Ethiopia Research Articles

Potential Site Suitability Analysis for Wind Farm Development Using GIS and Multi-Criteria Analysis

The energy consumption of most developing countries like Ethiopia highly depends on biomass and imported fuels. These sources of energy have imposed severe impacts on the environment.Recently, Ethiopia has begun to harness electricity from renewable energies mainly from hydro- dams to meet its energy need. However, the existing energy production of the hydro-dams declines during dry season due to shortage of river waters. So, it is important to look for other renewable energy sources like wind to compliment the energy decline. This study presents an identification of suitable site for wind farm development in selected districts of Tigray Region. Ten major biophysical, environmental and socio-political factors were identified that influence the wind farm development. These major factors were delineated from the different spatial datasets which were collected from various sources. ArcGIS 10.3 and ERDAS 9.2 software were used to prepare factor maps for all variables. The pair wise comparison associated with Analytical Hierarchy Process was used to weigh the factors then weighted overlay model was applied. The findings of the overlay showed that there are sufficient lands suitable for grid- based and off-grid wind farms development in the study area. About 140.5 km2 i.e. 6.5% is highly suitable and about 1103.1 km2 which means 51.0% is moderately suitable for wind farm development. A land of area 25 km2 entirely laid under highly suitable category was identified for wind farm design. The site has excellent wind speed and is located entirely in close proximity to the main roads and grid transmission lines. Keywords: Wind farm, GIS, multi-criteria analysis, renewable energies, AHP, Ethiopia

Developing and Piloting TB Medication and Refilling Reminder System in Ethiopia.

This project followed waterfall model to develop a context tailored and user-friendly reminder system to support home based TB treatment. Piloting was conducted on expert and patient levels. We developed a flexible and user-friendly web-based system that allows medication and refiling reminder. Participants agreed on its usefulness despite infrastructure and personal related challenges.

The Role of Rural Livelihood Diversification Strategies for Household Food Security in Southern Ethiopia: Empirical Evidence from Kecha Bira District of Kembata Tembaro Zone

Agriculture in developing countries is unable to meet food needs of rural people. Thus, rural households engage in to different livelihood diversification activities to ensure their food needs and secure their future livelihoods. The study investigated the role of livelihood diversification strategies for rural household food security in Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia with empirical evidence from Kecha Birra district with data collected from a sample of 355 households selected by multistage sampling technique. The descriptive statistics were used to identify the livelihood strategies in the study area. The finding of the study indicated that majority of the rural households (41.6%) engaged into on-farm activity. However, 22.54%, 21.41% and 14.37% practice on-farm plus off- farm; on-farm plus non-farm; and on-farm plus off-farm plus non-farm livelihood diversification activities respectively. Household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) was used to measure food security status of households. The study result showed that 51.27% households were food insecure and the rest 48.73% were food secured. Logistic regression model was used to assess the role of livelihood diversification strategies to rural household food security. The results of the model indicated livelihood diversification strategies, Income obtained from diversification activities, Education status of the households, Total farm land size of households, Total livestock unit owned and Training and extension service are positively and significantly related to rural household food security status and improves food security status of rural households. It confirmed that livelihood diversification strategies have a positive effect and would be the best solution to reduce poverty and improve food security at household level in rural areas. Therefore, due attention should be given to strengthen livelihood diversification strategies so as to improve rural household food security.

A Phenomenological Study of the Perceptions towards BIM Adoption Barriers and Strategies in Ethiopian Context

Architecture is in a constant process of change and innovation for the past few decades. The main driver of this is believed to be technology. The traditional paper-based process has evolved into a computer-aided design and now a days we are looking for even advanced method of design as well as construction practice. BIM have come to being due to this notion. The introduction of this method was a great revolution toward the whole disciplines in the construction industry. The adoption of new technologies or systems always requires the identification of potential barriers and key effective implementation strategies in order to ensure successful diffusion and implementation of the technologies. This paper is aimed at assessing the barriers that this method will encounter when it is going to be implemented. A phenomenological research methodology was used to asses lived perceptions of professionals in the Ethiopian construction industry.

Underutilized Natural Gum and Resin Resources in Ethiopia for Future Directions and Commercial Utilization

The drylands of Ethiopia are well known for their natural gum and resin producing tree and shrub species such as Acacia, Boswellia, Commiphora and Sterculia. The production and trade volumes of gums and resins in the country showed a declining trend since 2010. The present review work is focused on availability of alternative underutilized tree and shrub species to indicate the diverse gum and resin market opportunities. Several Sub-Saharan African countries are producing gum and resin products from diversified species. Gum arabic is collected from Acacia senegal (L) Willd, Acacia seyal DEL, and Acacia polyacantha Willd species. Three countries namely Sudan, Nigeria, Chad contribute about 97% to the international market, while Ethiopia's contribution is 0.9%. World demand for karaya gum from Sterculia setigera DEL is about 7,000 tonne and in Africa, Senegal is the leading exporter. Despite the huge resources of A. senegal, A. seyal and A. polyacantha, Ethiopia producing very low quantity, and gum is collected from natural oozes of trunks or branches. S. setigera is also found in the country, although gum karaya is not yet under production. South and south eastern parts of Ethiopia hosts abundant species of Acacia, Boswellia and Commiphora. Gum-resin products are collected from natural exudates by herdsmen, women and children while herding and doing other activities, indicating its adverse effects on quality and quantity. Very small proportions of Myrrh and gum opopanax enter the local market. Other constraints are, lack of appropriate institutions, infrastructure, tapping technologies and market information. Therefore, appropriate policy formulation, research and development interventions, are recommended for supporting sustainable management, production and marketing of products.

Genetic divergence analyses of lowland rice genotypes in North Western Ethiopia

Information on the nature and magnitude of genetic variability is one of the prerequisites for a successful breeding program in selecting genotypes with desirable characters. To estimate the level of genetic divergence of lowland rice genotypes, a field experiment was conducted using thirty-six genotypes during 2017 main cropping season. The experiment was laid out 6x6 simple lattice design. Analyses of variances showed significant differences among traits tested, except harvest index. Principal components PC1, PC2 and PC3 accounted for 64.16% of the total variation. The highest inter-cluster distance was exhibited between cluster I and IV (D2 = 769.77), cluster I and VI (D2=485.33), cluster I and III (D2=232.35), cluster III and IV (D2=312), cluster III and VI (D2=197), cluster IV and VI (D2=746.51), cluster VI and V (D2=259.51) and cluster VI and VII (D2=140.15). The crosses between genotypes selected from cluster I with clusters IV, VI and III; cluster IV with clusters III, VI and V are expected to produce better genetic recombination and segregation in their progenies. The cluster means for cluster VI and I were characterized by early heading and early maturity. While cluster I, II, III, and IV were characterized by high mean performance for grain yield for most of its components. Key words: Cluster analysis, divergence, genetic distance, principal component, rice.

Multilevel Analysis of Determinants of Stunting Prevalence Among Children Under Age Five in Ethiopia: Evidence from 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data

Background: Stunting is a well established child health indicator of chronic malnutrition related to environmental and socio economic circumstances. In Ethiopia, childhood stunting is the most widely prevalent among children under age five years. Thus, this study aimed to assess and model the determinants of stunting prevalence among children under age five in Ethiopia. Methods: Samples of 8487 children under age five and 640 community clusters were selected from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey in this study. The survey sample was designed to provide national, urban/rural, and regional representative estimates for key health and demographic indicators. The sample was selected using a two-stage stratified sampling process. The statistical model applied to determine the individual and community level factors associated with childhood stunting in Ethiopia was multilevel logistic regression model. Results: This study revealed that the prevalence of stunting among children under age five years in Ethiopia was around 39.39%. The multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the variation of predictor variables of the prevalence of stunting among children under age five. Accordingly, it has been identified that ages of the child above 12 months, male gender, children from poor households and no mother education have a significant effect on prevalence of stunting in Ethiopia. It is found that variances related to the random term were statistically significant implying that there is variation in prevalence of stunting across the regional states of Ethiopia. Conclusion: The current study confirmed that prevalence of stunting among children under aged five years in Ethiopia was severe public health problem, where 39.39% of them are stunting. Therefore, governmental and nongovernmental organizations or stakeholders should pay attention to all significant factors mentioned in the analysis of this study.

Contribution of parkland agroforestry in supplying fuel wood and its main challenges in Tigray, Northern, Ethiopia

Agroforestry is an aged practice in the Ethiopian farming systems of which parkland trees comprise the large part of agricultural landscapes. It is also the most dominant agroforestry practice in the semi-arid and sub-humid zones of Ethiopia. However, there is lack of research based evidence that shows the contribution of parkland agroforestry on fulfilling households’ fuel wood demand and towards improving the smallholder farmers’ livelihood. Hence, the main objective of this study was to assess the role of parkland agroforestry practice on fulfilling households’ fuel wood demand, improving livelihood and to identify the main constraint. Primary data was collected from actual field measurement and questionnaire based face to face interview with randomly drawn 138 parkland agroforestry user and non-user. Guided field observations, interview with key informants and focused group discussion were also conducted. About 108.56 ton (79.2%) annual fuel wood consumption was harvested from the parkland trees; whereas the non-parkland agroforestry households were mainly dependent on the surrounding natural forests to meet their fuel wood demand. The Propensity Score Matching model result indicated that there was significant difference (p<0.05) among the parkland agroforestry introduced and non-introduced households on the time they spent to collect fuel wood and income. Parkland agroforestry plays a crucial role in the households’ livelihood improvement (for example, income) and also to stabilize the pressure on local forests. However, the major challenges faced to improve the parkland agroforestry practice are farmland distance, free grazing, farmland size, general prohibition of fire wood selling, lack of farmers’ awareness, lack of extension support and dry climatic condition. Therefore, to enhance the multiple benefits of the parkland agroforestry, the main constraints that hinder the sustainability of the parkland agroforestry should be addressed. Key words: Agroforestry, fuel wood, livelihood, household, local forest, parkland.

Evaluation of multi-functional fodder tree and shrub species in mid-altitudes of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

A study was conducted to evaluate the early growth performance and nutrient composition of some selected tree/shrub species in the fodder bank agroforestry system. Moringa stenopetala, Terminalia brownii, Morus alba, Melia azedarach, and Sesbania sesban were used for this study. Square quadrants of 16 m2 plot sizes were established with the RCBD of three replications. Seedlings were planted with 1 m × 1 m spacing between rows and plants respectively. The growth and chemical composition of the studied tree/shrub species were evaluated with one way ANOVA. The growth parameters and nutrient composition of the studied fodder tree/shrub species are significantly (P ≤ 0.05) varied. The nutrient composition of the studied tree/shrub species ranged between percentages of 88.3 - 90.6 of Dry Matter, 5.7 - 13 of Ash, 12.45 - 22.35 of Crude Protein, 11.8 – 23.5 of Acid Detergent Fiber and 18.1 - 33.6 of Neutral Detergent Fiber. S. sesban and M. stenopetala are the consistent and superior tree/shrub species with growth performance and nutrient content parameters respectively. In addition to this, the selected fodder tree/shrub species are well adapted in the fodder bank agroforestry system and have considerable nutrient constituents. Thus the studied tree species seems to be a potential alternative for complementing the basal feed. Key words: Fodder bank, livestock feed, South Omo, nutrient composition, agroforestry.

Phylogeny and Systematic Revision of the Gecko Genus Hemidactylus from the Horn of Africa (Squamata: Gekkonidae)

The Horn of Africa supports a unique and rich diversity of squamate reptiles. Among them, the gecko genus Hemidactylus stands out as the most species-rich genus of the region. In this study, we assembled a genetic and morphological data set of 22 Hemidactylus species that form a clade termed the African radiation, which is part of the arid clade of the genus. We reconstructed their phylogenetic relationships using both concatenation-based approaches and species tree inference. Hemidactylus laevis, H. ophiolepoides, and H. somalicus have been sequenced and placed in a phylogenetic context for the first time in this study. Our results confirm the phylogenetic placement of these species within the African radiation of the genus. Early diversification within the clade, however, remains obscure. According to the analysis of concatenated data, H. laevis is sister to the rest of the clade, whereas the species tree analyses inferred the African radiation to be formed by two subclades, northern and southern, and H. laevis belonging to the former. We integrate evidence from multiple sources including genetic differentiation at both mitochondrial and nuclear levels, morphological disparification, and coalescent-based species delimitation to support the existence of two new species of Hemidactylus. We provide a formal description of these two new species, one from northern Ethiopia, Eritrea, and westernmost Somaliland, and one from southern Ethiopia, northern Kenya, and easternmost South Sudan. Furthermore, we found that of the morphological traits examined, the numbers of supralabials and infralabials bear phylogenetic signal and we were able to tentatively infer the phylogenetic placement of species for which genetic data are still missing.

Critical appraisal of the Ethiopian Reconciliation Commission: A comparative study

This paper examined the Ethiopian Reconciliation Commission establishment proclamation with a view to assessing the Commission’s probable effectiveness to attain its short, medium and long-term goals as a transitional justice accountability measure. For the purpose of critical appraisal, different factors which appear in the literature to be crucial to the effectiveness of truth commissions such as selection, appointment, removal and composition of commissioners, overall mandate given to commission, adequate financial resources and staff capacity, ensuring security and cooperation from the incumbent government, public engagement in course of investigation, report and recommendation and political will were used as comparable variables. Through a critical analysis, this paper has revealed that the Commission has the following strong dimensions that could contribute to its effectiveness, namely, a solid institutional set-up, a budget source, powers and duties endowed, security guarantee and cooperation from the incumbent government and its opportunities to engage the public in its work. Moreover, it has further pinpointed and analysed different drawbacks related to selection, appointment, removal and composition of commissioners, accountability structure and lack of clarity in its mandates including the period to be covered under investigation and final report dissemination strategy that could definitely affect the Commission’s effectiveness. Finally, despite its imperfections, the Ethiopian Reconciliation Commission could be workable as a transitional justice accountability measure. However, sustained political will and commitment is indispensable to capitalizing on the strengths and rectifying the weaknesses of the Commission to ensure its ultimate effectiveness. Key words: Transitional justice, truth commission, truth, peace, reconciliation, Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Cinema in the Era of Barrack Socialism (1974-1991)

Ethiopian Cinema in the Era of Barrack Socialism (1974-1991)

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local people in treatments of human and livestock ailments in Gasera Woreda, Bale zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

An ethnobotanical study of indigenous knowledge on the uses of medicinal plant species was conducted from December 2017 to March 2018 in Gasera district of Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State. The objective of the study was to document indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat human and livestock ailments, threats and conservation status of medicinal plants before it is lost. Different ethnobotanical techniques such as semi-structured interviews, group discussion, field observations and guided field walk were used for gathering data and a total of 97 informants from 6 kebeles were involved in the study. A total of 121 medicinal plant species belonging to 113 genera and 60 families were documented. Among plant families, Lamiaceae was the most dominant plant family represented by 10 species, followed by Solanaceae represented by 8 species and Asteraceae represented by 7 species. Most of the species (78 species) were collected from the wild while (43 species) were collected from home-gardens. A total of 59 (48.76%) species were used for the treatment of human ailments, 34 species (28.1%) were used to treat both human and livestock ailments and 28 species (23.14%) were used to treat livestock ailments only. Herbs were the most used plants, accounting for 52.89% followed by shrubs (23.14%), trees (19.01%), climbers (3.31%) and epiphytes (1.65%). Human interference through habitat destruction for agricultural expansion, construction, firewood and other purposes were the major threats to medicinal plants in the study area. Awareness raising and community based participatory forest management program should be encouraged.

Retraction notice to „Optimization of Sucrose Loss from Sugar Industry”

Retraction notice to „ Optimization of Sucrose Loss from Sugar Industry” Eur. Chem. Bull ., 2016 , 5(10) , 441-449 and DOI: 10.17628/ECB.2016.5.441 Omprakash Sahu, Jibril Goli, ⁎Department of Biotechnology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kalasalingam University, Anand Nagar, Krishnankoil-626190, Tamilnadu, India Department of Chemical Engineering, KIOT, Wollo University, South Wollo, Ethiopia School of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia This article has been retracted at the request of the editor as the authors have plagiarised part of a Thesis. One of the conditions of submission of a paper for publication is that authors declare explicitly that their work is original and has not appeared in a publication elsewhere. Re-use of any data should be appropriately cited. As such this article represents a severe abuse of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and we apologise to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process (we used a plagiarism detection software but the internet availability of the deposit had not been worked). An exhaustive check of the text showed that main elements of the text had been plagiarised from the following of source: Process Optimization to Reduce Sucrose Loss with Final Molasses: The case of Metahara Sugar Factory Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering Kassahun Mirkena

Marketing Channel and Margin Analysis of Wheat the Case of Debre Elias Woreda, North Western Ethiopia

The result of this study was analyzing the market chain of wheat in Debre Elias woreda. Specifically aims to analyze the market structure-conduct-performance of wheat market. To collect primary data, 154 wheat producers were selected using simple random sampling method and 31 traders were selected purposively. To address the objectives of the study, descriptive statistics were used. The result indicated that Debre Elias wheat market was inefficient, characterized by oligopolistic market structure. The major barrier to enter into the market was shortage of capital. Licensing and years of trading experience did not hinder entry into wheat trading activities. Moreover, the markets were overwhelmed by information asymmetry with low degree of market transparency. Problems like oligopolistic market structure and information asymmetry made the trading business uncompetitive and inefficient. The study recommends the agricultural sector should improve wheat production capacity by providing new technologies and create stablemarket system for farmer’s surplus production.

Assessment of Honey Production System and Beekeeping Practices in Bako Tibe District, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was carried out from November 2013 to March 2014 to collect the information on Beekeeping practice in the study area. From this study, about 91.7% Traditional and 8.3% Transitional and Modern beekeeping system were identified. The honey yield/hive from traditional, transitional and improved hives was 10.1kg/year, 18.5kg/year and 29.6kg/year, respectively. Two honey flow seasons were identified in the study area. The major challenges of beekeeping were, Bee disease, pests and predators, pesticide poisoning, lack of beekeeping equipments and materials, lack of honey storage facilities, lack of skill poor extension service. Due to high potential of the study area for apiculture and good quality standard of the honey, it is recommended to exploit the potential for export market with better intervention. Further study is also required to characterize the honeybees of the area and major pests and diseases of economic importance and their control.

Determinants of Credit Risk : The Case of Selected Commercial Banks in Ethiopia

Risk assessment is the careful analysis and evaluation of the diverse factors that can bring risks. Risk assessment provides the banks an opportunity to determine the vulnerabilities and risk associated with a banking system. The aim of this study is to assess determinants of credit risk in selected commercial banks in Ethiopia. To this end, secondary data from ten commercial banks over the period 2010 to 2017 were collected from the audited financial statement of the selected banks available in the National Bank of Ethiopia. The assumption tests were made and indicate the fitness of data for further tests and also the post estimation tests recommend pooled ordinary least square for the regression analysis. The result indicated that predictor variables like efficiency ratio, return on equity and bank size have statistically significant positive effects on the dependent variable (credit risk). In addition, the study showed that capital adequacy had statistically significant negative effect in predicting the dependent variable, credit risk. However, predictor variables like return on asset, leverage and loan to deposit ratio didn’t make any statistically significant effect on credit risk. Finally, it was recommended that, commercial banks in Ethiopia are advised to become more effective, in management to use funds contributed by shareholders, in spending sufficient resources on analyzing loan application, introduction of modern risk management technology, that are believed to improve the effectiveness of commercial banks in Ethiopia.

From a Refugee Camp in Ethiopia as a Social Worker to Working with Refugees as an Expert Psychotherapist in Ethiopia: A Story of a South Sudanese Canadian Immigrant

The author is an expert psychotherapist narrating how he became a refugee in his own country of origin after long years of persecution from an Arab-dominated regime. As the war broke out, the author, a young person at the time, was forced out of the country and sought refuge in Itang refugee camp in Ethiopia along with his parents. As a result of this displacement, the author then settled in a number of refugee camps in Ethiopia. During this time, he volunteered as a community worker and his interest in psychology was sparked. Upon arrival in Canada, the author began to pursue his studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Master of Counselling Psychology. In 2019, he then was certified as a Canadian Certified Counsellor. While in the process, the author worked for the Catholic School District Board at an Intercultural Wellness Programme as a Family Liaison Support Worker.

The ethiopian- eritrean conflict: the way to reconciliation

The paper explores the reasons for the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea and gives an account of the countries’

Implementation of Value Added Tax and It s Challenges: Evidence from Bench Sheko Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia

Implementation of Value Added Tax and It s Challenges: Evidence from Bench Sheko Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia