Eastern Part Of Ethiopia Research Articles

Documentation of Ethnoveterinary Knowledge among the Somali Pastoral Community in Eastern Part of Ethiopia: with Special Emphasis on Herbal Medicine for Livestock Health

Ethnoveterinary knowledge, like all other traditional knowledge systems, is handed down orally from generation to generation and it may disappear because of rapid socioeconomic, environmental, technological changes and as a result of the loss of cultural heritage under the guise of civilization. Thus, the aim of the study was to document ethnoveterinary knowledge of pastoralists on use of herbal remedies on livestock health in Somali region in eastern Ethiopia. Semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. Medicinal plants were collected and identified in Haramaya University Herbarium and visually compared with authenticated plant specimens kept at national herbarium. One hundred thirty six (136) plant species under forty three families were recorded with veterinary importance. Majority of plant species used as livestock remedy fall in Burseraceae, Mimosaceae, Amaranthaceae and Euphorbiaceae plant families among others. Major livestock diseases in the area include skin problems because of tick infestation, lice infestation, mange, ringworm, bite wounds due to predators, sores on work animals and general wounds. Infertility, Joint diseases and “Shimber” were also commonly mentioned by informants. Various plant parts (leaves, fruit, seeds, bark, roots, juice and latex) were used in the preparation of medicines depending on the remedy in question. The medicines were administered orally, topically or in the case of uterine problems, as washes. Certain plants were also used during branding or cautery, notably for joint diseases, and some species were used as amulets or charms. There is no standardized dosing and treatment duration. The major threats of medicinal plants were invasive plants, drought, over grazing, agricultural activity and firewood collection. Endogenous knowledge on ethno-veterinary medicinal plants was accepted orally from healer’s forefathers and transmitted similarly. Relevance and efficacy of ethnoveterinary medicine should be tested and integrated in to livestock extension delivery systems for the need to exploit the possibility of discovering more medicinally viable plants and as immediate solution to the current scenario of development of drug resistance to antimicrobials. There is also a need to conduct trials to check the efficacy and veterinary properties of such plant products and livestock disease treatments.

Trend and causes of adult mortality in Kersa health and demographic surveillance system (Kersa HDSS), eastern Ethiopia: verbal autopsy method

BackgroundThe health problems of adults have been neglected in many developing countries, yet many studies in these countries show high rates of premature mortality in adults. Measuring adult mortality and its cause through verbal autopsy (VA) methods is becoming an important process for mortality estimates and is a good indicator of the overall mortality rates in resource-limited settings. The objective of this analysis is to describe the levels, distribution, and trends of adult mortality over time (2008-2013) and causes of adult deaths using VA in Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System (Kersa HDSS).MethodsKersa HDSS is a demographic and health surveillance and research center established in 2007 in the eastern part of Ethiopia. This is a community-based longitudinal study where VA methods were used to assign probable cause of death. Two or three physicians independently assigned cause of death based on the completed VA forms in accordance with the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases. In this analysis, the VA data considered were of all deaths of adults age 15 years and above, over a period of six years (2008–2013). The mortality fractions were determined and the causes of death analyzed. Analysis was done using STATA and graphs were designed using Microsoft Excel.ResultsA total of 1535 adult deaths occurred in the surveillance site during the study period and VA was completed for all these deaths. In general, the adult mortality rate over the six-year period was 8.5 per 1000 adult population, higher for males (9.6) and rural residents (8.6) than females (7.5) and urban residents (8.2). There is a general decrease in the mortality rates over the study period from 9.4 in 2008–2009 to 8.1 in 2012–2013. Out of the total deaths, about one-third (32.4%) occurred due to infectious and parasitic causes, and the second leading cause of death was diseases of circulatory system (11.4%), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (9.2%). Tuberculosis (TB) showed an increasing trend over the years and has been the leading cause of death in 2012 and 2013 for all adult age categories (15–49, 50–64, and 65 years and over). Chronic liver disease (CLD) was indicated as leading cause of death among adults in the age group 15–49 years.ConclusionThe increasing TB-related mortality in the study years as well as the relative high mortality due to CLD among adults of age 15–49 years should be further investigated and triangulated with health service data to understand the root cause of death.

The impact of agricultural cooperatives membership on the wellbeing of smallholder farmers: empirical evidence from eastern Ethiopia

This study evaluated the impact of agricultural cooperative membership on the wellbeing of smallholder farmers using cross-sectional data collected from the eastern part of Ethiopia. Using consumption per adult equivalent as a wellbeing indicator, we measured the impact of agricultural cooperative membership by implementing propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression estimation techniques. Both estimation methods indicate that joining agricultural cooperatives has a positive impact on the wellbeing of smallholder farmers. Furthermore, the analysis also indicates that agricultural cooperative membership has a heterogeneous impact on wellbeing among its members.

Differences in spatial distributions of iron supplementation use among pregnant women and associated factors in Ethiopia: evidence from the 2011 national population based survey

BackgroundIron supplementation during pregnancy prevents against low birth weight, incidence of prematurity and postpartum hemorrhage. However, the coverage of iron supplementation is still low in Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the spatial variations and associated factors of iron supplementation during pregnancy using the 2011 national demographic and health survey data.MethodsThis study used secondary data from the 2011 Ethiopian demographic and health survey. The survey was cross sectional and used a multistage cluster sampling procedure. A logistic regression statistical model using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the associated factors. Getis-Ord G-statistic was used to identify high and low hotspot areas of iron tablet supplementation during pregnancy.ResultsThe coverage of iron tablet supplementation was 17.1% [95%CI: (16.3–17.9)] with the highest coverage of 38.9% [95%CI: (32.4--46.1)] in Addis Ababa followed by Tigray regional state with 33.8% [95%CI: (29.9–38.00)]. The lowest coverage was found in Oromiya regional state at 11.9% [95%CI: (10.7–13.0)]. Multivariable analysis showed that mothers who were aware of the Community Conversation Program had 20% [AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: (1.04–1.4)] higher odds of taking iron tablets. The odds of taking iron tablets was 2.9 times [AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: (2.3–3.7)] higher among those who took deworming tablets. Those mothers who attended the minimum four antenatal visits recommended by WHO were 3.9 times [AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: (3.3–4.6)] more likely and those mothers in the age group 31–49 years were 2.9 times [AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: (1.1–7.4)] more likely to use iron tablets as compared to those mothers who did not attend antenatal care and mothers in the age group less than 20 years. Mothers having a family size of 10 and above had 32% [AOR = 0.68; 95% CI: (0.49–0.97)] lower odds of taking iron tablets during pregnancy. The spatial analysis found that only northern, central and eastern parts of Ethiopia were identified as hotspots of iron supplementation.ConclusionIron supplementation use was not equally distributed in Ethiopia, with relatively higher prevalence in Tigray, Addis Ababa and Harari regional states. Attention should be given to younger age mothers, mothers with large family size and mothers who reside in areas with low coverage of iron tablet distribution. Promotion of antenatal care services based on the WHO standard can be used as an intervention for improving iron supplementation during pregnancy.

A Participatory Assessment of Forest Biodiversity Resources and Level of Threat in Hararge Area, Eastern Ethiopia

Ethiopia was endowed with abundant and diversified flora and fauna. Especially, forest ecosystem is one the important habitats which provide as home of variety of life. Thus, wood vegetation that covered almost all of the area is reduced due to miss management, limited awareness of forest value and high population pressure. Particularly, the forest resources of Harari region, eastern and west Hararge zone has been degraded dramatically. The study was conducted in eastern part of Ethiopia in both east and west Hararge zones. The aim of the study was to collect and document threatened forest Biodiversity species found in the study area for conservation priority. Data were collected community based participatory using single visit transect walk, informal interviews of elder community and review other literature. The collected data was summarized by table, percent and figure. A total of 112 forest species were recorded. Out of them 34.8% plant species were highly threatened, 22.3% species near threatened and 42.9% were least threatened plant species. Hence, it is recommended to establish legal basis for the in situ and ex situ conservation sites for the conservation of the priority species. In addition, there is an urgent need to apply biotechnology to propagate some of the priority species and raise public awareness on the value of forest genetic resources.

Determinant of Adult Education Program: A Critical Analysis of Adult Education in Some Selected Training Centers of Eastern Regions

The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting adult education in the eastern part of Ethiopia. The study employed a survey design that involved qualitative and quantitative approaches. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 515 male and 285 female respondents. A questionnaire and an interview for collecting information from the primary sources were designed and implemented. Data were analyzed with linear correlation and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression. The findings indicated that the relationship of overall adult learning achievement to assessment of learning (r = 0,29, P < 0,01), and the methods used by facilitators (r = 0,23, P < 0,01) is positive and significant. The regression model demonstrated that overall adult learning condition is significantly affected by variables such as relevance of the content, methods of teaching, assessment of learning outcome, and locality of the adult education learners.

English

The objective this study was to analyze the dry and wet spell of the main and small rainy season in the eastern part of Ethiopia, West Haraghe. Markov Chain model was employed to investigate the extent and characteristics of the dry and wet spell in the study sites. Accordingly, the results exhibited that the chance of having wet dekades is relatively higher (greater than 50% of probability of occurrences) during last of June to the start of October for all the study locations (Hirna, Asebe Teferi and Meios). The probability of having wet after wet is also fairly enough that farmers can take significant agricultural operations, like planting during the start of the season, second dekade of June. The probability of having wet during belg is however very low (usually less than 40%). But the soil moisture from the season could help farmers start plough earlier so that farmers can have the full advantage of the main rainy season, without wasting moisture for other activities. Key words: dry, probability, Markov chain, probability, spell

Evaluation of Physicochemical Attributes of Potato (Solanumtuberosum L.) Varieties in Eastern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, a number of improved potato varieties have been released by different research centre and institution; with much emphasis for adaptability, productivity and late blight resistance, while it has been given less or no emphasis to physicochemical attributes. Therefore, field and laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of the growing environment on physicochemical attributes of 16 released potato varieties (Moti, Belete, Bubu, Ararsa, Gudenie, Bule, Gabissa, Marachare, Harchassa, Gera, Gorrebella, Guassa, Jalenie, Bedassa, ZemenC all in eastern part of Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The data were statistically tested and the result indicated the existence of statistically significant difference among genotypes for most of the traits. The maximum tuber geometric mean diameter (57.12mm3), dry matter content (30.66%), starch content (79.267%) and specific gravity (1.0967) were observed for Belete variety. While the highest sphercity (92.00%) and pH value (6.8) were observed for Gera and Bule variety respectively. In the same manner, the highest surface area (17805.7mm2) was observed for Moti variety where as the highest total soluble solid content (7.340Brix) were observed Bubu variety. The result of the study revealedthat the genotype and the growing environment have a great influence on physicochemical attributes of potato tubers. This study suggested that the growing environment has significant influence on potato tuber physicochemical attributes. Therefore, testing genotypes across location becomes important to recommend varieties for design of grading, handling, processing and packaging systems

Commercial behaviour of smallholder potato producers: The case of Kombolcha Woreda, eastern part of Ethiopia

Meeting the challenge of improving rural incomes in Ethiopia will require some form of transformation of the subsistence, low-input and low-productivity farming systems to agricultural commercialization. In the process, commercial production of high value food crops like potato would have been expected. Nonetheless, in the study area, Kombolcha Woreda, the extent to which farmers have commercialized potato production was not known. This study was then undertaken to analyse the extent to which potato was oriented towards the market (denoted by commercialization index) and identify the factors affecting commercialization of potato. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 130 sample households from six sample kebeles. In the study, both primary and secondary data sources were used. Results showed that potato production was lucrative and semi-commercialized i.e. about 59.50% of the potato produce were sold. Moreover, the two limit-Tobit regression model results indicated that non/off farm income, access to information, access to improved seed and access to irrigation affect proportion of the value of potato sold positively and significantly while number of plots affects it negatively. Hence, policies should emphasis on reducing land fragmentation, creating awareness on non/off farm employment, and offer improved seeds and irrigation facilities to farmers and access information.

External quality assessment for acid fast bacilli smear microscopy in eastern part of Ethiopia.

BackgroundExternal quality assessment (EQA) of sputum smear microscopy is essential and indispensable component of any tuberculosis program. This study assessed the EQA of acid fast bacilli (AFB) smear microscopy through onsite evaluation, blinded rechecking and panel test. A one year study was conducted on eight health institution laboratories from December 2011 to December 2012. Onsite evaluation, blinded rechecking and panel tests were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and proportions of false readings were calculated. The level of agreement was measured using Kappa (κ) value.ResultsProblems observed during onsite evaluation include shortages of materials, disinfectant, and poor storage and working condition. A total of 578 slides were collected for blinded rechecking, of which 102 (17.6 %) were reported as positive by peripheral laboratories. The panel test revealed an overall error of 17 (25.25 %) of which 14 (17.5 %) were minor errors [low false negative 6 (7.5 %) and low false positive 8 (10 %)], and 3 (3.75 %) were major errors (high false positive). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of the peripheral laboratories were 83.5, 97.8, 91.7, and 95.7, respectively. The false readings at the peripheral laboratories were 32 (5.5 %). Agreement on reading the slides was observed on 546 (94.5 %) slides (K = 0.84, SE = 0.054).ConclusionsLack of reagents, supplies, favorable working environment and AFB related technical problems were identified in the peripheral laboratories. High false negative error was found to be the predominant major error. A continuous and strong EQA scheme should be implemented to avoid reporting errors and produce quality sputum results.

Status of Selected Properties of Soils under Crop-Livestock Farming System in Eastern Ethiopia

Information on soil properties and fertility status of soils at farm levels under particular farming system is essential for boosting farm productivity and for sufficient food production. This study was conducted to investigate status and properties of soils under crop-livestock farming system, where crop grains are produced for food security and residues for animal feed and domestic fuel consumption. For the study, two farms under similar farming system were selected from two districts in eastern part of Ethiopia: Adele farm from Haramaya and Bala Langey farm from Kersa districts. Soil samples were collected from crop fields of each farm and analyzed following standard methods for soil physical and chemical analyses. The results indicate that soil textural class is sandy clay loam at both farms. The mean bulk density values were 1.43 and 1.39g cm -3 for Adele and Bala Langey farms, respectively. The soil reaction for Adele farm was neutral (pH=7.23) whereas soils of Bala Langey farm had slightly acidic reaction (pH=6.57). Organic carbon contents of soils of both farms were low, less than 1.5%. Nitrogen was low for Adele farm soils (<0.15%) and in the moderate range for Bala Langey farm soils (0.15-0.25%). Available soil P was very low at

Community Risk Perception on Healthcare Wastes in Hospitals and Health Centres of Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Indiscriminate waste disposal by many healthcare facilities pose serious health hazard to the inhabitants in general and people living around health care facilities in particular. Human scavengers collecting second hand objects for reselling could be a channel for speading disease causing organisms. In addition, burning of wastes in small size incinerator at a low temperature releases many toxic gases causing health effects for people living around the facilities. The objective of the study was to assess risk perception of people living around health facilities about healthcare wastes. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on 438 people in the eastern part of Ethiopia, from August to November 2013. Samples were taken by proportionate allocation to the size of people living within one km radius of 25 health facilities. Questionnaire was administered by a face-to-face interview. Risk perception was classified using a three-point Likert scale from low to high risk. Data were analyzed using STATA software. Bivariate and multi-variable analyses were carried out to determine correlates of risk perception. Result: The magnitude of risk perception for sharp, infectious/pathological wastes and expired drugs was 87%, 93.6%, and 73.1%, respectively. Individuals from urban areas have about 3 times higher odds of increased perceived risk than from rural areas (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.08-4.32, P = 0.006). On the other hand, people living around the hospitals have 2.5 times higher odds of increased perceived risk than those people living near to health centers (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI : 0.19 - 3.04, P = 0.000). Conclusion and recommendation: People involved in this study have high perceived risk for hazardous (infectious and sharp) wastes which might be due to indiscriminate discharges of wastes by the nearby health facilities. It is therefore advisable to dispose wastes in a proper manner in order to minimize public concern.

Tuberculosis Infection in Cattle and Cattle Owners in North Eastern Parts of Ethiopia

Introduction: Ethiopia is one of the highest TB burden countries in the world. Transmission of M. tuberculosis between humans is well known, however, little is known about the transmission of M. tuberculosis complex species between human and animals, in particular cattle. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate the status of bovine tuberculosis infection in cattle owned by tuberculosis suspected households and isolate M. tuberculosis complex species from sputum of chronic coughers in North Wollo Zone of the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected Kebeles of North Wollo Zone. An intradermal tuberculin skin test was carried out on 381 cattle and sputum samples collected from 124 chronic coughers. Sputum samples were cultured and positive ones were identified by polymerase chain reaction using RD4 and RD9 as a marker. Result: Of the 124 sputum samples cultured, 4/ 124 (3.2%) were positive. Polymerase Chain Reaction using has confirmed that 2/4 (50%) were found to be M. tuberculosis while the rest was atypical Mycobacterial species. Of the 381 tested cattle 5/381 (1.31%) and 10/38 (2.63%) were found positive according to manufacturer recommendation (with a cutoff value > 4 mms) and a cutoff value > 2 mms, respectively. About 67% (6/9) of the individuals who owned positive cattle were having the habit of drinking raw milk. Among the ten positives, five of them resided in lowland (Kolla) areas (1300-1500 mabs). However, none of the owners of tuberculin positive cattle were found to be TB positive. Conclusion: This study has shown 3.2% of culture positivity and of these two were found to be M. tuberculosis. The sputum sample culturing from suspected chronically coughing individuals would help detection of the TB causative agents. According to the current findings BTB is considerable in Ethiopia and cattle should be seen as a potential source of zoonotic TB to humans

English

The aim of this study was to investigate bovine tuberculosis in camels which was conducted in Eastern part of Ethiopia using post mortem examination, Mycobaterium isolation, tuberculin skin test and questionnaire based interview. Tuberculosis (TB) is an important disease for pastoralist, particularly due to prevailing habit of consuming raw milk and sharing house during night time with their animals. This study has showed prevalence rate of 8.3% (33/398) based on the post mortem examination and 6.0% (29/480) at cut off >4 mm based on the tuberculin test. From 33 camels with suspected tuberculosis compatible lesions, 12% (4/33) showed mycobacterial growth on Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) media supplemented with pyruvate and 18% (6/33) on LJ media supplemented with glycerol. 94.7% (36/38) of the interviewed pastoralists knew about TB while only 50% (19/38) were aware about its zoonotic importance. However, only 18.4% (7/38) of the interviewed camel owners usually boil camel milk before consumption. The result of this study highlights the potential public health risk posed by TB from camels. Hence, prompt measures are required to control the possible zoonotic transmission of the disease-prioritizing on educating the pastoralist to consume camel milk after boiling. Key words: Dromedary camel, tuberculosis-compatible lesions, tuberculin test, zoonotic importance.

Investigation of haemoglobin polymorphism in Ogaden cattle

Background and Aim: The Ogaden cattle is one among the tropical cattle breeds (Bos indicus) widely distributed in eastern and south eastern part of Ethiopia. The breed has been evolved in arid and semi arid agro-ecological setup, but later on distributed and adapted to the wide agro-ecological zones. Because of its multi-purpose role, the Ogaden cattle have been used for milk, beef, and income generation. Information on the inherent genetic diversity is important in the design of breeding improvement programmes, making rational decisions on sustainable utilization and conservation of Animal Genetic Resources. Limited information is available about genetic variation of Ogaden breed at molecular level. The present investigation was aimed to study the biochemical polymorphism at the Hemoglobin (Hb) locus. Materials and Methods: Blood samples collected from 105 Ogaden cattle maintained at Haramaya beef farm by jugular vein puncture were subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis [pH range 8.4-8.5] to study the polymorphic activities of haemoglobin. Results: Three types of phenotypes were detected i.e. a slow moving (AA) band, fast moving (BB) band and a combination of slow + fast moving bands (AB). The frequency of the fast moving band was less [13 (12.3%)] than the slow moving band [57 A (54.2%)]. Both slow & fast moving phenotype was observed in 35 (33.3%) animals. The gene frequency of HB allele was B 0.709 and that of HB allele 0.291. 2 Conclusion: The distribution of phenotypes was in agreement with codominant single gene inheritance. The Chi-square (˜ ) test revealed that the population is under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in an Urban Area of Eastern Ethiopia.

This research work presents the magnitude of anemia and its determinant factors among pregnant women. As far as this research is done in the eastern part of Ethiopia, where there is a different cultural issue related to pregnancy and dietary habit, it will help the researchers to know the problem in different parts of the country.

Bovine Hydatidosis in Eastern Part of Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted on bovine hydatidosis from November 2010 to March 2011 with the aims of investigating its occurrence, risk factors and economic losses in Dire Dawa municipality abattoir. The study revealed 20.05% occurrence of hydatidosis based on the postmortem examination of1536 cattle. Age related infection was significant as older animals were more infected (P<0.05, x2 = 27.496).Among the lungs, liver, heart, spleen and kidneys examined in each carcass, the cysts were distributed in the lungs and livers only. Out of 1852 cysts, 1340 (72.3%) were found in liver while512 (27.7%) in lungs. Five hundred and twenty (53.94%) of 964 hydatid cysts were small, while268 (27.80%) medium and 176 (18.25%) large. These cysts were further characterized as fertile (80.08.7%), sterile (17.3%) and calcified (2.85%) and 53.7% of fertile cysts were viable. Based on the study, the direct economic loss was estimated to be 23,876 Ethiopian Birrs. Presence of hydatid cysts in edible organs has great public health significance as consumption of undercooked/raw meat is still in practice in many parts of Ethiopia. Keywords : Abattoir, Bovine, Carcass, Cysts, Hydatidosis, Eastern Ethiopia.

Effects of preharvest treatments on yield and chemical composition of tomato

Postharvest losses in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) are among others, the prime factor affecting the quantity and quality of tomato fruits in the market. Options to avert these losses are limited, and thus the need to design research studies that are geared to developing such strategies. A field experiment was therefore conducted to study effects of preharvest treatment of ComCat® spray, manure, NP fertilisation and the combinations of ComCat® with the two forms of fertilisation and the control on yield and quality of tomato in semiarid climate in eastern part of Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted using randomised complete block design with 3 replications. Data were collected from two centeral rows of treatment plots to assess vegetative growth, yield and the chemical composition of fruits at harvest. The result showed that the use of ComCat® and its combination with manure gave the highest total yield 58.53 tha-1 and 55.77tha-1 of which 94% and 93% weremarketable and total yield, respectively. By using manure and NP fertiliser it was observed that both marketable and total yield was not significantly influenced. The control tomato plants were found to give higher total and marketable yield on comparison with the preharvest ComCat® + NP treatment. The chemical qualities of tomatoes were improved by preharvest ComCat®, ComCat® + manure and ComCat® = NP treatments. Based on the varied performance of the treatements imposed, adoption of a particular teatment will depend on a specificrecommendation dormain.

Registration of Adu and Barkume: Improved Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Varieties for Eastern Ethiopia

Two improved sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) varieties, namely, Adu (Cuba-2) and Barkume (TIS-8250-2) were developed by Root and Tuber Crops Improvement Program and approved by the National Variety Releasing Committee in 2007. The performances of the varieties were evaluated at four locations in the eastern part of Ethiopia from 2003 to 2006. Adu and Barkume produced 49% and 89% more fresh root yield, respectively than Becule (local check). Although both of them were stable for fresh root yield, they exhibited high sensitivity to environmental changes and adaptation to environments favoring high yields. Adu is an early maturing and has a yellowish cream flesh colour indicating that it is a variety rich in beta carotene and the taste of its cooked tubers was classed as very good by farmers. Barkume is medium maturing and with uniform medium sized roots preferred by farmers. The taste of its cooked tubers was classed as good by farmers. Both varieties are recommended for production in eastern Ethiopia with altitudes ranging from 1650-2000 meters above sea level. East African Journal of Sciences Vol. 2 (2) 2008: pp. 189-191

Seasonal forecasting of Ethiopian spring rains

AbstractReliable prediction of rainfall in advance of the rainy season would have enormous social and economic benefits to countries such as Ethiopia that depend on rain‐fed agriculture. Moreover, the development of statistical seasonal forecasting models provides insights into important scientific problems such as the predictability of rainfall, the large‐scale controls on rainfall, and the teleconnections with tropical and extra‐tropical processes. This article describes the development of statistical seasonal forecasts of the Ethiopian spring rains. Because of the spatial variation in both the interannual variability and the annual cycle of rainfall, Ethiopia was divided into five homogeneous rainfall zones, and separate forecasts were developed for each zone. Two techniques (multiple linear regression (MLR) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA)) were applied to four sets of predictors (selection by either stepwise regression or discriminant analysis either including or excluding the contemporaneous season). All the forecasts had more skill than either a random or climatological forecast. The method of selecting predictors and developing the models was found to have surprisingly little impact on forecast skill. Interestingly, including contemporaneous SST did not always lead to a significant increase in skill. Comparison between the skill of the forecasts in different zones shows that the models had most skill in the southern and eastern parts of Ethiopia. For all forecasts, the extreme years (very rainy and very dry) were more reliably forecast than the average years. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society