Ethiopian Context Research Articles

Assessment of treatment outcomes and associated factors among patients treated with clozapine at amanuel mental specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Clozapine is a medication used in psychiatry. It is the first atypical antipsychotic drug and the most effective in treatment resistant cases of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Studies also show benefits of clozapine in patients with tardive dyskinesia. However, there is scarcity of studies which show the outcome of clozapine treatment and factors associated with it in the Ethiopian context. The aim of the study was to assess treatment outcome and factors associated with it among patients treated with clozapine at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A hospital-based retrospective study, compounded by cross-sectional design was conducted from June 1-30, 2022. A total of 71 clozapine treated patients were taken through census method. An interviewer administered structured questionnaire, retrospective data from patient medical records, and clinical evaluation of severity and improvement (CGI) were used to collect data. The collected data were entered into Epidata version 4.6 Software then exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for statistical analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with treatment outcomes. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant and strength of the associations were presented by adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Fifty one (71.8%) of participants showed improvement by clozapine treatment. Literacy level of high school and above showed significant positive association with treatment outcome (AOR: 7.65, 95% CI: 1.26-46.36, p<0.05) while extreme severity of illness at onset of clozapine treatment showed significant negative association with treatment outcomes (AOR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02-0.99, p<0.05). Treatment with clozapine resulted in significant improvement in clinical and functional outcomes of treatment-resistant schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, as well as in tardive dyskinesia. Higher literacy level and severity of illness at onset of treatment showed significant associations with outcome. Clozapine is an atypical or second generation antipsychotic first used in the 1960s. It was withdrawn at first after its use was associated with a number of deaths due to agranulocytosis in Finland in 1975 [1,2]. In 1988 a landmark study demonstrated that the medicine was helpful to patients with schizophrenia who were unresponsive to other medications. Clozapine was then reintroduced into clinical use [3]. Since then, clozapine has been shown to be the only medicine which reduced suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia. Clozapine is now the medicine of choice for treatment-resistant schizophrenia [1]. The antipsychotic efficacy and the complete absence of extrapyramidal adverse effects of clozapine have been well documented. The benefit of clozapine for treating patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and those who are particularly prone to extrapyramidal adverse effects has been most remarkable [2].

Ignoring the Impact of Fermentation Could Result in Substantial Misestimation of Folate and Cobalamin Adequacy: A Simulation Study on Injera Consumption in the Ethiopian Context

Ignoring the Impact of Fermentation Could Result in Substantial Misestimation of Folate and Cobalamin Adequacy: A Simulation Study on Injera Consumption in the Ethiopian Context

Informal Networks; Its Power and Influence in Higher Education Institutions as Perceived by University Leaders: A Phenomenography Research

Modern organizations consist of two interwoven structures: the formal hierarchy and an informal network. The latter, which has gained prominence in organizational studies, significantly influences an institution’s operations. While the impact of informal networks on organizations has been extensively studied globally, there remains a gap in research within the Ethiopian context. This study explores the influence of informal networks on formal institutional frameworks at Debre Berhan University using a qualitative phenomenographic approach. Findings reveal that university leaders often underestimate their reliance on these networks despite their vital role in organizational effectiveness. Informal structures frequently operate alongside or even override formal policies, affecting leadership, decision-making and institutional culture. Based on these insights, the study offers theoretical implications and practical recommendations for integrating informal networks within formal structures effectively.

Design and development of a mobile mental health application for individuals with depression and anxiety: design science research methods

ABSTRACT Mobile applications for depression and anxiety are valuable in low-resource settings with limited mental health services. Engaging users and key stakeholders in application design and development ensure patients’ needs are met, particularly in developing countries. Currently, no mental health applications are tailored to the Ethiopian context. The Design Science Research Method was applied to present the requirements of mental health professionals and usability tests. The results of the study informed essential features such as information on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress; self-care strategies; self-assessment tools; and reminders for medication and appointments. The Cognitive Walkthrough (CW) results showed that study participants liked and agreed with most of the app interface design. Furthermore, closed testing results showed high user satisfaction, highlighting its potential to be widely adopted for other types of mental health conditions in Ethiopia. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive and methodologically rigorous approach to developing a mobile mental health app tailored to the needs of low-resource settings, with a specific focus on Ethiopia. The research contributions lie in identifying key stakeholder requirements, involving mental health professionals in the design process, utilizing iterative feedback from experts, and preparing the app for real-world testing.

Fetal outcomes and associated factors of antepartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) is a significant obstetric complication characterized by bleeding from the genital tract before the onset of labor. It poses serious risks to both maternal and fetal health, with potential outcomes including preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased perinatal mortality. In Ethiopia, where access to comprehensive prenatal care and emergency obstetric services may be limited, the impact of APH on fetal outcomes is a pressing concern. Despite the gravity of this condition, there is a lack of synthesized evidence on its prevalence and the associated risk factors specific to the Ethiopian context. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to consolidate existing research on the fetal outcomes of APH and identify the key factors contributing to its incidence and severity in Ethiopia. Following the PRISMA checklist guidelines, this study concentrated on research undertaken in Ethiopia. Comprehensive searches across multiple databases Google Scholar, Google, Web of Science, and PubMed yielded six pertinent studies. Data were systematically gathered using a structured checklist and analyzed with STATA version 14. The Cochrane Q test and the I² statistic were utilized to assess heterogeneity. Additionally, publication bias was examined using Egger's weighted regression, a funnel plot, and Begg's test. This study reviewed 525 research articles that included a total of 22,914 participants. Our meta-analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of perinatal mortality due to antepartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia is 21.79% (95% CI: 12.32-31.25). Key factors influencing perinatal mortality associated with antepartum hemorrhage included living in rural areas (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.33-1.98), delays in seeking medical care for over 12 hours (OR = 5.43, 95% CI: 1.01-29.14), prematurity (OR = 9.00, 95% CI: 5.39-15.03), and experiencing severe vaginal bleeding prior to arrival at a medical facility (OR = 7.04, 95% CI: 2.14-23.13). The study reveals a high perinatal mortality rate of 21.79% associated with antepartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia. Contributing factors include rural residence, delays in seeking care, prematurity, and severe vaginal bleeding. To reduce mortality, improve rural healthcare, strengthen emergency systems, and enhance prenatal care. Public education on early intervention and specialized care for premature infants are also essential. Collaboration among healthcare providers, government, and NGOs is crucial for effective, sustainable solutions.

Understanding Ethiopian farmers' intention to adopt biofortified orange-flesh sweet potatoes

PurposeBiofortification is a promising strategy for addressing malnutrition and food insecurity by enriching staple crops with nutrients. However, farmers’ adoption is crucial for their success. This study aims to shed light on Ethiopian farmers' intentions to adopt biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) using the motivation, opportunity and ability (MOA) framework.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data from a cross-sectional survey of 370 sweet potato farmers in Ethiopia. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the factors influencing farmers' intention to adopt OFSP.FindingsAbility-, motivation- and opportunity-related factors significantly influenced adoption intention. Specifically, knowledge of OFSP benefits, production skills, crop characteristics and access to institutional services positively influences adoption. However, farming experience has a negative effect.Practical implicationsThese findings emphasize the importance of educating farmers about OFSP’s high vitamin A content and favourable agronomic features. Additionally, understanding farmers' experiences and enhancing their production skills are crucial for increasing adoption rates. Targeted educational programs and support services can address these gaps and deficiencies.Originality/valueThis study is the first to analyse Ethiopian farmers' adoption of OFSP using an MOA framework. It offers a novel approach to understanding the complex interplay of psychological factors that influence adoption intentions. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into the Ethiopian context, filling a gap in the literature. These findings contribute to the development of targeted strategies for promoting biofortified crops in Ethiopia and other similar global contexts.

Development and validation of a secondary school classroom engagement instrument in math and science in the Ethiopian context.

Classroom engagement is the most influential variable in predicting students' academic achievement. However, a valid and reliable instrument for measuring students' classroom engagement in the Ethiopian context remains unexplored. This study aimed to develop and validate an Ethiopian secondary school student classroom engagement instrument. A total of 119 items were selected through a rigorous literature review, and 40 of these items were initially drafted on the basis of expert judgment. These selected items were subsequently tested on 1,771 students: 383 for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), 1,346 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and 42 for test-retest reliability. The internal consistency of the full scale and subscales of this tool were computed via Cronbach's alpha. The measurements of invariance across gender and grade levels were analyzed to determine the level of equivalence of the instrument. The findings revealed that this tool is valid and reliable and measures six sub-constructs of the attribute of classroom engagement. Therefore, the use of such valid and reliable tools in future measurement studies of Ethiopian high school students' mathematics and science classroom engagement is suggested. Finally, scholars in math and science research would benefit from using this tool either to cross-validate or synthesize their studies.

The complex lived experience of women with infertility in Ethiopia: An interpretative phenomenologic analysis.

The complex lived experience of women with infertility in Ethiopia: An interpretative phenomenologic analysis.

Practice of balanced scorecard implementation and its contributing factors among public primary hospital professionals in Central Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

Globally, a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is used to measure healthcare institutional performance. Thus, since 2010, Ethiopia has adopted and implemented BSC in all its civil service organizations. Ineffective implementation of this tool has a significant impact on the healthcare performance. The health sector's healthcare provision, customer satisfaction, customer retention, organizational profit, changes and improvements in the healthcare delivery practice are affected by the implementation of BSC tools. However, no evidence or study indicates the implementation of BSC practice in the Ethiopian context. Thus, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of BSC implementation practice and associated factors among healthcare providers at public primary hospitals in the Central Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A mixed methods study was carried out at public primary hospitals from May 25 to June 26, 2022, in Central Gondar zone with 404 study participants. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique for the quantitative part, and 12 study subjects were chosen purposively for the qualitative part. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. The strength of associations was measured using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% CI and a p-value of less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis to declare significant factors. Thematic analysis was applied for the qualitative data using open code 4.03 version software. The implementation practice of BSC was found at 48.5% (95% CI: 43.6, 53.4%) with a response rate of 95.28%. Teamwork (AOR: 2.68, 95% CI; 1.53, 4.69), organizational communication (AOR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.79, 5.89), and availability of infrastructure (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI; 1.14, 3.64) were significantly associated to balanced scorecard implementation practice. The implementation practice of BSC was poor compared to the national standard and the findings of prior studies. Thus, concerned stakeholders need to focus on improving and working on organizational communication channels, teamwork, and infrastructure fulfilment to facilitate the implementation practice of a balanced scorecard.

Perinatal outcomes and predictors of placental abruption: a retrospective study in an Ethiopian tertiary care center.

Placental abruption is a critical obstetric condition characterized by the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, leading to severe maternal and fetal complications. In Ethiopia, the maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates are alarmingly high, and placental abruption significantly contributes to these adverse outcomes. Despite its severity, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the burden, risk factors, and outcomes associated with placental abruption in the Ethiopian context. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the adverse perinatal outcomes of placental abruption and the factors associated with these outcomes among pregnant women admitted to the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia. An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 367 pregnant women who were admitted and managed for placental abruption from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2023, at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A simple random sample method was employed to choose the medical records. Data was collected using a checklist prepared with the KOBO collect tool and then exported to SPSS version 25.0. Variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 were deemed significant in the multivariable logistic regression analysis that was done. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported. The prevalence of adverse perinatal outcome of placental abruption was 39.2, 95% CI: 34.3-44.1. The most common adverse outcomes were prematurity (25.6%), low birth weight (25.6%), and NICU admission (13.9%). Severe placental abruption [AOR (CI) = 8.82 (4.48-17.31)] and abruption at preterm gestation [AOR (CI) = 18.71 (9.59-36.42)] were significant predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes. The adverse perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by placental abruption in this study were higher compared to other studies in Ethiopia. The degree of placental abruption and gestational age at diagnosis were significant associates of adverse perinatal outcomes. The study highlights the critical need for patient-centered counseling on antenatal bleeding to encourage early healthcare-seeking behavior, close follow up for those undergoing expectant management and the early detection and management of placental abruption to improve perinatal outcomes.

A comprehensive review on nano-fertilizers: preparation, development, utilization, and prospects for sustainable agriculture in Ethiopia.

With their many benefits including better crop yield and nutrient delivery, nano fertilizers are a promising option in the agriculture sector. The production and formulation of nanoparticles with regulated size, shape, and content are required to prepare nano fertilizers. Metals, metal oxides, and polymers are among the materials from which nanoparticles are made using chemical and physical processes. Subsequently, these nanoparticles are mixed into fertilizers to enhance plant absorption and availability of nutrients. Nano-fertilizers have several benefits, including efficient nutrient absorption, reduced nutrient losses, minimized environmental pollution, optimized resource utilization, and controlled release of nutrients for sustained plant nourishment. Studies have demonstrated that by boosting nutrient availability, encouraging root development, and strengthening stress tolerance, nano fertilizers can greatly enhance crop yields. Moreover, it has been discovered that they increase microbial activity and soil fertility, which improves soil health and long-term sustainability. Nano-fertilizers can be applied in different ways, like foliar spraying, seed coating, soil integration, or irrigation systems. They are beneficial in precision agriculture for better nutrient management, soil restoration, and addressing nutrient deficiencies. Furthermore, they potentially lessen the negative environmental effects of traditional fertilization methods. Nevertheless, there are still several issues that need to be resolved before nano fertilizers may be commercialized and widely used. Regulatory frameworks, environmental destiny, potential toxicity of nanoparticles, and cost-effectiveness are some of these challenges. The purpose of this review is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of nano fertilizers. It will cover topics such as their preparation and characterization, potential side effects, and a diverse range of applications. Additionally, it will present an overview of the importation of chemical fertilizers and explore the prospects of utilizing fertilizers in the Ethiopian context.

Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors Among Cardiovascular Disease Patients at a Teaching Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become a widely recognized outcome measure to assess the impact of illnesses or effectiveness of treatments. This study was carried out to investigate HRQoL and associated factors among cardiovascular disease patients. Method: This is a cross-sectional study and was carried out from July 01 to August 30, 2021. The patients were recruited using systematic random sampling technique and data was collected using EQ-5D five-level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires and EQ visual analog scale (EQ VAS). Utility index values were calculated using disutility weights set in Ethiopian context. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to compare the median index values and EQ VAS scores across subgroups. Tobit regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with HRQoL. Results: Performing usual activities (76.8%) and pain/discomfort (74.9%) were the first and the second dimensions of most frequently reported health problems, respectively. The overall median (interquartile range) EQ-5D-5L index value and VAS score were 0.82 (0.65-0.92) and 70.0 (60.0-80.0), respectively. Older age, multiple CVD diagnoses, and adherence problems to medications were found to be negatively associated with HRQoL. Conclusion: In conclusion, performing usual activities and pain/discomfort were the dimensions with the most frequently reported problems. This finding dictates the importance of giving special attention to these dimensions in managing CVD patients. Besides, older age, multiple CVDs, and nonadherence to medications were negatively associated with HRQoL. Thus, acting in consideration of these factors in patient management may have positive implications in improving their HRQoL.

Alienation in Ethiopian cinema: "T'eza" ("Morning Dew") and "Səlä 'änəči" ("About you") in focus.

The main objective of this study was to show and analyze the representation of alienation in selected Amharic films. The films selected for the analysis include T'eza (Morning Dew) (2008) by Haile Gerima and Səlä 'änəči (About you) (2009) by Belay Getaneh. The study explores how the selected Amharic films depict characters facing estrangement and marginalization in Ethiopian society, focusing on their struggles with alienation and identity. It aims to uncover the psychological and social dynamics behind these experiences and provide insights into themes of identity, loss, and societal exclusion. Using psychoanalytic and Marxist theories, the study analyzed the psychological, cultural, political, and social dimensions of alienation portrayed in these films. This study is sought with an interpretative paradigm and qualitative approach, employing narrative and descriptive designs. The films serve as the primary source of data, supplemented by secondary data from journals, books, and internet sources to provide additional context and theoretical support. The study highlights varied experiences of alienation among main characters, aiming to deepen understanding of this theme in Ethiopian cinema and inform efforts to address alienation in Ethiopian society. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to understanding this theme within the Ethiopian context, specifically through the lens of Amharic films. In conclusion, the study's findings and analysis can inform discussions and interventions aimed at addressing alienation and its consequences in Ethiopian society.

Presence of Heavy Metals in Vegetables Irrigated with Wastewater-Impacted Rivers and Its Health Risks in Ethiopia: Systematic Review.

Vegetables play critical role in human nutrition and overall health. However, consumption of vegetables cultivated through wastewater-impacted river can be source of potentially toxic heavy metals, which can cause detrimental health effects when their concentration exceeds the recommended maximum levels. Despite growing body of evidence highlighting the dangers associated with heavy metal accumulation in vegetables, there remains critical gap in systematic assessments within Ethiopian context. Therefore, objective of this review is to reveal heavy metals concentrations in vegetables grown with wastewater-impacted river and assess associated public health risks. Research articles published in English were identified through systematic searching using electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, WHO/FAO library, and searching from Google manually. The outcomes of interest were mean concentration of heavy metals in vegetables and associated health risks. Cross-sectional studies that met inclusion criteria were considered. Data were extracted by independent reviewers. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using critical appraisal tools. Moreover, health risks of consumers were assessed through evaluating estimated daily intakes (EDI), Health Risk Index (HRI), and Hazard Index (HI). Nineteen articles were included in this systematic review. The findings revealed that the mean concentration of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Hg, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, and Fe in tested vegetables ranged from: 0.28-7.68, 0.75-33.01, 0.14-3.93, 0.05-3.13, ND-4.25, 0.92-15.33, 2.13-13.1, 18.27-62.83, 8.83-331.8, and 177.8-1034.3 mg/kg (dry weight), respectively. The EDI of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Hg, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, and Fe in vegetables was range from: 0.00104-0.0286, 0.00279-0.123, 0.00052-0.0146, 0.0000372-0.0116, 0.0124-0.0158, 0.00342-0.0439, 0.0079-0.0487, 0.068-0.23, 0.03-1.23, and 0.53-3.84 mg/kg/day, respectively. The HRI of toxic heavy metals for all vegetable types ranged as; Pb (0.26-7.15), Cr (0.00186-0.0820), Cd (0.52-14.6), As (0.12-38.7), and Hg (1.24-1.58). The HRI due to consumption of all vegetables was 35, 0.168, 46.6, 70, and 2.82 for Pb, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg, respectively indicating severe health impact except for Cr. This review underscores health implications linked to consumption of vegetables cultivated using wastewater in Ethiopia. It revealed that the concentration of toxic heavy metals in vegetables grown with wastewater-affected water was higher than the maximum allowable safe limit set for edible vegetables by WHO that would be a public health risk.

Burden of diabetic ketoacidosis and its predictors among diabetic patients in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Multiple studies across Ethiopia have investigated the occurrence of DKA, showing significant variations and conflicting findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis seek to consolidate the overall prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis and its associated factors in the Ethiopian context. The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Data was collected from PubMed/MEDLINE, Science direct, Google Scholar, and gray literature sources. Microsoft Excel was used for data extraction and summary, while the analysis was performed with R software version 4.3.2. The overall pooled prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis and its components was estimated using a random effects model. Publication bias was assessed both graphically, using funnel plots, and statistically, with tests such as Egger's regression test. Subgroup analysis were carried out to minimize random variations in the estimates from the primary studies. The pooled estimated prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis among diabetic patients in Ethiopia was 46% (95% CI; 36, 57; I2 = 100%, P≤0.001). Medication discontinuations (AOR = 1.30, 95 CI 1.20, 1.64), presence of comorbidity (AOR = 1.53, 95 CI 1.10, 2.20) and presence of infection (AOR = 1.62, 95 CI 1.31, 1.98) had an association with diabetic ketoacidosis among diabetic patients. Medication discontinuations, comorbidity, and infection are individual contributors to diabetic ketoacidosis in diabetic patients. Implementing initiatives to enhance medication adherence and establish comprehensive diabetes management programs covering glycemic control, comorbidities, and infection management can effectively address these factors.

Topic Words‐Based Multilingual Hateful Linguistic Resources Construction for Developing Multilingual Hateful Content Detection Model Using Deep Learning Technique

Nowadays, social media platforms provide space that allows communication and sharing of various resources using a variety of natural languages in different cultural and multilingual aspects. Although this interconnectedness offers numerous benefits, it also exposes users to the risk of encountering offensive (OFFN) and harmful content, including hateful speech. In order to create a model for detecting hateful content in resource‐rich languages, lexicons, word embedding, topic modeling, and transformer language models were applied. Low‐resource languages, including Ethiopian languages, suffering in lack of such linguistic resources. Multilingual hateful content detection brings complex challenges due to cultural and linguistic varieties. The paper proposes a multilingual hateful content identification model using a transformer language model and hybrid lexicon techniques to enhance hateful content recognition in low‐resource Ethiopian languages. First, hateful content disseminated on Facebook in Ethiopian‐languages target was identified as (insult, identity hate, antagonistic, and threat) using topic modeling techniques. Then, we compiled different hateful terms from sources such as guidelines and proclamations related to the Ethiopian context. We created Ethiopian context‐based transformer language models. We utilized topic words‐based datasets to construct pretrained transformer language models and multilingual lexicons of major Ethiopian languages. Finally, their performance was compared by integrating them into deep learning‐based low‐resource Ethiopian languages’ hateful content detection framework. Among applied deep learning algorithms with Ethiopian language linguistic resources, word2vec‐based multilingual lexicons with convolutional neural network (CNN) outperform than others. The result indicated that constructing topic words based multilingual word2vec lexicons outperformed than transformers language model based on topics modeling for low‐resource Ethiopian languages, effectively produce the promising hate speech (HATE) detection approach of low‐resource Ethiopian languages.

Trends and Orientations in Science and Mathematics Education in Ethiopia

The historical and philosophical foundation of science and mathematics education (SME) is not well documented in the Ethiopian context. The writing of this article was initiated from unclosing how the field is conceptualized and enacted. Indeed, there have been various initiatives on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The implication is that STEM education is an integration of the fields including science education and mathematics education. Yet, to what extent is the inclusion? Again, is STEM part of science and mathematics education? In order to answer such questions, accessible data on events, project activities and educational studies pertinent to the subject were collected and reviewed. In this regard, email correspondences and focus group discussions were among the tools. Then, the analyses brought two underlying perspectives: the educational/training practices in subjects and the field as a domain of knowledge and research. In the one hand, issues of curriculum and policy, teaching and learning, textbook research and development, lesson study, context, and teacher training were found prioritized. On the other hand, Science/Mathematics Education, as a field of study and practice, has been evolving in four hubs. The historical foundations, learned experiences and the contemporary issues imply to the existence of different points of views. It is found that STEM education and Science/Mathematics Education are not connected. Thus, there is a need to boost the field as a valuable foundation for viable development.

The Need for a Comprehensive Teacher Education Policy in Ethiopia: A Policy Brief

Ethiopia’s teacher education system has faced significant challenges over the years, including teachers' recruitment, development, career pathways, retention, and the misalignment between teacher training programs and the realities of classroom teaching. This policy brief addresses the critical need for reform in teacher education in Ethiopia, emphasizing its integral role in enhancing the overall quality of education across the nation. Despite acknowledging the importance of quality teaching in the 2023 Education and Training Policy, it fails to provide comprehensive guidelines for the recruitment, development, and retention of teachers. As Ethiopia strives to achieve its educational goals, including those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for quality education, the deficiencies in teacher education represent a significant barrier to progress. The brief identifies key gaps in the 2023 Education and Training Policy, which inadequately addresses the critical aspects of teacher education provisions, and alignment with the Ethiopian Education Roadmap. To address these pressing issues, this brief outlines policy options, including the formulation of a dedicated teacher education policy that focuses on effective recruitment, training, and career pathways. Additionally, it recommends strengthening continuous professional development programs to enhance teacher skills and motivation, while ensuring alignment with the national education roadmap. Comparative analyses with successful international teacher education systems, such as those in Finland and Singapore, provide insights into effective strategies that could be adapted to the Ethiopian context. Without significant action in teacher education policy, Ethiopia will struggle to improve educational outcomes and meet its national development goals.

Unpacking the Impact of Political Instability on Economic Growth in Ethiopia: Analysis of the Direct and Indirect Pathways (1995-2020)

Political stability is extensively recognized as a crucial determinant of economic growth and development in a broader context. Grounded in this assertion, this research endeavor sought to explore the correlation between political instability and economic growth within the Ethiopian context from 1996 to 2020. Throughout the duration of the study, Ethiopia has implemented various institutional reform initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and establishing a stable political environment. Macro-level trend analyses substantiate that, over the last twenty years, Ethiopia has achieved significant economic growth, albeit hampered by macroeconomic mismanagement; nevertheless, the federation has not succeeded in attaining a stable political framework. In this context, employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach, this investigation has revealed a long-term co-integration between political instability and economic growth in Ethiopia, with political instability exerting a negative and significant impact on economic growth in both the short and long term. Additionally, the study has identified that political instability adversely influences economic growth by diminishing investment, human capital, labor, and the country’s exports. Consequently, it is proposed that ensuring political stability constitutes one of the essential prerequisites for achieving sustainable and accelerated economic growth in Ethiopia.

Reimagining Ethiopia: Philosophy Education as a Tool for Overcoming Ethnic Divisions

Abstract The paper explores the role that can be played by philosophy education in Ethiopia are a means to develop a shared meaning that is able to go beyond the ethnic polarization that is currently haunting the nation. It shows that through the introduction of a philosophy education that fosters a culture of critical reflection, dialogue, and reflection on the nature of human existence, human values, and a moral fabric that is able to bestow a sense of a common purpose on the lives of individuals, one can develop a shared conception of meaning in the Ethiopian context. This reflective exercise, made possible by philosophy education, can lead into the bridging of ethnic divisions and a process of intercultural understanding that is able to introduce commonly shared normative systems. In a nation like Ethiopia that is being plagued by ethnic divisions rooted in the system of ethnic federalism, philosophy education can provide a foundation for social cohesion and ]ethical deliberation that leads into the creation of an inclusive society grounded on the development of a shared sense of identity.