East Shewa Zone Research Articles

A qualitative study of use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) for intended and unintended purposes in Adami Tullu, East Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundMalaria poses a significant public health threat globally, across Africa and in Ethiopia. The use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is currently a proven prevention mechanism. Evidence is building on what happens to LLINs following mass distribution campaigns, with mixed results from different studies, some reporting very low use for intended purposes, others an encouraging level of using for intended purposes. In Ethiopia, between 2005 and 2015, about 64 million LLINs were distributed through periodic mass campaigns with the aims to achieve 100% coverage and 80% utilization. However, studies from rural Ethiopia showed variable LLINs coverage and utilization rate. The MalTrial Project, a collaborative venture between Hawassa University, Ethiopia and NROAID, Norway, has started a trial project in 2014 in Adami Tullu District of central Ethiopia. Quantitative surveys have established evidence on LLINs ownership and utilization, but the behavioural, sociocultural and socioeconomic dynamics of why LLINs’ use for intended purposes is low or why they are employed for other purposes remained elusive. The present qualitative study, building on the quantitative findings and framework, therefore, attempted to fill gaps in these areas using qualitative methods in selected localities of the district.MethodsThe study employed 7 focus groups, 16 individual interviews and observation to undertake data collection in January 2017. The data were analysed using NVivo Version 11 (QSR International) to transcribe, code and identify themes using thematic analysis approach.ResultsThe study found out that certain households were more likely to use nets for intended needs in proper ways; a range of factors, notably socio-cultural and poverty, highly influence users’ ideas about the right ways and decisions to use and care for the nets; knowledge gaps and wrong perception exist regarding the purposes and life cycle of the nets; LLINs are employed for repurposed uses once they are considered non-viable, old, or lose their physical integrity; existence of misuse was acknowledged and understood as wrong; and values about gender roles further shape uses, misuses and repurposed use of the nets.ConclusionsBehavioural, socio-cultural, economic and ecological conditions coupled with deficiencies in perceived bed net design and distribution policies; weak education, communication and social support structures were important in understanding and accounting for why a low level of intended use and a rampant misuse and repurposed use in Adami Tullu community of Ethiopia. A major nexus to address in order to improve intended use of LLINs lies, first and foremost, in economic poverty and socio-cultural factors that underlie much of the misuse and repurposed use of the nets.

Impact of Participation in Vegetables’ Contract Farming on Household’s Income in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

This study analyzed the impact of vegetables’ contract farming on the household’s income using data collected from 423 smallholder vegetable farmers from four districts of the East Shewa zone, central rift valley of Ethiopia. The study combines both quantitative and qualitative data obtained from desk review, an in-depth household interview, and focus group discussions. The propensity score-matching technique was employed for data analysis due to lack of baseline data and non-randomness of participation in contract farming. First, a probit regression model was used to estimate the propensity for matching participants and non-participants. Then, their incomes were compared. Results show that contract farming has a significant positive effect on the incomes of participating households. Given the vegetable production opportunities available in the study area, it is important to address the challenges of vegetable producers to benefit from contract farming and increase their incomes.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of malaria among adults in East Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMalaria is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is prevalent in over 75% of the country’s area making it the leading public health problems in the country. Information on the prevalence of malaria and its associated factors is vital to focus and improve malaria interventions.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out from October to November 2012 in East Shewa zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Adults aged 16 or more years with suspected malaria attending five health centers were eligible for the study. Logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of each independent variable on risk of subsequent diagnosis of malaria.ResultsOf 810 suspected adult malaria patients who participated in the study, 204 (25%) had microscopically confirmed malaria parasites. The dominant Plasmodium species were P. vivax (54%) and P. falciparum (45%), with mixed infection of both species in one patient. A positive microscopic result was significantly associated with being in the age group of 16 to 24 years [Adjusted Odds Ratio aOR 6.7; 95% CI: 2.3 to 19.5], 25 to 34 years [aOR 4.2; 95% CI: 1.4 to 12.4], and 35 to 44 years [aOR 3.7; 95% CI: 1.2–11.4] compared to 45 years or older; being treated at Meki health center [aOR 4.1; 95% CI: 2.4 to 7.1], being in Shashemene health center [aOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5 to 4.5], and living in a rural area compared to an urban area [aOR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.6)].ConclusionMalaria is an important public health problem among adults in the study area with a predominance of P. vivax and P. falciparum infection. Thus, appropriate health interventions should be implemented to prevent and control the disease.

Understanding smallholder farmers’ access to maize seed and seed quality in the drought-prone Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

ABSTRACTDespite efforts made by the Ethiopian research and extension system during the past 40 years to disseminate improved maize (Zea mays L.) variety seeds for increased crop production, the diffusion and use remained low, particularly in moisture-stressed areas. The topic of smallholder farmers’ access to quality seed is an ongoing issue in Ethiopia. The purpose of this paper is to identify and explain maize seed sources for smallholder farmers and assess the seed quality status in the drought-prone Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia. Data for this study were obtained from farm households and other stakeholders survey in 2011 from East Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional National State. The survey results indicated that informal seed sources contributed 84% of annually planted maize seed. Sixty percent of maize growers obtained improved seed through farmer-to-farmer seed exchange and the informal seed market (ISM). Regarding the socioeconomic characteristics and maize seed acquisition behavior of the farm-household heads, a higher proportion of female-headed households and resource-poor farm households depended on other farmers and ISM than male-headed farm households. A quarter of the better-off maize-grower households also used ISM. Formal seed sources were found to be key in new variety introduction. The quality of the seeds obtained from informal sources was found to be acceptable relative to purity and germination. The effectiveness of the seed-supply system tended to rely on the complementary integration of formal and informal seed systems, as both systems had their own peculiarities in serving the farm community to enhance food security.

Characterization of pre- and postharvest losses of tomato supply chain in Ethiopia

BackgroundTomato has significant economic importance in Ethiopia. Although quantitative evidence is limited, postharvest loss in tomato is considerably high. This study presents qualitative and quantitative postharvest losses of tomato. The study was conducted in 2015 in two districts (Bora and Dugda) located in East Shewa Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, located southeast of Addis Ababa. Primary data were collected from producers (smallholder farmers) and traders via household survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews as well as estimation of losses based on samples. Secondary data and information were collected from published and unpublished sources.ResultsResults indicate that tomato production is being done by relatively young married individuals who have at least primary level education. About three-quarter of land holding is allocated for vegetable production, which largely takes place under irrigation during dry season. All sample producers sold more than 95% of their tomato produce, mostly to wholesalers as compared to collectors and retailers. Postharvest losses occur at collectors, wholesalers and retailers level. The finding indicates that more than 16% of respondents encounter produce losses due to high incidence of diseases, insect pest and mechanical injuries, each of them accounting for more than 20% of postharvest losses.ConclusionsThe findings from our study underscore that the ability of actors to mitigate postharvest losses is limited due to lack of technical know-how. They also lack necessary support and complementary resources to improve postharvest handling practices and technology.

Socio-economic impacts of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in East Shewa and West Arsi zones of Ethiopia

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is non-native invasive plant species belongs to the family Asteraceae. Currently it is a notorious weed in Ethiopia. Socio-economic impacts as well as the local people’s perception towards P. hysterophorus are poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to generate information for a better understanding of the means of dispersal, source introduction and socio-economic impacts, of P. hysterophorus in East shewa and West arsi Zones of the Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. The study revealed that parthenium was introduced mainly by following vehicles road and railways. This weed grows throughout the year. This results in its fast dispersal. Many mechanisms were assumed by respondents for fast distribution of P. hysterophorus in the study zones. Among these vehicles and wind are the major agents, which proliferate the seeds of the weed. Based on the study it grows in roadsides, grazing land, cropland, village sides and wastelands. Most of respondents also indicated that the weed first appeared on roadside and propagated to other habitats. This finding indicated that the weed high in disturbed habitats. Control methods, which are mostly practiced by local people, were tillage and hand weeding. However, these methods were not an efficient to control the weed distribution; rather it is expanding from time to time since its invasions. P. hysterophorus has a number of socioeconomic impacts that include effect on crop and livestock production, human health, soil fertility and biodiversity. This finding showed that it competes and suppress the growth of crops due its allelopathic nature. Seeds of this weed changes the normal flavor of food when mix with it. It also colonized grazing fields, thus causing animal food scarcity, animals’ health defect. This finding also reported that P. hysterophorus has health hazards on human being, which include allergic, skin itching (irritation), cough and hemorrhage. Generally, P. hysterophorus is a foremost troublesome weed and subterfuge threat on agriculture, biodiversity and on human health. Therefore, proper and targeted control methods should be employed to control the further spread and reduce the adverse impacts.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (2): 5-11, December, 2016

Epidemiology of Bovine Mastitis and Associated Risk Factors in East Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted in selected districts of East Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional Stat from November 2013 to April 2014 on dairy cows to determine the prevalence of mastitis and determinant of its major risk factors. The study was done on 250 lactating cows, of which 109 were local and 14 1 cross breed by using clinical examination , California mastitis test (CMT) and culture. Of these 108 (43.2 %) were positive by clinical examination and CMT for clinical and sub clinical mastitis, with prevalence of 4 % and 38.8 %, respectively. All the p otential risk factors considered in this study namely, parity ( p < 0.05), breed (p< 0.05), age (p < 0.05), stage of lactation (p < 0.05),breed (p < 0.05) and husbandry (p < 0.05) showed a significant effect on prevalence of mastitis in present study. Thus , high prevalencence of mastitis was observed in older cows >7 years and cows with parity >7 but high prevalence was obtained on early and late stage of lactation. The study also revealed that cross breed lactating cows and those managed intensively were s usceptible to mastitis. The highly prevalent bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aurous (46 %) followed by Streptococcus agalactiae which accounts (19.4 %), and others were Staphylococcus intermidius, E. coli and Corynebacterial species with respective pr oportion of 16.6, 10.9 and 7.1%. The present study also revealed that mastitis is the major problem in smallholder dairy farms in the study area specially the sub clinical form, so that creation of awareness about the importance and prevention of subclinic al mastitis among smallholder dairy farmers, milking infected animals and periodic monitoring of infection status of the udder is recommended.

Farmland tree species diversity and spatial distribution pattern in semi-arid East Shewa, Ethiopia

Information on tree species occurring in farming systems in semi-arid agroecologies is critical for sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation and informing food security interventions. The aim of the study was to characterize the species composition, diversity, structure and spatial distribution patterns of trees in the semi-arid East Shewa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. A survey of 172 land parcels with a total area of 76.09 ha, and belonging to 100 randomly selected farm households was conducted in 5 semi-arid sites in East Shewa. A total of 77 tree species belonging to 32 families were identified, and the Fabaceae were the dominant group. Trees were distributed differently in the four identified land uses (homesteads, line plantings, in crop lands and woodlots). Tree diversity was the highest in line plantings and the lowest in woodlots with the Shannon diversity index of 3.1 and 1.8, respectively. The majority (70%) of the species were native, whereas the remaining 30% were exotic. The average number of tree species per parcel was 4.7 ranging from treeless condition to 36 tree species in an exceptional farm condition. The height and diameter at breast height of the 6066 recorded individuals (2 m and above) ranged from 2 to 25 m and from 1 to 86 cm, respectively. The species Acacia tortilis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia senegal were the three dominant species in the system. Correlation analysis revealed that land-holding size had significant positive relationships with tree species abundance and basal area, but not with species richness. Interventions are suggested for increasing the currently very low tree cover through planting and managing natural regeneration for improved farming system resilience in the face of climate change.

Health Insurance Technology in Ethiopia: Willingness to Pay and Its Implication for Health Care Financing

Low-income households in rural areas of Ethiopia are facing catastrophic out-of-pocket health care expenditure due to lack of proper financing mechanism complemented with unexpected health related shock. However, to smooth their health care consumer spending, they need to have a cost-effective health insurance. This study analyzes' Households Willingness to Pay (WTP) for health insurance and the potential market for this cost effective health insurance products. The data used in this study was collected from rural households in East Shewa zone, Adama Woreda, which constitutes about 500 household heads respondents. The Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) with double bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) elicitation method was used to estimate respondents WTP for proposed health insurance technology. The result of the study shows that households' average WTP (considering their ability to pay) is higher than their cost of public health care and self-treatment per year at a national level on average. Variables such as farm income, frequent visit to the health center, age, education, and insurance cost (premium) are significant determinants of households' willingness to pay. For the hypothetical health insurance scenario, households do have enough willingness to pay to cover cost for public health care consumption expenditure if the payment mode is planned, conducive and once per year. The study implies valuable information for policy makers and concerned stakeholders such as the Ministry of health and different private insurance provider in health care financing.

Bacteriological Quality of Milk in Raw Bovine Bulk Milk in the Selected Milk Collection Centers: Smallholder Dairy Processing Ethiopia

Cross-sectional study was conducted to examine and identify quality of raw bovine milk from in Arsi Zone and East Shewa Zone, in Oromia, Ethiopia. The purpose of the study was to assess hygienic practices during milking, milk collection and bacteriological quality of cow’s milk in Arsi and East Shewa Zones milk collection centers. Total of 246 bacterial isolates were obtained from milk samples taken from Tiyo, Digeluna Tijo, and Lemuna Bilbilo Districts in Arsi Zone and Ada district in East Shewa Zone. Identification of Escherichia coli done using API 20 E biochemical test kit, Gram stain was used to identify staphylococcus aureus, Listeria was identified using Rapid Listeria monocytogenes (RLM), and Brucella identified using Milk ring test (MRT). These included Escherichia coli 19.8%, Listeria monocytogenes 1.2%, Staphylococcus aureus 3.2% and Brucella 3.3%.

Association between malaria and malnutrition among children aged under-five years in Adami Tulu District, south-central Ethiopia: a case-control study.

BackgroundMalaria and malnutrition are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in under-five children in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Malnutrition is the associated cause for about half of the deaths that occur among under-five children in developing countries. However, the relationship between malnutrition and malaria is controversial still, and it has also not been well documented in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess whether malnutrition is associated with malaria among under-five children.MethodsA case–control study was conducted in Adami Tulu District of East Shewa Zone in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Cases were all under-five children who are diagnosed with malaria at health posts and health centres. The diagnosis was made using either rapid diagnostic tests or microscopy. Controls were apparently healthy under-five children recruited from the community where cases resided. The selection of the controls was based on World Health Organization (WHO) cluster sampling method. A total of 428 children were included. Mothers/caretakers of under-five children were interviewed using pre-tested structured questionnaire prepared for this purpose. The nutritional status of the children was assessed using an anthropometric method and analyzed using WHO Anthro software. A multivariate logistic analysis model was used to determine predictors of malaria.ResultsFour hundred twenty eight under-five children comprising 107 cases and 321 controls were included in this study. Prevalence of wasting was higher among cases (17.8 %) than the controls (9.3 %). Similarly, the prevalence of stunting was 50.5 % and 45.2 % among cases and controls, respectively. Severe wasting [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) =2.9, 95 % CI (1.14, 7.61)] and caretakers who had no education [AOR = 3, 95 % CI (1.27, 7.10)] were independently associated with malarial attack among under-five children.ConclusionChildren who were severely wasted and had uneducated caretakers had higher odds of malarial attack. Therefore, special attention should be given for severely wasted children in the prevention and control of malaria.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Adolescent In-School Girls Towards Menstrual Hygiene Management and Determining Factors in Lucy Village of Ethiopian Great Rift Valley, 2016

The issue of menstrual hygiene is inadequately acknowledged and has not received proper attention. Furthermore, It has not gained policy or program support. On the other hand, lack of adequate, safe and private sanitation facilities increase the suffering of pubescent school girls from health and psychosocial problems associated with the indignity experienced due to lack of a suitable place to change and dispose pads. Due to this, girls resort to use unhygienic practice or staying at home while on menstruation which affects their school attendance and performance rates. The main objective of this study was to assess knowledge and practice of adolescent school girls towards menstrual hygiene and its determining factors in Boset district, East shewa zone, Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. School based cross sectional study was employed and a multistage sampling technique was used to select 430 female high school students. Data collection was carried out from March 02-30, 2016 using pretested self administered questionnaire, Interview guideline and Focus group discussion (FGD). Data were entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Finally Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done at 95% confidence interval to assess independent effect of the predictors on the outcome variable. In this study, 305(70.9%) and 302(70.2%) have good knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene, respectively. There is significant positive association between in school girls knowledge about menstruation and menstrual hygiene with their educational status [(AOR)=1.5, 95%(C. I)=(3.7-6.8)] as well as with their mothers' and senior sisters’ educational status [AOR=3.13, (95% CI)=1.32-7.37)]. Nevertheless, educational status of the respondents [AOR=2.844, 95% CI=(1.355-5.97)] and access to WASH facilities [AOR=2.54, 95% CI=(1.355-5.97)] showed significant association with their practice toward menstrual hygiene. Majority of students have good knowledge and practice towards menstrual hygiene and its management. Similar result were discovered from the FGD and observation conducted in the study. Therefore, students need to be counseled on menstrual hygiene management. Further, gender inclusive water and toilet facility should be offered in the schools.

Investigation of Newcastle Disease Virus Using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction in Selected Districts of Eastern Shewa, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia Newcastle disease virus is the most important cause of loss in village-dwelling as well as commercially raised chickens. The disease occurs almost at any time of a year throughout the country including East Shewa Zone. A cross sectional study was therefore conducted from December 2014 to May 2015 to determine the prevalence of Newcastle disease in market and village chicken in selected districts of East Shewa zone of Ethiopia. Molecular diagnostic technique, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect the viruses during the study. A total of 300 swab samples was collected using simple random sampling technique in Adama and Bishoftu Districts. An overall prevalence of 26.7% (40/300) was recorded during this study from the collected swab samples using real time PCR. The result of this study indicated that village chicken flock are endemically infected with Newcastle disease virus which could pose a threat to commercial poultry farms. Attention should therefore be given for regular monitoring of Newcastle disease virus in village chickens and wild birds and measures to prevent this infection should be taken.

Epidemiology of Ovine Pasteurellosis in Lume District, East Shewa Zone of Oromiya Region, Ethiopia

Open Access Journal of Veterinary Science & Research ISSN: 2474 - 92 22 Epidemiology of Ovine Pasteurellosis in Lume District, East Shewa Zone of Oromiya Region, Ethiopia J Vet Sci Res Epidemiology of Ovine Pasteurellosis in Lume District, East Shewa Zone of Oromiya Region, Ethiopia Sadia H 1 , Abunna F 2 and Jarso D 2 * 1 Oromia Livestock and Fishery Resource Development Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2 Department of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia *Corresponding author: Jarso D, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, E - mail: djmojo74.ethio@mail.com Abstract The study of ovine pasteurellosis was conducted in Lume districts, East Shoa Zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of M annheimia haemolytica , Pasteurella trehalosi and Pasteurella multocida from nasal swabs (384), abattoir specimens (145 ), and the serotype diversity among the species from sheep sera (150). A total of 115 isolates of M. haemolytica , P. treha losi and P. multocida were isolated from nasal swabs of apparently health and clinically sick sheep and from pneumonic lungs. The M. haemolytica, P. trehalosi and Pasteurella multocida were isolated from the nasal swabs (11.2%), (7.6%) and (2.1) respective ly, whereas M. haemolytica and P. trehalosi were isolated from pneumonic lungs (11.7%) , ( 10.3 ) respectively. However, Pasteurella multocida was the lowest among species isolated (2.1%). The overall isolation rate of M. haemolytica, P. trehalosi and Pasteurella multocida was 15.7%, 11.5% and 2.9%, respectively. From 145 lung samples collected and cultured, Pasteurella was isolated successfully in 35 (24.1%) sheep. Out of 35 sheep lung lesion sample, the percentage recovery rate of M. haemolytica 17(11 .7%), P. trehalose 15(10.3%) and P. multocida 3(2.1) % respectively. On the basis of these results, M. haemolytica and P.trehalose were the most common cause of pasteurellosis in sheep at the study area. A total of 150 sheep sera were examined for serotype specific antibodies using indirect haemagglutination test for M. haemolytica, P. trehalose and P. multocida serotypes. Variation in prevalence among the different serotypes was observed (P<0.001). The IHA test revealed that serotype A1, A2, A7, T3, T10, a nd T15 were the dominant serotypes with 23.3%, 42.6%, 32, 51.3, 29.3 and 30% positive by IHA whereas serotypes P. multocida biotype A and T4 were the least positive with 14.6% and16% respectively. Generally, both bacterial and serological results of this s tudy revealed that the causal agents of pasteurellosis are prevalent in the area, and serotypes A1, A2, A7, T3, T10 and T15 were dominant over the other serotypes

Assessment of Weed Flora Composition in Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) Infested Area of East Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Field survey on parthenium was conducted at East shewa Zone of Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia during 2008 cropping season. The objectives of the study was to assess the weed flora composition and plant species that are growing in copetation with parthenium to use those plants as potential biological management options under field condition. Assessment of weed flora composition was carried out in five Kebeles (Farmers Association) of Boset District East Shewa Zone of Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia. Data on the species composition were recorded and samples of weed flora compositions were collected. The result showed a total of eighty five different herbaceous plant species that were collected and recorded in 63 genera and 24 families. Poaceae (21), Asteraceae (11), Fabaceae (7) and Convolvulaceae (7) were by far the richest taxa and accounted together (55 %) of the entire flora of the study area. The major plant species having higher dominance value were Parthenium hysterophorus (25.6), Cassia tora (6.07), Argemone mexicana (5.83), Xanthium strumarium (4.53), Digitaria abyssinica (3.02) and Cyperus rotundus (2.86). Similarity index values of the species composition among different kebeles ranged from 65% to 78% which indicating that weed species compositions in these locations were similar. The diversity and evenness of species declined with increasing spread of parthenium which suggests negative influence that parthenium had on the status of species diversity in the studied area. In conclusion the selected plant species that were found competitive with parthenium based on their abundance and dominance values were Argemone mexicana, Cassia tora, and Xanthium strumarium which were suggested for detailed competition experiment in order to determine their competitiveness with P. hysterophorus and will be used for biological management of it.

Prevalence and associated factors of malaria among febrile children in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional health facility-based study

Malaria is one of the most important public health problems in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and associated factors of malaria among children who presented for investigation. A cross-sectional health facility-based study was conducted between October and November 2012 in East Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional Sate in Ethiopia. Blood samples by finger pricks were collected for microscopic diagnosis of malaria from children under the age of 16 years with symptoms suggestive of malaria attending five health centers. An interview was conducted with the parents/guardians of the children using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was employed to study associations between malaria infection and associated factors. Of 830 children who provided blood samples, 170/830 (20.5%) were microscopically confirmed for malaria parasites. The predominant Plasmodium species were Plasmodium vivax (11.7%) and Plasmodium falciparum (8.4%), whilst mixed infections of both species were identified in 0.4% of patients (relative proportion: 57.1%, 41.2%, and 1.8%, respectively). Household’s ownership of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) was significantly associated with decreased odds of malaria infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–0.85). However, an increased odds of malaria infection was observed among children between 10 and 15 years old (aOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.25–3.83) compared to children under the age of 2 years. The strong association reported here between household’s ownership of ITNs and malaria infection among children in this part of Ethiopia call for continued efforts of net distribution and use to control malaria, which in turn might improve children’s health and development.

Malaria Diagnosis And Treatment Practice Following Introduction of Rapid Diagnostic Test In Selected Health Posts of Adama Woreda, East Shewa Zone, Oromia Region,Centeral Ethiopia

Malaria Diagnosis And Treatment Practice Following Introduction of Rapid Diagnostic Test In Selected Health Posts of Adama Woreda, East Shewa Zone, Oromia Region,Centeral Ethiopia

Small-scale vegetable producers’ perception of pests and pesticide uses in East Shewa zone, Ethiopia

Vegetable growers’ knowledge of pest and their control method was assessed in 2014 in East Shewa zone, Ethiopia. Vegetable growers were well aware of key pests of vegetables, although some of them did not consider pests as constraint to vegetable production. All respondents scouted their vegetables for pests and used presence or absence of pest as criterion for spraying. About 76% of the respondents read pesticide label before buying pesticides, while the rest 24% of the respondents did not read pesticide labels. All vegetable growers sprayed insecticide, whereas fungicides and herbicides were applied by 90% and 7% of the respondents, respectively. About 72% of the respondents washed their sprayer after each application day and discharged the washings onto the soil. Moreover, the majority (62%) of the respondents threw empty pesticide containers around the field. Also, it was found that 71% of the respondents did not use personal protective equipment (PPE) while spraying pesticides, but a few used one or two types of PPE. More than half of the respondents sprayed pesticides on mature crops and sold the produce within three to five days.

Impact of Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) on soil chemical properties and its distribution in a reserve area: A case study in Awash National Park (ANP), Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Awash National Park (ANP), East Shewa Zone of Oromia National Regional Sate, Ethiopia, and aimed at determining the impact of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) on soil chemical properties and assessing the current distribution of the weed in the Park. A transect belt of 13.5×0.10 km of parthenium weed infested land was identified. Four quadrats were purposively laid every 250 m interval two for infested and two for non-infested each from both sides of the road where the weed highly and uniformly distributed. A total of 216 soil samples were collected from the top 10 cm. Most of the soil parameters considered in this study were found to be better for the infested quadrats than non-infested quadrats, suggesting that parthenium weed does not impose adverse impact on soil nutrients. The distribution of the weed following the highway indicated that vehicular transportation could be the major way of dispersal in ANP. The control strategy should, thus, focus mainly on these factors without undermining the contribution of livestock and overgrazing. Key words: Fentale Mountain, invasive alien species, sugar cane plantation.

Ethnobotany of medicinal plants in Ada'a District, East Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

BackgroundAn ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was conducted in Ada’a District, Eastern Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to identify and document medicinal plants and the associated ethnobotanical/ethnomedicinal knowledge of the local people.MethodsRelevant ethnobotanical data focused on medicinal plants and traditional herbal medicines were collected using guided field walk, semi-structured interview and direct field observation. Informant consensus method and group discussion were conducted for crosschecking and verification of the information. Both descriptive statistics and quantitative ethnobotanical methods were used for data analysis.ResultsWe documented 131 species distributed in 109 genera and 54 families based on local claims of medicinal values. Patients who are using traditional drugs and herbalists collect most of these plants from the wild. The leading plant families that encompass large medicinal species were the Lamiaceae (14 species) followed by Asteraceae (13) and Solanaceae (7).ConclusionThe study reported the existence of a number of medicinal plants, an indication for the presence of plant-based traditional medicinal knowledge transfer that survived through generations. Informants asserted that wild growing medicinal plants are under threat due to increased use pressure coupled with unsuitable harvesting that frequently targets roots and barks for remedy preparations. This calls for urgent and collaborative actions to keep the balance between medicinal plants availability in the wild state and their utilization by the community. Furthermore, the study attempted to prioritize the most efficacious medicinal plants as perceived by the local people for possible pharmacological testing