North Wollo Zone Research Articles

Production Objectives, Reproductive Performance and Selection Criteria of Indigenous Sheep Types in Meket and Gidan Districts, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

This study was aimed to generate comprehensive information on production objectives, reproductive performance and selection criteria of indigenous sheep types under farmer’s management condition in Meket and Gidan districts, North Wollo Zone. Ethiopia. Multistage purposive sampling was employed based on the potential of sheep production. Accordingly 6 rural kebeles (3 from each district) were considered purposively. About 240 households (120 from each district) were used for household survey. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 16.0 2007) was used to analyze data. The main objectives of keeping sheep were for income generation followed by meat consumption across the districts compared. Sexual maturity age of Meket ram was 9.04 months whereas Gidan ram was 8.51 months. The average age at first lambing, lambing interval and lifetime lamb crop of Meket Sheep were 16.04 months, 9.14 months and 8.92 lambs, respectively. The corresponding values for Gidan Sheep were 15.57 months, 8.66 months and 9.77 lambs, respectively. Color, growth character and appearance were the most important traits considered by farmers to select breeding rams in both study districts. Ages at first sexual maturity, color, lamb growth and pedigree were the most important trait in choosing of breeding ewes in Meket district. Whereas Ages at first sexual maturity, color, tail type/length and pedigree were the most important trait in choosing of breeding ewes in Gidan district. Therefore, this finding was put baseline for understanding about production objective, Reproductive performance and selection criteria of Sheep and serve as a base for designing a sustainable breeding programme and selection strategies in the study area.

Factors Affecting Vegetable Producers Market Outlet Choice in Case of Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, horticultural crops play a significant role in improving household income and nutrition status of producers. However, the choice of appropriate market outlets that enhance the benefit of producers is a key challenge facing vegetable producers in Habru district, North Wollo zone, Ethiopia. Hence, this study carried out to identify factors affecting market outlet choice of vegetable producers in Habru district. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. A random sample of 147 vegetable producer households were selected using a proportional sampling technique. Both descriptive and multivariate probit methods were used for data analysis. Multivariate probit model result showed that age, education level, sex, farming experience, land cultivated, quantity produced, selling price, and extension contact significantly affected onion producers market outlet choice. While education level, sex, farming experience, quantity produced, selling price, extension contact, and non/off-farm income significantly affected tomato producers market outlet choice. The study recommends the need to promote farmer organization for collective marketing and financial support for marketing, boost vegetable production, support market-oriented extension delivery, enhance farmers training and experience exchange of vegetable producers.

Determinants of Adoption of Improved Teff Varieties by Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kobo District, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Adoption and wider diffusion of improved teff varieties is playing vital role in reversing the present situation of food insecurity in many parts of Ethiopia. However, the uses of improved teff varieties are constrained by various factors. Hence, in this study, an attempt was made to examine factors affecting adoption and intensity of use of improved teff varieties. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select 150 sample households from Kobo district. Double-hurdle model was used to identify factors influencing households’ adoption decision and intensity of use of improved teff varieties. The result of double-hurdle model shows that educational level of household head, participation on crop production demonstration, distance from the nearest market, frequency of extension contact, off/non-farm income, proportion of cultivated land allocated for teff, livestock holding, improved teff seed availability, and perception on better yielding capacity of the new varieties over local varieties were found to be significantly influencing households adoption decision, whereas, sex, age, family labor, membership to an organization, off/non-farm income, frequency of extension contact and land allocated for teff were found to be significantly influencing the intensity of use of improved teff varieties. Therefore, the result implies that strengthening the existing extension services, providing good transport facilities for farmers through infrastructural development, improving access to improved seeds, improving farmers’ level of education, strengthening farmer’s organization, encouraging the use of labour saving technologies, improving crop-livestock production system and provision of demonstrations of new technologies are areas that need policy attentions to enhance adoption and intensity of use of improved teff varieties. Further, high yielding teff varieties need to be given special priority in teff variety scaling out programs.

The Effect of Covid-19 on Unemployment and Price Changes in Ethiopia: Evidence from Woldia Town “Does the Downward Sloping Philips Curve Hold True”

The massive spread of corona creates pressure on the general systems of the world countries. As stated in some studies corona virus affect every institution and individuals of the world in many aspects. Specifically it results in high unemployment, low level of production and significance rise in the nominal price of commodities. This study tries to explain the change in those economic variables to analyze the effect of Covid-19 on the living standard of households in Woldia town, Amhara regional state of Ethiopia using a data obtained from the north wollo zone planning commission which had been collected from sampled individuals monthly. Since the issue is so recent and absence of many conducted researches on this area, this article have no specific chapter for review of literature and gives more focus for data analysis part. Then descriptive analysis indicates the presence of valuable rise in unemployment and average price levels simultaneously and the OLS regression result disproved the applicability of Philips curve for the study area under the influence of COVID-19. While it emerged from animal hosts, currently COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe through human-to-human contact. It resulted in many socio economy impacts on the world society and deteriorates their day to day activities. Unemployment is the major manifestation of COVID-19 due quarantine requirement designed to control the spread of the virus and this indirectly creates high level of increments in the average price of consumer necessity goods. As per the descriptive and econometric analysis of this study there is high unemployment and rise in average price at a time opposed to the assumption of Philips curve.

Assessment on Performance of Crossbreed Dairy Cows in Mersa Town, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to assess productive and reproductive performances of cross breed dairy cows in Habru district, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. For this study two kebeles were selected namely mersa 01 and 02. Data was gathered by interviewing the owner of the cross- breed dairy cows. A descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data such as frequency, percentage and mean. According to key informants, all households use semi intensive dairy production system. The main feed sourse in the study area was crop residue, natural pastures and hay. All households use cattle house made up of wood with metal and plastic cover. Breeding methods of both natural and artificial insemination (AI) method were also employed. Average mtlk yield of 5.75liters of milk per day and lactation length of 9 months were found. The average calving interval of those crossbred dairy cows were between 1-1.2 years and most of the householdes (60%) indicate cows came to heat 2-3 months post calving. Moreover, age at first calving (AFC) of 2.5-3 years were found. The most constraints that hinders the productivity of the dairy cattle in the study area were shortage of feed, low management and diseases like mastitis. However, households indicate as there opportunities such as introducing Artificial insemination services for herd improvement. Based on the result obtained, it is recommend that awareness about crossbred dairy cattle management and use of improved reproductive technologies like artificial insemination should be created. Keywords: Cross breed, Dairy cattle, Productive performance, Reproduction performance DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/9-23-04 Publication date: December 31st 2019

Impact of Land Use Types and Soil Depths on the Distribution of Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Soils of Aboy Gara Watershed, at Gidan District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted at the degraded land soils of the Abuhoy Gara Catchment, which is located in the Gidan District of North Wello Zone, Ethiopia to determine the impact of land use type and soil depth on the distribution of soil physical and chemical properties. Soil samples were collected from representative locations with four replications at two depths, surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) of cultivated, grazing and bush land use types. One hundred eighty soil samples were collected from the depths of 0-15 and 15-30 cm each in a radial sampling scheme using an auger. Totally, twelve composite soil samples were collected using flexible grid survey method of 1:30,000 scales. The collected samples were air-dried, homogenized and sieved to pass a 2 mm mesh sieve for the standard physical and chemical analyses. Results showed that the soil physical and chemical properties were significantly affected by the interaction of land uses and soil depths. Silt content decreases while clay content increases across depth from surface to subsurface soils. The lowest pH-H2O was registered at the subsurface soils of the grazing lands, while the highest was recorded at the surface soils of the bush land. The interaction effect of land use by soil depth on the variability of soil organic matter was significantly higher at surface layer of the grazing land and lower at surface layer of cultivated land. Similarly, soil total nitrogen was highest in surface layer of the grazing land, while it was lowest in subsurface layer of the bush land. Exchangeable bases were highest in surface soils of the bush land and lowest in the surface soils of cultivated land. The contents of both exchangeable bases were decreasing with soil depth in all land uses except the bush land. Significant difference in cation exchange capacity contents was observed as highest in surface soil layer of the bush land and lowest in surface soil layer of the cultivated land. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that the interaction of land use with soil depth showed negative effects especially disturbance of soil nutrient status on cultivated land in surface soils. In general, the spatial variability of soil properties indicates the soil conditions were strongly affected by inappropriate land use and soil management practices including soil depth. Therefore, reducing intensity of cultivation, adopting integrated soil fertility management and application of organic fertilizers could maintain the existing soil condition and replenish degraded soil properties.

Breeding Objectives and Practices of Small Holder Sheep Production in Habru Woreda North Wollo Zone of Amhara, Ethiopia

The productivity of Ethiopian sheep’s can be improved by improving management and selecting best animal for future mating. This study was conducted in Habru Woreda, North Wollo Amhara region, Ethiopia with the aim to identify breeding objectives and practices of sheep production in the study area. A total of 40 households were selected purposively based on high sheep population density and production potentials. The data was gathered using semi-structured interview, direct observation and discussion with key informants. The data was summarized and analyzed using Micro soft Excel computer program and presented using tables by using descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentages. The main reason of keeping sheep in the study area was for household income generation, meat, manure, culture, breeding and ceremony respectively. The majority of breeding rams for farmers originated from own flock. Mating was uncontrolled but in rare case there is controlled mating. Selection criteria for breeding rum in the study area were growth, coat color, tail type and selection criteria for breeding ewe were lamb growth, body size, lamb survival, coat color and multiple births, respectively. Maturity age for selection of breeding ewe was reported 6-8 month. Majority of sheep breeds were indigenous breeds (87.5%) followed by cross breed ones (12.5%). There are also poor cross-breeding activities at farmers’ level and uncontrolled natural mating within local breeds was predominantly practiced by households. Selecting appropriate ewe and ram for the purpose of improving breeding objectives as well as its practice is important. To minimize the failure of sheep breed improvement program it is important to consider breed management system and trait preferences of the community.

Household Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies: A Perspective from Lasta Wereda, North Wollo Zone of Amhara, Ethiopia

The study aims to assess food insecurity, identify the determinants of food insecurity and analyze the coping strategies of the rural households in Lasta wereda, Amhara regional state of Ethiopia. Primary data were collected using questionnaire survey, focus group discussion and key informant interview. Three stage sampling technique was employed to select 299 rural households in the study area. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies mean and standard deviation was used to analyze the data. Econometric analysis of Tobit model was used to identify the determinants of food insecurity, and Foster-Greer-Thorbecke model indices were employed to estimate the incidence, gap and severity of food insecurity. The head count ratio revealed that 51.8 percent of sampled households were found to be food insecure. The gap and severity of food insecurity were estimated to be 14.2 and 6 percent respectively. The results of Tobit regression model showed household size, cultivable land size, livestock ownership, oxen ownership, use of chemical fertilizer and households share of own produced food were found to be significant determinants of food insecurity in the study area. Selling livestock to buy food, reducing the quantity of meals and reducing the frequency of meals were among the common coping strategies adopted at times of decline in food availability. Family planning, off-farm income generating activities, livestock sector productivity and access to chemical fertilizer should be highly strengthened in the study area.

Gender Responsive Pedagogy: Practices, Challenges & Opportunities - A Case of Secondary Schools of North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

The purpose of the current study was to examine the general secondary school (GSS) science teachers’ gender responsive pedagogy (GRP) implementation status. To do so, descriptive survey research design was employed. Teachers, department heads and school principals were taken as respondents of the study comprehensively. And students were also participants of the study conveniently. Questionnaire, interview, and focus group discussion (FGD) were considered as the principal data collection tools. The collected data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively: the data collected through questionnaire was analyzed via mean, std., one sample t-test. And the data gathered by open ended items, interview, and FGD as well was analyzed via words, phrases, statements and narration. The analyzed data noted that GSS science teachers of the North Wollo Zone had facilitated GRP fairly. Thus, they found as effective in relation to language usage, classroom setups, classroom interaction, and addressing sexual harassment. To do so, availability of qualified school supervisors and principals, and realization of new education training policy (NETP) were considered as possible opportunities. However, teachers as well ineffective to prepare gender responsive (GR) lesson plan, to prepare and use GR instructional materials and to have GR management of sexual maturation. This vanity of teachers was sourced from ranges of challenges: economic, culture, school and teacher related. Therefore, extra support in natural sciences should be given for girls beginning from lower primary education; Confidence building dialogues through involvement of female role model need to be initiated in schools; Gender based counseling, information and remedial learning programs like tutorial classes should be strengthened in schools; Since they used as experience sharing center, gender-sensitive expansion of ICT facilities, including computer labs and internet delivery infrastructure should be expanded in schools.

Feed Resources Potential and Nutritional Quality of Major Feed Stuffs in Raya Kobo District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

Using multi-stage purposive sampling technique, 270 households who owned cattle were selected from three agro-ecologies to assess feed resources potential and to evaluate the nutritional quality majorly used feed resources. Structured questionnaire, field observation and focus group discussion were used to collect detailinformation. Conversion factors were used to quantify each feed recourse yield potential per a year in the district. Ten majorly usedcattle feed sampleswere taken to evaluate their nutritional quality. Collected data were analyzed using SAS version 9.2 software packages. Natural pastures, crop residues, stable grazing and hay were the available feed resources in the study area. The cattle population in the district was estimated 1,520 TLU which required an estimated of 13,871 tons of DM for maintenance per annum. The overall estimated DMYof the feed resources in the district was 366,719 tons per year. By assuming 20% of the feed resources wasted during transportation, storage and feeding, 293,375 tons of DM could be utilized as livestock feed per annum. Major feed resources in the district were grouped under poor quality. In conclusion, the feed resources potential in the district could satisfy the cattle population DM maintenance requirement. However, whether the remaining DMY could satisfy the DM requirement of the entire livestockpopulationin the district needs further investigation. The nutritional quality of feed resources needs improvement through treatment. Moreover, supplementary feeding is needed to satisfy the entire nutrientrequirements of the livestock population in the district.

Survey and Identification of Major Weeds of Seeds Spice in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) are economically important seeds spices in the family of Apiaceae, Fabaceae and Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), respectively. They are highly suffering due to weed infestation especially competing for water and nutrient. However, before estimating yield losses due to weeds and devising weed control strategies, identification and quantification of weeds are very important. The weed survey was conducted in East showa, Arsi, Bale, North wollo and North Gondar zones during 2016 and 2018 in main cropping seasons to identify most common and prevalent weeds associated with seeds spice (coriander, fenugreek and black cumin). Weed species characteristics, density, frequency, relative density, relative frequency, summed dominant ratio over locations and seasons were calculated. The result shows that a total of 22, 37 and 21 weed species were identified in coriander, fenugreek and black cumin fields, respectively. The most important families according to the number of represented species were Amaranthaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Primulaceae and Fabaceae in coriander, Amaranthaceae, Fabaceae and Polygonaceae in fenugreek and Chlorideae and Scrophulariaceae in black cumin fields. The frequency of individual weed species in coriander, fenugreek and black cumin field ranged from 0.14% up to 1%, 0.13% up to 1% and 0.25% up to 5% while the dominance value ranged from 0.14 up to 49.1%, 0.25 up to 26.5% and 0.25 up to 4.5%, respectively. The most frequent and dominant weed was Chenopodium album in coriander field whereas, the most frequent weed was Chenopodium album and the most dominant weed was Drymaria cordata in fenugreek field. In black cumin field Cynadon dactylon and Solanum nigrum are most dominat and the most frequent weeds respectively. This survey has ranked the most abundant and troublesome weed species in coriander, fenugreek and black cumin growing areas of Ethiopia. Therefore this information is vital for setting research and developmental work priorities concerning coriander, fenugreek and black cumin weeds of the study area

Farmers’ Perceptions about the Effect of Farm Land Management Practices and Soil Depth on the Distribution of Major Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Eroded Soils of Aboy Gara Watershed, Gidan District, North Wollo Zone

The study was conducted at the Abuhoy Gara Catchment, which is located in the Gidan District of North Wello Zone. The aim of the study was to study farmers’ perceptions about the effect of farm land management practices and soil depth on the distribution of major soil physico-chemical properties in eroded soils of Aboy Gara watershed. To address this issue, semi-structured interviews were conducted in 64 households to gain insight into soil fertility management practices, local methods were used to assess the fertility status of a field, and perceived trends in soil fertility. Thirty-three farmers were then asked to identify fertile and infertile fields. According to farmers response, farmers’ fields were characterized as fertile where it comprise black color, cracks during dry season, good crop performance, vigorous growth of certain plants and presence of plants in a dry environment whereas the infertile is where it shows yellow/white and red colors, compacted soils, stunted plant growth, presence of rocks and stones and wilting or dying of crops in a hot environment. A total of eight indicators (soil color, texture, soil depth, topography, soil drainage, and distance from home, type of weeds grown and cultivation intensity) were found to be used by farmers to evaluate and monitor soil fertility. The results of administered questions showed that the principal indicators mentioned by farmers as very important were soil colour (82.8%), continuous cropping land (72.2%), soil texture (62.8%), distance from home (61%), type of weeds grown (56%), soil depth (55.6%), topography (51.1%), and soil drainage (28.7%) as very important. So, among sixty four interviewed farmers: deep soil (60 farmers), soils near to home (60 farmers), forest soil (59 farmers), smooth fine soil (59 farmers), black color soil (58 farmers) and gentle slope soil (57farmers) are categorized as fertile whereas 59, 57, 56, 55, and 44farmers said that Sandy/coarse soil, shallow soil depth, steep slope soils and yellow/white, red soils and continuously cultivated soils are infertile, respectively. The overall result showed that there was good agreement between farmers’ assessment of the soil fertility status of a field and a number of these indicators. The soil laboratory analysis also corresponded well with farmers’ assessment of soil fertility. Therefore, to design more appropriate research and to facilitate clear communication with farmers, researchers need to recognize farmers’ knowledge, perceptions about assessments of soil fertility. Because, as they included all soil factors affecting plant growth, farmers’ perceptions of soil fertility were found to be more long term day-to-day close practical experience finding than those of researchers.

Comparative Seroepidemiological Study of Brucellosis in Sheep under Smallholder Farming and Governmental Breeding Ranches of Central and North East Ethiopia.

This cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the status of brucellosis in sheep management under extensive smallholder farming and intensively in governmental breeding ranches in six districts selected from three administrative zones. Using multistage sampling, serum samples of 2409 sheep from 274 flocks were collected and tested using the Rose Bengal Plate Agglutination Test (RBPT) and positive sera were confirmed using a Complement Fixation Test (CFT). Of all animals tested, 4.98% were RBPT positive, and after confirmation with CFT, the overall animal-level prevalence was found to be 4.89% (CI: 3.24-6.9%). Of the flocks sampled, 61 (22.3%, CI: 18.03-29.17%) had at least one animal positive to both tests. Significantly higher (P < 0.001) individual animal seroprevalence of 5.87% (CI: 3.83-7.31%) was found in sheep under smallholder production than in breeding ranches (1.75%, 95% CI: 1.57-3.05%). However, flock level seroprevalence in breeding ranches was found to be 100% (8/8), while in the smallholder production it was 19.92% (CI: 16.4-25.81%). Significantly highest animal-level seroprevalence of 9.55% (CI: 7.91-12.4%) was observed in north Wollo zone's smallholder farms. From the three studied breeding ranches, highest seroprevalence of 3.57% (CI: 2.84%-5.18%) was found in Sheno Agricultural Research Centre. Significantly higher seroprevalence (P < 0.01) was found in aborted sheep and with history of retained fetal membrane in both production systems. All the sheep flocks in the studied breeding ranches were found to be seropositive; hence, this study suggests strict control measures of ovine brucellosis in the breeding reaches, since they could be a source of infection for the smallholder farms.

Woody Species Diversity, Structure, and Regeneration Status of Yemrehane Kirstos Church Forest of Lasta Woreda, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This study is aimed at generating data on woody species diversity, structure, and regeneration status of some species and was conducted in Yemrehane Kirstos Church Forest of Lasta Woreda, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Six transect lines were laid following altitudinal gradient. Quadrats of size 20 m × 20 m (400m2) were used to collect data that were established systematically at every 100 m interval along the transect lines. Data on woody species was collected from a total of 34 sampling quadrats of 400m2. To collect data on seedlings and saplings, five subplots of 1 m × 1m (1m2) size located at the four corners and centre of the main plot were used. Species diversity was determined using the Shannon-Wiener index (H′). A total of 39 woody species belonging to 38 genera and 29 families were identified in Yemrehane Kirstos Church Forest. The overall Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′) and evenness values for the entire forest were 2.88 and 0.79, respectively. The six most abundant woody species in their order of highest density were Juniperus procera, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Maytenus arbutifolia, Osyris quadripartita, Calpurnia aurea, and Debregeasia saeneb. The densities for mature woody species, saplings, and seedlings were 506.6, 514.7, and 415.4 individuals ha−1, respectively. The basal area of the forest is 72 m2 ha−1. The population structure and regeneration status of the forest indicated that there have been high forest degradation and severe anthropogenic disturbances in the area and, therefore, conservation of species, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable use of the forest genetic resources are recommended as a result of this study.

Factors Affecting Student’s Academic Performance in Ahuntegen General Secondary School, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

The Academic performance of the student depends on a number of factors such as teachers, student and school related variables. Hence, this study was conducted to analyze the factors which affect the academic performance of students. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. In this paper, students’ results were taken from record office. Multiple regressions, chi-square test, correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. The result of the chi-square test and correlation analysis portrayed that teachers educational level, experience, subject matter knowledge, students interest towards education, attendance, parents educational level, parents income, distance of the school from the students home, the availability of materials, text book and language skill of students have an influence for the academic success of students. Besides, keeping other variables constant, 14.8 % and 62.7% variability of students’ academic performance was explained by teacher and school related variables whereas the overall 74.2 % of variations of students’ results were explained by 19 variables applied for this study. The overall relationship was statistically significant (F19, 23=8.592, P0.001). It is recommended that analyzing and understanding of teachers, students, parents, school educational expert and related variables are very essential to improve the academic performance of students.

Effects of home delivery on colostrum avoidance practices in North Wollo zone, an urban setting, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

BackgroundColostrum is the first liquid that is produced in the first few days after delivery. It is the perfect first food for newborns which is considered as an infant’s first immunization. Despite of this fact colostrum is discarded as unclean and bad for the infant’s health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the factors associated with colostrum avoidance in Woldia, Kobo and Lalibela town administrations of North Wollo zone.MethodsA quantitative community based cross sectional study was employed in March 2015 on 810 mothers of children aged less than 24 months. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed to identify the factors associated with colostrum avoidance. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable model were identified as predictors of colostrum avoidance practices.ResultsColostrum was discarded by 12.0% (95%CI: 10.0–14.0%) of mothers of children aged less than 24 months. In multivariable logistic regression analysis late initiation of breastfeeding [AOR (95% CI) =2.03 (1.18, 3.49)], prelacteal feeding [AOR (95% CI) =3.38 (1.83, 6.24)], mothers not living with their husband [AOR (95% CI) = 2.24 (1.22, 4.12)] and delivering the index child at home [AOR (95% CI) =2.92 (1.521, 5.59)] were independent positive predictors of colostrum avoidance practices.ConclusionThe foundation of any nutrition package for the prevention of childhood malnutrition is the promotion of an optimal breastfeeding practices, including colostrum feeding, in the community. Therefore, promoting institutional delivery, early initiation of breastfeeding and creating awareness on the dangers of prelacteal feeding and the advantages of colostrum feeding are recommended interventions to reduce colostrum avoidance practices in the study area.

Impact of Remittance on Rural Household’s Welfare: Evidence from North Wollo Zone, Gubalafto Woreda in Amhara Regional State, Using IV-Estimation Technique

The ultimate objectives of this paper intended to estimate the impact of remittance income on household’s welfare using the household level cross sectional data. The study controls for various household characteristics, asset-holding variables, institutional, village level infrastructural variables as well as endogeniety problems using IV estimation. The results indicate that remittances positively and significantly affect household level consumption expenditure. Household characteristics particularly family size, participation on wage employment, distance to the main market and lowland agro ecological zone affect welfare status and access to extension service affects the welfare status positively and significantly. On the other hand, oxen, land size, non-livestock asset, participation on own business, access to credit and access to extension service have positive and significant effect on the household’s welfare status.

Pre scaling up of bread wheat technology at Meket and wadla districts, North wollo zone

In Ethiopia where the livelihood of the people is highly dependent on agriculture improving the production and productivity of wheat will be one of the important agenda for the agricultural sector. The national average of wheat in the country, which is 14 Qt/ha, is 24%, is still below the average of South Africa yield and 48% below that of the world’s (FAO, 2004). Demonstration on farmers’ fields at Jama and Meket districts in 2014 cropping season showed that the improved variety sora had a better yield advantage over warkaye, Tossa and local with a better resistance to yellow rust. Having this pre scaling up of bread wheat variety sora with it full package had been started at Meket and wadla districts of north wollo zone, Amhara region. A total of 15 Qt seed had been provided for 25 farmers on 10 ha of land. Two clusters have been organized at the respective districts. 295 qt of seed had been produced and promoted for local seed system on established seed producer cooperatives. Farmers and development agents had invited to visit clustered farms through inviting on field days and experience had been shared. Thus further scaling up and out should be carried out on the study areas and similar agro ecological zones. Capacity building and continuous follow up should be done for the established cooperatives for sustaining seed production.

Factors and Challenges of Mother Imprisonments in South and North Wollo Zones of Amhara Region: In the Case of Dessie and Woldia Zonal Correctional Center

Factors and Challenges of Mother Imprisonments in South and North Wollo Zones of Amhara Region: In the Case of Dessie and Woldia Zonal Correctional Center

Effect of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions on active trachoma in North and South Wollo zones of Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Quasi-experimental study.

BackgroundTrachoma is chronic kerato conjunctivitis, which is caused by repeated infection with Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. It is hyper endemic in many rural areas of Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions on active trachoma in selected woredas of North and South Wollo zones of Amhara Region, Ethiopia.MethodologyA community based quasi-experimental study was conducted from October 2014 to December 2015 among children aged 1–8 years at baseline and among one year older same children after intervention. A four-stage random cluster-sampling technique was employed to select study participants. From each selected household, one child was clinically assessed for active trachoma. Structured questionnaire was used to collect socio demographic and behavioral data. MacNemar test was applied to compare the prevalence of active trachoma between baseline and after the intervention period at both intervention and non-intervention study areas.ResultsThe prevalence of active trachoma was reduced from baseline prevalence of 26% to 18% after one-year intervention period in the intervention woredas (P≤0.001). MacNemar test result showed significant reduction of active trachoma prevalence after the intervention period in the intervention woredas compared to the non-intervention woredas (P≤0.001). Water, sanitation and hygiene related activities were significantly improved after the intervention period in the intervention woredas (P<0.05).ConclusionsThere was a significant reduction of active trachoma prevalence between the baseline and after the intervention period in the intervention woredas, but not in the non-intervention ones. Improved water, sanitation and hygiene interventions contributed to the reduction of active trachoma. However, the magnitude of active trachoma prevalence observed after the intervention is still very high in the studied areas of North and South Wollo Zones communities. To achieve the global trachoma elimination target by the year 2020 as set by the WHO, continued WaSH interventions and periodic monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the impact of WaSH on active trachoma is warranted.