Horro Guduru Research Articles

Distribution of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) and its association with biophysical factors and cultivation practices in Horro Guduru Wollega highlands, Western Ethiopia

Distribution of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) and its association with biophysical factors and cultivation practices in Horro Guduru Wollega highlands, Western Ethiopia

Progress Report on Provision of Ring Vaccination for Blackleg in Cattle for Communities Surrounding Wollega Univerisity, Horro Guduru Animal Research and Genetic Conservation Centre

Progress Report on Provision of Ring Vaccination for Blackleg in Cattle for Communities Surrounding Wollega Univerisity, Horro Guduru Animal Research and Genetic Conservation Centre

Detection of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) antibodies in backyard poultry by using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) causes infectious bursal disease in poultry and poses a major challenge to the poultry industry globally. This study aimed to measure seroprevalences and so detect exposure to IBDV in backyard poultry in the selected zone of Horro Guduru Wollega. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to November 2022. Blood samples were collected for serum extraction from 384 backyard chickens in the Horro and Horro Bulluq districts. IBDV antibody detection was conducted using an indirect ELISA serological diagnostic test. Questionnaires assessed poultry owners? knowledge and health/hygiene management practices regarding the disease. The over all seroprevalence of IBDV was 14.84%. Significant variations in seroprevalence were seen based on district, bird age, bird sex, and flock size. Limited owner experience (just 1-3 years), disposing of carcasses in pits, and poor hygiene on the backyard premises were associated with higher IBDV seroprevalence. In conclusion, IBDV seroprevalence was linked to chicken management practices. Recommendations include improving poultry management among owners to control IBDV. The study indicates backyard poultry in the region have considerable IBDV exposure, and control should focus on improving management practices identified as high-risk, such as pit disposal of carcasses and poor hygiene.

Virulence analysis of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) in Horro Guduru Wollega, Western Ethiopia

AbstractStem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici is one of Ethiopia's most serious wheat diseases. Because of mutation and genetic recombination, stem rust can rapidly evolve new virulence to resistant genes. The Ethiopian highlands are well‐known hotspots for the rapid emergence and spread of new wheat stem rust races. The objective of this study was to determine the virulence diversity and spatial distribution of Pgt races in the main wheat‐growing districts, Horro Guduru Wollega. Wheat stem rust samples were collected from Abay Chomen, Amuru, Guduru, Hababo Guduru, Horro, Jardaga Jarte, Jimma Ganati and Jimma Rare districts during the main cropping seasons of 2015 and 2016. In the study, 147 stem rust isolates were derived from 121 viable samples. The physiological races of stem rust were determined on seedlings of standard wheat stem rust differentials using the International System of nomenclature. Twelve (12) physiological races of stem rust were identified. TKTTF, TTKSK, JRCQC, TRTTF and TTTTF were the most common in all districts with a frequency of 53.1%, 15.6%, 14.3%, 6.8% and 2.7%, respectively. TKTTF and TTKSK, two highly virulent races, were found in all districts. Four stem rust resistance genes (Sr11, Sr31, Sr36 and SrTmp) confer resistance to the majority of the virulent races identified. Sr24 was effective against all virulent races in this study but ineffective against the Ug99 variant (race TTKTT) detected in the country. The findings could be helpful for breeders to select many effective resistance gene combinations to provide more durable stem rust resistance.

Assessing Regeneration Status of Indigenous Woody Species in Kata Forest, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Horro District, Doyo Beriso Kebele

Natural forest is retaining due to the regeneration of seed bank and stump shoot and sprout. A study was conducted in Keta forest Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, western Ethiopia to assess the diversity, regeneration status of indigenous woody species. The natural regeneration of plant species in natural forest stand of Keta forest was studied by systematic sampling design since as Nov. 2019 E.C. Sample plots having 400m² area were taken from the forest. Result indicates that, there was 32 regenerating plant species investigated from the surveyed forest. The abundantly regenerating species is <i>Calputiana quera</i> (1722 seedling/hectare) followed by <i>Carissa edulis</i> (91102 seedling/hectare). Similarly, from their important value index (IVI) value, the over dominant species in terms of regenerating is found to be Calputiana <i>qurea</i> (IVI 41.72). There was high species diversity seedling in the areas found apart from the municipality than the closer sites. Similarly, there is high species richness in the site apart from the town than closer to town which describes there is a highly significant difference between site categories. The woody species distribution of the two categories is almost fairly distributed. There is a significant difference between areas closer to the town and apart from the diversity indexes; species richness, and density. Contrarily, species distribution within the surveyed site is evenly distributed.

Pre-Extension Demonstration of Improved Fodder oat Varieties in Selected Districts of Western Oromia, Ethiopia

The pre-extension demonstration of fodder oat technology with its full agronomic practices was done to demonstrate and popularize the newly released oat variety and thereby create awareness for farmers and agricultural extension agents. Two improved fodder oat varieties (Bate and Bonsa) were demonstrated on purposely selected AGP II districts namely; Boneya Boshe, Wayu Tuqa, Guto Gida, Diga, and Horro districts of East and Horro Guduru Wollega zones, respectively. One peasant association (PA) was selected purposely from each district based on forage production potential and compatibility with AGP II criteria. The experiment was demonstrated on a simple plot with a size of 10 x 10 m. Forage dry matter and grain yield data, and farmer perceptions and preferences were collected and analyzed by simple descriptive statistics and pair-wise ranking technique. The varieties showed remarkable variation in their dry matter and grain yield potential across the testing areas. The average dry matter yield performance of the Bate (4.67 t/ha) variety obtained from the farmer's field was relatively higher than Bonsa (4.19 t/ha) variety used as a standard check. Similarly, the average grain yield performance recorded for Bate (31.24 qt ha -1 ) variety was also higher as compared to Bonsa (25.02 qt ha -1 ) variety. Based on the procedure of variety evaluation and selection criteria, farmers set their criteria to evaluate, rank, and select the best variety following the real situation existing. Thus, against each of the criteria and weight attached, Bate variety was selected and ranked first for its high dry matter and grain yield, tolerance to disease and lodging, and leafiness as compared to Bonsa variety. Therefore; it is important to scale up this variety on a larger scale to improve the availability of quality feed and boost the production and productivity of livestock in the area. Keywords : Bate, demonstration, Farmers’ preference, fodder oat, herbage dry matter DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-18-03 Publication date: September 30 th 2021

Spatiotemporal variability and time series trends of rainfall over northwestern parts of Ethiopia: the case of Horro Guduru Wollega Zone.

This study examined the variability and trend of rainfall over Horro Guduru Wollega Zone. Studies such as this have paramount importance in countries and areas where rain-fed agriculture is predominant. Datasets for analysis were obtained from the National Meteorological Agency of Ethiopia (NMA) from 1987 to 2016 and Climate Hazard Group InfraRed Precipitation (CHIRPS) 1987-2019 with the station portal. Monthly rainfall with temporal variability ranging from 9.77 to 141.93% was observed. High variable (CV > 30%) and less variable (CV < 20%) rainfall was observed in the CHIRPS data records. Rainfall during most months of the last 30 and 33years showed a decreasing trend. Rainfalls with temporal variability ranging from 12.7 to 75.92% and from 8.11 to 43.45% were observed during the 3-month seasons, respectively. Rainfall over the 3-month seasons of the last 30 and 33years showed a decreasing trend. The average total rainfall ranging from 107.203 to 1016.82mm and from 122.8 to 1147.9mm, with variability from 9.163 to 55.7% and from 7.831 to 36.68% were observed during the Belg, Kiremt, and Bega seasons of the last 30 and 33years, respectively. A decrease in rainfall was tested over these three seasons of the last 30 and 33years. Significantly different (P < 0.05) and less variable (CV < 20%) annual total rainfall was recorded at 24 stations over 30years. Declining annual rainfall was observed over 30 and 33years. Non-significantly different (P < 0.05) and less variable (CV < 20%) average decadal rainfall ranging from 1342.6 to 1372.8mm was observed during the last 33years. The study area had experienced a rainfall with decreasing trends almost over all time scales. These might have been resulting in failure of agricultural production that necessitates developing and implementing systematic planning and management activities in the crop calendar under the face of changing rainfall patterns.

Evaluation of the Effect of Grazing Lands Top Dressing with Inorganic Fertilizer on Biomass Yields for Sustainable Animal Feed Production, Ethiopia: The Case of Participatory Approach

Sub-Saharan livestock production and productivity are very low due to poor quality and inadequate quantity of available feed. Henceforth, livestock production can be improved through good management of natural grasslands and introduction of improved fodder species with the supply of fertilizer and water to maintain high productivity. Pre-extension demonstration of grazing land improvement technologies were conducted in 2017/18 in six Agricultural growth program (AGP II) districts, namely, Boneya Boshe, Wayu Tuka, Guto Gida and Diga from East Wollega and Horro and Guduru districts from Horro Guduru Wallega zone to evaluate, select and popularize farmers’ preferred technologies based on their selection criteria and to create awareness on the importance of the approved technologies. One representative potential peasant association (PA) was selected purposively from each district based on grazing land and livestock population potential and accessibility for field monitoring and visit. Farmers’ selection was done based on interests of farmers in trial management, willingness and ownership of sufficient grazing land to accommodate the trials and gender equality. In each PA, one farmer’s extension research group (FREG) comprising 16 farmers were established to evaluate and select the technologies. Training was given to farmers, DAs and experts. Three treatments/technologies, namely, T1 = Control (farmer practice), T2 = 150 kg/ha urea and T3 = 110 kg/ha urea and 100 kg /ha NPS were evaluated and demonstrated on 4 farmers’ fields on plot size of 400 m 2 in each study districts. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and qualitative narrations. The agronomic result showed that T3 performed better in average herbage dry matter yield (12.44 t/ha) followed by T2 (8.71 t/ha) and T1 which gave lower yield (5.5 t/ha). The two treatments/technologies (T3 and T2) had a yield advantage of 55.76 % and 36.83 %, respectively, over the control across the study districts. The overall technology preference score of all districts showed that T 3 (110 kg/ha urea and 100 kg /ha NPS) and T 2 (150 kg/ha urea) were the most preferred technologies and ranked as first and second, respectively, by participants because of high biomass, fast growth habit, early maturing for harvesting, plant height, leafiness and species diversity at all districts. Therefore, the combination of Urea and NPS fertilizer at a rate of 110 kg and 100 kg/ha, respectively, was recommended to be promoted in large scale in the study areas and other places with similar agro-ecologies. Keywords: Demonstration, Evaluation, Grazing land, Herbage dry matter, Technologies DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/70-02 Publication date: January 31 st 2021

Distribution, Severity Status, Farmers Knowledge and Management Practices of Wild Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) in Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to study the distribution, severity status, farmers’ knowledge, impacts and management practices of Wild Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) in Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia. The collected data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. The Shannon Diversity Index (SDI), the evenness, species richness and Jaccards Similarity Index (JSI) was calculated from the recorded weed samples. Correlation of vegetation variables among and between sampled Administrative Kebeles’ was analyzed by SPSSv20 software. The result of the study indicates that out of the sampled 160 respondents 92 (57.5%) of them heard about wild radish plant as a weed and the rest of 68 (42.5%) of the respondents did not know this plant as a weed. Among the respondents 88 (55%) of them identify R.raphanistrum plant as a weed. There was high negative correlation between mean R. raphanistrium density and Shannon diversity index with R 2 = 0.642, p&lt;0.001. This study showed that high infestation level of R . raphanistrum was observed in Horro district followed by Abayi Chomen, Amuru and Jima Rare districts. The highest and lowest mean population (±SD) of R. raphanistrum per quadrate was recorded at Horo (249.82 ± 34.67) and Jima Rare (13.72 ± 14.16), respectively. The biodiversity impact of R. raphanistrium at highly infested areas were more visible than the moderately infested areas. Horro and Abayi Chomen districts showed the lowest Shannon Diversity Index value of 1.78 and 2.12, respectively, due to the fact that, their species diversity was highly affected by the high population density of R. raphanistrium. Moreover, the standing herbaceous vegetation from the sampled sites of Horo district (Doyo Bariso and Gudina Abuna administrative kebeles) showed higher Jaccards Similarity coefficient (0.84), where there was high R.raphanistrium infestation level. The study proved that R. raphanistrum was emerged as invasive weed and have been disseminated into neighbor districts’ and zones. Therefore, further research should be conducted to quantify the distribution, increases in species abundance as well as its impact on biodiversity and socio-economic aspects, which may support to contain R. raphanistrum distribution and planning on its prevention and management. Keywords: Abundance, distribution, invasive , Raphanus raphanistrum, severity, wald radish DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-24-02 Publication date: December 31 st 2020

Coprological Examination of Ovine Fasciolosis in Horro District Community Based Sheep Breeding Program, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to March 2018 to determine the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in the Community Based Horro Sheep Breeding site at Horro district, Horro Guduru Wollega zone, Ethiopia. Coprological examination was performed on a total of 390 sheep at the study area. Age, sex, body condition score and peasant association were taken into consideration as rik factors. An overall prevalence of fasciolosis 45.4% 95% CI (40.41 50.36 was found on the basis of coprological examinations. The prevalence of fasciolosis findings according to PAs were (41.5%) in Laku Ingu and (48.2%) in Gitilo Dole. Statistical analysis of the prevalence among study site (PAs) showed insignificant difference P=0.102 (P&gt;0.05), but significant difference (P&lt;0.05) was observed between animal age groups (P=0.032, with a prevalence of 37.2% in young and 49.8% in adult) and body condition scores (P=0.001, with a prevalence of 57.9%, 43.5% and 29.9% in sheep with poor, medium and good body condition score, respectively. There was insignificance difference (P&gt;0.05) in sex group of study animals in which the prevalence was 47.6% in female and 38.8% in male. Therefore further studies on the epidemiology, seasonal dynamic of the disease, the snail intermediate host and impacts of the infection in animal production with implementations of strategic intervention is necessary.

Statistical Analysis of Crop Production Risks of Households in Jimma Rare District, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

Background: This study aims at assessing the factors influencing households’ crop production risks due to hail or heavy rainfall in Jimma Rare District. Methods: The data was generated from primary source and 196 households were selected from Jimma Rare District using Multistage sampling techniques. Both descriptive statistics and econometric model (Poisson or Negative Binomial regression) were applied in this study to analyze the data collected from the selected sample households. Results: The survey result shows that, the average number of crop production risks due to hail or heavy rainfall was 1.62 with variance equal to 2.04. The result of Negative binomial regression model shows that, age of household heads and total land size have positively and significantly influenced the number of crop production risks due to hail or heavy rainfall faced by households, but negatively affected by livestock size, access to extension service, and access to training. Conclusion: This study revealed that rural households are affected by different demographic and socio-economic factors, farm characteristics, institutional factors, and environmental factors. Specifically, the finding revealed that, an increase in age of household heads and total land size increases number of crop production risks faced by farmers due to hail or heavy rainfall in the area whereas an increase in livestock size, access to extension service, and access to training decreases the number of crop production risks due to hail or heavy rainfall by farmers in the study area. Therefore, the study recommends that, improving access to training, availability of agricultural inputs at planting time, and preparing experience sharing among farmers should be promoted to decrease number of crop production risks due to hail or heavy rainfall and increase the productivity of farmers by appropriate decision of crop production in the study area. Keywords: Households , Crop Production Risks, Jimma Rare, Poisson regression, Negative binomial regression, Oromiya, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-10-04 Publication date: May 31 st 2020

Magnitude of disrespectful and abusive care among women during facility-based childbirth in Shambu town, Horro Guduru Wollega zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundDisrespectful care during childbirth causes suffering and discourages women from seeking facility-based care. It is one of the silent causes of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, but not yet well recorded especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to measure the magnitude of disrespect and abusive behaviors of health professionals during childbirth and associated factors. MethodCommunity based cross-sectional study design was employed among 321 women who gave birth in public health facilities of Shambu town, Ethiopia, between January 01 and December 31, 2018. Simple random sampling was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Prevalence of disrespect and abuse was measured by using seven categories of disrespect and abuse with their respective verification criteria. The data were entered into Epi-data 3.1 and then transported to SPSS version 23.0. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine the presence of statistically significant associations between the dependent and independent variables at p-value <0.05 and AOR values with 95% confidence interval. ResultsOut of 321 sampled respondents, 316 participated in this study with response rate of 98.4%. The overall prevalence of disrespect and abuse was 78.2% (95% CI: 73.5–83.2). The most common forms disrespect and abuse encountered by the mothers were: unconsented care (86.1%), non-dignified care (37.3%), lack of privacy (33.9%), physical abuse (21.5%) and neglectful care (13.3%). Mother's occupational status, increasing number of antenatal care visits and giving birth in a hospital setting were significantly associated with disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth. ConclusionThough government interventions are in place, excessive levels of disrespect and abusive practices during facility-based childbirth persisted to be important problems in the study area. To address the unnecessary suffering, health policy makers and program designers should develop strategies to enhance respectful maternity care approaches. Health managers and health professionals should do their best to provide high quality, client-centered care in health facilities so that women are not discouraged from using them. We also recommend knowledge exchange with development partners to determine which practices will be adaptable and helpful to address the problem of mistreatment of women in health care facilities.

Availability of Adequately Iodized Salt at Household Level and Its Associated Factors in Horro Woreda, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is one of the biggest worldwide public health problems of today. Even if the coverage of iodized salt in Ethiopia is irregularly increasing, the coverage of households that use adequately iodized salt in different rural communities of Ethiopia was low. A community based cross sectional study was designed to assess availability of adequately iodized salt at household level and its associated factors in Horro woreda, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia from February to March, 2018. Data was collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Multistage sampling technique was used to select households and data were analyzed using SPSS v. 20. Variables having p<0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression were entered into multivariate logistic regression analysis and finally, variables having p< 0.05 and 95% confidence internal (CI) were considered as significantly associated. The finding of this study revealed that about 23.6% respondents were utilized adequately iodized. The study also found that the knowledge and practice among participants was 63.8% and 60%, respectively. Moreover, access to information AOR (95% CI)=2.5 (1.1-5.55), wealth status AOR (95% CI)=4.7 (2.5-8.83), knowledge about the benefits of iodized salt AOR (95% CI)=1.4 (1.6-2.08) and salt storage place AOR (95% CI)=4.2 (2.33-13.54) were significantly associated with availability of adequately iodized salt during multivariate analysis. This study concluded that the proportion of households covered by adequately iodized salt in rural communities of the study was very low (23.6%) compared to the internationally recommended value to control iodine deficiency disorder (90%). Therefore, nutrition interventions through behavioral change communication (BCC) towards adequately iodized salt utilization and its practice should be strengthen by all concerned bodies to increase its coverage and to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders in rural communities of the study area.

Effect of rural transport infrastructure on the intensification of purchased input use for major food crop production: the case of smallholder farmers in Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

This paper examines the effect of rural transport on smallholder farmers’ purchased input use. A random sample of 500 respondents was selected and relevant data was collected. Descriptive, correlation, and regression statistics were used to analyze the data. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that farmers’ purchased input use was found to be significantly and negatively related to distance to major market, distance to all weather road, distance to farm plot, transport cost, and size of land holding. In contrast, farmers’ purchased input use was found to be significantly and positively related to family size, off farm income, membership in a cooperative, being in Horro district, having animal cart, and access to good road. Further, the results of hierarchical multiple regression showed that approximately 82% of the total variation in purchased input use can be explained by the linear combination of all independent variables. Furthermore, the result showed that rural transport infrastructure-related variables, as a set, contributed 13.3% to the prediction of farmers’ purchased input use over and above the remaining predictors. The results suggest that improving the rural road infrastructure and access to rural transportation services is vital in encouraging farmers’ purchasedinput use.

Statistical Analysis of Households’ Crop Production Decisions in Jimma Rare District, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

Background: Crop production decision is an important for crop producers which increases the productivity of households to reduce food insecurity. This study aims at assessing the factors influencing households’ crop production decision in Jimma Rare District. Methods: The data was generated from primary source and 196 households were selected from Jimma Rare District using Multistage sampling techniques. Both descriptive statistics and econometric model (multinomial logit) were applied in this study to analyze the data collected from the selected sample households. Results : The study showed that, 39.30%, 19.90%, 32.70%, and 8.10% sampled households mainly use the combination of cereal crops, pulses, and oilseeds; cereal crop alone; the combination of cereal crops and pulses; and the combination of cereal crops and oilseeds respectively. The result of MNL model showed that age of household heads, education level of household heads, total land size, availability of agricultural inputs, access to agricultural infrastructure, and agro-ecological zone had significantly influenced crop production choices of households. Conclusion: The result suggests that different combinations of types of crops are influenced by differing independent variables. The result of MNL model showed that education level of household heads and availability of agricultural inputs are significantly and positively associated with the choice of cereal crops alone while total land size is significantly and negatively associated. On the other hand, availability of agricultural inputs, access to agricultural infrastructure, and agro-ecological zone are significantly and positively associated with the choice of cereal crops and pulses combination whereas total land size is significantly and negatively associated. Similarly, age and education level of household heads are significantly and positively associated with the choice of cereal crops and oilseeds combination while total land size is significantly and negatively associated as compared to combination of types of crops. Therefore, the study recommends that, improving access to training, availability of agricultural inputs at planting time, and preparing experience sharing among farmers should be promoted to increase the productivity of farmers by appropriate decision of crop production in the study area. Keywords: Crop Production Decision, jimma Rare, Multinomial logistic regression model DOI : 10.7176/DCS/9-8-04 Publication date : August 31st 2019

Assessment of Colony Carrying Capacity and Factors Responsible for Low Production and Productivity of Beekeeping in Horro Guduru Wollega Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Horro Guduru Wolega Zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia in view of investigating colony carrying capacity and prime factors responsible for the low production and productivity of beekeeping in the area. Individual questioner survey, focus group discussions and field assessment were used to collect the relevant data. Moreover, data on suitable land size for beekeeping, seasons and frequency of honey harvest, months of dearth period for colonies, honey potential of the area, number of colonies in one apiary and other issues were collected. Personal observations were also made to the apiary management of the beekeepers. The study revealed that out of 820,956 ha land mass of the zone, about 59% was found to be with the highest potential for beekeeping with the remaining portion with medium potential. Two major honey-harvesting seasons with average frequency of 1.66 times and two months long dearth period in between the two seasons were identified. Estimated honey reserve potential of the zone is about 89.2 thousand tons/year with colony carrying capacity of 520 bee colonies per single apiary. However, the average number of bee colonies managed per apiary is found to be 260 indicating the overall ratio of actual existing colonies to the carrying capacity of an apiary is 0.5. From this analysis, current average honey production from traditional transitional and modern were found to be 3.5, 14.6 and 21.0 kg/colony/year, respectively with pulled average of 10.6 kg/ colony/year in the study area. With the current bee colony holding size and production level, each beekeeper produces about 244 kg/year, while it has a possibility of achieving 700 kg honey per year. From this, the annual yield loss per individual beekeeper can be estimated to 460 kg honey which can further explored to over $820 financial loss. Bee colony miss-management is identified as fundamental major cause of low production and productivity of beekeeping in the study area than the carrying capacity of individual apiary. It is recommended from this study that beekeepers should follow the standard apiary setting to utilize the production potential of their beekeeping endeavor.

Soil Erosion Risk Assessment in Nashe Dam Reservoir Using Remote Sensing, GIS and RUSLE Model Techniques in Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Soil degradation is wide spread and serious throughout the Ethiopian Highlands. It is also a major watershed problem in many developing countries causing significant loss of soil fertility, loss of productivity and environmental degradation. This research has, therefore, been carried out to evaluate the soil erosion risk and quantify the major land use land cover changes over the past 20 years (1996-2016) in the Nashe watershed. The research integrates the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) to quantify the potential soil erosion risk and land use land cover changes. Rainfall data, soil data, DEM data and satellite image were used as input data sets to generate RUSLE factor values. Raster calculator was used to interactively calculate potential soil loss and prepare soil erosion risk map. For the land use land cover change calculation two satellite images of two year interval ( Landsat TM 1996 and Landsat 2016) has been utilized. As a result the potential soil erosion risk and land use land cover map of 1996 and 2016 of the study area was generated. The result showed that the potential annual soil loss of the watershed ranges from 0.00 to 243..065ton/ha/yr. and the mean annual soil loss rate is 45.7ton/ha/yr. Concerning the land use land cover change Grass land decline from (8.85%) to (6.85.4%), open forest changes from (47.10%) to (22.75 %) and settlement land changes from (4.42%) to (7.59%). On the contrary farm land changes from (27.18%) to (45.55%), bare lands increase from (5.40%) to (5.55%) and water body changes from (7.06%) to (12.10 %). By the LULC analysis it has been found that the grass land and forest land declined from 1996-2016. On other hand, the rest of the land cover types have increased.

Determinants of Access to Agricultural Credit among Small holder Maize Farmers: The Case of Hababo Guduru District, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

Access to agricultural credit remains a major challenge for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. One of the reasons for very low agricultural productivity in developing countries and particularly in Ethiopia is that lack of access to agricultural credit. Hence, we intend to identify determinants of access to agricultural credit among smallholder maize farmers in Hababo Guduru District, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Ethiopia. The data were obtained from a total of 260 sample households, 120 who have access to credit and 140 who do not have access to credit via two stage random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and probit model were used to analyze the data.The results of the probit model show that age, sex, education, number of livestock owned, year of membership for the credit institution, frequency of extension contact and distance from credit source were significant factors affecting farmers’ accessibility to agricultural credit in the study area. Therefore, government policy that intends to improve the smallholder farmer’s access to agricultural credit facilities should formulate well-functioning system of providing credit.

English

This paper deals with the destruction of Oromo indigenous practices under Gojjame rule: the case of Abbay Choman Oromo, in the south of Abay River 1870s-1882. The year 1870&rsquo;s was a turning point in the history of the Oromo of Abbay Choman in particular and Horro Guduru in general because it was a period when Gadaa system with indigenous practice starts being destructed. The year 1882 was the period when Horro Guduru in general and Abbay Choman Oromo in particular came under Menelik Empire and the already started socio-cultural suppression was highly continued. This paper focused on reconstructing the socio-cultural change of Oromo of Abbay Choman from 1870&rsquo;s-1882. In short, the main objective of this paper was to show the socio-cultural condition of the peoples in the context of change in policy and administration system of Gojjame. The paper shows how the indigenous socio-cultural system of the Oromo of Abbay Choman has been affected by invasion of Gojjame. The study came up with the idea that Gojjame invasion of the area resulted to the destruction of Oromo people indigenous practice. Since historical methodology requires extensive collection, closer investigation and analysis of the available primary and secondary sources, the paper seriously took those into account in treating the destruction of socio-culture. The study used and explored both primary and secondary sources. Both published and unpublished reports of scholars from diverse background had been reviewed during the study. &nbsp; Key words: Abbay Choman, Oromo, Gojjame, indigenous practice, destruction.

English

This paper deals with the new administration system under Gojjame rules and the Oromo people resistance to them in Abbay Choman, South of Abbay River from 1850 to 1882. The year 1850’s was a turning point in the history of the Oromo of Abbay Choman Oromo because it was a period when the system was transformed into a semi- monarchical administration. On the other hand, the year 1882 was the period when Horro Guduru in general and Abbay Choman in particular came under Ethiopian feudal rulers. This paper focused on reconstructing the political structure of Oromo of Abbay Choman from 1850 to 1882. The main objective of this paper is to show the indigenous administration system of the Oromo area before Gojjame invasion and emergence of new system of government with new chiefs, at the expense of the indigenous system under Gojjame rule. The paper also shows the local resistance against Gojjame army from 1870 to 1882. The paper comes up with the idea that the Gojjame invasion of the area resulted to the whole destruction of Oromo people indigenous practice. Since historical methodology requires extensive collection, closer investigation and analysis of the available primary and secondary sources, the paper seriously took those into account in treating the new Gojjame rule and the Oromo resistance in Abbay Choman, North East Wallaga, Oromiya, Ethiopia from 1850 to 1882. The study used and explored both primary and secondary sources. For the paper, both published and unpublished works of scholars of diverse background had been identified. Key words: Abbay Choman, Oromo, New Gojjame, Gojjame rule, Oromo resistance.