Oromia Regional State Research Articles

Investigating the Effects of Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Factory on Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics: A Case of Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Estate, East Wallaga, Oromia, Western, Ethiopia

Sugarcane plantations in sugar factories and farms have the potential to significantly influence local ecosystems and communities, leading to deforestation, degradation of soil quality, and reduced availability of water resources. This study aimed to determine the effect of the Arjo‐Dhidhessa sugar factory on land use and land cover change in the east Wallaga zone of the Oromia regional state. This study employed geospatial technology to investigate spatial and temporal changes in land use and land cover in the study area. Satellite images from 1983, 1996, 2009, and 2022 were used to evaluate changes in land use and land cover in the area. The study area underwent significant transformations in land use and land cover, including a 0.6% decrease in the total forested area, a 25.9% reduction in shrubland, and a 22.3% decrease in grassland coverage. Although agricultural land showed a significant increase of 21.34%, irrigated land increased by 14.8%, and built‐up areas expanded by 12.2%. The average annual growth rates for agricultural land, irrigated land, and built‐up areas were 217.4, 289.5, and 165.4 ha/year, respectively. The emergence of sugar factories and sugarcane farming was initiated at the expense of forestland, grassland, and shrubland. These changes have raised concerns about the potential ecological consequences and long‐term sustainability of the environment. The observed trends underscore the urgent need to address the environmental challenges faced by Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Factory, which requires a collective and coordinated response from all relevant stakeholders to mitigate the negative impacts of decreasing natural habitats. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing sustainable land management practices that balance developmental initiatives with environmental conservation.

Multiple mycotoxin exposure assessment through human biomonitoring in an esophageal cancer case-control study in the Arsi-Bale districts of Oromia region of Ethiopia

Multiple mycotoxin exposure assessment through human biomonitoring in an esophageal cancer case-control study in the Arsi-Bale districts of Oromia region of Ethiopia

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine Babesiosis in Kiltu Kara District, West Wallaga Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine Babesiosis in Kiltu Kara District, West Wallaga Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover Change in Bishoftu City, Oromia Regional State Ethiopia

This study investigates the land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in Bishoftu City, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, The LULC analysis from 1990 to 2020 in the area reveals significant transformations in land use categories: cropland, vegetation, settlements, and wetlands. Initially, in 1990, cropland dominated the landscape, covering 76% of the total area, with vegetation at 14%, settlements at 6%, and wetlands at 4%. Over the three decades, cropland consistently decreased, dropping to 74% in 2000, 73% in 2010, and 64.7% by 2020. Vegetation cover also saw a decline from 14% in 1990 to 10% in 2020. In contrast, settlement areas increased substantially, from 6% in 1990 to 22.8% in 2020. Wetlands showed a minor but consistent reduction, decreasing from 4% in 1990 to 2.6% in 2020. These changes are predominantly driven by urban expansion, deforestation, agricultural activities, and economic development. Accuracy assessments of classified maps revealed high reliability, with overall accuracy ranging from 96% to 98%. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable urban planning, reforestation efforts, wetland conservation, and effective land use regulations to mitigate adverse environmental impacts. In conclusion, the research underscores the critical role of understanding and addressing LULC dynamics for sustainable development. Recommendations include enhancing land use regulations, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, developing wetland conservation programs, and improving public awareness and education. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners to make informed decisions and promotes sustainable land management practices in Bishoftu City.

Consumption of wild edible plants in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

BackgroundWild edible plants (WEPs) are neglected and have received little attention despite their significant contributions to the sustenance and livelihoods of rural communities. This study was conducted in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts of the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, to document the diversity, to assess the most preferred WEPs, their utilization, and threats they face.MethodsThe study was conducted in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts of the West Arsi Zone of the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Data collection took place from February to September 2022 in Kofale and from November 2022 to April 2023 in Heban-Arsi district. To gather ethnobotanical information, the research employed semi-structured interviews, field observations, focus group discussions, and guided field walks. The interviews involved 290 informants who were selected via snowball sampling and systemic random sampling methods. Preference ranking values, direct matrix rankings, and use values (UVs) of documented species were computed.ResultsA total of 62 WEPs species belonging to 38 families and 56 genera were identified. The Moraceae family includes 7 species, followed by Fabaceae and Rubiaceae (each 4 species), and Lamiaceae (3 species). Shrub was the dominant growth form (32 species), followed by herbs (13 species). The largest number (24 species) of WEPs was collected from grazing lands/fields, followed by forest habitats (17 species). The most widely used edible plant part was fruit (40 species) and leaf (11 species). Most WEPs were collected for consumption from March to May (30 species), and the majority of the species (48, 77.4%) were utilized in their raw state. A large number of WEP (41 species) were consumed only during periods of food shortage, and the remaining (21 species) were used as staple food supplements. Multiple other uses of WEPs in the study area also reported. Fifty-two species mentioned for medicinal use, and the species that had the highest use value was Cordia africana Lam. (0.9). The direct matrix ranking results indicated that agricultural expansion was a principal threat to the WEPs in the study area.ConclusionThis study indicated that WEPs are widely used during food shortages in the study area, but many WEP species are under threat due to growing pressure from various anthropogenic factors. Thus, public awareness and community-based management need to be encouraged at all levels to conserve and sustainably use these resources to address food insecurity.

Green Human Resource Management Practices in Health Service Organizations: A Qualitative Study from Nekemte Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

Organizations have been paying more attention to the environment in recent years, especially since the sustainable development target was established worldwide. The main purpose of this research is to explore green human resource management practices in Nekemte comprehensive specialized hospital (NCSH), one of the public hospitals in Nekemte city, east Wallaggaa zone of Oromia regional state. To achieve objectives of the study, data was collected through in-depth interview (IDI) and document analysis. Qualitative data analysis was conducted for the IDI data. The document analysis and the IDI result have revealed that there are currently three GRHM practices in Nekemte Comprehensive Specialized Hospital; green training and development, green reward and compensation and green performance management and appraisal. The conclusion from results of document analysis and IDI is that there are practices of GHRM in the hospital. The overall conclusion of the study is that there are limited GRHM practices in the health service organization. The policy implication is that better organizational performance of the hospital demands continuous effort of putting GRHM practices in the center of the organizational goals.

Pre-Extension Demonstration of Crude Beeswax Extraction Technology in Ilu Gelan District, West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The current bee wax production system remains underdeveloped among smallholder beekeepers due to lack the necessary expertise and methods for processing crude bee wax in Ethiopia. The study was conducted in the Ilu Gelan district with the goal of raising knowledge about the importance of bee wax for income generation. The farmers’ research extension group (FREG) was employed to demonstrate the method, with one FREG of 20 beekeepers at each appropriate site (kebele), for a total of 40 beekeepers. Crude beeswax materials, such as broken or dried combs and <i>sefef</i>, were used to produce pure bees wax blocks. Data were gathered from primary and secondary sources in both qualitative and quantitative forms. In-depth key informant interviews, focus groups discussion, and observations were used for qualitative data collection. Likewise checklists used for quantitative data. The qualitative data was examined using narrative response and content analysis approaches. Nonetheless, the quantitative data was analyzed using statistical tools for descriptive and inferential purposes. Overall, 58 participants obtained the knowledge required to act as future resources in the study area. The submerged crude beeswax rendering method yielded an average of 3.67 kg and 3.28 kg of pure beeswax from 10 kg of comb wax and <i>sefef</i>, respectively. A statistically significant (P< 0.05) yield difference was seen between submerged and sack jute methods of crude wax extraction using comb wax. Thus, through education and information sharing, it is essential to ensure technology's long-term survival in potential areas and with more beneficiaries through development efforts.

Transforming Subsistence Farming: Determinants of Sorghum Output Commercialization: The Case of Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

In developing countries, including Ethiopia, the change from subsistence-oriented production system to the market-oriented production system as a means of raising smallholder income, and alleviating poverty has been at the center of policy spotlight. This study analysis the level and factors determining smallholder sorghum commercialization in Gololcha and Shene Kolu Districts. A three-stage random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 121 smallholder sorghum producers. Primary and quantitative data were collected using a structured survey

Larval source management in Ethiopia: modelling to assess its effectiveness in curbing malaria surge in dire Dawa and Batu Towns

BackgroundEthiopia faces several severe challenges in terms of malaria elimination, including drug resistance and diagnostic evasion in the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, insecticide resistance in the primary Anopheles malaria vector, and, most recently, the invasion of the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. Novel malaria control methods are therefore needed, and in this paper, we describe the evaluation of a larval source management (LSM) strategy implemented in response to An. stephensi. The primary outcome was the malaria incidence rate compared between intervention and non-intervention sites in the presence of An. stephensi.MethodsIntervention (Batu and Dire Dawa) and control (Metehara) towns were selected, and weekly malaria passive case detection data collected between 2014 and 2023 were obtained from the Oromia regional state and Dire Dawa City Administration Health Bureau. In addition, data regarding intervention were obtained from the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) reports. Weekly malaria passive case data were used to evaluate the change in the estimated malaria incidence rate and trends of temporal patterns of the estimated malaria incidence rate before and after interventions. An interrupted time series model with a cyclic second-order random walk structure periodic seasonal term was used to assess the impact of LSM on malaria incidence rate in the intervention and control settings.ResultsAn upsurge in malaria cases occurred after 2020 at both the intervention and control sites. The temporal patterns of malaria incidence rate showed an increasing trend after the intervention. The ITS model depicted that the LSM has no impact in reducing the malaria incidence rate at both intervention site Dire Dawa [immediate impact = 1.462 (0.891, 2.035)], [Lasting impact = 0.003 (− 0.012, 0.018)], and Batu [Immediate impact 0.007 (− 0.235, 0.249), [Lasting impact = 0.008 (− 0.003, 0.013)].ConclusionsAn overall increasing trend in the malaria incidence rate was observed irrespective of the implementation of LSM in the urban settings of Ethiopia, where An. stephensi has been found. Further investigations and validations of the incorporation of LSM into control activities are warranted.

Impact of Livelihood Diversification on Rural Households' Food and Nutrition Security: Evidence from West Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

Food and nutrition insecurities continue to be significant issues for communities in developed and developing countries, even when there are plentiful harvests. In Ethiopia, climate change and other human-induced challenges are key factors contributing to this insecurity. Research and development experts suggest that implementing sustainable livelihood diversification strategies could be a viable solution. The objective of the study was to analyze the determinants of choice of livelihood diversification strategies and its impact on food and nutrition security among smallholder farmers in the West Shoa zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. The research employed quantitative approaches for data gathering and analysis. A multistage sampling method was utilized to choose the study locations. A total of 385 smallholder farming households (215 diversifiers and 170 nondiversifiers) were randomly chosen as participants from the 2 districts and 7 rural villages in the area. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabs) and econometric models [multinomial logit model and multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) model] were employed to analyze the quantitative data. More than half (56%) of the farming households were able to diversify their livelihoods, whereas the remaining 44% were unable to do so, indicating a lack of means to engage in any form of livelihood diversification activity beyond agriculture. The results of the multinomial logit regression model revealed that various factors such as gender, age, family size, education level, farm experience, social norms, land ownership, livestock possession, access to credit, access to extension services, working capital, government policies, climate variability, livelihood training, and proximity to markets significantly influenced smallholder farming households' choices and adoption of diversification strategies. The MESR model demonstrated that engaging in farming and off-farming activities could increase food and nutrition security for farm households by 74.6% and 33.3%, respectively. Similarly, participating in farming and nonfarming activities was associated with a 71.3% improvement in food security and a 42.3% enhancement in nutrition security. However, combining farming with both nonfarm and off-farm activities did not have a significant impact on food security, but it did lead to a 15.2% increase in nutrition security. Involving smallholder farmers in livelihood diversification reduces poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment. This study shows that diversifying livelihoods positively impacts food and nutrition security by enabling farmers to produce more for consumption and income generation.

“The health of my donkey is my health”: A female perspective on the contributions of working equids to One Health in two Ethiopian communities

Abstract Background: Working horses, donkeys and mules are used to support the livelihood of millions of households in low- and middle-income countries through their work in agriculture, transport and assistance with domestic duties among others. In doing so, these working equids often relieve their users from demanding physical tasks and contribute to their wellbeing. For many households, this support is provided primarily to women. This study aimed to explore working equid contributions to the health and wellbeing of those they support under a One Health perspective. Methods: This qualitative study consisted of a series of semi-structured in-depth interviews with ten female working equid users in two Ethiopian communities in the Oromia and Amhara national regional states during 2023. Interviews were conducted with simultaneous translation into the local language and verbatim transcripts were analysed thematically. A systems map was generated illustrating identified One Health links. Results: Five main themes were identified concerning the contributions of working equids to One Health: direct health benefits and hazards, nutrition and food and water security, access to health services and commodities, support services and systems, and wellbeing and lifestyle. Examples of human health impacts included direct physical and mental health benefits, facilitating access to healthcare or medicine and support for the sick. Animal health gains included improved nutrition and provision of veterinary care, and environmental benefits included the production of biofertiliser and contributions to waste management. Health hazards such as work-related animal welfare compromise and unhygienic shared environments were also identified. Conclusions: The relationship between working equids and their female users is multifactorial and deeply intertwined, with profound connections at social, economic and health levels. Evidencing this relationship through identified One Health links facilitates advocacy efforts and informs the establishment of appropriate support systems. Addressing working equid communities under a One Health and One Welfare framework is essential to ensure their wellbeing and promote their sustainable development. One Health impact statement This research places the use of working equids in low-income Ethiopian communities within a One Health context. These animals provide essential support to livelihoods, food and water security as well as socio-economic resilience. Additionally, we explore how they influence human, animal and environmental health both directly and indirectly using a female and participatory perspective, foundational principles of inclusion, and engagement of communities and marginalised voices. This work was performed collaboratively with local partners, including authors with scientific and social backgrounds, promoting a transdisciplinary approach as well as social and multicultural parity. This work may inform and facilitate the implementation of holistic systems that address the use and ownership of working equids and ensure the adequacy of their supporting systems and structures, ultimately with the aim of improving community wellbeing sustainably.

An Exploration of Secondary School English Language Teachers Reflective Teaching Practices, Techniques and Challenges

The purpose of this study was to explore secondary school English language teachers’ reflective teaching practices, techniques, and challenges in Bishoftu Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A descriptive cross-sectional case study using mixed research methods (quantitative and qualitative) is the design of this study. Primary data were collected from 43 English teachers and 6 English department heads, selected through comprehensive and purposive sampling, respectively. Data collection methods included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, employing frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The results revealed that the majority of English teachers had low engagement in reflective teaching and rarely used techniques such as audio-video recording, journal writing, and peer observation, while completely neglecting student feedback. The main challenges identified were lack of knowledge, skills, and experience; lack of institutional support and commitment; and absence of clear guidelines. The study recommends institutional commitment to reinforce and design tailor-made training based on clear guidelines at regional and national levels.

Response of Yield of Shallot (<i>Allium ascalonium</i> L.) to Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates and Spacing Under Irrigation at Mulo, Ethiopia

The shallot (<i>Allium ascalonium</i> L.) is one of the important alliaceous crops cultivated in many tropical countries. It is an important horticultural crop used to flavor the local stew "wot" and a source of income for farmers in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of shallot is low at study area due to various limiting factors such as low soil fertility, plant population and lack of improved agronomic practices. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of intra-row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer levels on growth, yield and quality of shallot at Mulo District, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia during 2021/22 off season. The treatments consisted of four intra-row spacing (5, 10, 15 and 20) cm and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150) kgNha<sup>-1</sup> tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on shallot yield was collected. The interaction effect of intra-row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer influenced the marketable yield, unmarketable yield, bulb weight, bulb fresh weight, bulb dry weight, dry matter and total yield. As a result, the treatment combination of 150kgha<sup>-1</sup> nitrogen and 15cm intra-row spacing yielded the highest net benefit of shallot (Eth-Birr 1,012,274), followed by the treatment combination of 150kgha<sup>-1</sup> nitrogen and 20 cm intra-row spacing. In conclusion, the above findings indicated that the combined application of 150kgNha<sup>-1</sup> with 15 cm spacing can improve shallot growth and productivity in the Mulo district area. However, more research needs to be done in different seasons and locations, taking into account the application rate of nitrogen fertilizer and different intra-row spacing, to generate more reliable information.

Geohazard Mapping and Mitigations of Landslides Along the Road Corridor Gasera–Indeto, Oromia Regional State, Southeast Ethiopia

Geohazard Mapping and Mitigations of Landslides Along the Road Corridor Gasera–Indeto, Oromia Regional State, Southeast Ethiopia

Value Chain Analysis of Haricot Bean in East Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The key objectives of the study were identifying haricot bean value chain actors, their functions and relationship among them, examining actor’s performance along the chain and analyzing factors affecting supply to the market and factors affecting market outlet choice in the study area. Both primary and secondary sources were used for data collection. The primary data was collected through interviewing 180 sample household farmers and 40 traders using semi-structured questionnaires. STATA version 15 Software was used for data analyzing. As the descriptive result indicate that, on average farmers allocate 0.72ha of land for haricot bean production, from which 21.72qt/ha of output gained. In the value chain of haricot bean input suppliers, farmers, collectors, traders, transporters and consumers are the major value chain actors who perform various value chain. From the study result, six marketing channels of haricot bean are exhibited in the study areas. Estimates of the multiple linear regression models indicate that the level of haricot bean supplied to the market is determined by educational level of household, haricot bean farming experience, land allocated for haricot bean, market price of haricot bean, TLU, access to credit, and access to market information. Therefore, policy makers should focus more on the abovementioned variables in the future intervention to increase volume of haricot bean supplied to the market. As the multivariate probit model result indicated that the market outlet choice of rural assemblers was positively and significantly influenced by distance to the nearest market center, distance to all weather road, and educational level whereas it’s negatively and significantly influenced by output level where as selling direct to consumers outlet choice was negatively and significantly affected by sex of household, educational level, farm experience of household in haricot bean, and output level. Urban traders/wholesalers market outlet was positively and significantly affected by sex of household, educational level, haricot bean farm experience, access to credit, access to market information, membership of cooperative, and output level whereas it’s negatively influenced by distance to the nearest market center, distance to all weather road and extension service. Based on the findings of this study, some relevant implications can be drawn that can assist to design appropriate intervention mechanisms to improve market outlets choice of haricot bean farmers in the study area.

Central obesity and associated factors among public service employees in Adama Town in Ethiopia

The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing, contributing to 678 million obese adults and rapidly increasing in lower-income countries. This study assessed the magnitude of central obesity and associated factors among public service office employees in Adama Town in the Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to February 26, 2020, among 590 public service employees. The data were collected by using interviewer-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. The data were coded, entered, cleaned, and entered into Epi Info version 7, and subsequently exported to SPSS version 26 for statistical analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to check the associations between the explanatory and outcome variables. The adjusted odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval was used to estimate the strength of associations. A P value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. The overall prevalence of central obesity among public service office employees was 24.2% (95% CI 20.9, 27.8). In a stratified analysis, the prevalence of central obesity was 29.9% in male and 14.9% in female employees. The multivariate analysis showed that using motorized transportation (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.110, 4.385), eating food out of the home (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.107, 2.800), drinking alcohol (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.104, 3.128), being aged 33–42 years (AOR = 3.83, 95% CI 1.964, 7.472), 43–52 years (AOR = 4.34, 95% CI 2.151, 8.765) and 53 years and above (AOR = 10.33, 95% CI 3.783, 28.242), not engaging in moderate physical activity (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.484, 3.631) and having a chronic illness (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.177, 3.316) were statistically associated with central obesity among public service office employees in the study area. Nearly 25% of public service employees in the town had central obesity, which is a risk factor for metabolic syndromes. Mode of transportation, eating food out of home, drinking alcohol, age, level of physical activity, and presence of chronic illnesses were found to be independent predictors of central obesity. The public administration in the town should design a feasible preventive strategy to reduce the burden of obesity among public service employees in the study setting.

HIV seropositive disclosure and associated factors among adult HIV positive clients in public health facilities in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia.

Disclosure of HIV-seropositive is important for HIV prevention and maintenance of health for people living with HIV and the community at large. Although HIV seropositive disclosure is mandatory for access to care and treatment, there is a paucity of data in the study setting. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of HIV Sero Positive Disclosure and associated factors among adult HIV positive clients in public health facilities in the east wollega zone, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia, in 2023. A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 250 adult HIV-positive clients in public health facilities in East Wollega Zone. Systematic sampling was used to select the study participants. Data were collected from February 1 to April 15, 2023, using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and reviewing patient cards using a checklist. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. In bivariable analyses, variables with a P-value <0.25 were candidates for the multivariable model; in the multivariable model, significant associations were declared at a P-value < 0.05 and reported by an adjusted odds ratio along with a 95% confidence interval. The magnitude of HIV seropositive disclosure to at least one person was found to be 68.2% (95%CI = 62.5%, 73.9%). HIV seropositive disclosure was significantly associated with being married ((AOR = 5.47, 95%CI: 2.87-10.43), low knowledge level (AOR = 0.095, 95% CI = 0.017-0.54), and perceived community discrimination (AOR = 0.192, 95% CI = 0.050, 0.74). This study reveals that HIV seropositive disclosure was low among the adult population living in the study area as compared to the other study findings. Disclosure of seropositives was significantly associated with marital status, knowledge level about the importance of disclosure, and perceived discrimination in societies. Healthcare providers and HIV prevention programme planners should provide health education about the importance of HIV disclosure and the stigma against HIV-positive patients by increasing society's awareness through appropriate channels.

Identification of Resistance to &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Puccinia striiformisf&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. sp. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;tritici&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pst&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) in Some Commercial and Elite Bread Wheat Lines

Stripe rust is caused by &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Puccinia striiformisf&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. sp. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;tritici&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pst&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) threatening wheat production in Ethiopia. The emerged virulent stripe rust races at one point of the world spread to the rest of wheat-producing countries by the wind as well as human travels and damaged popular resistant wheat cultivars thereby posing food insecurity. However, wheat cultivars succumb to new Pst race (s) soon after their release from research centers. This study aimed to determine stripe rust resistance in some Ethiopian commercial and elite bread wheat lines. In 2017, a total of 37 commercial and elite bread wheat lines were exposed to stripe rust in under the disease hot spot areas (Kulumsa and Meraro) Arsi zone Oromia regional state. In the second year (2018), 22 promising lines consisting of 16 commercial bread wheat and 6 elite’s lines were evaluated both at seedling and adult plant growth stages. The seedling test was conducted in the greenhouse at Kulumsa research center using three Pst races. In field evaluations, terminal severity (TRS), coefficient of infection (CI), area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), disease progress rate (DPR), and spike infection (SI) were considered. Of the 37 commercial and elite bread wheat lines, 19 (51.4%) exhibited lower or equal disease reaction compared to the resistant check (Enjoy) across locations and seasons. Eleven bread wheat lines showed both adult plant and seedling resistance. The 37 commercial wheat lines that showed field resistance was further exposed to three Pst races at the seedling stage and 11 exhibited seedling resistance to all races. This study has identified seedling and adult plant resistance in some commercial and elite bread wheat lines to the prevailing Pst races.

Trend, prevalence, and associated factors of uterine rupture at Nekemte Specialized Hospital, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia

Maternal morbidity and mortality have long been among the world’s most challenging health issues. Uterine rupture is one of the peripartum complications that kills almost one in every thirteen mothers. However, there is limited evidence on uterine rupture trends, proportions, and determinants. Thus, this study assessed the trend, prevalence, and associated factors of uterine rupture at Nekemte Specialized Hospital, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2661 clients selected using a systematic random selection technique among the data collected for the project between January 2014 and December 2022 at Nekemte Specialized Hospital. Data were collected through an interview-administered questionnaire and card review from March 2023 to August 2023. The collected data were checked, coded, and entered into Epi info version 7.2 and then exported to SPSS Version 27 for analysis. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify the factors of uterine rupture. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% Confidence Interval was estimated to measure the strength of the association, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05. The trend of uterine rupture declined from 1.54% in 2014 to 0.93% in 2022. The overall prevalence was 3.53% (95%CI: 2.7%, 4.3%). Low household income (Adjusted OR = 3.75, 95%CI: 1.97, 7.13), grandmultiparity (Adjusted OR = 7.78, 95%CI: 4.70, 12.88), having a history of obstetrics complications such as prolonged labor (Adjusted OR = 3.78, 95%CI:2.11, 6.75), a history of cesarean section (Adjusted OR = 2.49, 95%CI:1.42, 4.35), and history of uterine repair (Adjusted OR = 18.01, 95%CI: 6.81, 47.64) were significantly associated with uterine rupture. This finding showed that the trend is declining, and the proportion of uterine rupture is still higher. A more vigilant approach to increase access to lower-income mothers, prevent prolonged and obstructed labor, and maintain antenatal care with complete packages and a referral system are issues to be addressed to minimize the chance of uterine rupture among women.

Institutionally crafted Amhara-domination narrative: an existential threat to Amhara people

ABSTRACT Political narrative is an instrument for political actors to construct a shared meaning, and it can be harnessed to harm political opponents. The Italian invaders, the Ethiopian Student Movement, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Oromo Liberation Front, and the incumbent regime contributed in varying degrees to the Amhara domination narrative. TPLF, in its political manifesto and later in the 1995 FDRE constitution, institutionally crafted an anti-Amhara narrative, reaching a crescendo after Abiy Ahmed assumed office in 2018. Thus, this research article tried to scrutinise and weigh the discourse of institutionally crafted Amhara existential threats. The study employed a qualitative research tradition and an exploratory research design approach that involved a political-economic analysis. The study finds that the century-old Amhara domination narrative, coupled with institutionally supported recurrent mass killings and expulsion, especially in Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Amhara regional states, posed a real and perceived existential threat that gave birth to the Amhara Fano armed struggle.