South Ari Research Articles

Food insecurity and its determinants in pastoralist and agrarian communities in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Despite the implementation of different interventions, food insecurity remains a major public health issue in rural areas of Ethiopia. However, there has been limited evidence regarding food insecurity and responsible factors in rural areas of Ethiopia, particularly in South Omo, Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess food insecurity and determinants in agrarian and pastoralist communities of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was done among 605 randomly selected households in Benatsemay and South Ari districts from February 1 to 28, 2023. A standardized and validated Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used to measure food insecurity status. Data were entered using Epi-Info 7.1 and then transferred to SPSS V25 for analysis. To identify associated factors, a binary logistic regression model was employed. The strength of association was evaluated considering the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). A statistical significance was stated at p-value <0.05. A total of 597 participants were involved in the study with a response rate of 98.7%. The overall prevalence of food insecurity using HFIAS was 42.2% (95%CI: 38.2, 46.3%), among which mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity accounted for 17.4, 16.6, and 8.2%, respectively. Of pastoralists, 114 (47.1%) were food insecure whereas 138 (38.9%) were food insecure in the agrarian. Food insecurity was affected by household head sex (AOR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.14, 2.62), high dependency ratio (AOR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.53, 4.20), no formal maternal education (AOR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.07, 4.18), productive safety net program (AOR = 2.00, 95%CI: 1.16, 3.46) and land ownership (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.72). Food insecurity was a significant problem in the study areas. Thus, it is crucial to improve female education, advance agricultural technologies, advocate family planning, and broaden productive safety net programs.

Limited genetic diversity found among genotypes of the Entada landrace (Ensete ventricosum, (Welw.) Chessman) from Ethiopia.

The Entada landrace of enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Chessman) is probably the most unique indigenous crop in Ethiopia, being maintained and utilized by the Ari people in the South of Ethiopia. Here we describe genetic diversity, selection signatures and relationship of Entada with cultivated and wild enset using 117 Entada genotypes collected from three Entada growing regions in Ethiopia (Sidama, South and North Ari). A total number of 1,617 high-quality SNP markers, obtained from ddRAD-sequences, were used for the diversity studies. Phylogenetic analysis detected a clear distinction between cultivated enset, Entada and wild enset with Entada forming a completely separated clade. However, extremely short branch lengths among the Entada genotypes indicate very little molecular evolution in the Entada lineages. Observed and expected heterozygosities were high, 0.73 and 0.50, respectively. Overall, our results strongly indicate that the Entada genotypes we have studied originated from one or a few clonal lineages that have been propagated and spread among farmers as clones. Prolonged clonal propagation of heterozygous genotypes from a single or few founding lineages has led to populations with very little or no diversity between genotypes, and high heterozygosity within genotypes. Signatures of directional selection were identified at eight loci based on an FST outlier analysis. Four candidate genes detected are involved in axillary shoot growth and might be involved in controlling natural sucker formation in Entada.

Seeding and Blended NPSB with Nitrogen Fertilizer Combined Rates Effect on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in South Ari, Southern Ethiopia

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in South Ari, Ethiopia. However, the productivity is below the national and regional level due to in adequate seeding rates and soil nutrition. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine rate of seeding and blended NPSB fertilizer and nitrogen on growth, yield and yield components of wheat during 2021-2022 cropping seasons. The experiment consisted of three Seeding rates (50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1), four rates of blended NPSB (0,100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1) combined with two rates of Nitrogen (50 and 100 kgha-1) fertilizer and laid out in split plot design with three replications. The results showed that phenology; growth, yield and yield components of wheat significantly affected by seeding rate and blended NPSB with N fertilizer combined rates. Increasing seeding rate and blended NPSB with nitrogen fertilizer combined rate resulted increase in crop phenology, growth, yield and yield components except harvest index where maximum was recorded at 100 kg ha-1 seeding rate and zero blended with 23 kg ha-1 nitrogen combined rate. Therefore, it is concluded that application 100 kg ha-1 seeding rate and no blended NPSB combined with 23 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer and or 150 kg ha-1 seeding rate and 200 kg ha-1 blended NPSB with 23 kg ha-1 combined rate found to be significant to impact wheat growth and yield at South Ari. However, further study requested in different seasons and locations under extended rates to exploit the recommendation of present study.

Assessment of Traditional Way of Value Addition Practices on Processing of Milk and Milk Products in Selected Districts of South Omo Zone

The study was carried out to evaluate, identify, and characterize various traditional milk preservative plants and investigate their indigenous techniques of handling, processing and preserving in the South-Ari and Maale districts. Data were collected from 196 households by purposive sampling, interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS. More than 12 indigenous preservative plants that were commonly used by the respondents were identified and collected. In the South-Ari district all (100%) respondents used plant species of Lippia adoensis Hochst, Cordia Monoica Roxb., Leucas Deflexa Hook.f and Satureja Paradoxa, while in the Maale district 63.5% of the respondents used only fresh Balanites Aegyptiaca leaves to clean the milk utensils while 36.5% used fresh leaves of Solanum Incanu, Hoslundia Opposita, Balanites Aegyptiaca, Lantana Camara, and Celosia Trigyna. as washing milking and storage vessels. About 96% of the plants frequently used to smoke milk equipment in the South-Ari district were Clerodendrum Myricoides, Eucalyptus Globulus and Olea Africana while almost all (99%) households in the Maale district smoked milk utensils with Balanites aegyptiaca, Solanum Incanum, Lantana Camara, and Ocimum Forskolei Benth. The application methods were through rubbing, burning, and both burning and immersion in the milk vessels. The main cause of the loss of milk after harvest in the South Ari (93.7%) and Maale (40%) districts was milk spoilage. The majority of the 92% in South-Ari and 66.7% in Maale respondents minimize milk spoilage by consuming early or selling to the market. It could be concluded that the herbal plants identified in this study required further examination and their impact on the health of consumers should be studied in detail.

Underweight and Predictors Among Children Aged 6-59 Months in South Ethiopia.

Underweight remains the primary public health concern among under-five-year-old children in Ethiopia, despite numerous government-implemented nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess underweight and associated factors among children in South Ethiopia. Between March and April 2021, 717 children in the South Ari district who were between the ages of 6 and 59months participated in a cross-sectional study. To choose a sample of households containing a minimum of one child between the ages of 6 and 59months, a multi-stage sampling procedure was used. Data were collected by interviewer-administered structured questionnaires from the mothers of the children. To determine the factors associated with being underweight, a binary logistic regression analysis was built. All variables with a p-value <0.25 in the bivariable analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis. To assess the strength of the association, an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used. With a p-value below 0.05, statistical significance was declared. The prevalence of underweight was determined to be 29.7% (95% CI: 26.5%, 33.2%). Child age 6-23months [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18, 0.44], food insecurity (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.10), sub-optimal child dietary diversity (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.03), birth interval <24months (AOR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.75, 3.54), and common childhood illness (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.52, 3.21) were associated with being underweight. Underweight among children is predicted by household food insecurity, suboptimal dietary diversity, and common childhood illnesses, necessitating further efforts to improve food security and manage common illnesses.

Seeding and Blended NPSB with Nitrogen Fertilizer Combined Rates Effect on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in South Ari, Southern Ethiopia

Seeding and Blended NPSB with Nitrogen Fertilizer Combined Rates Effect on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in South Ari, Southern Ethiopia

Geochemistry of Cold Springs in Geothermal Exploration Stage – Case Study of Candi Umbul Telomoyo, Central Java

Cold springs in geothermal fields are often overlooked during the exploration stage. The best practice of geothermal exploration suggests thermal manifestation as an indicator of a geothermal system in the subsurface. This common practice neglects cold springs as valuable information points related to the system. Thermal-contaminated cold springs can be helpful to indicate the presence of inferred geothermal activity below the surface during the exploration stage. It becomes important where thermal features are absent or limited, as in Candi Umbul Telomoyo. Candi Dukuh, Candi Umbul, and Pakis Dadu thermal springs are located at the periphery of the Telomoyo Volcanic Complex, at relatively low altitude. Those thermal springs are used to construct the existing conceptual models of the geothermal system. In this study, the authors tried to consider the presence of slightly acidic cold springs (pH 5.24-5.61). Located within the Suropati Depression in the North, and the flank of Mt. Telomoyo in the South, both Keningar and Sendang Ari Wulan cold springs are located at higher altitude with higher TDS and are enriched in Cl and SO4 compared to the others. These cold springs are associated with the argillic alteration zone and observed to have iron oxide deposition at the discharge area. Sendang Ari Wulan fluid is plotted at the same zone as the thermal springs on Na-Cl•SO4 facies of the Piper diagram, while Keningar fluid is plotted on HCO3-Ca•Mg facies are similar to other cold springs. Although Sendang Ari Wulan shows a better correlation to the thermal springs, based on Piper diagram, both Keningar and Sendang Ari Wulan cold springs are classified as HCO3-SO4 and SO4-HCO3-Cl. These observations show the possibility of contamination of the geothermal system occurring below the Keningar and Sendang Ari Wulan cold springs, which is higher than the thermal springs. This interpretation is supported by the anomaly of high Hg and CO2 surrounding the acidic Keningar and Sendang Ari Wulan cold springs, three temperature gradient wells that prove the presence of three times higher-than-normal geothermal gradient. The research concludes that cold springs data are indeed useful in aiding the interpretation, especially during the exploration stage.

Effect of conservation tillage on soil and water conservation, yield and yield components of Maize (Zea mays L.) in South Ari District, Southern Ethiopia

Reduced tillage is one of the options to combat land degradation problems. The study aims to examine the impacts of tillage practices on selected soil physicochemical properties, soil loss, and maize yield and yield components. Four treatments—zero, twice, and strip tillage—as well as farmers' practices, were set up in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Then, soil moisture, soil loss, and yield and yield components of maize data were collected. The findings show that, when compared to conventional tillage, conservation tillage improves soil moisture and decreases soil loss during and after crop development. The study found that implementing reduced, or zero tillage practices resulted in higher maize yields and long-term economic benefits for farmers compared to conventional and strip tillage practices. In addition, the current research demonstrated that, in comparison to strip tillage and conventional tillage, adopting reduced tillage and zero tillage increased maize yield and yield components with greater long-term economic benefits to farmers. The current findings also showed that adopting reduced tillage and zero tillage boosted maize yield and yield components, with higher economic benefits to farmers in the long run as compared to strip tillage and conventional tillage. Although zero tillage attributed to less grain yield, it resulted in higher economic benefits to farmers and saved 44.84% of soil loss relative to conventional tillage. The outcome of the economic evaluation unequivocally demonstrated that reduced tillage is the best approach, but zero tillage, strip tillage, and reduced tillage are all superior and advised for farmers. Hence, farmers can use either zero tillage or reduced tillage, depending on their investment capital. But to get considerable changes in soil and water balances, other soil physicochemical properties, and crop yield. Similar studies must be carried out on permanent field plots for longer than 2 years in the future.

Assessment of Selected Heavy Metals Concentration Level of Drinking Water in Gazer Town and Selected Kebele, South Ari District, Southern Ethiopia.

Drinking water quality is fundamental to human physiology and health. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of drinking water in Gazer Town and selected kebele, in south Ari district, South Omo zone, Southern Ethiopia. A total of four drinking water samples were collected from densely populated urban areas of the Gazer Town and one rural Kebele. All the collected samples were analyzed for eight heavy metals, (Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) using standard procedures. The results were compared with other national and international standards. Among the analyzed samples, drinking water samples collected from selected kebele (Aynalem kebele), show mean concentrations heavy metals in (μg/L), (Mn (973 ± 10), Cu (1068 ± 1.5), Cr (2785 ± 25), Fe (4302 ± 15), Cd (1218 ± 18), Pb (720 ± 12), Co (1478 ± 3), and Zn (1790 ± 5)), and the results revel except, Co and Zn metals, all show concentrations higher than the national and international standards (such as USEPA (2008), WHO (2011), and New Zealand) recommended values. Among the eight heavy metals analyzed from drinking waters in Gazer Town, Cd and Cr were below the method detection than that of all sampling area. However, the concentration of Mn, Pb, Co, Cu, Fe, and Zn were ranged from mean values of 9 μg/L, 17.6 μg/L, 7.6 μg/L, 12 μg/L, 765 μg/L, and 494 μg/L, respectively. Except Pb metals, the analyzed metals in waters were below the currently recommended guidelines for drinking. Therefore, the government should adopt some treatment technologies such as sedimentation and aeration to minimize the concentration of zinc for safe drinking the water to the community of Gazer Town.

Household food insecurity and associated factors in South Ari district, Southern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Household food insecurity is a major public health problem in Ethiopia despite the presence of various interventions implemented by the government. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the prevalence and responsible factors in Ethiopia, specifically in the South Ari district. This study, therefore, aimed to assess household food insecurity and associated factors in South Ari district, Southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was employed from March 11 to April 11, 2021, at South Ari district, Southern Ethiopia. A two-stage sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 717 households. Data were checked and entered into Epi-Data V3.2., and exported to SPSS V25.0 for data exploration and analysis. Variables with a p-value <0.25 in bivariable logistic regression were candidates for multivariable logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted to determine factors associated with household food insecurity. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic was used to check model fitness and was satisfied. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine the strength of association. P-value <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The prevalence of household food insecurity was 44.8% (95% CI: 41.1%, 48.5%). Larger family size (8 and above) (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.30), high dependency ratio (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.67, 4.40), medium dependency ratio (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.62), poor wealth index (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.46), not using agricultural extension service (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.57, 3.23), and non-beneficiary of productive safety net program (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.87) were factors significantly associated with household food insecurity. The findings of this study showed a significant proportion of households were food insecure in South Ari District. Larger family size, high and medium dependency ratio, poor wealth index, not using agricultural extension service, and non-beneficiary of productive safety net program were significant risk factors associated with household food insecurity. Therefore, rigorous work is highly needed to enhance income-generating activities, strengthen agricultural productivity, expand the productive safety net program, and limit population pressure through improved family planning use.

Cataract Prevalence and Its Associated Factors among Adult People Aged 40 Years and above in South Ari District, Southern Ethiopia

Background. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in Ethiopia. However, the treatment was only surgery; the expected person could not use the surgical service. So far, the World Health Organization’s goal of 2,000 people using the treatment out of a million people could not be met. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cataract and factors associated with among adult people aged 40 years and above in South Ari district of South Omo Zone, Ethiopia. Method. A community-based cross sectional study was conducted in South Ari district of South Omo Zone, Ethiopia; samples were selected using simple random sampling and eye examination. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaires. Data quality was ensured by daily supervision completeness and consistency. The data were coded, entered, and cleaned by using Epi.info version 7 and were analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was carried by binary logistic regression. Significances were declared by using a p value of &lt;0.05 and AOR of confidence intervals. Result. In this study, the prevalence of cataract was found to be 7.8% (95% CI: 5.0–10.6). There is an increased chance of developing cataract among females (AOR 3.52; 95% CI: 1.39–8.83), individuals with known history of hypertension (AOR 4.5; 95% CI 1.56–13.21), adults aged 70–79 years (AOR 5.07 95% CI: 1.09–23.62), and adults aged 80 years and above (AOR 6.01; 95% CI: 1.29–27.92). Conclusions. Cataract prevalence was found to be high among the study participants. Age, sex, and known history of hypertension were factors associated with cataract.

Factors associated with wasting and stunting among children aged 06–59 months in South Ari District, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundChild undernutrition is a major public health problem in Ethiopia despite different nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions implemented by the government. However, evidence regarding the burden and responsible factors is limited in the South Ari district. Hence, this study aimed to assess factors associated with wasting and stunting among children aged 06–59 months in the South Ari district, Southern Ethiopia, 2021.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 11 to April 11, 2021, among 717 households with at least one child aged 06–59 months. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard procedures and were converted to height for age Z score and weight-for-height using WHO Anthro software Version 3.2.2. Data were checked and entered into Epi-Data Version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 25.0. Binary logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify predictors of wasting and stunting. A p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.ResultThe prevalence of wasting and stunting among children aged 06–59 months in the district was 9.1% (95% CI: 7.07%, 11.41%) and 59.97% (95% CI: 56.28%, 63.58%), respectively. Family size (8 and above) (AOR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.31, 7.03), family size (5 to 7) (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.81), poor and medium wealth index (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.65, 8.26) and (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.01, 5.16), insufficient maternal knowledge on child feeding practice (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.31, 5.07), presence of diarrhea in the past two weeks (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.85), non-exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.51, 4.65), and birth interval of < 24 months (AOR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.40, 8.37) were factors significantly associated with wasting. Whereas, children in the age group of 24–59 months (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.58, 3.16), non-exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.65), birth interval of fewer than 24 months (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.14), sub-optimal child dietary diversity score (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.22), being a non-beneficiary of productive safety-net program (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.95), and household food insecurity (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.86, 3.64) were factors significantly associated with stunting.ConclusionsWasting and stunting were found to be key public health problems in the South Ari District. Hence, further interventions should consider strategies to enhance household food security and integration of productive safety net programs with primary health care services. Rigorous work is required in advocating and strengthening the provision of family planning services, child care, and integrated management of common childhood illnesses. Moreover, behavioral change communication is highly demanded to improve child feeding practices.

Assessment of Dairy Production System, Handling, Processing and Utilization Practices in South Ari and Malle District of South Omo Zone, Ethiopia

Milk is produced, processed and utilized in different parts of Ethiopia and the majority in rural areas is processed at the household level into milk products using traditional technologies and marketed through informal channels. This study was initiated to assess and describe the traditional knowledge of milk production, handling, processing and utilization practices in South Ari and Malle district. Three dairy potential Kebeles from each district were selected via a purposive sampling procedure. Then, 196 households were selected through a systematic random sampling procedure. Data were collected using a semi-structure questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS (Version 23) software. There was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) in livestock composition across the study districts. About 75% in South Ari and 72.9% in Malle have their own grazing land. Feed shortage (73%) and improved breed access (26%) in South Ari, and feed shortage (52.1%), drought (44.8%) in Malle were among the main constraints affecting dairying. About 65% of South Ari used plastic buckets for milking and clay pots for fermentation and churning. In Malle 88.5% used calabash containers for milking, accumulation and churning. The average days of raw milk fermentation before churning in South Ari and Malle were 4.2±0.1 and 2.9±0.0 days. The average butter-making time was 63.4±1.8 minutes in both districts. The amount of milk fermented and butter produced from this fermented milk is significantly different (P &lt; 0.05) across districts. Nearly 95% of South Ari milk is traditionally processed into yogurt, butter, buttermilk and cheese; and used for home consumption and marketing. However, in Malle 72.9% of yogurt and buttermilk processing is used for home consumption; and 26% of butter processing is only used for marketing. It is possibly concluded that dairy production was commonly practiced and it was a good source of income in both districts. Therefore, it is vigorous to support the dairy linkage with extension services by enhancing the input provision.

English Foreign Language Teachers’ Attitude Towards and Practice of Using L1 in the EFL Classroom in Case of Goh and Gelila Highschool in South Omo Zone, Ethiopia

This study explores EFL teacher’s attitude forward and practice of using L1 in their classroom. It also considers that the context of using Aaraph in EFL classroom in high school level of two selected schools in south Omo zone, South and North Ari woreda’s (Goh and Gelila High School). It was a descriptive study. The study employed mixed research method using questionnaire, interview, and observation. Data through questionnaires were collected from 11 EFL teachers and 263students from both school in south and north Ari. In addition, semi- structured interviews were carried out with five English teachers to get an in-depth understanding of their attitude forwards using Aaraph in EFL classrooms. Comprehensive sampling was employed so as to select and include all EFL teachers of the sampled secondary schools. Moreover, simple random sampling was used for selecting samples from the students for cross checking purpose. The study revealed that, almost all EFL teachers dominantly used Aaraph than target language. The purpose of EFL use of L1 while teaching English language was to translate concepts, to favour L1 use, and to support learners. EFL teachers don’t believe L1 has a negative effect on learner’s language learning. However, EFL Teachers have a negative attitude towards the use of L1 in the EFL classroom and implemented in different context of making a communication. The conclusion is that teachers employ L1 not only as a communication tool, but also as a supportive tool that helps in developing TL skills for students

Chronic Undernutrition and Associated Factors Among Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in South Ari, South Omo Zone, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Chronic undernutrition (stunting) among children is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The global community is committed to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. Regardless of this, children are suffering from some form of malnutrition but the reason is unclear. This study thus was intended to identify stunting and associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in the South Ari Woreda of South Omo Zone. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in South Ari Woreda from 1, January 2022 to 30, February 2022, and 409 children participated. A simple random sampling technique was used to identify study participants, and mothers/caregivers were interviewed. Data on sociodemographic, economic, and environmental determinants were collected by trained professional nurses using interviewer-administered questionnaires and anthropometric data were collected via weighting and measuring the height/length of the child. Emergency Nutrition Assessment for Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions 2020 software was used to generate an anthropometric index, and a child with a height for age index below -2standard deviations of the standard population was considered stunted. Factors of stunting were assessed using multivariate binary logistic regression at a 5% significance level. The study revealed that 44.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 39.19%-48.81%) of children were stunted in the study area. Household's wealth status (the poorest; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.14 [95% CI = 2.08-8.22] and poor; AOR = 3.31 [95% CI = 1.60-6.82]), improper solid waste management practice of the household (AOR = 2.67 [95% CI = 1.56-4.55]), and the children sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN) (AOR = 0.37 [95%CI = 0.22-0.60]) were statistically significantly associated with stunting status of the children. Stunting among the children in the study area was very high. Improving household's (HH) economy, safe management of domestic solid waste, and ensuring that the children are sleeping under ITNs are expected to reduce stunting.

Vulnerability of Smallholder Farmers to Climate Variability and Adaptation Practices in Southern Part of Ethiopia: The Case of South Ari District

Within the changing environment local community tried their best to reduce climate extremes vulnerability by implementing different adaptive practices. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate variability namely, flood and drought in South Ari district. To gather reliable data, five kebeles were selected from the district using simple random sampling technique. 363 household heads were selected using a systematic sampling method from the five selected kebeles. Besides, primary data was collected from focused group discussions, key informants, and field observations. The linear trend analysis showed an increasing trend of rainfall and temperature in the study site. Integrated vulnerability analysis approach result showed that the three Weyina dega sub-agro ecology zones of the district are vulnerable to climate variability in different ways. Farmland enclosure with trees and growing two different crops on the same plot of farmland at the same season are the new adaptive practices implemented by the local community to reduce soil erosion. The chi-square test result shows that age, level of education, income diversity, number of contacts with developmental agents and access to climate information have a significant relation with the adaptation practices implementation in the study site.

Treatment Interruption Among Drug-Susceptible Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundTuberculosis treatment interruption is a failure of attending two scheduled appointments to collect the drugs in either phase of tuberculosis treatment. Even if TB treatment is crucial to achieve a cure and avoid the emergence of drug resistance, treatment interruption is the most testing and deterring factor for successful tuberculosis treatment and one of the problems leading to the development of drug-resistant tuberculosis. TB treatment interruption is the precursor for loss to follow-up and treatment failure, but the magnitude of this problem is unknown in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was intended to identify determinants of treatment interruption among drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis patients in South Ari district, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based unmatched case control study was conducted from February through April 2020 using 255 samples with a ratio of 2:1 (controls to cases). Data were entered into Epi data version 4.2 and exported for analysis using STATA 14.0 statistical software. The variables having a p-value of less than 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were subjected to multivariable logistic regression analysis. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, AORs, 95% CIs, and p-values of <0.05 were used to identify significant variables.ResultsThe median age was 34 (IQR: 18) years in cases and 29 (IQR: 16) years in control groups. Significant factors that were associated with treatment interruption were alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI; 1.41–6.36); smoking habits (AOR = 2.82, 95% CI; 1.14–6.94); use of traditional medicine (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI 1.05–5.24); co-infected with HIV (AOR=1.58, 95% CI; 1.85–4.29), and waiting time at the health facility ≥30 minutes (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI; 1.31–6.80).ConclusionAlcohol consumption, waiting time at the health facility ≥30 minutes, smoking habits, used traditional medicine, and HIV co-infected were potential determinants. Enhancing public health education, designing strategies that emphasize patients with HIV co-infection, and reducing waiting times are recommended.

The impact of injury on apparent survival of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, Maldives

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is an endangered species with a declining global population. The South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), Maldives, is one of few locations globally where year-long residency of individuals occurs. This SAMPA aggregation appears to consist almost exclusively of immature males. Due to its year-round residency, this local aggregation is subjected to a high degree of tourism pressure. This ecotourism contributes to the high level of interest and protection offered to whale sharks by the local community. Unfortunately, if regulations are not followed or enforced, tourism can bring with it major stressors, such as accidental injuries. We used POPAN capture-mark-recapture models and lagged identification rate analysis to assess the effect of major injuries on whale shark residency within SAMPA. Injuries may be obtained outside SAMPA. We found individuals with major injuries had a higher apparent survival in the area than those without. Lagged identification rates also demonstrated that sharks with major injuries are more likely to return to the area. We suggest that major injuries result in sharks prolonging their time in the developmental habitat. These findings have implications for individual fitness and the population viability of this endangered species. We propose targeted conservation strategies be considered to protect sharks from further injury. Based on the presented spatio-temporal distributions of sharks, and current local knowledge of sighting patterns, speed limit zones and propeller-exclusion zones should be implemented and enforced. If carried out alongside tourist education, these measures will contribute to the protection of whale sharks within SAMPA and beyond. Furthermore, our results can aid research direction, alongside regulation and enforcement development, at similar sites worldwide.

Anthropogenic injury and site fidelity in Maldivian whale sharks (Rhincodon typus)

AbstractWhale sharks collect in predictable seasonal aggregations across the tropics. South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is one of a few aggregation sites where whale sharks can be encountered year‐round. Here, areas with high levels of tourism‐related boating traffic overlap with the whale shark hotspot, increasing the probability of anthropogenic injury. Whale sharks have been reported to remain faithful to this aggregation site following injury, despite the costs of injury and the risk of re‐injury. However, the impacts of injury on site fidelity and residency behaviour are not fully understood.Encounter data on individual sharks from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme database (2006–2018) were analysed to assess the relationship between injury and site fidelity in whale sharks. There was no difference in geographic site use, with injured and non‐injured individuals being encountered in the same areas. However, there were differences in residency timings: injured resident whale sharks (individuals repeatedly encountered over 6 months or longer) spent significantly more time at the atoll and less time absent, and were seen more consistently than non‐injured residents. Increased residency duration, return rate and number of residency periods correlated with increasing injury number.These differences in behaviour imply a cost to injury, with whale sharks potentially remaining at this site to recover. With boat traffic being concentrated at the aggregation site, injured sharks may be more vulnerable to further injury. Alternatively, these individuals may remain at the atoll despite injury because the benefits gained from this area outweigh the potential costs, with more resident individuals facing greater exposure to anthropogenic threats. These findings highlight the importance of this location and emphasize the need for improved management of anthropogenic activities, particularly boating traffic, at aggregation hotspots to reduce injury rates and any subsequent impacts on behaviour and fitness.

Analysis of the temporal and spatial variability of whale shark (Rhincodon typus) aggregation in the South Ari Marine Protected Area, Maldives, Indian Ocean

Whale sharks are known to aggregate in coastal areas. In the South Ari Marine Protected Area (Maldives) a aggregation, mostly represented by young males with a high level of residency, has been described in the literature. Despite the worldwide interest in the natural resources of the Maldives, this population is increasingly subjected to anthropogenic pressure and major concern regards the flourishing tourist industry. In this study, data collected by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme between 2014 and 2017 have been used to detect both temporal and spatial patterns of occurrence. Favourable environmental conditions to visually detect whale sharks have been defined for the studied area. Accordingly, a total of 1077 shark encounters have been analysed in this study. Environmental conditions (i.e. sea surface temperature, monsoon occurrence) have been used to detect possible factors affecting the spatial and temporal variability of Rhincodon typus aggregations. A two-way ANOVA has been performed to detect temporal trends in animal occurrence, sea surface temperature pattern and to investigate the sea bottom depth variability during encounters. Significant differences in the monthly occurrence of whale sharks within the same year and among different years have been detected. Similar patterns have been observed for environmental parameters such as sea surface temperature and depth. A different spatial distribution has also been detected as a function of the Indian Monsoon reversal (north-eastern and south-western) affecting the area. During the northeast monsoon period, whale sharks appeared to concentrate in a smaller longitudinal range closer to the western-central part of the MPA, where deeper water conditions occur due to the proximity of a deep depression (submarine canyon). Results from this study provide new pieces of information for the implementation of dedicated management actions to protect the whale sharks population inhabiting the South Ari Marine Protected Area.