Guji Zone Research Articles

Consequence of Project Integration Management Process on Success of Project In Ethiopia

The objective of this investigation was to examine the consequences of the project integration management process on success of project in west guji zone road construction. This research employed descriptive and explanatory research design with quantitative and qualitative research approach. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were applied to select a sample of 250 respondents. From probability sampling stratified sampling and simple random were used to categorize heterogeneous people into strata. Also purposive sampling was used from non-probability. The primary data were collected through well-organized questionnaires. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential analysis. Descriptive data was expressed by average, mean and standard deviation. Inferential data were analyzed by regression, association with the aid of statistical tool SPSS version 20. The finding of the investigation indicates that project initiation, project planning, and project closure have positive and significant consequence on project success. However, project execution, project monitor and controlling have positive and insignificant consequence. The researcher suggests that Dudgadewa and Melka soda districts have to give first for project initiation, project planning, and project closure to improve the success of road construction. Furthermore, other researchers have to conduct investigation by taking project execution and controlling in west guji zone.

Determinants of uncontrolled blood pressure among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at Negelle and Adola General Hospital, Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia: facility-based case control study

BackgroundUncontrolled blood pressure is a significant public health problem associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In Ethiopia, 48% of hypertensive patients have Uncontrolled blood pressure. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of uncontrolled blood pressure among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at the Negele and Adola General Hospitals in the Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based, unmatched case–control study was conducted in Negelle and Adola General Hospitals, Guji Zone, from January-01–30, 2023, on 384 samples. Study participants were selected consecutively as they came for treatment until the required sample size was obtained. The data were collected using an interview-administered structured questionnaire and medical chart review. The data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to model the association between the dependent and independent variables. The candidate variables with p < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression. An Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) and 95% CI were used to measure the strength of the association. Finally, at p < 0.05, statistical significance was declared.ResultsA sample of 384 respondents (128 cases and 256 controls) were included, for a response rate of 100%. No adherence to medication (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.16–3.44), no adherence to smoking abstinence (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.05–3.22), no adherence to weight management (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.04–3.92), poor hypertension knowledge (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.26–3.76), use of traditional medicine (AOR = 9.13, 95% CI = 5.31–15.69), and overweight (AOR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.79–6.26) were significantly associated with uncontrolled blood pressure.ConclusionThis study revealed that no adherence to medication, smoking, weight management, poor hypertension knowledge, traditional medicine use, and being overweight were determinants of uncontrolled blood pressure. Since these are modifiable and preventable factors, there is a need to implement interventions that will enhance self-care practices in this population to improve treatment outcomes.

Soil-transmitted helminthes prevalence, intensity, and associated factors among school-aged children in the communities of west Guji Zone, South Ethiopia

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a major health problem among school-age children in developing countries. Prolonged exposure to STH can lead to reduced physical fitness, stunted growth, anemia, bowel obstruction, and cognitive impairments. ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence, intensity, and associated risk factors of soil-transmitted helminths among school-aged children in the west Guji Zone, South Ethiopia. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 614 randomly selected school-aged children in selected districts of the West Guji zone from February to March 2023. A pre-tested questionnaire was used, and samples were examined by wet mount and Kato-Katz techniques. Data entry was analyzed using SPSS. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to identify potential associated factors. P-value<0.05 was declared as statistical significance. ResultsThe overall prevalence of STH was 32.7 % (95 % CI: 28.4%–35.8 %). Ascaris lumbricoides 95 (11.1 %) was the most common identified STH. Most school-age children, 74 %, were infected with a mild intensity of soil-transmitted helminths (STH). The mean egg count for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms was 4465.4, 563.7, and 958.9, respectively. The study found significant associations with several factors, including washing hands with soap after using the toilet (AOR: 2.8, 95 % CI: 1.8–4.6), trimming fingernails (AOR: 4.6, 95%CI: 2.9–7.1), and the habit of wearing shoes (AOR: 2, 95%CI: 1.4–2.9) ConclusionSoil-transmitted helminths infection prevalence is high among school-aged children of the study areas. To prevent and control these infections, comprehensive health education should focus on the importance of hygienic practices, improved sanitation, and regular deworming programs for school-aged children.

Farmers’ Practice on the Management and Establishment of Bamboo Stands in Bore Woreda, Guji Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Farmers’ Practice on the Management and Establishment of Bamboo Stands in Bore Woreda, Guji Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Determinants of recovery time from severe acute malnutrition among cholera-exposed and unexposed children in Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study.

There is a vicious interplay between severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and diarrheal diseases including cholera. The lack of sufficient evidence on the time to recovery and its determinants among children with cholera prompted this investigation. The study aimed to evaluate the time to recovery and determinants among children with severe acute malnutrition, comparing cholera-exposed and unexposed children. A prospective cohort study was carried out from September 10, 2022, to February 21, 2023, among 224 children below 15 years. The study was conducted at cholera treatment centers and nearby communities in the Bale and Guji Zones of Oromia Regional state in Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information and anthropometric measurements were conducted weekly. After checking all assumptions, a multivariable Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to identify independent determinants of time to recovery using an adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Nearly 80% of participants recovered from SAM with a recovery rate of 40/1000 person-week observation and a median time to recovery of 21 days [Inter Quartile Range14-28]. The recovery time from SAM for cholera-exposed children was delayed by 54% [ARR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.30-0.69] compared to unexposed children. Similarly, the recovery time from SAM for food-insecured families was delayed by 39% [ARR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38-0.96] compared to food-secured families. Moreover, children with more than three meal frequencies per day had 1.61 times [ARR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.04-2.50] higher probability of fast recovery from SAM, compared to children with less than three meals. Children from families with good attitudes toward nutrition had more than two times [ARR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.45-3.41] higher probability of faster recovery from SAM than families with poor attitudes. The study revealed that cholera exposure is one of the main determinants of prolonged recovery time for children with SAM. Food insecurity, meal frequency, and the attitude of parents toward children's dietary habits were determinants for the recovery of children from SAM. The findings imply the need for designing interventions to enhance child feeding during cholera illness, focusing on key determinants.

Knowledge, attitude towards, and utilization of friendly health services among school adolescents in the pastoral community of Guji zone, Ethiopia: an institution-based comparative cross-sectional study.

Although sexual and reproductive health for adolescents is a recognized fundamental human right and a critical component of health policy, it is poorly addressed and seldom researched in pastoral communities. The study aimed to determine the status of sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and practice among pastoral school adolescents in Ethiopia. An Institution-based comparative study was conducted from Nov. 2020 to Jan. 2021. We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study at four randomly selected high schools. Seven hundred seventy-three adolescent students participated, with 384 from Gorodola and 389 from Wadara districts, Guji zone Ethiopia. The data was collected using 34 self-administered questions and analyzed using descriptive, t-test, and linear regression models. The study found that only 44.2% of all the participants had good knowledge, 46.1% had good attitudes and 35.4% had good utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services. Respondents from Wadara High School had significantly higher mean knowledge scores (49.3% vs. 44.2%, p < 0.01) than those of Gorodola High School. There was no significant difference in mean utilization scores between case and compare (45.08% vs. 37%, p > 0.01). Adolescents who were not communicated on SRH matters, previously utilized FHS, and visited Friendly Health facilities were associated with poor utilization of sexual and reproductive health services. Wadera High School adolescents have better Sexual and reproductive health knowledge and utilization than Gorodola high schools. Community public health care providers in Wadara District explain the outcome through their contributions. Within the context of inherent disadvantage in the school environment setting, there is a need to improve sexual and reproductive health education with a greater emphasis on school girls.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Anthrax among Community Members and Professionals in Dugda Dawa District of West Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Ethiopia is mainly vulnerable to zoonotic diseases (like anthrax) because its economy is primarily dependent on agriculture. There is a paucity of information on knowledge, attitude and practice among this community regarding anthrax. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to August 2023 to assess the current knowledge, attitude, and practices towards human and animal anthrax infection among community members and professionals in Dugda Dawa district, southern Ethiopia using a structured questionnaire.

Woody species’ carbon sequestration and soil seed bank conservation potentials of traditional rangeland management strategies in Western Guji, Southern Ethiopia

Rangelands are important for mitigating climate change and rehabilitating land by storing carbon from woody plants and seeds in the soil. However, there is a lack of empirical data on how traditional rangeland management practices (such as enclosure, communal grazing and prescribed fire) affect the carbon storage of woody species and the conservation potential of soil seed banks. This study evaluates the carbon sequestration and soil seed bank conservation potential of traditional rangeland management practices in the Western Guji zone, Ethiopia. A total of 32 sample plots were established using systematic random sampling, with 12 in each management practice, to measure woody biomass and estimate carbon stock using a nondestructive method. Additionally, 72 soil samples were collected for soil seed bank analysis, with 24 samples taken from each type of rangeland management practice. The study found that enclosures had the highest amount of carbon stocks 63.1 tons per hectare (t ha−1), with a corresponding carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) sequestration of 231.58 t ha-1, followed by communal grazing areas that stored 27.05 t ha−1 of carbon with a CO2e sequestration of 99.27 t ha−1. Prescribed fire had the lowest carbon stocks at 19.39 t ha−1, with a CO2e sequestration of 71.16 t ha−1. The study also found that different traditional rangeland management practices significantly influenced the diversity, richness, and density of woody species in soil seed banks. The highest Shannon diversity was recorded in enclosures (3.56 ± 0.09), followed by communal grazing (2.87 ± 0.14) and prescribed fire (1.27 ± 0.08). As a result, enclosure promotes the storage of carbon in woody plants and increases the diversity, density, and richness of woody species seeds in the soil, while prescribed fire reduces it. Therefore, it recommend for pastoralists to expand the use of enclosures as it improves the potential for conserving carbon stocks and soil seed banks of woody species.

Pre-scaling up of Desho grass technologies at highlands of Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Forage production is fundamental for livestock production. This activity was conducted to increase the production of improved Desho grasses, to increase wider demand for desho grass technologies, and to strengthen stakeholders’ linkage on desho grass production. In the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, 64 farmers were selected from eight kebeles in Bore, Arda Jila Mea Boko, and Ana Sora districts, based on their livestock and desho grass production. Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 and Areka DZF No# 590 improved desho grasses were pre-scaled with the recommended 50cm between rows and 10cm tillers, and 100 kg/ha NPS fertilizer was applied during planting, followed by 50 kg/ha UREA after establishment of the tillers. Desho grasses were promoted in areas ranging from 100 m2 to 400 m2. Training and a mini-field day were used to promote Desho grasses. Plot cover, plant height, regeneration, fresh biomass, and survival rate were collected through interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 variety (3.98) covered the land more than Areka DZF No# 590 (3.51). The higher plant height was recorded from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (95.83 cm), followed by Areka DZF No# 590 (82.95 cm). Regenerations following harvest can provide more feed from fixed land. Farmers reported that Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 and Areka DZF No# 590 varieties have 90.91% and 84.61% regeneration capacity, respectively. The Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 variety has a higher survival rate (91.13%) than the Areka DZF No# 590 variety (87.22%). The grasses performed well in terms of fresh biomass yield, plot coverage, plant height, regeneration capability, and survival rate on farmers' fields and their production can help to alleviate feed shortages in the highlands of the Guji zone. As a result, Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 and Areka DZF No# 590 desho grasses should be disseminated to highland areas of the Guji zone.

Nursing Documentation Practice and Associated Factors Among Nurses in East Guji, West Guji and Borena Zone Public Hospitals Southeastern, Ethiopia

Background: In health care systems, nursing care documentation is a vital and powerful tool that ensures continuity of care and communication between health personnel for better patient outcomes. The practice of nurses towards nursing care documentation affects the quality and coordination of patients’ care. Hence, this study aimed to assess the practice of documentation and its associated factors among nurses working in the Guji and Borena Zone public hospitals. Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design with a convergent mixed-method approach was employed from April 1 to May 30, 2022, among 502 sampled nurses working in East Guji, West Guji, and Borena Zone public hospitals in Ethiopia. Data were collected using self-administered structured and open-ended questionnaires for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Key informant interviews were conducted with nine respondents. Epi Data 4.6 was used for data entry, and SPSS version 26 software was used for data analysis. A logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants of nursing documentation practice, and statistical significance was declared at P &lt; 0:05. A thematic analysis approach was applied for the qualitative data analysis. Result: A total of 486 respondents provided complete responses, resulting in a response rate of 97%. The documentation practice was found to be 46.9%. Factors associated with good nursing documentation practice included the availability of guidelines [(AOR = 2.1), 95% CI (1.1-3.9)], education received in governmental institutions [(AOR = 2.6), 95% CI (1.7-4.0)], in-service training [(AOR = 1.7), 95% CI (1.01-2.7)], motivation [(AOR = 2.1), 95% CI (1.2-2.7)], favorable attitude [(AOR = 2.3), 95% CI (1.5-3.5)], documentation audit [(AOR = 2.0), 95% CI (1.0-3.7)], and good knowledge [(AOR = 2.1), 95% CI (1.2-3.5)]. The key informant interview explored factors like in-service. training, lack of supply, academic background, and educational status, as well as the vast nursing care format and lack of commitment, have a major impact on nursing documentation. Conclusion: In this study, the overall nursing documentation practice was poor. Therefore, it is important to make extra efforts to improve documentation practice by providing planned training on standards of documentation to all nurses, enhancing favorable attitudes, and increasing their knowledge by motivating them to develop a culture of good nursing documentation.

Nutritional knowledge and practice among antiretroviral therapy user adults in Bule Hora hospital, southern Oromia, Ethiopia.

Nutrition is the necessary basis for life, health, and human development over the entire lifespan. Poor nutritional knowledge, poor nutritional practices, and malnutrition among HIV-positive adults can contribute to accelerating the progression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and related diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the dietary knowledge, practices and associated factors of HIV-positive adults participating in antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Bule Hora Hospital, West Guji Zone, South Oromia, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional institutional study was conducted among 418 HIV-positive adults by systematic sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection and analyzed with SPSS version 21.0. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with dependent variables using adjusted odds ratio (AOR), with 95% CI (confidence interval) at p < 0.05. The result of this study showed that the prevalence of poor nutritional knowledge and poor nutritional practices among (HIV) positive adults was 74.9 and 69.1%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, adult age (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.30, 4.32), marital status (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.29, 4, 69), educational level (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.30) and occupational status (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.94) were significantly associated with the nutritional knowledge. Educational level (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.48, 4.50), monthly income (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.68, 4.69), and adult occupational status (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.89) were also significantly associated with the level of dietary practice. It was concluded that the respondents' nutritional knowledge and practices in the city of Bule Hora were poor compared to other national findings. The identified factors related to nutritional knowledge and practices were educational level, monthly income, adult occupation, and marital status of respondents in the study area. Therefore, each concerned agency should address the above gaps in nutritional knowledge and practices of HIV-positive adults in the study area.

Dietary adherence and associated factors among hypertensive patients in governmental hospitals of Guji zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been shown to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive adults, but there is limited information available on dietary adherence and related factors among hypertensive patients in the study area. Hence, the current study aimed to assess dietary adherence and associated factors among hypertensive patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years old in governmental hospitals of Guji zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June 5, 2023, and August 30, 2023. For this study, patients with a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher on two separate occasions were classified as hypertensive. Thus, the study involved 399 hypertensive patients who were selected using systematic random sampling methods. The level of knowledge regarding hypertension was measured through the use of hypertension knowledge-level scale (HK-LS) questionnaires, while the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha test (α ≥ 0.70).The association between factors was analyzed using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval. Variables with p-values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsAmong the respondents, only 28.30% (CI: 23.9, 33) of participants were found to be adherent to the recommended diet. Factors like participation in nutritional education, level of knowledge, respondents’ ages, and length of time since hypertension diagnosis showed a strong association with adherence to recommended dietary guidelines.ConclusionsThe research findings indicated that the level of compliance with the prescribed diet was generally subpar among individuals with hypertension in comparison to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet recommendations. So, it is essential to offer hypertensive patients an education focused on health and nutrition in order to enhance their adherence to dietary guidelines and promote a healthier dietary routine. The results of this research will also be valuable in increasing awareness among policymakers and the general public about the dietary adherence and its associated factors, thus aiding in the development and execution of suitable interventions.

Spatial variation of short birth intervals and their determinant factors among reproductive women in Ethiopia using a geographically weighted regression model.

In low- and middle-income nations, a significant proportion of maternal and infant deaths are caused by a short birth interval (SBI). In Ethiopia, it is the main factor contributing to maternal and infant mortality. Understanding the spatial distribution of SBIs, i.e., birth intervals of less than 33 months, and the factors that influence them is important for categorizing and promoting targeted interventions. This study used a geographically weighted regression model to evaluate the factors associated with SBIs in hot areas of Ethiopia. The 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey, which is nationally representative, provided the data for this study. The first step in the two-stage cluster design used to collect the data was enumeration areas, and the second stage was households. The survey was conducted between 21 March 2019 and 28 June 2019. A hot spot analysis (local Getis-Ord Gi* statistics) was initially used to investigate spatial variation in SBIs. Geographically weighted regression was used to examine the regional variation in the relationship between SBIs and the factors that cause them. The study indicated that the overall proportion of SBIs among women in Ethiopia was 43.2%. The values for Global Moran's I (Moran's I = 0.773 and p < 0.001) showed the presence of significant SBIs clustering in Ethiopian administrative zones in Ethiopia. High-risk areas of the SBIs include Jarar, Doolo, Shabelle, Afder, Liben, Korahe, Nogob, West Harerge, Guji, Sidama, and Assosa zones. Living in a geographic region with a high proportion of uneducated women, women lacking breastfeeding practices, and followers of Orthodox religions increased the proportion of SBIs. Our full map of hot spots for short birth spacing and the factors that affect them helps in the implementation of precise public health measures for decision-makers.

Assessment of Soil and Water Salinity Status of Bitata Small Scale Irrigation Scheme of Guji Zone Oromia, Ethiopia

The Soil salinity, sodicity and water logging are becoming an emerging challenge for the irrigation development. So, assessments of irrigation schemes are very important to see the problems they have. The assessment of soil and water salinity status of Bitata small scale irrigation scheme of Guji Zone, Oromia region was done to identify, analyze and map salinity level using Geographic information System, the chemical properties of the soil was done at laboratory for samples analysis. After, spatial analyst and interpolation by Inverse distance Weight and Re-class the soil analyzed. Then the area of influence of the points was determined for the selected parameters and the results of investigation shows the majority of sample results are non-saline non sodic, even if, the samples were less, the sodicity problems occur at the study area on surface soil by considering three parameters at once and non-saline and non-sodic for profile soil. And when considering individual parameters of surface soil the results shows slightly saline depends on Electrical conductivity of saturation extracts, considering the exchangeable sodium percentage slightly to extremely sodic results was observed. And the results of irrigation water quality shows Very high Saline and Low Sodicity. The finding of the study recommends intervention of sodicity for surface soil and salinity and sodicity for water source used for irrigation is very important to control the expansions of it to the whole area of the scheme and to minimize the risk of salinity and sodicity problems of the water source used for irrigation. Management techniques that improve soil fertility such as crop rotations, manuring, fallow periods, proper management of crop residues, vermicomposting and leguminous cover crops and water-saving irrigation technologies suitable to the land of the area are the best options. And similar work is necessary to get additional information of the study areas because of the results of surface and profile soil and water source used for irrigation were far apart from each other.

Determinants of home delivery among reproductive age women in Bore District, East Guji Zone, Ethiopia: a case-control study.

Home delivery, which is the process of childbirth at one's residence rather than in a health facility, is a major reason for maternal mortality caused by obstetric complications, such as sepsis, hypertensive disorders, and hemorrhage. Maternal and child mortality remains high in developing countries despite efforts made to reduce these outcomes. This is mainly due to poor utilization of institution-based healthcare services. Moreover, there is a limited number of studies that have addressed the determinants of home delivery in Ethiopia, including the study area. This study aims to identify the determinants of home delivery in Bore District, East Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia, in 2022. A community-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from 18 May to 5 July 2022 among 498 women (249 cases and 249 controls) who gave birth in Bore District. The case group included women who gave birth at home, while the control group included those who gave their last birth at health institutions. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data were collected using the KoboToolbox digital software and exported to SPSS Version 26.0 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to declare the statistical significance of the association of the the independent variables and home delivery. The study included a total of 496 respondents with a mean age of 32.5 (SD = ±5.5) for the case group and 33.7 (SD = ±5.2) for the control group. Among the assessed determinants of home delivery were not attending antenatal care (ANC) visits [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.6, 95% CI: 2.0-15.16], missing pregnant women's conferences (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.65-8.32), not receiving health education on pregnancy-related complications (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.3), inadequate knowledge of pregnancy-related danger signs (AOR = 6.0, CI: 3.0-11.9), inadequate knowledge about pregnancy-related complications (AOR = 3.0, CI: 1.55-6.13), and unfavorable attitude (AOR = 6.9, 95% CI: 2.16-22.6). In this study, not attending ANC visits, missing pregnant women's conferences, not receiving health education on pregnancy-related complications, inadequate knowledge of pregnancy-related danger signs, inadequate knowledge about pregnancy-related complications, and unfavorable attitudes were identified as determinants of home delivery. The district health office and other stakeholders should work on strengthening maternal health service delivery through appropriate ANC visits and participation in pregnant women's conferences and improving community awareness about pregnancy at all levels.

Pre-Extension Demonstration of Irish Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) in Midlands of Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Pre-Extension Demonstration of Irish Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) in Midlands of Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Genotype by environment interaction and stability study in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes in Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Genotype by environment interaction and stability study in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes in Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

An assessment of top managers’ commitment to business performance: a case study of the coffee processing industry in Guji Zone, Ethiopia

PurposeThis study aimed to analyze top management commitment to business performance in the context of coffee processing firms in Guji Zone, Ethiopia.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted on coffee processing firms in Guji Zone, Ethiopia, using a mixed approach with a descriptive and explanatory design. A systematic, simple random sampling technique was used to draw a sample. A total of 345 respondents were actively involved in the survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data through SPSS-20.FindingsThe results indicate that members of top management in the sector were committed to promoting their business performance. The findings of the study also reveal that top management commitment has significant and positive effects on the overall business performance of coffee processing firms.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to the coffee processing industry and generalization of the results to other sectors may be questionable. Similarly, the study was presented using primary data only. Thus, future researchers will be advised to strengthen their findings using the secondary data.Practical implicationsThe study’s implications have contributed to theoretical, practical and managerial perspectives. The findings validate and refine existing theories, provide practical insights for coffee processing firms and offer guidance for managerial decision-making and leadership development.Originality/valueUp to the time of the authors' literature review, no study with a similar topic on coffee processing firms in the Guji Zone was found and it is believed to be the first literature evidence for future researchers.

Characterization and Identification of Major Constraints and Potentials of Kiltu Sorsa Watershed, in Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country seriously affected by different natural resource degradation that included soil, vegetation, biodiversity and water degradation and climate deterioration. The study was conducted at Adola Rede District of Guji Zone, in Southern Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to document baseline information on socioeconomic aspects and to document major biophysical and socio-economic constraints and potentials of the study watershed. The survey data were collected using key informant interview, focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and guided field observations. A total of 60 respondents were selected for semi-structured interviews by means of simple random sampling methods. The majority (65%) of the respondent households were practiced physical and biological soil and water conservation activities. However, about 35% of the sampled households were not practiced soil and water conservation activities due to lack of awareness, lack of materials and labor. In the study watershed five major constraints such as land and soil related constraints, production related constraints, institutional and infrastructure related constraints, livestock related constraints and socio-economic related constraints were identified. However, suitable agro-ecology, availability of labor force, youth and women associations and informal institutions were the major identified potentials in the study watershed. Therefore, by using the potentials/opportunities of the study watershed and through providing quality extension services and training on soil and water conservation practices it is possible to enhance farmers participation and technical limitations. Moreover, for sustainable watershed management of the study area different soil and water conservation structures are very significant in various land use system of the study watershed through active participation of the local communities.

Assessment of Parkland Tree Species and Their Management Practice in Ana Sora District of Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted to identify parkland tree species and their management practice by smallholder farmers in Ana Sora District of Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The study was conducted by using multistage sampling methods. In the first stage one district was purposively selected based on the potential of park land tree species. Then, from the district by using simple random sampling methods two kebeles were selected and purposively from 40 farm lands an assessment of parkland tree species were conducted. In this study, 31(thirty one) tree species were identified in parklands of the study area and majority of them were indigenous tree species. In terms of parkland tree species preferences, Schefflera abyssinica, Hagenia abyssinica, Millettia ferruginea, Cordia africana and Croton macrostachyus were the most preferred top five tree species of the study area respectively. This study also showed that, farmers practiced thinning, pruning and pollarding management activities for better growth of underneath crops, to transfer the biomass of the trees to the crop fields and for various products of the trees. Moreover, smallholder farmers of the study area were obtained different services and products such as bee forages, shade, construction material, soil fertility improvement and fuel wood from parkland tree species either retained or planted on their farm lands. However, parkland tree species of the study area were faced various constraints. Therefore, attention should be given on conservation of parkland tree species and farmers should be encouraged by the government through research and extension services and supplying by planting materials to improve the significant of ecological and productive role of parkland tree species of the study area.