South Ethiopian Research Articles

Fresh Moringa Stenopetala leaves consumption and its determinants among pregnant women in southern Ethiopia.

A woman's health and nutritional status has significant impact on her pregnancy situation. However, many pregnant women are undernourished. Moringa stenopetala is a plant consumed worldwide in various forms, and its consumption showed a reduction in the incidence of malnutrition. Although Moringa stenopetala is rich in essential macro- and micronutrients, there is little evidence on the proportion and determinants of fresh Moringa stenopetala leaf intake among pregnant women. The objective of this study was to fill this gap in the littérature and provide a baseline evidence for further research or intervention by investigation the proportion and determinants of fresh Moringa stenopetala leaf intake among pregnant women in the Gamo zone, south Ethiopian region. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 623 randomly selected pregnant women using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire via a face-to-face interview. The consumption pattern was assessed based on a self-reported dietary history over the last 30 days before data collection. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted using STATA version 14. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported to show an association between the dependent and independent variables with level of statistical significance at a p-value of <0.05. The proportion of fresh Moringa stenopetala leaves intake among pregnant women was 49.60% (95% CI: 45.67, 53.52%). The déterminants of fresh moringa leaf intake were being below 24 years old (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.51, 5.63), rural résidence (AOR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.10, 3.50), antenatal care attendance (AOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.03, 4.21), history of contraceptive use (AOR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.55), and having a good knowledge about the importance of moringa Stenopetala (AOR: 9.76; 95% CI: 5.30, 17.95). The study showed that almost half of the pregnant women consumed fresh Moringa stenopetala leaves. Women's age, place of residence, prenatal care, history of contraceptive use, and knowledge of the benefits of Moringa Stenopetala were positively associated with the consumption of fresh Moringa Stenopetala leaves. Therefore, health authorities and stakeholders involved in maternal and child health need to target older women, and urban residents and promote the benefits of consumption by strengthening uptake of maternal health services and raising awareness about Moringa Stenopetela. Future studies involving large scale and longitudinal designs evidence are required to further validate the findings so that this nutritious diet can be promoted widely among pregnant women in the study area and Ethiopia at large.

Evaluation of physical and chemical characteristics of bean and cup quality of arabica coffee genotypes grown in Southern Ethiopia

The study aimed to investigate physical characteristics, cup quality, and biochemical content variability among thirty South Ethiopian Arabica coffee genotypes over three locations. The results revealed the existence of statistically significant variation among genotype, location, and GEI effects for all studied traits. The overall coffee quality score for most of the tested genotypes in three locations was above 80 %. Therefore, in terms of quality, most of the tested genotypes can be used to produce specialty coffee in the study areas. A wider range of caffeine (0.52 % dwb to 1.53 % dwb) was recorded among the studied genotypes. Accordingly, the low caffeine contenting genotypes could be a promising candidate for the development of low caffeine varieties through selection and hybridization. Cluster analysis grouped genotypes into different clusters based on quality trait variation and similarity among genotypes. According to the PCA, caffeine content (0.35), chlorogenic acid (0.34), aromatic quality (0.31), trigonelline (0.29), acidity (0.28), astringency (0.28), color (0.27) in the first PCA, flavor (−0.48), and screen size (0.46) in the second PCA were the important variables contributing more to the variation, and these traits could be considered for effective parent selection in quality improvement programs. Genotype AW9648 achieved the highest score in overall quality attributes at all three locations and could be promoted as a promising candidate and best parent for hybridization in terms of quality. Hence, genotype by environment interaction was significant, the coffee quality improvement program should give due attention to incorporating genetic and environmental influences by using a multi-locational selection strategy.

Modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among postpartum women in Kena Woreda, Konso Zone, South Ethiopian Regional State, Ethiopia, 2023: mixed type community based cross-sectional study design

BackgroundEven though family planning 2020 has made remarkable progress about solving the issue of unmet need for family planning, 70% of women in a developing countries who do not want to conceive are not using it. There are limited research that provided detail information regarding barriers of modern contraceptive utilization during postpartum period in the study area. In addition, previous study also recommended that to conduct using mixed quantitative and qualitative design for further investigations to answer these “why” questions and narrow these gaps.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess postpartum modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among postpartum women in Kena woreda, Konso zone, South Ethiopian Regional State, Ethiopia, 2023.MethodsA mixed type community based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 605 women in Kena woreda, from September 1–30/2023 out of 628 sampled mothers. Multistage sampling technique was used to select study participant and data was collected using semi-structured pretested questionnaire and entered in to Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to STATA version 14 for analysis for quantitative. The association between variables was analyzed using bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression and level of significant determined with adjusted odd ratio at 95% CI and P-value less than < 0.05. After translation and transcription, manual thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data.ResultsThe prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women during postpartum period in Kena woreda was found to be 39.01% [95% CI: 35.18–42.96%]. Menses resumed (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.59), linked to the family planning unit during their child`s immunization (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.25), family planning counselling during antenatal care visit (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.42) and good knowledge towards modern contraceptive (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.26) were factors associated with postpartum contraceptive utilization. Partner oppose, myths and misconception, need for excess family size, religious prohibition, fear of side effect,menses not resumed, lack of counselling and privacy room, and lack of transportation to health facility were barriers to modern postpartum contraceptive utilization. Conclusions and recommendationsThe utilization of postpartum contraceptives was found to be lower than the target set by the 2020/21 national reproductive health strategy plan, which aimed to increase contraceptive method usage to 50%. Menses resumed, family planning counselling during antenatal care visit, linked to the family planning unit during child immunization and good knowledge were factors associated to modern postpartum contraceptive utilization. Strengthening service integration and family planning counseling during antenatal care visits and encourage mothers to start using modern family planning methods before menses resume are important. Overcoming barriers including partner opposition, myths, religious beliefs, fear of side effects, lack of counseling at health facilities, and transportation challenges is essential.

Spatial analysis and mapping of intensity and types of agricultural salt-affected soils around Abaya and Chamo Lakes, South Ethiopia Rift Valley

PurposeSalt-affected soils have significant enough salt concentrations to impact other land and soil resource uses, plant health, soil characteristics, and water quality. Consequently, a study was carried out in the South Ethiopian Rift Valley area around the lakes of Abaya and Chamo to determine the intensity and the types of salt-affected soil and map their spatial distributions. MethodsAt 0–20 cm depths, a grid soil sampling scheme was employed to gather data from agricultural soils affected by salt. An adequately spaced grid cell of 200 m*200 m or seven transects, with seven samples collected every 200 m on each sampling site, was generated by the QGIS software's Fishnet tool, and an auger collected 226 soil samples from the proposed 245 soil sampling points. The analysis and interpretation of the data were done using both statistical and geostatistical methods. The un-sampled surface was predicted and mapped from laboratory point data using the standard Kriging algorithm in QGIS. ResultsAccording to the results, the soil in the study area was rated as strongly alkaline and moderately alkaline in the reaction. The coefficient of variation (CV) was the lowest for soil pH. Except for the Ganta Kanchama site, low CV (<10 %) confirmed the similarity of pH values throughout all research areas. The EC values depicted that the study area is slightly saline except for the Ganta Kanchame site, which rated moderately saline to strongly saline. The variability of soil EC rated moderate to strong variation for the studied area. The exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) values distribution between the study sites demonstrates considerable variability and difference. The area is dominated by low to high-risk rate soil sodicity, as evidenced by the soil ESP CV of the studied area, which was >100 % and showed significant variability among the samples. Out of 2274.65ha of the studied area, the type of salt 62.28 %, 26.09 %, 10.99 %, and 0.63 % were categorized as non-saline non-sodic, saline-sodic, sodic, and saline, respectively. Following saline-sodic, sodic, and saline soils, respectively, non-saline and non-sodic soils comprise most of the investigated areas. ConclusionsThe result indicates almost all the salt-affected areas were situated in relatively lower slope areas exhibiting a flat to almost flat slope (0–2%). The study's findings are that the studied area needs specific soil management strategies to boost the salinity and sodicity problems around the study area and recommended reclamation techniques as the extent of the problems.

Imprisonment for South Ethiopian people living with HIV presents a double health burden: lived experiences of prisoners.

Optimal adherence is crucial for ensuring both therapeutic and preventative benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Sub-optimal adherence is common in prisoners and little information is available about its predisposing circumstances in resource-limited settings. We explored lived experiences of inmates living with HIV (ILWH) and experiential accounts of service providers in South Ethiopia to identify barriers to and facilitators of HIV care use in the prison context. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviewing with eleven ILWH and eleven service providers. Audio recorded interview data were transcribed verbatim in Amharic language, translated into English and coded based on emerging concepts. We employed a descriptive phenomenological approach to abstract meaning attributed to the prisoners' lived experiences in relation to HIV care use and service providers' experiential account regarding care provision as presented to our consciousness. Several concepts emerged as barriers to HIV care use amongst ILWH in South Ethiopia including: limited access to standard care, insufficient health staff support, uncooperative security system, loss of patient privacy, a lack of status disclosure due to social stigma, and food supply insufficiency. In addition to a unique opportunity offered by an imprisonment for some ILWH to refrain from health damaging behaviours, the presence of social support in the prison system facilitated care use. This study identified important structural and social contexts that can both hinder and enhance HIV care use amongst ILWH in South Ethiopia. Given the disproportionate burden of HIV in prisoners and the potential of transmission to others during and after incarceration, development of contextually-responsive strategies is required to address the barriers and to also strengthen the enablers.

Client satisfaction with antiretroviral treatment services in South Ethiopian public health facilities: an institution-based cross-sectional survey

ABSTRACT Background HIV/AIDS remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Moreover, sub-Saharan countries, including Ethiopia, are highly affected by HIV/AIDS pandemic. Ethiopia’s government has been working on a comprehensive HIV care and treatment programme, including antiretroviral therapy. However, evaluating client satisfaction with antiretroviral treatment services is not well studied. Objectives This study aimed to assess client satisfaction and associated factors with antiretroviral treatment services provided at public health facilities of Wolaita zone, South Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study involved 605 randomly selected clients using ART services from six public health facilities in Southern Ethiopia. A multivariate regression model was used to see an association between independent variables and the outcome variable. The odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to determine the presence and strength of the association. Results Four hundred twenty-eight (70.7%) clients were satisfied with an overall antiretroviral treatment service, which included significant variations ranging from 21.1% to 90.0% among health facilities. Sex [AOR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.10–3.29], employment [AOR = 13.04; 95% CI = 4.34–39.22], clients’ perception of the availability of prescribed laboratory services [AOR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.42–4.63], availability of prescribed drugs [AOR = 6.26; 95% CI = 3.40–11.52] and cleanliness of toilet in the facility [AOR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.56–5.14] were factors associated with client satisfaction with antiretroviral treatment services. Conclusion The overall client satisfaction with antiretroviral treatment service was lower than the national target of 85%, with a marked difference among facilities. Sex, occupational status, availability of comprehensive laboratory services, standard drugs, and cleanliness toilets in the facility were factors associated with client satisfaction with antiretroviral treatment services. Sex-sensitive services needed to address and sustained availability of laboratory services and medicine recommended.

Effects of Vertical Number and Topping Practice on Growth and Yields of Stumped Coffee (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coffea arabica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) at Awada South Ethiopia

Coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i> L.) is known to be one of the most important beverages in the world and is a very important source of foreign exchange for many countries. Old coffee rejuvenation or stumping is one of the most and commonly used by coffee producing countries for productivity enhancements methods especially for those poor productive due to old age and as well as genetic conservation practice. The most and large coverage of old coffee plantation is the most production constraints in almost all coffee growing areas of Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted at Awada Agriculture Research Sub-center experimental site between 2013 and 2020 with improved south Ethiopian coffee selections to determine appropriate Vertical number and topping practices for enhanced yield and yield component. Four vertical or bearing head number and topping practices (Topped single stem, Topped multiple stems, Untopped multiple stems, and Free Growth) were used as treatments and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, to identify the effects of old coffee tree stumping and number of verticals with topping practice. Analysis of variance revealed that; clean coffee yields and growth parameters were significantly influenced by the different numbers of verticals and also topping practice. The analysis of variance also revealed highly significant yield variations among topping practice and the number of verticals. Free growth and topped multiple stems revealed the highest and statically similar yield performance throughout the cropping season as compared to the other treatments. Therefore, these finding indicates that topping practice and the number of verticals significantly promoted the yield responses of Arabica coffee cultivars under field condition. Therefore, topping multiple stems and free growth were selected as a promising practice to enhance coffee yield and yield components.

Effect of agricultural land management practices on the selected soil quality indictors: empirical evidences from the south Ethiopian highlands

BackgroundLand degradation is a major challenge that adversely affects soil fertility, agricultural production, and environmental sustainability. To curb this, various agricultural land management (ALM) measures have been practiced for the last three decades. This research investigated the effects of ALM practices on selected soil quality indicators in the Ojoje sub-watershed, Southern Ethiopia Highlands. A total of 72 composite soil samples were collected from non-treated and treated plots (i.e., land treated for 5 and 10 years with only physical practices and integrated measures) at a depth of 0–20 cm. A one-way ANOVA was used to demonstrate statistically significant variations on soil quality indicators. Simple regression analysis was used to explain the proportional variance of soil quality indicators due to ALM measures.ResultThe findings of the study indicate that integrated ALM practices have positive effects on the soil quality indicators. Most soil quality indicators, such as the soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, sulfur, boron and percentage of cation exchange capacity, were significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) as a result of ALM practices. However, soil bulk density, potassium and percentage of silt contents were higher, but the difference was insignificant. Thus, the mean value of soil quality indicators increased steadily with age of intervention and application of integrated physical and biological conservation measures.ConclussionALM practices had stronger effects when land was treated with integrated ALM measures and conserved for an extended period of time. Hence, integrating ALM practices and maintaining them for the long term is crucial for improving soil quality and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Trachoma Prevention Practice and Associated Factors in Rural Lemo District, Southern Ethiopia, 2021.

Trachoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness. It is more prevalent in areas where there is poor personal and environmental sanitation. Implementing a SAFE strategy will reduce the incidence of trachoma. The purpose of this study was to look into trachoma prevention practices and associated factors in rural Lemo, South Ethiopian communities. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in the rural Lemo district of south Ethiopia, covering 552 households, from July 1 - July 30, 2021. We used a multistage sampling technique. Seven Kebeles were selected using a simple random sampling method. Then, a systematic random sampling procedure with a five-interval size was applied to select the households.Our study assessed the association between the outcome variable and explanatory variables using binary and multivariate logistic regressions. The adjusted odds ratio was calculated, and variables with a p-value below 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered statistically significant. The study found that 59.6% (95% CI: 55.5%-63.7%) of participants had good trachoma prevention practices. Having a favorable attitude (odds ratio [AOR]: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.26-2.89), receiving health education (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.46-3.21), and obtaining water from a public pipe (AOR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.09-5.66) were significantly associated with good trachoma prevention practice. Fifty-nine percent of the participants had good prevention practices for trachoma. Health education, a favorable attitude, and a water source from public pipes were variables associated with good trachoma prevention practice. Improving water sources and disseminating health information are vital to increasing trachoma prevention practices.

Various structural factors influenced early antiretroviral therapy initiation amongst HIV infected prisoners: a qualitative exploration in South Ethiopia

BackgroundEarly initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), non-AIDS related comorbidities and mortality, and prevents transmission. However, the prevalence of delayed ART initiation amongst prisoners in sub-Saharan African countries is high and the contributing factors to this are relatively unknown.MethodsQualitative interviewing was employed to understand the prisoners’ lived world with regard to initiating ART and associated barriers and facilitators in the South Ethiopian prison system. We interviewed seven (five male and two female) inmates living with HIV (ILWH) and eleven stakeholders who had a role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care provision for incarcerated people. A phenomenological approach was used to analyse the interview data in which meaning attributed to the lived experiences of the participants was abstracted.ResultsIn this study, participants discussed both barriers to, and facilitators of, early ART initiation during incarceration. The barriers included a lack of access to voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services, poor linkage to care due to insufficient health staff training, uncooperative prison security systems and loss of privacy regarding disclosure of HIV status. Insufficient health staff training and uncooperative prison security systems both contributed to a loss of patient privacy, ultimately resulting in treatment refusal. Although most participants described the importance of peer education and support for enhancing HIV testing and treatment programs amongst prisoners, there had been a decline in such interventions in the correctional facilities. Service providers suggested opportunities that a prison environment offers for identification and treatment of HIV infected individuals and implementation of peer education programs.ConclusionsOur study identified crucial barriers to and facilitators of early ART initiation amongst prisoners, a key HIV priority population group. Interventions that address the barriers while strengthening the facilitators may enhance a greater utilisation of ART.

Microbial profile during fermentation and aerobic stability of ensiled mixtures of maize stover and banana pseudostem in South Ethiopia.

This study evaluated pH reduction and microbial growth during fermentation of maize stover (MS) mixed with banana pseudostem (BPS) under South Ethiopian conditions. The MS and BPS were chopped and mixed into six treatments (T): 80% BPS plus 20% DMS (T1), 70% BPS plus 30% DMS (T2), 40% BPS plus 60% FMS (fresh MS) (T3), 20% BPS plus 80% FMS (T4), 100% FMS (T5), and 95% BPS plus 5% molasses (T6). At 0, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90days, pH and dry matter were determined. Microbiological quality was assessed using plate counts and Illumina MiSeq sequencing. On day 60 and 90, aerobic stability was investigated. The results showed a significant reduction in pH in all mixtures, except in T1 and T2. Lactic acid bacteria counts reached a maximum in all treatments within 14days. Sequencing showed marked changes in dominant bacteria, such as Buttiauxella and Acinetobacter to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The fresh MS and BPS mixtures and fresh maize showed significant pH reduction and dominance of desirable microbial groups. The study enables year-round livestock feed supplementation to boost milk and meat production in South Ethiopia.

Detection of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Foci in South Ethiopia.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. The disease is endemic in Ochollo, a village in southern Ethiopia, but there are no reports of CL in the wider area, although it is ecologically very similar. We conducted a rapid assessment survey in the South Ethiopian Rift Valley and found 100 parasitologically confirmed CL cases in 38 villages not reported endemic for CL. Approximately half of the cases were children (57%), and most lesions occurred on the face (78%) and were older than 6 months (77%). Only 2% of the people was aware of the mode of transmission, and 9% sought modern treatment at a hospital. These preliminary data indicate that CL is much more widespread than previously reported and that the disease might have a large psychosocial impact. Hence, this study calls for larger surveys across the Ethiopian highlands. Additionally, health education and treatment capacity need to be implemented.

From Feasting to Accumulation: Modes of Value Realisation and Radical Cultural Change in Southern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT How is it conceivable that people of their own accord radically transform their way of life? Examining a south Ethiopian people's shift from a life centred on feasting to one aimed at wealth accumulation, this article contributes new insights on the mechanisms of cultural change. Complementing Joel Robbins’ recent work on the topic, I suggest that next to the adoption of new values, radical change can also result from people's attempts to more fully realise established values through new practices. I show how Aari embraced accumulation as a new means for realising a long-standing cultural value, and how this undermined their capacity to realise other values they care about. This reveals that changes in the modes of value realisation can have far-reaching consequences, and that visions of the good can be drivers of change.

Silage making of maize stover and banana pseudostem under South Ethiopian conditions: evolution of pH, dry matter and microbiological profile.

The study was conducted to evaluate the microbial dynamics during silage of maize stover and banana pseudostem in the environmental conditions of southern Ethiopia. To meet this objective, microsilos containing either maize stover or banana pseudostem, both with and without molasses, were prepared. Subsequently, samples were analysed on day 0, 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90 of the fermentation process. As a result, on day 7, all treatments except banana pseudostem without molasses showed a significant reduction in pH. It was also this silage type that supported the growth of Enterobacteriaceae longer than three other silage types, i.e. until 30days. The yeasts and moulds and the Clostridum endospore counts also showed a reducing trend in early fermentation and afterwards remained constant until day 90. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that Leuconostoc, Buttiauxella species and Enterobacteriaceae were the most abundant bacteria in the initial phases of the fermentation. Later on, Buttiauxella, Lactobacillus, Weissella and Bifidobacterium species were found to be dominant. In conclusion, silage of the two crop by-products is possible under South Ethiopian conditions. For banana pseudostem, the addition of molasses is crucial for a fast fermentation, in contrast to maize. Upscaling needs to be investigated for the two by-products.

Assessment of retrospective rabies suspected cases registered at two hospitals, community and traditional healers’ knowledge, attitude and practices in south Ethiopian pastoralist

Despite of available protective rabies vaccines for both human and animal, transmission of rabies from animals to people continues in Africa and Asia. Every year, over 59,000 people are estimated to die from the disease globally. Most of industrialized countries in Europe and North America have eliminated rabies from domestic dog populations. However, in the majority of developing countries, rabies remains endemic in domestic dog and poorly controlled. To understand rabies situation in pastoralist and agro-pastoralists area of southern Ethiopian, retrospective data on 431 rabies suspected animal bite cases registered at Bule Hora and Yabello Hospitals were collected and reviewed. Moreover, the knowledge, attitude and practice of 107 selected community members and 55 traditional healers were assessed. Out of 431 cases, 55.7% and 24.4% were &lt; 15 and between 16-25 years age group, respectively. There were more male 55.5% cases than female 44.5%. Only 32% of cases registered at Yabello Hospital received post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), whereas the remaining referred to other health facilities. Ninety eight percent (98 %) of animal responsible for the bite was dog and the remaining were cat, fox and donkey. Most of bites were occurred in March-June (36.2%) and November-February (35.5%). Out of interviewed participants 87.8% of them know rabies and 83.2% were able to mention rabid animals’ symptoms. The 78.5% of participants did mention how rabies transmitted to dog and 88.1 % of them described dog as main source of infection. The 91.6% of participants told us that rabies is transmitted to human by rabid animals’ bite and 94.3% of them believe that rabies is treatable disease and the major means of prevention is traditional treatment. Almost all traditional healers mention that the symptom of rabies in human and animals, and its way of transmission; however 90.9% of them believe that traditional treatment as effective means of rabies control. Interview result of both community members and traditional healers indicated that most of the rabies cases treated by the traditional healers. Health service providers have to make PEP vaccines available for bite victims and need to raise awareness of the local communities through health education about rabies and animal bite management.Keyword: Retrospective Study; Rabies; South Ethiopia; pastoralists

Decade of South Ethiopian Coffee Improvement Activities at Awada Coffee Research Center

Decade of South Ethiopian Coffee Improvement Activities at Awada Coffee Research Center

Effectiveness of Commodity Futures in Curbing Spot Volatility

This study examines the impact of introduction of futures trading on the spot price volatility in the commodity market. The paper considers the United States of America, South Africa and Ethiopian economies. Three commodities i.e. coffee, maize and wheat from New York Mercantile Exchange, South African Futures Exchange and Ethiopian Commodity Exchange are analyzed. ARCH LM test is used to check for heteroskedasticity and GARCH and EGARCH are used to check for the behavior of volatility for the pre- and post-futures periods. For all the three economies, the results indicate presence of the ARCH effect in the log returns. For conditional and unconditional variances; spot price volatility for coffee has decreased after futures trading across all the economies and the EGARCH has also shown reduction in persistence of volatility in the post-futures period in the three economies; while that of maize has reduced for the Ethiopian economy but increased in both the US and South African economies. For wheat, the conditional variance has been found to rise in the post-futures period in all the three economies. These results imply that more positive feedback from futures trading is bound to be seen for maize in the less developed economies as opposed to the developed economies as opposed to the other products. This paper has focused on the overlooked factor by earlier researchers, i.e. of economic-gap amongst countries, in looking at the impact of the futures trading on the spot price variation.

‘Views from the nano edge’: women on doctoral preparation programmes in selected African contexts

The study explored the conceptual views of ‘critical mass’, alongside micro experiences, of women, at a practice level, on a doctoral preparation programme which was implemented within the South African Development Community (SADC) and Ethiopian contexts. At the strategising level of policies, insufficient attention has been paid to the presence of women on doctoral preparation programmes and how individual women, in mutually aligned life circumstances with other women, and men, might advance gender equality outcomes. There are also theoretical gaps in relation to grand strategies in complex development contexts, such as gender and doctoral education, in terms of attending to how women access and/or experience these programmes. Using programme evaluation documents and participant observation, the research showed that viewing gender-targeting strategies differently opens up the possibilities for nano advances to be made, even in worlds of big complexities.

Multivariate Analysis of Phenotypic Diversity in the South Ethiopian Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) for Quantitative Traits

Coffee is the most important export crop of the south Ethiopian region with more than 46 percent share of the national market. It covers more than 185 000 ha of land in 50 Woredas (districts) with 11 are high, 7 medium and 32 are low coffee producers. Garden coffee comprises 130000 ha, semi forest 45 000 ha and forest coffee 10000 ha where the semi forest and forest coffee production systems are pertinent to the western part of the region. A field experiment on evaluation of 41 south Ethiopian coffee accessions with 2 standard checks of the southwest Ethiopian origin was conducted using Randomized Complete Block Design at Wonago Research Sub-Station during 1999- 2000 cropping seasons. Data on 7 morphological agronomic characters, average of three years data on severity of CBD and CLR infestations and yield was obtained for the 43 genotypes. The germplasm accessions differed significantly for all the 7 morphological agronomic characters and coffee bean yield in the univariate analyses of variances indicating the prevalence of variability among south Ethiopian coffee germplasm accessions. Further, the first four principal components explained 82.63 percent of the total variation prevalent within the germplasm accessions out of which 32.52 percent was explained by the first principal component. Average linkage cluster analysis using Mahalanobis (D2) distance for the 10 characters grouped the 43 accessions in to 9 clusters. The number of accessions per cluster ranged from 1 in cluster IX to 13 in cluster II. The clustering pattern of the accessions revealed the prevalence of genetic diversity in the south Ethiopian coffee for the characters considered. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters V and VII while the minimum was observed between clusters VI and VII. The study highlighted the possibility of using accessions of the distant clusters as potential candidates for the genetic improvement of south Ethiopian coffee through crossing and selection.

The anthropology of tourism and development in Africa: mobile identities in a pastoral society in South-Ethiopia

While the travel industry increasingly contributes to most developing countries' GDP, it does not necessarily follow that international tourism fosters microeconomic stability. Local perceptions of tourism and development are often different from supraregional political and economic views. This article explores how tourism, as a new source of wealth, is perceived in a small-scale localised community in Ethiopia and how this view differs from the national rhetoric and development plans in the country. The paper discuses how relatively new forms of contacts give ground to emerging political institutions which begin as tentative interest groups but become protagonists in local politics. I analyse a process that I documented during a one-year anthropological fieldwork among the Mursi, a South Ethiopian pastoral society, wherein daily encounters challenged local groups' decision-making processes, compelling them to form new allies and cooperate and collaborate in a new way.