South West Shewa Zone Research Articles

Low levels of knowledge and practice of occupational hazards among flower farm workers in southwest Shewa zone, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundOver the last decade, flower farms have been rapidly growing in Ethiopia. Following the advent and development of the sector, various work-related chemical, biological, physical, psychosocial, and ergonomic hazards have been emerging unacceptably, with increased risks of exposures for workers and local communities. However, evidence that describes knowledge and prevention practice of occupational hazards among flower farm workers in the country is little documented. The knowledge and safety practice of occupational hazards among flower farm workers in Ethiopia were explored in the current study.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 471 flower farm workers was implemented from March to April 2017. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the eligible participants. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and the data were entered in to Epi Info program version 7 and analyzed by SPSS program version 20. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate significance of associations at < 0.05 p-values.ResultsA total of 451 flower farm workers were interviewed with a response rate of 95.7%. The majority, 72.1% (N = 325) were females. Mean age was 24.1 (SD + 6.5) years. About 39.2% (N = 177) of the participants had good knowledge on occupational hazards. The level of safety practice was 26.6% (N = 120). The level of knowledge on occupational hazards was affected by level of education [AOR: 20.03;95% CI (16.30,23.75)], work experience [AOR: 5.97; 95% CI (4.22,7.72)], and type of employment [AOR: 5.35; 95% CI (2.50,8.19)], whereas the level of safety practice was influenced by regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) [AOR:17.53;95% CI (13.36,21.71)], level of knowledge [AOR: 7.29; 95% CI (3.87,10.73)], and provision of appropriate PPE [AOR: 4.59; 95% CI (2.34,8.86)].ConclusionThis study revealed the levels of knowledge and safety practice towards occupational hazards were low. The knowledge on occupational hazards was significantly affected by the level of education and duration of employment. Moreover, the use of PPE and level of knowledge considerably influenced safety practice. Therefore, we recommend employers to ensure that workplace health and safety programs account for workers’ level of education and work experience. It is also pivotal to provide workers witha suitable PPE and instructions on its use, and to arrange safety communication in the local languages at the relevant workplaces.

Distribution of Major Wheat Diseases on Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) In The Central Highland Part of Ethiopia

Wheat rusts and Septoria tritici blotch are among the most important constraints in wheat production in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to study the geographical distribution of major wheat diseases such as stem rust, yellow rust, leaf rust & STB in central highland parts of Ethiopia and determine the reaction of wheat cultivars to wheat rusts in the country during 2020 cropping season. A total of 48 wheat fields were surveyed in major wheat growing areas of Oromia & Amhara Regions of South West Shewa, West Shewa & North shewa zones. Septoria tritici blotch and yellow rust were the most widely distributed disease in the surveyed fields with a prevalence percentage of 100 & 68.5% respectively. The overall mean incidence values for Septoria tritici blotch, yellow rust, stem rust and leaf rust were 73.32, 26.9, 15.7 and 0.12%, respectively. Likewise, the overall mean severities were 22.6, 9.8, 8.6 and 0.01%, respectively in the same order. The incidences and severities of wheat rusts varied among wheat varieties in the season. Most varieties showed moderately susceptible to susceptible responses against yellow rust and stem rust populations. The predominance of susceptible varieties can be an important recipe for the development of rust epidemics in Ethiopia. The present findings confirmed the importance of Septoria tritici blotch, yellow rust and stem rust in Ethiopia. Hence, continuous supply of resistance varieties is needed to avoid wheat disease epidemics in the country.

Distribution of Major Tef Diseases in Central Highland Area of Ethiopia

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter), is the major Ethiopian cereal crop which feed peoples The prevalence and damage inflicted by diseases and insect pests varies from region to region and shows large seasonal variation, the current status of diseases is generally little known. Information on the prevalence and status of diseases would be essential to devise sound management options. So, our objective is to assess the status of major tef foliar diseases in central highland area of Ethiopia. Assessment was carried in the major tef producing districts of West Shewa, South-west and North shewa zones of Ethiopia. The assessment done in 2019/2020 main cropping season along the main roads and accessible routes in each survey district, and stops made at every 5-10 km intervals based on vehicles odometers as per tef fields available. We have assessed 35 fields which have the potential to produce tef from three zones. From our assessment the major tef foliar diseases recorded were leaf rust, head smudge and spot blotch. The highest tef leaf rust severity (90S) recorded in north shewa zone Mendida district where as the lowest (0%) recorded in Awaro, Asgori, woliso and Dendi districts from South west shewa zone. The highest head smudge severity recorded in west shewa zone liben jawe district where as the lowest head smudge severity recorded in woliso, wolimera and tokekutaye district. There is no head smudge disease recorded in north shewa zone. From our assessment, we have concluded that tef leaf rust and head smudge are the most economically important diseases. Therefore, it is very crucial to develop management option to mitigate those diseases.

Survey of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Eucalyptus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Nursery Diseases in Central and South West Ethiopia

Eucalyptus (<i>E. camaldulensis</i> and <i>E. globulus</i>) is the most widely planted exotic tree species in Ethiopia, where it is utilized for construction materials, industries, and fuel wood. From 2012 to 2013, field studies were carried out in Jimma, West Shewa, and South West Shewa Zones of Oromia regional states, focusing on agro-ecological zones to investigate diseases and pathogens associated with seedlings. Nurseries of <i><i>E. camandulesis </i></i>and<i> E. globulus</i> located in various areas were surveyed, wherever possible at different stages of growth of seedlings. A total of 12 Eucalyptus spp. nurseries were surveyed across three different Oromia regional zones. Powdery mildew, damping-off, leaf spot, and wilting diseases affecting eucalyptus seedlings in nurseries were found on both eucalyptus species. During this investigation, nursery seedlings in the examined area became weakly infected and displayed visible symptoms on both Eucalyptus spp. <i>Alteranria, Pestalotiopsis, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia solani, Cylindrocladium, Botrytis cinerea, Odium spp and Phoma spp,</i> are associated with disease symptoms. All recorded diseases vary from place to place and bed to bed depending on seedling age, seedling type, and microclimatic condition and nursery management practices. More surveys and identification of nursery diseases and inoculum sources need to be conducted in order to suggest for management procedures to produce high quality seeding in Ethiopia.

Determinants of Urban Poverty in Oromia: A Case Study in Some Selected District, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in south west Shewa zone districts, Oromia National Region, Ethiopia. Stratified sampling techniques were applied in order to obtain a representative sample were selected to collect data by using these strata since in study there were constituted 3 urban areas were selected from a total of 4 towns in Waliso districts. Based on this condition sampling will be conducted separately in each subgroup or stratum. Descriptive statistics and binary logit were employed to determine factors that influence the economic status of households. A sum of twelve explanatory variables for the binary logit model was used, out of which eight variables were found to significantly affect the economic returns of households at 5%. These are: household family size, education of household head, the gender of household head, marital status, age of household head, , income of household head, house ownership, previous residence, and four of the following were at 10% like household health status, household head occupation, dependency ratio and saving of household and the other variables like household health status, household head occupation, and dependency ratio were not significant at a maximum of 10% significance level . The study recommends that the strong negative relationship between income and the probability of being poor point out that there must be a need to consider households income character by government and non-government organization in designing policies targeted to curb urban poverty intervening to household health status, household head occupation, dependency ratio and saving of household. Keywords: Rural poverty, Binary Logit Model, Waliso district. DOI: 10.7176/JPID/56-03 Publication date: November 30 th 2020

Cost of Hypertension Illness and Associated Factors Among Patients Attending Hospitals in Southwest Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

BackgroundHypertension is a common vascular disease and the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Since the incidence of hypertension is rising in Ethiopia, one may expect that the household’s cost of healthcare services related to the disease will increase in the near future. Yet the cost associated with the disease is not known. We aimed to estimate the total cost of hypertension illness and identify associated factors among patients attending hospitals in Southwest Shewa zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.Patients and MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed to conduct the study from 13 August to 2 September 2018. All hypertensive patients aged 18 years and older who were on follow-up were eligible for this study. The total cost of hypertension illness was estimated by summing the direct and indirect costs. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with hypertension costs of illnesses.ResultsA total of 349 patients participated in the study. The mean monthly total cost of hypertension illness was US$ 22.3 (95% CI, 21.3–23.3). Direct and indirect costs constitute 51% and 49% of the total cost, respectively. The mean direct cost of hypertension illness per patient per month was US$ 11.39 (95% CI, 10.6–12.1). Out of these, drugs comprised higher cost (31%), followed by food (25%). The mean indirect cost per patient per month was US$ 10.89 (95% CI, 10.4–11.4). In this study, the primary educational status, family size (4–6 and >6), distance from hospital (≥10 km), the presence of a companion and stage of hypertension (stage two) of patients were identified as the predictors of the cost of hypertension illnesses.ConclusionThe cost of hypertension illness was very high when compared to the monthly income of households, exposing patients to catastrophic costs. Hence, the government should give due attention to protect patients from catastrophic health expenditures.

Hospital admission and associated factors among individuals presenting to healthcare facilities for low back pain in Ethiopia.

The aim of this paper is to analyze hospital admission and associated factors following presentation to healthcare facilities for low back pain (LBP) in Ethiopia. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June and November 2018 in South-west Shewa zone of Oromia regional state. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews of adults (≥18years) with self-reported LBP using a newly developed and validated instrument. All the statistical analyses of (n=543) individuals with a 1-year history of presentation to healthcare facilities for LBP were performed using R version 3.5.1. The log-binomial regression model was fitted and prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to identify factors associated with hospitalization and the significance level was considered at the P value of≤.05. The proportion of hospital admissions following presentation to healthcare facilities for LBP was 14.4%, 95% CI 11.4-17.3, with an average length of stay (LOS) 7.4days, 95% CI 6.4-8.8. The admission rate was 18.5%, 95% CI 13.4-23.3 in females and 11.4%, 95% CI 8.0-15.1 in males. Multiple factors, such as gender, age, living conditions, residential environment, alcohol consumption status, intensity of pain, and presence of additional spinal pain, were found to be independently associated with hospitalization for LBP. The burden on the individuals and the Ethiopian healthcare system as a result of LBP is evident by the rate of hospital admissions. Further evidence on LBP case referral procedures is needed to allow health policy makers to develop appropriate management strategies capable of dealing with the increasing epidemiology of LBP.

Teachers' Self-perceived Skills as the function of Gender and Teaching Experiences in the Classroom Assessment: A study in High Schools of South West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia.

This study was conducted to assess teachers’ perceptions of classroom assessment as the function of gender and teaching experiences. To this end, the researchers employed a cross-sectional survey design collecting a survey data from 197 teachers selected from seven high schools using Zhang and Burry-Stock’s (2003) modified assessment practice inventory questionnaire and an observation checklist developed by the researchers. The findings of the study revealed that there was a statistically significant gender difference only in communicating assessment results; t (173) = -6.557, p < .05. Also, there were statistically significant differences across service years in terms of constructing test items, F (2, 172) = 2907.04, p < .05; analyzing test results and test revisions, F (2, 172) = 121.401, p < .05; and communicating assessment results, F (2, 172) = 98.840, p < .05. Both in the self-perceived assessment and classroom observation results, female teachers’ were found better than male teachers in communicating assessment results. Finally, conclusions and recommendations were forwarded based on the results of this study.

Role of Women in Tulama Oromo Gada System: The Case of Ilu, South-West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State

This study deals with the role of women in Gada system in Tulama Oromo of Ilu. Gada is an indigenous institution that incorporates political, social and economic issues of the Oromo. In this institution, Women have their own role and status in the political, social and economic affairs of the Oromo society. The objective of this study is to examine the role of women among Tulama Oromo of Ilu Gada system. To achieve this objective, both primary and secondary data was used. Accordingly, interview, focus group discussion and participant observation were employed to collect data. For this purpose, informants were selected from Abba Gada (father of Gada), Luba, Jaartii Cifree (wife of Yuba (retired Gada elder)), Haadha Siiqqee (wife of Abba Gada, Luba), community elders and culture and tourism office from government officials. These informants were participated in interview, focus group discussion. In such way, 36 informants were directly involved in the study. In anthropological studies, analysis is an instrument to extract meanings and interpretation from the data obtained during fieldwork. In such manner, data were presented in a qualitative type. The findings of the study show that women have tremendous role in gada system. In this case, no event or no ceremonies take place without the full participation of women. Women were basically represented and/or play a significant role through different institutions such as Siiqqee and other ritual ceremonies and institutions working as check and balances for protecting women’s right in general. Hence, without participation of women, the Oromoo socio-political practices could be meaningless. That is to say, any social, political and economic practice irrespective of women may not be fruitful. Based on the research findings, some recommendations were forwarded that strengthen understanding of Gada system. Key terms: Gadaa system; Oromo; Women; Tulama; Ilu. DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/56-02 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

Determinants of healthcare utilisation for low back pain: A population-based study in Ethiopia.

Low back pain (LBP) remains one of the major public health problems worldwide. However, in low-income countries, such as those in Africa, the epidemiological data on healthcare utilisation for LBP are lacking due to more pressing problems such as infectious diseases, to which the majority of health resources are channelled. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the determinants of healthcare utilisation for LBP in the general population of Ethiopia. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in South-West Shewa zone of Ethiopia from June to November 2018. The data were collected by interviewing adults with LBP (n=1812, randomly selected) using a psychometrically tested and validated instrument, analysed using R version 3.5.1. A log-binomial regression model was used to determine the prevalence ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) in identifying factors associated with healthcare utilisation for LBP. Estimates of population parameters were also presented with 95% CIs and p values. For all applications of inferential statistics, a p value of ≤.05 was taken as the significance level. The lifetime prevalence of healthcare utilisation for LBP was 36.1%, 95% CI: 33.9-38.1, while the annual prevalence rate was 30%, 95% CI: 27.9-32.2. Of those with a 1-year history of healthcare utilisation, while 7.4%, 95% CI: 4.9-10.3 rural and 36.6%, 95% CI: 29.5-44 urban populations utilised healthcare from general hospitals, 1.4%, 95% CI: 0.3-2.7 rural and 6.8%, 95% CI: 3.1-10.8 urban populations utilised healthcare from specialised hospitals. Several sociodemographic factors, modifiable health behaviours/lifestyle habits, pain interrelated factors, and specific factors such as beliefs about the pain, depressive symptoms and insomnia were associated with healthcare utilisation for LBP. The implications of this research are that it may be prudent for the Ethiopian healthcare policy makers to develop the necessary strategies to meet the health needs of both urban and rural populations with LBP.

Role of Women in Tulama Oromo Gada System: The Case of Ilu, South-West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State

This study deals with the role of women in Gada system in Tulama Oromo of Ilu. Gada is an indigenous institution that incorporates political, social and economic issues of the Oromo. In this institution, Women have their own role and status in the political, social and economic affairs of the Oromo society. The objective of this study is to examine the role of women among Tulama Oromo of Ilu Gada system. To achieve this objective, both primary and secondary data was used. Accordingly, interview, focus group discussion and participant observation were employed to collect data. For this purpose, informants were selected from Abba Gada (father of Gada), Luba, Jaartii Cifree (wife of Yuba (retired Gada elder)), Haadha Siiqqee (wife of Abba Gada, Luba), community elders and culture and tourism office from government officials. These informants were participated in interview, focus group discussion. In such way, 36 informants were directly involved in the study. In anthropological studies, analysis is an instrument to extract meanings and interpretation from the data obtained during fieldwork. In such manner, data were presented in a qualitative type. The findings of the study show that women have tremendous role in gada system. In this case, no event or no ceremonies take place without the full participation of women. Women were basically represented and/or play a significant role through different institutions such as Siiqqee and other ritual ceremonies and institutions working as check and balances for protecting women’s right in general. Hence, without participation of women, the Oromoo socio-political practices could be meaningless. That is to say, any social, political and economic practice irrespective of women may not be fruitful. Based on the research findings, some recommendations were forwarded that strengthen understanding of Gada system. Key terms: Gadaa system; Oromo; Women; Tulama; Ilu. DOI : 10.7176/RHSS/9-19-02 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

Community Participation in Preschool Education of Ethiopia: the Case of South West Shewa Zone

&lt;em&gt;The objective of this study was to examine the state of community participation in preschool education and factors affecting their participation in selected woredas of South West Shoa Zone. Survey research design was used. Data were collected from 192 preschool teachers, 58 preschool principals, 12 cluster supervisors 4 woreda education expert, and 58 PTA members by using questionnaires, interview and focus group discussion. The findings of the study revealed that the participation of the community in preschool education is very low; the most common areas of community participation are cash contribution and participation in a meeting for the improvement of student behavior. Finally, the major factors identified are lack of awareness, failure to attend the meeting and failure to send their children to preschools. It is suggested that the preschools should be designed effective strategies of cooperation to work with the community in supporting preschools. In addition, continuous efforts should be made by preschools in the orientations and reorientation of community members about the objectives, scopes, principles, methods, and activities of preschool education.&lt;/em&gt;

The Role of Customary Conflict Resolution Mechanisms Among the Oromo: In Case of Dawo District of South West Shewa Zone

This study deals with the role of customary conflict resolution mechanisms in Oromia region with particular emphasis on Dawo district of south west shewa zone. Hence, the (i) purpose of this study was to examine and explore the significance of customary conflict resolution mechanisms in anthropological perspectives in the study area. The (ii) intent of the study was to identify the types of customary conflict resolution mechanisms and cause of conflict in Dawo district. The (iii) purpose of the study was to describe the structure and procedure as well as advantage and disadvantages of customary conflict resolution mechanisms. Finally, the purpose of this study was to provide information to understanding about the study area. To achieve this objective, both primary and secondary data was used. This study applied qualitative data. The data used in this study were generated from one- one interview, focus group discussion, case study and document analysis. In anthropological studies, analysis is an instrument to extract meanings from the information obtained during the field work. In such a manner, data were presented in a qualitative type. By using this methods, the study revealed that conflict in this research area emanate from land issues, theft and competition over resources.

Survey of Septoria Tritici Blotch (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Septoria Tritici&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) of Bread Wheat (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Triticum aestivum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is an economically important foliar disease in the major wheat-growing areas of Ethiopia. The current research was conducted to determine the incidence and severity of STB in the central highlands of Ethiopia. A total of 59 wheat fields were surveyed in 27 districts of three administrative zones i.e. South west, west and North shewa zones. The overall mean incidence of STB across the three zones varied from 52 to 75%. Similarly, mean severity ranged from 45 to 83%. Our results also confirmed susceptibility of almost all bread wheat varieties under production in the study area to STB. Current results also suggest the vulnerability of improved wheat varieties to STB although results need to be confirmed with additional studies. The present findings confirmed the importance of STB in Ethiopia.

Distribution of Wheat Stem Rust (Puccinia Graminis F. Sp. Tritici) in West and Southwest Shewa Zones and Identification of its Phsiological Races

Stem rust (black rust) caused by Puccinia graminis f.sp.tritici is one of the most important air borne diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the central high lands of Ethiopia, including west and southwest Shewa zones. The pathogen is capable to produce new physiological races that attack resistant varieties and develop epidemic under favorable environmental conditions which results in a serious yield loss. However, information on the status of stem rust distribution and races in west and southwest Shewa zones is lacking. Therefore, the present studies were based on stem rust survey to compute the prevalence and intensity of disease; race analysis via inoculation of stem rust isolates and multiplication of single-pustule of the pathogen and race designation by inoculating on wheat differential lines. Eighty six wheat fields were assessed in 12 districts of west and south west Shewa zones with altitude ranges between1925-2915 m.a.s.l. Seventy five (87.2%) wheat fields infected with stem rust had the overall mean of 33% incidence and 10.8% severity. The mean prevalence of stem rust was 96.3% in southwest and 83.1% in west Shewa zones, whereas, the mean incidence was 34.7% and 31.2% in west and southwest Shewa zones, respectively. Similarly, mean severity was 14.5% in west and 7.1% in southwest Shewa zones. Forty five stem rust samples collected during the survey were analyzed on the twenty standard stem rust differentials and resulted in identification of 5 races (TTTTH, TTKSK, TKTTF, HKPPF & HKNTF). Of these, 88.4% of the isolates were TKTTF (Digalu race) followed by 4.7% of the isolates by TTKSK (Ug99). Among the five races, the most virulent, which made 18 Sr genes non-effective was TTTTH. TKTTF and TTKSK races were virulent on 85% of Sr genes. Differential host carrying Sr24 was an effective gene which confers resistance to all of the races identified in the area. On the other hand, the wheat differential hosts carrying the resistance genes Sr McN, Sr10, Sr9a, Sr30, Sr9g, Sr8a, Sr6, Sr7b and Sr21 were ineffective to 100% of the isolates tested. Hence, the Sr resistance gene Sr24 can be used as sources of resistance in wheat breeding program.

Evaluation of Bread Wheat Varieties to Dominant Races of Stem Rust (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Puccinia graminis f. sp. Tritici&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Pathogen

Stem rust (Black rust) caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici is one of the most important air borne diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the central high lands of Ethiopia, including west and southwest Shewa zones. The pathogen is capable to produce new physiological races that attack resistant varieties and develop epidemic under optimal environmental conditions which results in a serious yield loss. However, information on the reaction of bread wheat varieties to dominant races in west and southwest Shewa zones is lacking. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the reaction of 12 commonly grown bread wheat varieties by artificial inoculation against the major virulent races at seedling stage in green house (TKTTF and TTKSK) and at adult plant growth stage under field condition (TTKSK). In the green house test, varieties Huluka and Ogena showed resistance to TTKSK and TKTTF races. Likewise, the two varieties showed moderately resistance reaction at adult plant growth stage with terminal severity of below 10%. Whereas, ET-13A2 was susceptible to both races at both plant growth stages. Digalu was susceptible to TKTTF, but resistant to TTKSK at seedling stage, and under field condition it showed severity of 63.3S. The lowest mean AUDPC was recorded on the Ogena, Huluka and Shorima varieties with 37, 52.7 and 103.7 values in the mentioned order. In contrast, the highest mean AUDPC of 1225 on Morocco and 805.8 on Digalu were recorded. Similarly, the maximum mean disease infection rate was also recorded on Morocco and Digalu varieties. Hence, varieties Ogena and Huluka that showed resistance to both virulent races at seedling and adult plant growth stages can be used as sources of resistance in wheat breeding program.

Survey of Rust and Septoria Leaf Blotch Diseases of Wheat in Central Ethiopia and Virulence Diversity of Stem Rust Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia and produced across large area of the country. Production of the crop constrained by several infection diseases including rust and Septoria leaf blotch diseases which are the major bottle neck of wheat production in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to ass distribution, incidence and severity of wheat rusts and Septoria leaf blotch in west and South West Shewa zones and identification of Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici virulences in Ethiopia. The survey was made in 2013 main cropping season (from September to October) following the main roads and accessible routes in each survey district, and stops were made at every 5 km intervals based on vehicles odometers as per wheat fields available. Five stops were made in each wheat field by moving “W” fashion at each stop interval using quadrants and data were collected from each. Race analysis was carried out by inoculating single uredinial isolates on to the 20 differential hosts. The result indicated that, stem, leaf and yellow rust mean incidence value 54.7%, 19.4% and 7.7% were recorded in the surveyed areas, respectively and mean severity value of 7.0%, 9.7% and 5.5% in the same order. Septoria leaf blotch was the most prevalent disease with100%. Mean incidence of 83% and 0.44 disease index of Septoria leaf blotch were recorded. The most widely grown Varieties Digelu and Kakaba showed susceptible reaction to stem and leaf rust whereas Meda wolabu were free both rusts. Variety Kubisa were susceptible to the three rusts (stem, leaf and yellow). Out of 20 isolates, two races namely TTKSK and TKTTF were identified. Race TTKSK was the most frequent with 95%. Stem rust resistance genes Sr36, SrTmp and Sr24 were effective against TTKSK and while, Sr8a, Sr24 and Sr31 were effective against TKTTF (Digelu race). Most of the genes possessed by the differentials were ineffective against one or more of the tested isolates except Sr24. Sr24 which confer resistance against most of the races detected and prevalent in Ethiopia can be used in breeding for resistance to stem rust in the country.

Role of Women in Tulama Oromo Gada System: The Case of Ilu, South-West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State

This study deals with the role of women in Gada system in Tulama Oromo of Ilu. Gada is an indigenous institution that incorporates political, social and economic issues of the Oromo. In this institution, Women have their own role and status in the political, social and economic affairs of the Oromo society. The objective of this study is to examine the role of women among Tulama Oromo of Ilu Gada system. To achieve this objective, both primary and secondary data was used. Accordingly, interview, focus group discussion and participant observation were employed to collect data. For this purpose, informants were selected from Abba Gada (father of Gada), Luba, Jaartii Cifree (wife of Yuba (retired Gada elder)), Haadha Siiqqee (wife of Abba Gada, Luba), community elders and culture and tourism office from government officials. These informants were participated in interview, focus group discussion. In such way, 36 informants were directly involved in the study. In anthropological studies, analysis is an instrument to extract meanings and interpretation from the data obtained during fieldwork. In such manner, data were presented in a qualitative type. The findings of the study show that women have tremendous role in gada system. In this case, no event or no ceremonies take place without the full participation of women. Women were basically represented and/or play a significant role through different institutions such as Siiqqee and other ritual ceremonies and institutions working as check and balances for protecting women’s right in general. Hence, without participation of women, the Oromoo socio-political practices could be meaningless. That is to say, any social, political and economic practice irrespective of women may not be fruitful. Based on the research findings, some recommendations were forwarded that strengthen understanding of Gada system.

Analysis of the Use of Information and Communication Technologies among Farmers in Tole District, South West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Currently agricultural sector is the main sector of the economy in Ethiopia. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been changing the way that actors like researchers, development agents, policy makers, and farmers share agricultural information and knowledge. Particularly, farmers have started to use ICT to get agricultural information and knowledge, despite a number of challenges. Therefore, this study attempted to assess and analyze factors influencing the use of Information and Communication Technologies by farmers in Tole District of South West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected (n=144) from 144 randomly selected respondents from Tole District, of which 69 were ICT user farmers and 75 of them were non users of ICT. The study deployed mixed methods research. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Qualitative data were analyzed through interpretation, narration, and finally complement the descriptive analysis. The key finding of this study revealed that the social, economic and institutional factors were identified in study as factors in using ICT by farmers in the study area. The survey results revealed that age, sex, education status and distance from nearby market have influence on use of ICT in agricultural extension by farmers. The findings also revealed that Radio, Television, mobile phone, fixed phone, and written materials were easily accessed by majority of both users and non users of ICT. The study recommends concerned stakeholders and partners found at different levels should attempt to address those factors influencing the use of ICT among farmers. This study recommends that policymakers at different levels should recognize that farmers are using ICT in addition to traditional ICT like Radio and TV. Hence, this fact should be taken as an input for policy formation of ICT in agriculture and rural development in particular and for its usability among farmers.