Kafta Humera Research Articles

Grain Yield and Economic Returns of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Induced by In-situ Moisture Conservation and Sulfur Fertilization on Vertisol of Western Tigray, Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the effects of in-situ moisture conservation using tied-ridging and conventional flatbed tillage practices combined with five sulfur fertilizer rates (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg ha-1). The experiment was lied out in a split plot design with three replications under rain-fed conditions. A newly released improved variety of sesame“Setit 1” was used as a test crop. Most of the agronomic data were collected at harvest. The collected data were analyzed using GenStat16 EdSP. The marginal rate of return was also estimated from the total revenue and total variable cost. Results show that there was a significant (P < 0.05) difference due to the combined effects of tied ridges and sulfur fertilizer rates on grain yield, days to 90% maturity, number of branches per plant, plant height, and number of capsules per plant except the days to 50% flowering in 2015. But, in 2016 there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference by the combined effect. The highest grain yield of 889.3 kg ha-1 as well as the corresponding highest net revenue of 14,239.4 Ethiopian Birr was recorded at 40 kg S ha-1 under tied ridges, but this was statistically not significant (P > 0.05) with the grain yield of 857.6 kg ha-1obtained using 30 kg S ha-1combined with tied ridges in 2015. However, in 2016 the significant difference resulted were due sulfur fertilizer but not due to the combined effect of tillage practices and sulfur fertilizer, hence calculating partial budget analysis is not necessary for statistically non-significant results. Therefore, sulfur fertilizer rate at 30 kg ha-1combined with tied ridges is most economically feasible technologies for the farmers to increase sesame productivity at Kafta Humera district.

Effect of Senna obtusifolia (L.) invasion on herbaceous vegetation and soil properties of rangelands in the western Tigray, northern Ethiopia

IntroductionInvasion of exotic plant species is a well-known threat to native ecosystems since it directly affects native plant communities by altering their composition and diversity. Moreover, exotic plant species displace native species through competition, changes in ecosystem processes, or allelopathic effects. Senna obtusifolia (L.) invasion has affected the growth and productivity of herbaceous vegetation in semi-arid regions of northern Ethiopia. Here, we investigated the species composition, species diversity, aboveground biomass, and basal cover of herbaceous vegetation, as well as soil properties of rangelands along three S. obtusifolia invasion levels.MethodsHerbaceous vegetation and soil properties were studied at two locations, Kafta Humera and Tsegede districts, in the western Tigray region of northern Ethiopia under three levels of S. obtusifolia invasion, i.e., non-invaded, lightly invaded, and heavily invaded. Herbaceous plant species composition and their abundance were assessed using a 1-m2 quadrat during the flowering stage of most herbaceous species from mid-August to September 2015. Native species were classified into different functional groups and palatability classes, which can be useful in understanding mechanisms underlying the differential responses of native plants to invasion. The percentage of basal cover for S. obtusifolia and native species and that of bare ground were estimated in each quadrat. Similar to sampling of the herbaceous species, soil samples at a depth of 0–20 cm were taken for analyzing soil physical and chemical properties.ResultsHighly palatable grasses and legumes based on the frequency of occurrence were 1.9 and 3.8 times higher in non-invaded sites than in lightly and heavily invaded sites, respectively. Furthermore, unpalatable plant species were 4.0 times higher in the heavily invaded sites than in the lightly invaded sites. Aboveground biomass, basal cover, and species diversity of the herbaceous vegetation were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in the heavily invaded sites compared to the non-invaded sites. However, most soil properties were not affected by S. obtusifolia invasion compared with non-invaded sites in our study.ConclusionsOur findings contribute towards better understanding of how S. obtusifolia invasion affects the community structure and composition of native herbaceous vegetation in semi-arid rangelands in northern Ethiopia. Further long-term studies are required to understand the mechanisms of how S. obtusifolia invasion influences soil properties for better control and eradication of its invasion in the semi-arid rangelands of northern Ethiopia.

Incidence of a New Pest, the Cotton MealybugPhenacoccus solenopsisTinsley, on Sesame in North Ethiopia

Sesame(Sesamum indicum)is one of the most important cash crops grown extensively for its seeds in Ethiopia. Production of sesame in the country is very crucial in many aspects, but the invasion of the cotton mealybug,Phenacoccus solenopsisTinsley, is becoming a big deal in its production. A survey for mealybug infestation was conducted during 2016 production season in 15 localities of “Kafta Humera” district so as to assess the incidence and severity of the pest. In each locality 2 sesame farms have been selected and 6 samples per farm (2 samples from the road sides, 2 from camp surrounding, and 2 from the central part of the farms) have been checked. During the survey, “Bowal” and “Sherif Hamad” have scored the higher incidence and severity of mealybugs. Road sides and camp surrounding of the farms were shown to have severe infestation. Stony and oxen plowed farms were also intensively invaded with cotton mealybugs. The pest has different natural means to infest new areas; thus its control measure has to be developing timely.

English

Livestock herders&rsquo; perception on the invasion and effects of Senna obtusifolia L. were gotten from two locations (Kafta Humera and Tsegede) in Northern Ethiopia. From each location, three peasant associations were selected using key formants and group discussion. The invasion level of S. obtusifolia L. was higher near settlements and road side of continuously grazed lands of the study area. S. obtusifolia L. invasion is negatively affecting the grazing lands of the study area. Highly palatable grasses and herbaceous legume species were identified to be increasingly rarer from S. obtusifolia L invade grazing lands. Although unpalatable, herbaceous species was increased in invaded sites in the study area. The replacement of highly palatable grasses and legume species by less palatable and unpalatable herbaceous species in S. obtusifolia L infested grazing lands. This resulted in the shortage of quality and quantity forage for grazing animals near settlements leading to long distance travelling to search for animal feed, and subsequently with the reduction of livestock productivity. Although, S. obtusifolia invasion negatively affect the herbaceous vegetation and livestock productivity with no measure taken into place to control its invasion. Therefore, the collaboration of all stakeholders is needed to optimize the negative impacts of S. obtusifolia&nbsp; invasion. &nbsp; Key words: Grazing lands, group discussion, invasive species, key informants, palatable herbaceous species. &nbsp;

Diversity and altitudinal distribution of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in visceral leishmaniasis endemic areas of northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundThe Leishmaniases are caused by the protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and are transmitted to humans by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sand flies. Both visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases are widely distributed in different parts of Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity and altitudinal distribution of phlebotomine sand flies from Kafta Humera to Gondar town in northwest Ethiopia. MethodsSeven localities were selected with distinct altitudinal variations between 550m above sea level (m a.s.l) and 2300m a.s.l. In each locality, sand flies were collected using standard CDC light traps and sticky traps during the active sand fly season from December 2012 to May 2013. Shannon-Weiner species diversity index and Jaccard’s coefficient were used to estimate species diversity and similarity between altitudes and localities, respectively. ResultsA total of 89,044 sand flies (41,798 males and 47, 246 females) were collected from the seven localities/towns throughout the study period. Twenty-two species belonging to 11 species in the genus Phlebotomus and 11 species in the genus Sergentomyia were documented. Of these, Sergentomyia clydei (25.87%), S. schwetzi (25.21%), S. africana (24.65%), S. bedfordi (8.89%), Phlebotomus orientalis (6.43%), and S. antennata (4.8%) were the most prevalent species. The remaining 10 Phlebotomus species and six Sergentomyia were less frequent catches. In CDC light trap and sticky trap, higher species diversity and richness for both male and female sand flies was observed at low altitude ranging from 550 to 699m a.s.l in Adebay village in Kafta Humera district whereas low species richness and high evenness of both sexes were also observed in an altitude 1950–2300m a.s.l. ConclusionThe results revealed that the presence of leishmaniasis vectors such as P. orientalis, P. longipes, P. papatasi, and P. duboscqi in different altitudes in northwest Ethiopia. P. orientalis a vector of L. donovani, occurred between altitude 500–1100m a.s.l, the area could be at high risk of VL. P. longipes a vector of L. aethiopica, was recorded in the highland area in Tikil-Dingay and Gondar town, implicating the possibility of CL transmission. Hence, further investigation into vector competence in relation to leishmaniasis (VL and CL) in the region is very vital.

The Effect of Age of Exclosures and Aspect on Aboveground Carbon of Boswellia papyrifera Dominated Woodland of Kafta Humera, Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Boswellia dominated woodland at Kafta Humera to estimate the amount of carbon stored in different age of exclosures and along different aspects. Ages of exclosures (eight, four, two and zero year) were used, and the aspects were classified in to east, west, north and south aspects. One hundred twenty eight (128) sampling quadrants having an area of 20 m × 20 m, were systematically laid using four transect lines at different distance. The aboveground carbon was analyzed using two-way analysis of variance. A total of twenty three (21) woody spices belongs to thirteen (13) families were identified and documented. There were significantly different (P east>south>north aspects. The results confirmed that exclosures plays a major role in the conservation of native woody species. However, more afforestation and reforestation are needed for better carbon storage in all exclosures.

Illegal Plant Genetic Resource Trafficking in the Border Villages of Kafta Humera Wereda, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia

A survey to identify illegal plant genetic resource trafficking was made from Febrary 2017 to March 2017 in <i>Kafta Humera wereda</i>, Tigray regional state, northern Ethiopia. Semi- structured interviews, structured questionnaires; focus group discussion and document analysis were used for data collection. A total of seventy one informants from local security, local community federal policies and custom and revenue officers were interviewed. Snowball sampling was used to select the local community and local security while the rest informant was purposely selected. Microsoft excel spreadsheet and Spss version 20 was used to analyze data. The Leave of <i>Rhamnus prinoides</i> together with its fruits, and fruits of <i>Adansonia didgitata</i> are the frequently exported plant and plant derivatives through illegal route. These plant biogenetic resources are exported to Sudan and Eritrea both by illegally and legally coverage. The awareness of the informants participated in the interview on illegal biogenetic resource trafficking varies from site to site and from sector to sector. The main illegal route whereby illegal traffickers use to export plant and plant derivative are <i>Maytselot, Menkerker, Awezruf, endaaboy Tewelde garden</i> and <i>Haji Abdugarden</i>. Most of the traffickers are unemployed youth that live in and around the border. The existing gap in community awareness needs awareness raising and alternative job opportunities creations. The link between different stakeholders also needs solidarity to accomplish consistent controlling mechanism.

Begait Goat Production Systems and Breeding Practices in Western Tigray, North Ethiopia

A study was undertaken to characterize production system, breeding practices and production constraints of Begait goat in Kafta humera district, northwestern lowlands of Ethiopia. Personal observations, focus group discussions and a detailed structured questionnaire were used to collect data from 150 respondents (99 small-scale and 51 large-scale farmers). Mixed crop-livestock production system was found to be the dominant farming system in the study district. The farmers kept a variety of livestock species including goats, sheep, cattle, chickens and donkeys. Small ruminants are the most numerous and are of great importance in the area. Goats are herded with sheep in the open fields by the young boys in the family/hired grazers. They have a number of roles though mainly kept as a source of cash income. Breeding was generally uncontrolled. Size, growth rate and libido were the most frequently reported traits in selecting bucks, whereas does were selected based on size, twining ability and milk yield. Effective population size and rate of inbreeding were calculated by considering random mating and flocks were not mixed. The major constraints hampering goat production in the area were water scarcity, feed and grazing land shortages and insufficient veterinary services among the others. Therefore, addressing these constraints is important to design a successful genetic improvement scheme in the area for goat.

Habitat preference and seasonal dynamics of Phlebotomus orientalis in urban and semi-urban areas of kala-azar endemic district of Kafta Humera, northwest Ethiopia

Visceral leishmaniasis is a significant public health problem in northwest Ethiopia, particularly in Kafta Humera district. The study was designed to determine the species composition and population dynamics of sand flies in five villages representing urban and semi-urban areas of Kafta Humera district namely, Setit Humera, Mykadra, Rawyan, Bereket and Adebay. Sand flies were collected for two to three nights monthly from May 2011 to April 2012 using CDC light-traps and sticky traps. Traps were placed in villages, at periphery of villages and farm fields. Sticky traps were also used for sampling indoor active sand flies. In total, 13,097 sand fly specimens of eight Phlebotomus species and 91,949 Sergentomyia specimens were collected. Among the Phlebotomus, P. orientalis was the predominant species (58.1%) followed by P. papatasi (29.6%), P. lesleyae (5.6%), P. bergeroti (3.8%), P. duboscqi (2.1%), P. alexandri (0.4%), P. heischi (0.2%) and P. rodhaini (0.2%). Significantly, higher number of P. orientalis was caught in Adebay village and the least in Setit Humera town. Seasonal abundance of P. orientalis increased during the dry season (January–May) and dropped drastically in the wet season (late June–September). Significant positive correlation was found between monthly abundance of P. orientalis and the monthly average air and surface soil temperature, while a negative correlation was found with monthly average rainfall and relative humidity. Higher number of P. orientalis was collected outdoors, especially in the farm fields followed by periphery of villages. Thus, various observations strongly suggested P. orientalis to be the principal vector in the study areas, where farm lands and periphery of villages were identified as the most risky habitats, whereas the indoors were the least ones. Appropriate control methods should be designed and implemented according to the knowledge of P. orientalis habitat preferences and seasonal dynamics in the district.

English

This study assessed the effect of Balanites aegyptiaca on soil properties and carbon sequestration. A 100 &times; 100 m plot of entirely the same biophysical setting was delineated. Nine trees of relatively the same diameter at breast height (DBH) were selected to study the effect of the tree on soil properties. In total, 81 soil samples were collected from three radii distances from each tree, that is 0 - 2, 2 - 4, and 4 &ndash; 8 m at three soil depths of 0 - 20, 21 - 50 and 51 &ndash; 100 cm. Soil analysis was carried out following routine laboratory procedures. The carbon sequestration potential of the tree was determined by taking 0.5 g sample specimen from each tree. The highest productivity was observed at the radial distance of 0 - 2 followed by 2 - 4 and 4 &ndash; 8 m with the productivity indices of 0.74, 0.63 and 0.58, respectively. The highest amount of CO2&ndash;e (235.7 kg tree-1) was sequestered in older trees with a DBH range of 17 - 19 cm as compared to younger ones (56.9 kg tree-1) with the DBH range of 8 - 10 cm. Therefore, this tree has a significant effect on soil fertility improvement and climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration and as a result, it is important to retain B. agyptiaca on farmlands. &nbsp; Key words: Balanites aegyptiaca, soil properties, carbon sequestration, Kafta Humera Woreda.

Retrospective Assessment of Black Leg in Kafta Humera Woreda

Retrospective study was conducted with the objective of assessing the vaccination coverage of Kafta Humera through observation of different woredas against black leg from records of the Humera veterinary clinic in Tigray region of Ethiopia, from 207/8-2012/13. The result revealed that there was vaccination program against black leg every year in the woreda. At the same time, there was a reduction in diseased animals and death rate from time to time. But there are some cases still existing with high rates of infection in Begait cattle (a breed common in northern Ethiopia). This indicates that the disease is still persisting in the area and strengthening the existing vaccination program and immediate detection of diseased animals and treating them is essential to mitigate the disease in the area. Keywords : Black leg, Humera, Cattle, Tigray, Ethiopia.

English

Utilization of medicinal plants is almost as old as the history of mankind. Semi-structured interview, guided field walk, group discussion and market survey were used to collect ethnobotanical data in Tahitay Adiyabo and Kafta Humera districts in northern Ethiopia. A total of 47 informants (30 males and 17 females) were selected purposefully from three sub-districts: Lemlem (n = 27), Adi-Goshu (n = 10) and Hilet-Coca (n = 10). A total of 115 species of medicinal plants were collected and identified for treating 59 humans and livestock ailments. The most commonly used plant parts for herbal preparations were roots (35.5%) and leaves (21.74%) and were administered through oral, dermal, ocular, nasal and vaginal routes in decreasing order. Oral application (58 preparations, 50.43%) was the highest and most commonly used route of application followed by dermal application (35 preparations, 30.43%). Kunama tribes are rich in medicinal plant species and the associated indigenous knowledge. Future studies should focus on phytochemical extraction of herbal drugs for their efficacy and possible toxicity. Key words: Kunama, KaftaHumera, Tahitay Adiyabo, ethnobotany, traditional medicine.

Prevalence of Wax Moth in Modern Hive with Colonies in Kafta Humera

A cross-sectional study was carried out from April 28 to May 30, 2009 in four village of Kafta Humera to determine the prevalence of wax moth in modern hive with colonies. A total of 307 modern bee hives with colonies were inspected during the study period. Physical inspection and observation were the methods of the study used. According to the study the overall prevalence of wax moth in modern bee hive was found to be 27.4%. During the study period larval stage of wax-moth was only detected. The nature of severity was differentiated and categorized in to three groups as 35(11.4%), 47(15.3%) and 2(0.65%) as light, moderate and severely affected respectively. Infestation rate of wax moth based on supering was found to have statistically significant difference as determined as 8(16%), 65(27.7%) and 11(47.7%) in base only, base plus one box and base plus two boxes. To combat the problem, awareness creation should be done on proper management of bee keeping in the area

Population dynamics and habitat preferences of Phlebotomus orientalis in extra-domestic habitats of Kafta Humera lowlands--kala azar endemic areas in Northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundKafta Humera lowlands are endemic for kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis). These lowlands are characterized by black clay soil which is used for growing sesame, sorghum and cotton for commercial purposes.The aim of this study was to determine seasonal dynamics and habitat preferences of Phlebotomus orientalis, the vector of kala-azar, in extra-domestic habitats of Kafta Humera lowlands.MethodsCDC-light Trap [CDC-LT] and Sticky paper Trap [ST] were used to collect sand flies from different habitats before species identification by their morphological characteristics using appropriate keys. Data summarized and analyzed included: species, sex, density, habitats, type of trap used and date (month).ResultsA total of 389,207 sand flies using CDC-LT (n = 955) and ST (n = 5551) were collected from May 17, 2011 to June 6, 2012. The highest Mean Monthly Density (MMD) of P. orientalis trapped by CDC-LT was found in thickets of Acacia seyal in March (64.11 ± 75.87). The corresponding highest MMD of P. orientalis trapped by STs was found in April (58.69 ± 85.20) in agricultural field. No P. orientalis were caught in September using CDC traps and July-October using sticky traps. The overall MMD of P. orientalis trapped by CDC-LT was 15. 78 ± 28.93 (n = 320) in agricultural field, 19.37 ± 36.42 (n = 255) in thickets of A. seyal, and 3.81 ± 6.45 (n = 380) in dense mixed forest. Similar habitats in different localities did not show statistically significant difference for the MMD of P. orientalis trapped by CDC-LT (p = 0.117) and ST (p = 0.134).ConclusionAgricultural fields and thickets of A. seyal habitats, which exhibit extensive soil cracks and fissures, as opposed to dense mixed forests, serve as preferred breeding sites for P. orientalis.

Typical features, characterization and breeding objectives of Begait sheep in Ethiopia

Typical features, breeding objectives and morphological as well as biometrical characters of Begait sheep breed were studied in two districts (Setit Humera and Kafta Humera) of Ethiopia. Semi-structured questionnaires, recording body weight, linear body measurements and field observations were employed. Begait sheep breed is described as long and thin tailed (up to 50-cm long), with muscular body, short and smooth hair and polled for both male and female sexes. As reported by the respondents� growth rate (0.21), tail length (0.20), appearance/conformation (0.19) and coat colour (0.18) were the most important traits in selecting breeding rams. For breeding ewes� body size (0.27), age at first service (0.15), growth rate (0.14) and coat colour and tail (0.13) were their first, second, third and fourth traits, respectively. Sites and age had significant (P < 0.01) effect on body weight and most linear body measurements. Relatively, Kafta Humera had lower values in body weight and most of the linear body measurements than Setit Humera. The overall mean body weight and body length of female Begait sheep were 31.4 ± 0.4 kg and 62.5 ± 0.5 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for male Begait sheep were 34.5 ± 0.5 kg and 66.1 ± 0.5 cm, respectively. The existing traditional herding, breeding practices and trait preferences are the key breeding components that need improvement at smallholder farmers� in Ethiopia.

Prevalence and Etiology of Subclinical Mastitis in Small Ruminants of Tigray Regional State, North Ethiopia

A study was conducted at Kafta Humera and Tanqua Abergelle Districts from April to June, 2011 to assess the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in lactating small ruminants and identify bacterial causative agents. A total of 390 lactating animals comprising 255 goats and 135 sheep were randomly selected from population and screened for evidence of subclinical mastitis. The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis was found to be 18.03% (46/255) and 28.14% (38/135) in goats and sheep, respectively. California mastitis test (CMT) positive milk samples were subjected to bacteriological examination and the following bacteria were isolated; coagulase negative Staphylococcus (44.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (27.7%), Escherchia coli (17.0%) and streptococci (10.63%). Risk factors; species (p = 0.021), study site (p < 0.001), sheep breed (p = 0.018) and goat breed (p = 0.009) showed statistically significant association with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis in small dairy ruminants. However, there was no statistically significant association between risk factors such as Age (p = 0.779), parity (p = 0.201) and stage of lactation (p = 0.952). Therefore, it can be concluded that mastitis is a significant disease in small ruminants that affects their productivity and measures need to be taken to control the disease.

Ethnozoological study of traditional medicinal animals used by the people of Kafta-Humera District, Northern Ethiopia

Zootherapy is the healing of human ailments by using therapeutics based medicines obtained from animals. The present study reports the use of drugs of animal origin that have been practiced by the people of Kunama in Kafta-Humera district, Northern Ethiopia. Ethnozoological data was collected from 30 traditional healers who were selected based on their experience and recognition as experts from September to November, 2010. Sixteen species of medicinal animals were collected and identified for treating 18 different human ailments, of which about 44% were domestic animals. The traditional medicine were administrated orally (14, 63.6%) and dermatologically (8, 36.4%). Majority (17, 77.3%) of the remedy preparations did not have additive substances. Different parts and products of animals that were used for remedy preparations include bile, milk, blood, pancreas, urine, hair and fecal matter. The medicinal animals have various methods of preparation for different types of ailments like crushing, powdering, squeezing, direct use and cooking. Most of the traditional medicinal animal preparations were used in fresh form (16, 72.7%). Further studies concerning the conservation and management of the animal resources are needed. People of the study area should take care of their animal resources so as not cause total eradication. Key words: Ethnozoolgy, Kafta Humera, medicinal animals.

Serological Evidence of Leishmania donovani Infection in Apparently Healthy Dogs using Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) and rk39 Dipstick Tests in Kafta Humera, north-west Ethiopia

Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) are protozoan parasites of significant medical and veterinary importance. Over the last decade, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has emerged as a major opportunistic infection associated with HIV/AIDS in North Western Ethiopia. This paper reports on serological evidence of possible Leishmania donovani (L. donovani) infection in dogs using two serological tests: direct agglutination test (DAT) and Kalazar detect rapid test (KDRT). Two hundred and seventeen asymptomatic local breed dogs were examined for L. donovani antibodies. Performance of the DAT and KDRT was assessed in 162 matching samples of blood collected on filter paper and serum, respectively. Using DAT and KDRT testing in parallel, the overall seroprevalence of L. donovani infection was 27.7% and 14.8%, respectively. The degree of agreement was found to be fair (68.8%, k = 0.234). Univariable logistic regression analysis of some risk factors for L. donovani infection in dogs using DAT indicates that place of residence, sex, age, dog keeping purpose and dog housing condition were not significantly associated with seropositivity. The high proportion of positive dogs suggests the exposure of these animals to L. donovani infection and needs further investigation. Isolation and typing of the parasite aiming at confirming the role of these animals in maintenance and transmission of kala-azar is advocated.

Treating HIV/AIDS and leishmaniasis coinfection in Ethiopia

HIV/AIDS is currently recognized as the leading cause of adult illness and death in Ethiopia and has infected a cumulative total of 1 500 000 adults and children. Kafta Humera Woreda is an isolated area in the northwest region of the Ethiopian province of Tigray. Because of a combination of