South Tigray Research Articles

Management, Utilization and Chemical Analysis of the Available Crop Residue Feed Sources in the Case of South Tigray, Ethiopia

Management, Utilization and Chemical Analysis of the Available Crop Residue Feed Sources in the Case of South Tigray, Ethiopia

Spatial distribution and associated factors of poor tetanus toxoid immunization among pregnant women in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis.

Neonatal mortality from tetanus can be reduced by 94% when pregnant women receive at least two doses of tetanus toxoid. In Ethiopia, immunization programs are suboptimal despite their importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the geographic distribution and associated factors of poor tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Secondary data analysis was used using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). ArcGIS version 10.8 statistical software was used to explore the spatial distribution of poor TT immunization and SaTScan version 9.6 software was used to identify significant hotspot areas of poor TT immunization. For associated factors, a multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted using STATA version 14 software. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI was reported to reveal significantly associated factors of poor TT immunization. In Ethiopia, the spatial distribution of poor tetanus toxoid immunization was clustered with Global Moran's I = 0.59 at p-value of <0.0001. The highest poor TT immunization clusters were observed in the East and South Tigray, the central part of Amhara, West Afar, East Somali, and West Gambella. Pregnant women with no Antenatal care (ANC) visits [Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 10.46, 95% CI: (8.82, 12.41))], pregnant women with 1-3 ANC visits [aOR = 1.51, 95% CI: (1.31, 1.73)], media exposure [aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: (1.26, 1.67)], poor wealth index [aOR = 1.22; 95% CI: (1.03, 1.45)], middle wealth index [aOR = 1.23; 95% CI: (1.03, 1.47)], family planning use [aOR = 1.28; 95% CI: (1.11, 1.57)] and community level education [aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: (1.14, 1.80)] were significantly associated with poor tetanus toxoid immunization. Poor tetanus toxoid immunization among pregnant women varies in Ethiopia. It was highest in East and South Tigray, the central part of Amhara, West Afar, East Somali, and West Gambella. Therefore, public health programs should design targeted interventions in identified hot spots to improve tetanus toxoid immunization. Health programmers should be promoting optimal ANC visits, women's education, and family planning use.

Field Evaluation of Fungicides and Host Plant Resistance Against Spot Form of Net Blotch (Pyrenophora Teres F. Maculata) Disease of Barley in South Tigray, Ethiopia

Field Evaluation of Fungicides and Host Plant Resistance Against Spot Form of Net Blotch (Pyrenophora Teres F. Maculata) Disease of Barley in South Tigray, Ethiopia

Contribution of home garden vegetables on reducing stunting among 6- to 23-month-old children in South Tigray, northern Ethiopia.

The study was conducted to analyze the contribution of home garden vegetables in reducing stunting among 6- to 23-month-old children from South Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. The quasi-experimental study design was used. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the districts and study communities. A total of 94 purposively selected vegetable producer (intervention) households and 260 randomly selected non-producer (control) households were included in the study (1:3 ratio). The recumbent length of children was measured using horizontal wooden board to the nearest 0.1 cm. The length-for-age Z-scores were computed using WHO-Anthro 2006 software. Propensity score-matching and difference-in-difference (DID) estimates were used to analyze data using STATA software version 12. Prevalence of child stunting was 19.8 (12.7-29.4) and 21.1 (16.4-26.7)% (baseline) and 43.5 (33.5-54.1) and 46.5 (45.7-47.2)% (end line) among intervention and control groups, respectively. Child stunting was higher for boys and older children from both intervention and control households. DID estimation revealed that there was no significant difference in child stunting between intervention and control households (DID = 1.7, p = .604). However, there was an intervention effect of -0.5, 2.5, and 1.7% in the prevalence of child stunting among females, males, and both sexes, respectively. Vegetable production as an intervention strategy reduced the prevalence of stunting in children aged 6-23 months. However, vegetable production needs to be well integrated with other nutrition-sensitive interventions to realize the objective of reducing child stunting.

Field pea diversity and its contribution to farmers' livelihoods in northern Ethiopia

AbstractField pea is grown by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia as a source of food, fodder, income, and soil fertility. This study explores intraspecific diversity of field pea and its contribution to farmers' livelihoods in two agroecological zones of South Tigray and South Wollo, northeastern Ethiopia. Interviews were conducted with 168 farming households. The number of varieties and the Shannon Diversity Index (SDI) were higher in South Tigray (seven varieties, 0.35 SDI) than South Wollo (two varieties, 0.025 SDI). Farmers in South Tigray plant field pea during two growing seasons, allowing for integration of multiple varieties into their farming systems. The price of one field pea type from South Tigray known as “dekoko” was twice as high as other field pea varieties, most likely due to high demand and relatively low supply. Key informants reported “dekoko” has become less common in their communities, with diseases and pests reported as major production constraints. Multistakeholder collaboration is recommended to enhance the contribution of field pea to Ethiopian farming systems.

Management, Utilization and Chemical Analysis of the Available Crop Residue Feed Sources in the Case of South Tigray, Ethiopia

Management, Utilization and Chemical Analysis of the Available Crop Residue Feed Sources in the Case of South Tigray, Ethiopia

Empirical modeling of the impact of climate change on altitudinal shift of major cereal crops in South Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Climate change is expected to alter the growing conditions of agricultural crops. With increasing surface temperature, future suitable areas for crop production will see an altitude shift. Such shift is an adaptation response of crops to climate change. However, in the study area there are a limited number of studies that have dealt with geographical shifts of crops caused by climate change. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing impacts of climate change on altitudinal migration of crops and length of growing period (LGP). The climate and crop modeling study were carried out using ArcGIS, Diva GIS and MaxEnt using 30 years of climate data for the period 1980 to 2009. Results showed that wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) would migrate upward along the altitudinal gradients in the coming 80 years. However, areas under these crops are expected to drop by 16–100%. Highly impacted areas are expected to increase, whereas low impacted and new suitable areas are expected to decline significantly. Suitable areas for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and teff (Eragrostis tef Zucc.) production are expected to increase. While wheat and barley are projected to be highly affected by future climate change, sorghum and teff should be relatively stable. No significant difference was observed in LGP between the considered RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 climate scenarios. Therefore, this study concluded that upward movement of crops was one mechanism to adapt to climate change, and new varieties resilient to future climate change needs to be developed.

On farm demonstration of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties in orobanche infested areas of Ofla district, South Tigray, Ethiopia

Faba bean variety demonstration was conducted at Adigollo kebelle (Ofla district, South Tigray, Ethiopia in 2016 main cropping season to demonstrate the performance of the Orobanche tolerant faba bean variety.

The Impact of Amharic Linguistic Interference on Tigrinya as Medium of Education: The Case of Alamata Primary Schools

This paper deals with the impact of Amharic (neighbor language) linguistic interferences on the Tigrinya variety used as medium of instruction, particularly in Alamata primary schools, south Tigray in north Ethiopia. The study is mainly concerned with the description and analysis of the linguistic interferences of Amharic into the Tigrinya variety used as medium of instruction. It is also aimed at pointing out the impacts of the linguistic on the medium of instruction and at suggesting some measures which can possibly solve or reduce the impacts. In order to achieve these objectives, a questionnaire, an interview, a writing test and personal classroom observations have been used as the main data collection instruments. Six primary schools have been selected using random and purposive sampling method. Grade seven students and their Tigrinya teachers have also been selected as sample subjects of the study using random sampling technique. The data, therefore, have been collected through the aforementioned methods from these subjects during schooling time. Both quantitative and descriptive methods have been used in an integrated way to analyze the data. The data have revealed that the influence of Amharic on the Tigrinya variety used as MOI is high at all linguistic levels (phonology, morphology, syntax and lexical), and it brings about negative effect in classroom communication. Moreover, it has also been found that there are innovations of linguistic elements. DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/66-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

Improving the productivity of degraded pasture land through demonstration of legume forage over sowing: The case of Ayba pasture land, South Tigray, Ethiopia

The study was undertaken in Northern Ethiopia, at Emba Alaje District, to assess forage yield of the natural pasture over sown with adapted legume forage. The design was a single plot design and the treatments were farmers’ practice and Vicia sativa over sown. A total of 60 quadrats of 1 by 1 m2 size were used for herbaceous species composition, above ground biomass and dry matter yield and analyzed by t-test equal variances using R-software. Over sowing legume forage increased dry matter yield significantly as compared with the farmers’ practice pasture land. The higher dry matter yield was recorded for pasture land over sown with Vicia sativa (3.43 ton/ha). Vicia sativa over sown also increased the basal cover of herbaceous (2.28) compared to farmers’ practice (1.47). Similarly, the Vicia sativa over sown pasture land had significantly (p < 0.001) higher forage biomass than the farmers’ practice area. Results from the comparative analysis also indicated that Vicia sativa over sown on the degraded grazing land had a higher cost effective than the existing farmers’ practice as the calculated net return was found to be positive. It is, therefore, concluded that over sowing degraded grazing land with Vicia sativa improves biomass yield, and it is also cost-effective as compared with farmers’ practice. Therefore, based on the finding of the study it is highly recommended that the concerned governmental and nongovernmental organization should give emphasis to promote Vicia sativa over sown for the rehabilitation of degraded pasture land.

Hydraulic Analysis of Storm Water Drainage System in Alamata Town, South Tigray, Ethiopia

With urbanization impervious surfaces increase, drainage pattern changes, overland flow becomes speedy, flooding and environmental problems such as land degradation increases. The objective of this study is to evaluate the hydraulic performance of storm water drainage system of the study area. The drainage channels are filled with or blocked by silt and garbage, the blockage of drainage structures is due to flat areas and siltation of drainage system which leads to failures on roadways. Spatial analyses were conducted using Arc GIS, Bentley Flow master, Google Earth pro and Auto CAD software’s as analytical tools. The hydrological analysis was computed by rational method. The existing depth and width of the storm water drainage channel were measured for all sub catchments of the town and used to determine the existing drainage capacity using Bentley Flow master. The existing condition drainage channel depths of sub-catchments 6,7 and 8 increased by 68.40%, 160.20% and 121.07%; and the widths by 55.44%, 116.83% and 100.98%, and the design discharge was also 9.29m3/s, 16.47m3/s and 9.13m3/s, respectively. Therefore, this study recommends improvement in the integration of road and drainage structure; integration of solid waste management system in order to prevent the over flowing of storm water as a result of blockage of drains; the stations of the road requires proper maintenance and suitable measures should be taken in order to make the road and storm water drainage structures serve for the intended purposes sustainably to the stakeholders.

Utilization of indigenous tree and shrub species as animal feed resources in south Tigray, north Ethiopia, and implication for sustainable livestock production

Utilization of indigenous tree and shrub species as animal feed resources in south Tigray, north Ethiopia, and implication for sustainable livestock production

Participatory evaluation of improved pastureland interventions in Ayba pastureland, South Tigray: Implication for pastureland enhancement

The participatory evaluation was conducted to assess the forage yield of the natural pasture in degraded grazing land through the application of urea, manure and Vicia sativa over sown with farmers...

Rehabilitation of indigenous browse plant species following exclosure established on communal grazing lands in South Tigray, Ethiopia, and implication for conservation

BackgroundDespite the wide use of indigenous browse plant species, there is almost no information on the rehabilitation of indigenous browse species following area exclosure (AE) established on communal grazing lands (CGL) in Southern Tigray. The objectives of this study were to assess the rehabilitation of browse plant species following AE establishment on CGL. A total of 61 and 59 plots of 10 × 10 m2 size were laid down at 50-m intervals along parallel line transects at AE and GCL, respectively. Data collected on vegetation attributes were subjected to analysis of t test (unequal variances) using R-software.ResultsThe Shannon diversity index of the browse plant species was 1.25 and 0.81 in AE and CGL, respectively (P < 0.001). The overall population structure of browse plant species in the AE shows a reverse J-shaped population curve and “good” regeneration status, which reveals that the future communities may be sustained. Leaf biomass and basal area of browse plant species were significantly higher in the AE than in CGL (P < 0.001). After exclusion of grazing, AE was found to have positive effects on diversity and aboveground biomass of browse plant species.ConclusionsThe study gives an understanding of the diversity, the pattern of population and regeneration of the browse plant species, which may help in the management and conservation of the species. Our results indicate that grazing exclusion is an effective management strategy to restore browse plant species. We concluded that the establishment of AE had a positive effect on the rehabilitation of browse plant species diversity and improved population structure and regeneration potentials of degraded grazing lands. Long-term monitoring and evaluation systems will be required to gain an informed understanding of the roles played by area exclosures in the rehabilitation and conservation of browse palnt species diversity.

Effects of improved practices on grain sorghum stalk borer and weeds: case studies from three regions of Ethiopia

We conducted three different on farm experiments in three major sorghum producing areas of Ethiopia to find solutions to major grain sorghum pests (weeds and stalk borer) prevailing in the respective areas. These were: 1) effect of integrated technologies to control grain sorghum stalk borer, 2) screening early maturing grain sorghum varieties that could tolerate stalk borer, and 3) weeding effect on sorghum yield. These experiments were conducted on farm and demonstrated to farmers in south Tigray, west Hararghe and south west Ethiopia, respectively. In south Tigray, we found that grain sorghum yield increased by 68% (5600 kg ha−1). Whereas, among the five varieties introduced in west Hararghe, Gedo variety outstripped, and gave the highest yield (2162 kg ha−1) but, notably, with the highest infestation of stalk borer. In southwest Ethiopia, about three-fold yield increment was obtained by hand-removing weeds and applying 100 kg ha −1 DAP and urea. Applied the same amount and types of fertilizers, but without removing the weeds, resulted in total crop failure because broad-leaved weeds might have competed for nutrients and light and suppressed the crop. We conclude that weeds and stalk borer are significantly reducing grain sorghum yield in the respective areas, but they can be managed with integrated approaches to potentially enhance sorghum grain yield.

Opportunities and Constraints of Community Based Seed Production in Northern Ethiopia: The Case of Seed Producing Cooperatives in South Tigray

Opportunities and Constraints of Community Based Seed Production in Northern Ethiopia: The Case of Seed Producing Cooperatives in South Tigray

Modelling and mapping of erosion potentiality watersheds using AHP and GIS technique: a case study of Alamata Watershed, South Tigray, Ethiopia

Next to population growth soil erosion are the second most environmental challenges which causing water worsening, land deprivation and desertification. This problem on the environment includes loss of soil fertility, reduction of the depth of water body (lakes, ponds, reservoirs etc), high water turbidity, flood hazard problems etc. This study focus on mapping of soil erosion-prone areas in Alamata watershed (area 534.380 km2). This study leads where the most effective soil conservation strategies should focus in the area. Based on GIS with the integration of the analysis of analytical hierarchy process (AHP), curvature, stream power index, topographic wetness index, slope, elevation, soil, and land use were used as factors to have a fruitful decision to fulfill to the stated objective. MCEA and AHP are used to quantify hotspot area for erosion which created through pairwise comparison. Based on the analysis of MCE model and AHP tells that out of total watershed area, 0.01 km2 (0.003%), 29.42 km2 (5.506%), 162.80 km2 (30.466%), 341.52 km2 (63.910%) and 0.61 km2 (0.114%) areas are very high, high, medium, low and very low prone to soil erosion respectively. This gives as insight to a watershed decision maker and planners to minimize soil erosion problems.

Top-soil salinity mapping using geostatistical approach in the agricultural landscape of Timuga irrigation scheme, South Tigray, Ethiopia

Long-term irrigation activities in arid and semi-arid areas causes soil salinity problem. Thus, knowing soil salinity status is a prerequisite for designing appropriate irrigation management strate...

Prevalence and Intensity of Barley Diseases in South Tigray, Ethiopia

Barley is attacked by many diseases and hence, the study was conducted to quantify and profile barley affecting diseases for management options. The survey was based on the assessment of barley fields at 5 km interval. Results indicated that powdery mildew, leaf rust, stem rust, leaf scald, and smuts were among the important diseases in south Tigray. The prevalence of the former diseases was 60, 60, 40, 47.8, and 40%, respectively. The incidence of powdery mildew, scaled, leaf rust and stem rust was 100% in considerable fields and cultivars. The incidence of smuts was ranged from 5% to 30%. Similarly, the mean severities of powdery mildew, leaf rust, stem rust and leaf scald were 43.4, 54.5, 45 and 20%, respectively, while, smuts caused complete spike losses. Therefore, investigating of the pathogens variability especially for rusts, powdery mildew and scald as well as developing integrated management options for all diseases is of concern.

Late presentation for diagnosis of HIV infection among HIV positive patients in South Tigray Zone, Ethiopia.

BackgroundIn spite of the availability and accessibility of HIV testing opportunities and efforts, people are being late to test in the course of HIV infection. Late diagnosis leads to late anti-retroviral therapy initiation which in turn results in poor treatment outcome and prognosis of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of late HIV diagnosis among HIV-infected patients in South Tigray Zone, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility based cross sectional study was conducted among HIV positive patients from February 1-30, 2014 in Southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data were collected by reviewing patient medical card and interviewing using structured questionnaire. Data were entered using Epi-Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were modeled to evaluate the association of predictors with late diagnosis of HIV infection.ResultsOut of 789 study participants, 68.8 % of them were late for HIV diagnosis. Feeling healthy (65.7 %), fear of stigma and discrimination (32.4 %) and using traditional treatment (1.5 %) were reported as the main reasons for late HIV diagnosis. Use of Khat [AOR = 3.27, 95 % CI (1.75, 6.13)], bed ridden functional status [AOR = 2.66, 95 % CI (1.60, 4.42)], ambulatory functional status [AOR = 1.56, 95 % CI (1.03, 2.35)] and Muslim religion [AOR = 2.26, 95 % CI (1.13, 4.49)] were significantly associated with late presentation for HIV diagnosis.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of late HIV diagnosis was recorded in Southern Tigray Zone, Ethiopia. Public health educations and campaigns targeted at improving early diagnosis and prognosis of people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia should be underway.