attractive to erstwhile followers of traditional practice because it affords them the solution to a value conflict. Joining an institutionalized ‘religion’ associated with national elites, converts attain the respectability formerly denied them by Evangelicals. And since Orthodoxy is less puritan than local Evangelicalism, conversion does not come at the expense of conviviality. An ethnographic discussion of this process of value harmonization provides the basis for a conceptual contribution to anthropological value theory, while also offering new insights for the debate about different modalities of Christian change.

Spatial Variation of Child Stunting and Maternal Malnutrition after Controlling for Known Risk Factors in a Drought-Prone Rural Community in Southern Ethiopia.

Background:Globally, understanding spatial analysis of malnutrition is increasingly recognized. However, our knowledge on spatial clustering of malnutrition after controlling for known risk factors of malnutrition such as wealth status, food insecurity, altitude and maternal characteristics is limited from Ethiopia. Previous studies from southern Ethiopia have shown seasonal patterns of malnutrition, yet they did not evaluate spatial clustering of malnutrition.Objective:The aim of this study was to assess whether child stunting and maternal malnutrition were spatially clustered in drought-prone areas after controlling for previously known risk factors of malnutrition.Methods:We used a community-based cohort study design for a one-year study period. We used SaTScan software to identify high rates of child stunting and maternal malnutrition clustering. The outcome based was the presence or absence of stunting and maternal malnutrition ([BMI] <18.5 kg/m2). We controlled for previously known predictors of child stunting and maternal malnutrition to evaluate the presence of clustering. We did a logistic regression model with declaring data to be time-series using Stata version 15 for further evaluation of the predictors of spatial clustering.Results:The crude analysis of SaTScan showed that there were areas (clusters) with a higher risk of stunting and maternal malnutrition than in the underlying at risk populations. Stunted children within an identified spatial cluster were more likely to be from poor households, had younger and illiterate mothers, and often the mothers were farmers and housewives. Children identified within the most likely clusters were 1.6 times more at risk of stunting in the unadjusted analysis. Similarly, mothers within the clusters were 2.4 times more at risk of malnutrition in the unadjusted analysis. However, after adjusting for known risk factors such as wealth status, household food insecurity, altitude, maternal age, maternal education, and maternal occupation with SaTScan analysis, we show that child stunting and maternal malnutrition were not spatially clustered.Conclusion:The observed spatial clustering of child stunting and maternal malnutrition before controlling for known risk factors for child stunting and maternal malnutrition could be due to non-random distribution of risk factors such as poverty and maternal characteristics. Moreover, our results indicated the need for geographically targeted nutritional interventions in a drought-prone area.

Undernutrition among Pregnant Women in Rural Communities in Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundMaternal undernutrition rates in Ethiopia are among the highest in the world. In addition, a huge inequity exists within the country, with pregnant women in rural communities being at increased risk. This study assessed the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among pregnant women in a rural community in southern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 randomly selected pregnant women. Data were collected through face-to-face interview followed by mid–upper arm circumference measurement. Household food insecurity and minimum dietary diversity for women were assessed. Data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported to SPSS 20 for analysis. Logistic regression models were fitted to check associations between independent variables and undernutrition. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of undernutrition was 41.2% (95% CI 36.3%–46.3%). Unintended pregnancy (AOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.27–3.36) and not participating in Wome's Health Development Army meetings (AOR 3.64, 95% CI 1.51–8.77) were independent predictors of undernutrition. However, minimum dietary diversity for women of five or more food groups (AOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.82), having at least one antenatal care visit (AOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27–0.78), age at first pregnancy ≥20 years (AOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21–0.76), and being from food-secure households (AOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.16–0.43) were independent protective factors against undernutrition.ConclusionUndernutrition among pregnant women was highly prevalent in the study area. Interventions aiming to reduce undernutrition should focus on discouraging teenage and unintended pregnancy, reducing household food insecurity, and promoting antenatal care visits and encouraging consumption of diversified diets by women. Strengthening the existing network of the Women’s Health Development Army seems to be very important.

Incidence of postpartum and neonatal illnesses and utilization of healthcare services in rural communities in southern Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study.

Although improving postpartum and neonatal health is a key element of the Ethiopian health extension program, the burdens of postpartum and neonatal illnesses and healthcare-seeking in rural communities in Ethiopia are poorly characterized. Therefore, we aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors for these illnesses and measure the utilization of healthcare services. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 784 postpartum women and their 772 neonates in three randomly selected kebeles in rural southern Ethiopia. Eight home follow-up visits were conducted during the first 42 postpartum days, and six neonate follow-ups were conducted at the same home over the first 28 days of life. The Prentice, Williams, and Peterson’s total time Cox-type survival model was used for analysis. We recorded 31 episodes of postpartum illness per 100 women-weeks (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30%, 32%) and 48 episodes of neonatal illness per 100 neonate-weeks (95% CI: 46%, 50%). Anemia occurred in 19% of women (95% CI: 17%, 22%) and low birth weight (<2,500g) in 15% of neonates (95% CI: 13%, 18%). However, only 5% of postpartum women (95% CI: 4%, 7%) and 4% of neonate (95% CI: 3%, 5%) reported utilizing healthcare services. Walking over 60 minutes to access healthcare was a factor of both postpartum illnesses (AHR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.98, 3.43) and neonatal illnesses (AHR = 2.66; 95% CI: 2.12, 3.35)). Birth weight ≥2500g was identified factor of neonatal illnesses (AHR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.46). Compared with younger mothers, older mothers with sick newborns (AHR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.50) or postpartum illnesses (AHR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.89) were more likely to seek healthcare. Reasons for not utilizing healthcare services included a belief that the illnesses were not serious or would resolve on their own, little confidence in the healthcare institutions, and the inability to afford the cost. The burden of postpartum and neonatal illnesses in rural communities of southern Ethiopia remains high. Unfortunately, few participants utilized healthcare services. We recommend strengthening the health system that enables identifying, managing, treating, and referring maternal and neonatal illnesses and provide reasonable healthcare at the community level.

Antibacterial activity of selected medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Genta Meyche (Southern Ethiopia) for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

This study was designed to investigate the antibacterial activity of selected medicinal plants used by the Genta Meyche community in Southern Ethiopia. Ethnomedicinal data was collected from 25 herbalists through semi-structured interviews and observations. Based on the highest use value (UV), plants were selected to be tested on pathogenic bacteria. A total of 26 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 17 families were collected and identified. The extraction of active compounds from the selected plants was carried out using five solvents. Roots (30.8 %) and leaves (26.9 %) were the plant parts most frequently used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs). Herbalists mostly prepared medicinal plants as juice (57.7 %) and administered the juice through oral routes (92.3 %). Solanum incanum L. (UV = 0.44), Harrisonia abyssinica Oliv. (UV = 0.36), Hydnora abyssinia A.Br. (UV = 0.36) and Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link. (UV = 0.32) were found to be the most frequently used medicinal plants in the study area. These plants showed a promising broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative test bacteria with growth inhibition zone and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values ranging from 7.40 ± 0.60 - 16.81 ± 2.03 mm and 156 - 2500 μg/mL, respectively. Among solvents, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed significantly greater antibacterial activity than aqueous, acetone and chloroform extracts. Steroids, tannins, saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids were identified as bioactive compounds in most of the tested plants. Unused parts of Solanum incanum L. and Harrisonia abyssinica Oliv. were investigated and results exhibited potential candidacy with inhibition zones of 7.1 - 13.7 and 10.2 - 15.3 mm, respectively. Overall, the results of this study provide evidence for the treatment of GIDs by using traditional medicinal plants used by the Genta Meyche community to act against pathogenic bacteria.

Population-based screening for pulmonary tuberculosis utilizing community health workers in Ethiopia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the utility of a volunteer health development army in conducting population screening for active tuberculosis (TB) in a rural community in southern Ethiopia. MethodsA population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in six kebeles (the lowest administrative units). Volunteer women community workers led a symptom screening programme to identify adults ≥15 years of age with TB in the community. Individuals with a cough for ≥2 weeks had spot and morning sputum samples taken, which were examined using acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear microscopy, culture, and Xpert MTB/RIF. ResultsAll 24517 adults in the study area had a symptom screen performed; 544 (2.2%) had had a cough for ≥2 weeks. Among those with a positive symptom screen, 13 (2.4%) were positive on sputum AFB smear microscopy, 13 (2.4%) had a positive culture, and 32 (5.8%) had a positive Xpert MTB/RIF test. Overall, 34 TB cases (6%) were identified by culture and/or Xpert, corresponding to a prevalence of 139 per 100000 persons. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the capability of community health workers (volunteer and paid) to rapidly conduct a large-scale population TB screening evaluation and highlight the high yield of such a programme in detecting previously undiagnosed cases when combined with Xpert MTB/RIF testing. This could be a model to implement in other similar settings.

Scaling modern technology or scaling exclusion? The socio-political dynamics of accessing in malt barley innovation in two highland communities in Southern Ethiopia

In this article we explore whether and how the dynamics of access shape the scaling of modern agricultural technologies. It is based on the experience of an agricultural research for development (AR4D) project called CASCAPE, which aims to validate and scale agricultural best practices for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. The socio-political dynamics of external interventions are often taken for granted contextual factors in AR4D projects. By contrast, this article takes this context as the point of departure for its analysis. The aim of this in-depth case study is to unpack the concept of access as condition for scaling of agricultural technologies. We identify and analyse the mechanisms that determine access to the various components of a malt barley technology package which was introduced in two highland communities in southern Ethiopia (and later ‘scaled’ to a range of other communities). Our research approach is technographic, implying that we consider the technology to contain both material and social components. The findings suggest that social and clan-based exchange mechanisms (such as clan-based loyalty, reciprocity and vertical accountability) are often rendered invisible even though they are of critical importance in governing access to the material and social components of modern agricultural technologies. Ignoring this socio-political context in the malt barley interventions resulted in an unintended scaling effect in terms of widening the social and economic gap between a few better off farmers and a larger group of poor farmers. The paper thus provides evidence that the socio-political dynamics of access to technology can have an important influence on its wide spread application and may complicate efforts to scale the uptake of technology. Paying more attention to such processes would help to improve the effectiveness of AR4D efforts.

Latent tuberculosis infection and associated risk indicators in pastoral communities in southern Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundResearch pertaining to the community-based prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is important to understand the magnitude of this infection. This study was conducted to estimate LTBI prevalence and to identify associated risk factors in the Omo Zone of Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in six South Omo districts from May 2015 to February 2016. The sample size was allocated to the study districts proportional to their population sizes. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling approach. A total of 497 adult pastoralists were recruited. Blood samples were collected from the study participants and screened for LTBI using a U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Logistic regression was used to model the likelihood of LTBI occurrence and to identify risk factors associated with LTBI.ResultsThe prevalence of LTBI was 50.5% (95% CI: 46%, 55%) with no significant gender difference (49.8% among males versus 51.2% among females; Chi-square (χ2) = 0.10; P = 0.41) and marginally non-significant increasing trends with age (44.6% among those below 24 years and 59.7% in the age range of 45-64 years; χ2 = 6.91; P = 0.075). Being residence of the Dasanech District (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.30, 5.28; P = 0.007) and having a habit of eating raw meat (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.09, 7.66; P = 0.033) were significantly associated with an increased odds of being positive for LTBI. A large family size (size of 5 to 10) has significant protective effect against associated a reduced odds of being positive for LTBI compared to a family size of below 5 (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.99; P = 0.045).ConclusionsA high prevalence of LTBI in the South Omo Zone raises the concern that elimination of TB in the pastoral communities of the region might be difficult. Screening for and testing individuals infected with TB, independent of symptoms, may be an effective way to minimize the risk of disease spread.

Quantifying multi-scale pastoral mobility: Developing a metrics system and using GPS-Tracking data for evaluation

Mobility appears to be in decline in modern pastoralism, but measurement of mobility has been ambiguous. This paper develops a metrics system to evaluate multi-scale pastoral mobility, and uses continuous, frequent, cross-season GPS-tracking data to investigate movement patterns in five pastoral communities in southern Ethiopia. The metrics system includes both broad-scale indicators such as home range and number of camps, and fine-scale indicators such as herding loop length, daily maximum distance from camp, and angular distribution of observed cow locations. The findings suggest pastoral mobility patterns are highly heterogeneous, and there are clear trade-offs among different mobility indicators in pastoralists’ herding strategies. In contrast to conventional understanding that mobility declines when pastoralists settle down, I find evidence of sedentarized pastoralists engaging in more rigorous fine-scale movement than those who keep practicing camp relocation. Thus, pastoral mobility cannot be generalized according to any single indicator, and comprehensive evaluation is necessary to advance our understanding of pastoral mobility as a complex strategy to manage herds in the arid and semi-arid environments.

Rangeland vegetation diversity and transition pathways under indigenous pastoralist management regimes in southern Ethiopia

Woody plant encroachment on the rangelands has been identified as a major threat to subsistence livestock herding globally. Among various determinants, indigenous pastoralist management regime strongly affects rangeland vegetation dynamics at a fine spatial scale. However, mechanisms of how different vegetation functional groups respond to livestock grazing under complex indigenous management regimes are yet to be explored. By integrating plant survey with GPS-tracking of cattle movement, we investigate rangeland vegetation diversity and spatial distribution of grazing intensity in an indigenous pastoralist community in southern Ethiopia, and explore patterns of plant-livestock interaction. The results indicate that vegetation structure and composition are significantly different under three distinct indigenous land use types. Spatial distribution of grazing intensity is heterogeneous under indigenous rangeland management regimes. Both plant diversity and richness are lower given moderate grazing intensity. While herbaceous cover is generally lower at locations with heavier grazing pressure, moderate grazing intensity is associated with the lowest woody cover. The findings imply that maintaining moderate grazing intensity helps to balance pastoralist livelihoods and resource sustainability.

Important knowledge gaps among pastoralists on causes and treatment of udder health problems in livestock in southern Ethiopia: results of qualitative investigation

BackgroundEthiopia has high prevalences of udder health problems including clinical and subclinical mastitis across production systems in different livestock species. Previous studies on udder health problems have largely focused on identification of mastitis causing microbial pathogens and associated risk factors. However, relatively little is known about the knowledge and beliefs of livestock keepers regarding udder health problems. An understanding of the beliefs on the other hand would facilitate effective communication between livestock keepers and animal health professionals. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the knowledge and belief surrounding the causes, clinical signs and treatments for udder health problems in (agro-) pastoral communities in southern Ethiopia using qualitative investigation.ResultsThe result showed that udder health problem, locally known as ‘dhukkuba muchaa’, which translates to ‘disease of teats’, was classified into three main types: (1) tick infestation (dirandisa), (2) swelling of udder often with pus discharge (nyaqarsa) and (3) acute mastitis caused by evil eye (buda) with ‘bloody milk’. Tick infestation was perceived to directly cause mechanical damage to udder tissue or to resulting in swelling leading to nyaqarsa. Our analysis also revealed the strong misperception that acute and severe swelling of udder was caused by evil eye. According to the pastoralists, cows with large udders in the late pregnancy are prone to evil eye infliction upon giving birth. The pastoralists often treat udder health problems by combining both modern and traditional methods. Removal of ticks by hand and acarcide application were the preferred methods for limiting tick infestation while swelling and evil eye cases were treated with antibiotics (e.g. oxytetracycline).The study also revealed that specific herbs, only known by the herbalists, were used for traditional treatment of udder health. Although this information could not be divulged at the time, it should form the subject of further investigation. Traditional treatment for evil eye was often administered through nostrils, raising questions about its effectiveness.ConclusionThe narration given by the pastoralists in associating tick infestation with udder health problems was compatible with existing scientific evidences. In this respect, such local knowledge can be better utilized for the educational messages targeting control and management of tick infestation in livestock. However, the misperception of causes for acute udder swelling as evil eye can be problematic as far as the application of appropriate treatment and management of the problem is concerned. The misperception can significantly impact the welfare of animals and highlights the need for capacity building of the pastoralists on the causes and treatment of udder health problems.

Irregular migration, informal remittances: evidence from Ethiopian villages

Although Ethiopia has seen a reduction in refugee flows over the past decade, documented and undocumented labour migration has significantly increased. International migration has changed from that born out of conflict to irregular migration mainly driven by economic reasons. The source of migrants has expanded from urban centres to include rural areas, making them an important source of low-skilled labour for the international labour market. Based on a qualitative study, this paper explores the process and pattern of Ethiopian migration to South Africa, an emerging destination in the global South. This migration corridor is increasingly characterised by its irregularity. The paper also reflects how migration patterns shape the pattern of remittance flow, along with the way in which migrants and their networks substitute the function of financial institutions engaged in the remittance industry. It also highlights the features of remittances utilisation in emerging rural migrant community in Southern Ethiopia.

English

Biodiversity has fundamental values to&nbsp;humans, because we are dependent on it for our nutritional, cultural, economic, and environmental/ecological well-being and the mismanagement of biodiversity leads to resource decline and biodiversity crisis. Moreover, Indigenous Knowledge develops in local contexts to solve local problems, and it is just another form of knowledge which does not set itself in opposition to sciences. However, values of biodiversity and manifold roles of indigenous knowledge including biodiversity conservations are overlooked and are at a risk of getting extinct in general and in Ethiopia in particular. The objective of this study was to collect information on the values of biodiversity, its current status and conservation of biodiversity using indigenous knowledge of the Zeyse, Zergula and Ganta communities in Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from six focus group discussions (Native Individuals with age range: 30 to120) to achieve the goals of the research and all of the discussants were indigenous members of each community. A qualitative research design was used and the data were organized and analyzed around the key themes of the research.The result showed value of the biodiversity including specific values of plant biodiversity- Arundinaria alpinak and Moringa stenopetala as human assets for the livelihood of the community. Moreover, the result indicated strong traditional beliefs, laws and customs and affections towards nature to conserve biodiversity including sacred trees and animals (totems). However, the results also indicated, currently, these cultural values of the communities to conserve biodiversity using indigenous knowledge were at a risk of getting extinct/endangered, which resulted in the loss of biodiversity in the study areas. The study result indicated specific values of biodiversity for the livelihood of the communities and strong ties between indigenous knowledge and biodiversity conservation. Therefore, we need to empower indigenous people to protect their culture embodying indigenous knowledge, belief systems of protecting nature, and cultural practices that promote sustainable biodiversity conservation. &nbsp; Key words: Biodiversity, Indigenous knowledge, wildlife, Nature, Conservation, totem