Ethiopian System Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 on agri-food systems: An assessment of actors along the food value chain in Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria and Mali

Food security in Africa was impacted as a result of supply chain disruptions and government lockdowns brought on by the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With participation from important actors in the agricultural value chain, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) assessed the effect of COVID-19 on agri-food system in Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda. Farmers, agro-processors, private service providers, off-takers and merchants, input dealers, and Ministry of Agriculture Extension service personnel are among the value chain actors that took part in the study. The survey, which was held from April 13 to April 16, 2020, used semi-structured tools and questionnaires aimed at the different stakeholders. The study used a cluster sample technique. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, which included frequency counts, percentages, rank correlation, and categorical regression. Based on the severity of the lockdowns associated to COVID-19, the survey found that the outcomes differed by country. The analysis shows a negative association between e-extension and education during the COVID-19 epidemic, but a high and positive correlation (p < 0.01) between extension services and postharvest services, as well as credit availability. Factors such as transportation, labor availability, price fluctuations, output market activity, loan availability, and food and nutrition security were significantly and positively correlated with COVID-19 awareness. Additionally, the respondents indicated that price changes were favourably correlated with labour availability and transportation, and that farming activities were significantly and positively correlated with food and nutrition security, labour availability, and the output market. According to the perspective data collected in every country during the COVID-19 epidemic, postharvest services, agricultural input activities, and food and nutrition security all heavily relied on extension services, with postharvest services having a negative correlation with extension services. The results of the analysis show that COVID-19 impacted several variables that are associated with extension services across the four countries. For instance, the R2 value of the relationship between value chain variables and extension service delivery across Mali (0.485), Nigeria (0.621), Ethiopia (0.426), Uganda (0.529), and the combined countries (0.511) indicates that the variation of the dependent variables can account for 48.5% of the variation in the values of the independent variable (extension service delivery) in Mali, 62.1% in Nigeria, 42.6% in Ethiopia, 52.9% in Uganda, and 51.1% in the combined countries. Farmers' access to agricultural labour, credit services, inputs for agriculture, and output markets was restricted by the ban on travel and social gatherings. Smallholder farmers should employ digital solutions more to strengthen the agricultural value chain's actors' resilience against potential pandemics or conflicts, according to the study's implications for extension services. This will reduce the requirement for extensive personal touch and travel in the delivery of extension services. The study also highlights how crucial it is for extension services to show tangible outcomes and benefits in order to increase farming communities' and value chain actors' resilience in any difficult circumstances. Key words: COVID-19, food systems, extension services, value chain actors, output markets

Diversity of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in the main growing areas of Ethiopia

Summary Chickpea is one of the most important legume crops in Ethiopia; however, its production is far below the mean international chickpea production due to biotic and abiotic stressors. Plant-parasitic nematode infestation is extensive in chickpea-growing areas worldwide. The distribution and population density of plant-parasitic nematodes in chickpea were determined during the September-December 2021 growing season. Ten plant-parasitic nematode taxa were identified from 27 localities across ten districts in the main chickpea-growing areas in Ethiopia. Pratylenchus had the highest prominence values, followed by Rotylenchulus and Meloidogyne spp. Helicotylenchus, Hoplolaimus, Scutellonema and Quinisulcius were more prevalent than Criconemoides and Ditylenchus. Sequences of different molecular markers, including D2-D3 of 28S rDNA, ITS of rDNA, and COI and Nad5 of mtDNA, revealed the presence of Meloidogyne javanica, Rotylenchulus parvus, Scutellonema clathricaudatum and Helicotylenchus caudatus. Helicotylenchus caudatus and R. parvus are the first reports from Ethiopia and chickpea, while S. clathricaudatum is the first report for chickpea. This study provides essential baseline information of nematode pest occurrence on chickpea in Ethiopia. This information will raise awareness among growers, agricultural officers, and extension advisors, enabling them to develop effective nematode management strategies for the chickpea production system in Ethiopia.

Student engagement in a differentiated higher education system in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine effects of classroom-level and student-level factors on student engagement in the context of a higher education system vertically differentiated into research, applied and comprehensive university types.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a cross-sectional multilevel design to explain student engagement based on class and student variables. Specifically, the study collects data from 656 students and 61 randomly selected teachers at both levels and uses multilevel modeling to explain relationship patterns.FindingsThe results show that institutions vary significantly in student engagement scores. In addition, while a significant variation is found at the student and classroom level, the effects of academic achievement, instructional quality, teaching experience and teacher qualifications on student engagement vary across classrooms in institutions. However, the interaction effect of classroom and student-level variables on student engagement remains non-significant.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this lies in the explanation of student engagement using classroom and student level factors in a vertically differentiated higher education system using multilevel modeling. Student engagement varied in classrooms research universities applied and comprehensive universities.

Assessing flood risks and exploring opportunities for flood-based farming in the dry lowlands of Ethiopia

Food grown in the rainfed system in Ethiopia is frequently insufficient to meet household food needs due to recurrent drought, which causes severe food insecurity. Ethiopia’s drylands have also been hit by an increase in torrential floods. As a result, the ability to adapt to shocks and risks decreases. Despite the opportunity of highland-to-lowland to lowland connectivity, the opportunities for flood-recession farming are poorly understood. This study maps flood recession opportunities incorporating national flood occurrence information, flood images, and SMAP surface soil moisture from Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) images in Omo Gibe basin and Mile sub-basin. The analysis demonstrates that during the past three decades, there have been substantial flood incidents in the country’s eastern, south-eastern, and southern regions. Notably, floods that happened in 1996, 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2018 affected 90, 91, 74, 74, and 69 locations, respectively. In 2020, flooding affected a considerable area (274 locations), which demonstrates the rise in flood hazards. Based on multi-criteria suitability analysis, about 32 million hectares of lowlands are highly suitable (61%) and moderately suitable (39%) for flood-based farming. In the Omo-Gibe and the Mile sub-basin, flood-recession zone mapping using a change detection approach revealed that Omo-Gibe basin has 107,359 ha and 29,550 ha of flood zones suitable for flood recession farming and Mile sub-basin of 8,048 ha and 88 ha, during the major and short rainy seasons, respectively. Our results highlight the extent of flood-prone areas and their suitability for flood farming and provide evidence of alternative strategies for managing flood risks. Consequently, identifying potential flood-prone areas using remote sensing technology aids decision-makers and subject-matter experts in introducing and demonstrating various types of flood-based farming. Further research is recommended to identify and validate appropriate flood farming practices under different biophysical and socio-economic contexts and explore complementary opportunities as well as support informed decision-making on flood risk management and recession flood strategies in the dry lowlands of Ethiopia.

Optimizing integration of community-based management of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) in young infants into primary healthcare systems in Ethiopia and Kenya: successes and challenges

BackgroundEthiopia and Kenya have adopted the community-based integrated community case management (iCCM) of common childhood illnesses and newborn care strategy to improve access to treatment of infections in newborns and young infants since 2012 and 2018, respectively. However, the iCCM strategy implementation has not been fully integrated into the health system in both countries. This paper describes the extent of integration of iCCM program at the district/county health system level, related barriers to optimal integration and implementation of strategies.MethodsFrom November 2020 to August 2021, Ethiopia and Kenya implemented the community-based treatment of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) when referral to a higher facility is not possible using embedded implementation research (eIR) to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of this life-saving intervention. Both projects conducted mixed methods research from April-May 2021 to identify barriers and facilitators and inform strategies and summative evaluations from June-July 2022 to monitor the effectiveness of implementation outcomes including integration of strategies.ResultsStrategies identified as needed for successful implementation and sustainability of the management of PSBI integrated at the primary care level included continued coaching and support systems for frontline health workers, technical oversight from the district/county health system, and ensuring adequate supply of commodities. As a result, support and technical oversight capacity and collaborative learning were strengthened between primary care facilities and community health workers, resulting in improved bidirectional linkages. Improvement of PSBI treatment was seen with over 85% and 81% of estimated sick young infants identified and treated in Ethiopia and Kenya, respectively. However, perceived low quality of service, lack of community trust, and shortage of supplies remained barriers impeding optimal PSBI services access and delivery.ConclusionPragmatic eIR identified shared and unique contextual challenges between and across the two countries which informed the design and implementation of strategies to optimize the integration of PSBI management into the health system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The eIR participatory design also strengthened ownership to operationalize the implementation of identified strategies needed to improve the health system’s capacity for PSBI treatment.

Tree seed supply system in Ethiopia: modeling source and dissemination of priority species

Providing quality planting materials is critical to sustainable forest restoration initiatives. This study aimed to analyze the tree seeding system and to evaluate and model the configuration of the tree seed supply system from the source to the growers. Primary and secondary data were collected in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. A total of 52 sample participants were selected using the snowball method and interviewed using open-ended questionnaires and Likert questionnaires. Data were analyzed using content and gap analysis methods using Atlas. ti version 8 software. The gap analysis revealed a lack of provenance trials, improved tree seeds, priority species in nurseries, and existing legislation. The model configuration was sequenced in tree seed source, procurement, and dissemination. Informal farmer suppliers covered 83 percent of the system. The decentralized-centralized-centralized and centralized-centralized-centralized were configured for the private enterprises and Amhara Forest Enterprise, respectively, as formal seed suppliers. In order to overcome the difficulties in tree seed production, those involved should work on the production of an improved tree.

Exploring the adoption of food safety measures in smallholder dairy systems in Ethiopia: implications for food safety and public health

Milk is highly perishable and can be a conduit for the transmission of zoonotic foodborne pathogens. This cross-sectional survey involving 159 farming households and 18 participant observations in participating farms was undertaken in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas in Oromia, Ethiopia to assess the adoption of food safety measures in smallholder farms. Adoption of food safety measures at the farm level influences milk quality and safety across the entire milk value chain, from “grass to glass”. This study considered the adoption of 36 different food safety measures (FSM) including animal health, milking hygiene, hygienic milk storage, and hygienic milking premises. A weighted food safety index (FSI, ranging from 0 to 100) was calculated for each household based on FSM adopted. Ordinary Least Squares linear regression was used to quantify the factors of FSM adoption by smallholder farmers. The overall food safety index ranged between 59.97—60.75. A majority of farmers may be classified as moderate adopters of FSM (index ranging between 30–70%). Farm and farmers’ characteristics such as herd size, farmer’s education level, farmer’s expertise in dairying, and participation of the farm in the formal milk value- chain, were shown to positively influence the level of adoption of FSM. Low farm-level adoption of FSM has food safety and public health implications as it can lead to milk contamination and, therefore, expose consumers to foodborne diseases. There is an imperative for policymakers to design and implement policies and intervention strategies that lead to increased farmer training related to livestock production and awareness of the important role that FSM adoption can play in improving food safety and public health.

Prospects of maize-faba bean intercropping in monocropping highlands of Ethiopia.

Abstract Intercropping is an environmentally sustainable multiple cropping system widely practiced in small-scale farming communities in developing countries. Despite its high yielding potential, modern agriculture exploits the scarce agricultural land resources and contributes to the loss of biodiversity whilst intercropping diversifies species, increases and stabilises yield, and ensures food security. Maize-legume intercropping is a dominant cropping system in Ethiopia particularly in the lowlands but not common in the highlands where monocropping of small cereals is a traditional practice. It not only has the potential to break the disease cycle but can also be an additional source of income and food. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of proportion and arrangement of maize and faba bean intercrops on land use, cumulative yield and economic return. Here we show that intercropping increases cumulative productivity and profitability over years and ensures sustainability. Maize yield increased by 59% and 84% in the second and third years, respectively, while yield of faba bean declined by 67% in the second and third years. Sole maize had lower and sole faba bean had higher than their intercropping yields. The highest total LER of 2.11 was obtained from 100% maize: 75% faba bean combination which was equivalent to an additional 1.11 ha of land allocated to sole cropping. Overall, we recommend 100% maize: 25% faba bean for resource-limited farmers and 75% maize: 100% faba bean for commercial farmers based on the monetary advantage index. Moreover, 100% maize: 75% faba bean with acceptable monetary advantage was recommended for the commercial farmers.

The Party System in Ethiopia

Abstract Political parties and their internal working policy and pattern of interactions have a profound impact on the operation of federations and the character of intergovernmental relations (IGR). By using the Ethiopian party system as a case study, this article aims to explore the impacts of party ideology, structure and style of functioning on the overall operation of a federation and the (de)institutionalisation of intergovernmental relations. It shows that the party structure, internal practices and ideological conviction of two parties—the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the Prosperity Party (PP)—have shaped and reshaped the functioning of the Ethiopian federation and the dynamics of vertical and horizontal relations. At the same time, constitutional and IGR principles have been sidelined. There is a need to entrench stable and formal IGR frameworks for negotiation, the exchange of information and co-operation between federal and sub-state institutions. Reducing excessive reliance on the party line is essential to optimise the regularity, continuity and effectiveness of the interactions.

Feasibility Study on ATM/ITM Demand for Production with KPI Metrics in Ethiopia

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) is an innovative service delivery mode that offers diversified financial services. These are operated by the information and communication applications as a result in today’s business environment internet has major influences for all financial, banking and commercial transactions. ATMs allow bank customers to withdraw cash properly anytime, anywhere and at all hours without going to actual bank by online automation of banking transaction services. The customers also acquire different real-time service. As a result the cashless payment system adoption and innovation greatly helped the market growth forecasts of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). This new technology is testing and demanding different finance institutions to be highly competitive in every aspect of economy. There are different types, designs and configuration of ATM/ITM machines. Their software and hardware must be confidential to support the banking services. CBE is the pioneer in introducing ATM payment system in Ethiopia and then after it got a Visa membership. Actually banking industry in Ethiopia hasn’t developed well and need to be modernized by introducing new E-banking technologies in the banking system therefore all banks operating in Ethiopia should recognize the need for introducing electronic banking system to satisfy their customers. These help them to fulfill the requirements of rapidly expanding domestic and international trades, and increasing international banking services. There is an increase in banks, bank branches and ATM usage by banks. The ATM demand is showing increment but there are no known companies that provide SKD/CKD assembling services. They are only imported as CKD and assembled for service by exporter representatives. For promotion of the E-banking in general and ATM in particular companies need to have their own assembling, service and maintenance factory due to the positive developments in financial, banking and commercial transactions Keywords: ATM; ITM; E-banking; FI; Banking; Market

GIS-based Land Suitability Evaluation for Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Production using Agro-climatic Indices in the Semi-arid Areas of Tigray

Introduction: Climate is the most important factor in determining crop production systems in Ethiopia. However, land suitability evaluation using climate variables for specific crops has been barely conducted to demonstrate the suitability of a location for the growth and yield of the crop. This study was, therefore, conducted to analyze land suitability evaluation for sesame production using agro-climatic variables by employing a multi-criteria approach. Materials and Methods: Temperature (maximum, minimum, and average temperature), annual rainfall, elevation, slope, growing degree days (GDD), and length of growing period were classified, and re-classified. Finally, a suitability map overlay was produced using ArcMap version 10.3.1 Results and Discussion: The results indicated that areas with higher elevations, like Adi Remets being 1860 meters above sea level, were classified as moderately suitable, whereas the majority of the study area was suitable for sesame production. After re-classifying the climate variables, elevation, and GDD, a suitability map overlay was produced for sesame production. The overall suitability map showed that areas around Humera, Dansha, Sheraro, Badime, Adigoshu, and some parts of Dedebit, Adiremets, and Maygaba were found from highly suitable to suitable, with 1,024,543.2 and 664,545.5 hectares of land, respectively. There has been no evidence with regards to land suitability classification for sesame production in the study area; hence, the results obtained in this study demonstrated the majority of the cultivated areas in the western and northwestern zones of Tigray to be high to moderately suitable for sesame production. Conclusion: Based on the results, a land suitability map representing a homogenous environment for improved sesame production was produced using a multi-criteria approach in the northwestern and western zones of Tigray. While the results obtained in this study might be helpful for agricultural experts, researchers, decision-makers, and farmers for crop intensification and expansion strategies, they can explicitly help in decisions in the marketing processes with respect to the crop’s value chain and provide a homogenous environment in the study area.

Geophysical imaging of the active magmatic intrusion and geothermal reservoir formation beneath the Corbetti prospect, Main Ethiopian Rift

SUMMARY Silicic volcanic complexes in the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) system host long-lived shallow magma reservoirs that provide heat needed to drive geothermal systems. Some of these geothermal systems in Ethiopia appear to be suitable for green and sustainable electricity generation. One such prospect is located at the Corbetti volcanic complex near the city of Awassa. High-resolution imaging of the subsurface below Corbetti is of imminent importance, not only because of its geothermal potential, but also due to reported evidence for an ongoing magmatic intrusion. In this study, we present a new subsurface 3-D electrical conductivity model of Corbetti obtained through the inversion of 120 magnetotelluric stations. The model elucidates a magmatic system under Corbetti and reveals that it is linked to a magma ponding zone in the lower crust. Magma is transported through the crust and accumulates in a shallow reservoir in form of a magmatic mush at a depth of $\gtrapprox 4\, {\rm km b.s.l.}$ below the caldera. The imaged extent and depth of the shallow magma reservoir is in agreement with previous geodetic and gravimetric studies that proposed an ongoing magmatic intrusion. Interpreting our model with laboratory-based conductivity models for basaltic and rhyolitic melt compositions suggests that Corbetti is seemingly in a non-eruptible state with ∼6–16 vol. per cent basaltic melt in the lower crust and ∼20–35 vol. per cent rhyolitic melt in the upper crust. With these observations, Corbetti’s magmatic system shares common characteristics with volcanic complexes found in the central MER. Specifically, these volcanic complexes are transcrustal two-stage magmatic systems with magma storage in the lower and upper crust that supply heat for volcano-hosted high-temperature geothermal systems above them. According to the presented subsurface model, a cross-rift volcano-tectonic lineament exerts first-order controls on the magma emplacement and hydrothermal convection at Corbetti. Our study depicts hydrothermal convection pathways in unprecedented detail for this system and helps identify prospective regions for future geothermal exploration. 3-D imaging of both the Corbetti’s magmatic and associated geothermal systems provides key information for the quantitative evaluation of Corbetti’s geothermal energy potential and for the assessment of potential volcanic risks.

Potential yield and gap analysis (PYGA) of wheat in Ethiopia.

Abstract Global demand for food is rising due to unparallel population growth compared to agricultural productivity. Yield is supposed to double to feed global population in 2050 but climate change is making sustainable food production difficult for the increasing population. Wheat is one of the strategic crops for food security and increasing its productivity is vital for self-sufficiency. Ethiopia is the second largest wheat producer in the sub-Saharan Africa where the national average yield is below 3 t/ha despite the increasing total production mainly due to areal expansion rather than productivity per hectare. It is imperative and timely to realise wheat potential yield and identify factors that underly the current yield gap. Farmers in southeast Ethiopia have reportedly seen potential yields rising above 10 t/ha which prompted the current study to conduct scientific assessment of the maximum potential yield in the area for better policy and intervention. The trial was designed in partially irrigated and rainfed conditions and here we report that the farmers' actual yield gap was as low as 74% as showcased specifically with the devastating epidemic of new stem rust race known as the ' Digalu race ' occurred in the region in 2014/15. This necessitated replacement of the old varieties with high yielding and disease resistant varieties Sanate and Mandoyu. As the growing condition in 2015/16 season was favourable coupled with best management practices, two high yielding varieties, Sanate and Dire, were identified with the maximum attainable yields of 8921 and 8219 kg/ha, only 3% and 10% away from the model-predicted theoretical yield, respectively. The two varieties also had minimum water limitation index indicating that they are perfect fits for the recent wheat initiative by the Government of Ethiopia to realise self-sufficiency through irrigation and maximising yield potential. Even though we recommend modern breeding programs to capitalise their efforts on realising wheat potential yield through generation of new varieties and the deployment of modern cultivars such as Sanate and Mandoyu with their full management package, we admit that this research is limited in scope to reflect the whole rainfed and irrigated production systems in Ethiopia and hence would highlight the importance of further replicated research across years and locations to capture the variability especially due to the unpredictable climate change.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) cultivated in a hydroponic system in Ethiopia was found infected with Meloidogyne javanica

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) cultivated in a hydroponic system in Ethiopia was found infected with Meloidogyne javanica

Analysis of vegetable production status and marketing system in Ethiopia: The case of Sebeta Hawas Woreda , Oromia region

Analysis of vegetable production status and marketing system in Ethiopia: The case of Sebeta Hawas <i>Woreda</i> , Oromia region

Socio-technical design principles for a multi-stakeholder agriculture extension information system in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Though the importance of design knowledge is becoming critical the effort to producing prescriptive knowledge in the information and communication for development domain is limited. Such knowledge addresses the requirements of local development contexts, practices, and priorities and balance the issues of generalizability and specificity through contextualizing the design principles (DPs). This research shows how such contextualized design knowledge can be produced to address the challenges presented by socio-technical contexts in the Ethiopian agriculture extension information service system. The knowledge produced is grounded on insights from kernel/reference theories and complemented with knowledge from empirical observations. The research identified six DPs to address four design requirements: (1) supporting stakeholders’ networking; (2) developing information content that meets the needs of the local context; (3) improving accessibility of agricultural extension information to stakeholders; and (4) enhancing adoption and effective use of the information system. The DPs to address the above socio-technical requirements fall into principles to improve: (1) actor-to-actor networking; (2) agriculture extension information system content development; (3) the accessibility of information; (4) device accessibility; (5) accessibility of interfaces; and (6) effective use and adoption of the (AEIS).

The role of community energy systems to facilitate energy transitions in Ethiopia and Mozambique

AbstractPolicymakers and academics are focusing on energy transition to provide affordable, sustainable, and green energy for everyone. This is being driven by a combination of the lack of electricity access to millions of people particularly in the African continent and the requirement for the reduction of environmental impact through the use of greener energy resources and systems. This paper summarizes an interdisciplinary research program investigating community energy systems in Ethiopia and Mozambique to facilitate energy transitions. Specifically, it compares community energy landscapes, progress made, and existing challenges and opportunities. To determine the status of community energy development in the two countries, recent publications and official policies were reviewed, and community energy managers were interviewed. The review showed that renewable energy sources are the dominant focus for community energy developments, which is key to achieving a cleaner energy future. However, progress in community energy development has been slow in these countries. There are several reasons that hinder community energy systems from driving the necessary energy transition to a cleaner, modern, and affordable energy. Some of these reasons are the absence of favorable regulatory frameworks, incentive package, knowledge on business models, weak commitments from stakeholders, and insufficient community involvement. These issues vary in degree between the two countries.

Exploring policy options to transform traditional dairy system in Ethiopia: A system dynamics approach

Despite having a larger herd size and a favourable climate, Ethiopia generally lags behind developing nations in terms of both production and consumption of dairy products. For the purpose of finding and assessing ways to increase milk production by the traditional dairy system in Ethiopia's West Shewa zone, we integrated system dynamics (SD) modelling with a participatory model building approach. The main objective of the research was to develop SD model for West Shewa dairy value chain and apply it to assess ex-ante milk production and dairy household profit impacts of various interventions. The interventions evaluated in the study include enhanced urea treatment of crops residue, increased production of improved feed, and investment in more dairy cows. Analysis reveals that policies targeting feed development can boost milk production and household profits above the baseline. They also lead to a higher seasonal variability in milk production. Through the feed development strategy producers can achieve a 70 % and 735 % increase in milk production and household profit, respectively. However, the implementation of improved feed policy still leaves a gap in the average feed protein requirement of a dairy cattle in the study area. On the other hand, policy of increasing cow herd is not profitable. In addition, improved feed policy in drought results in reduced herd size, yet it leads to a higher milk output and household profit. Hence, with the feed development options explored in this study, increasing herd size is not a recommended course of action for improvement of the West Shewa dairy value chain. Therefore, future research should explore for further enhancement of the supply as well as quality of feed resources and the potential of investment in improved breeds.

Spatial distribution and association of biophysical factors with chickpea chlorotic stunt and pea seed‐borne mosaic viruses affecting legume crops in Ethiopia

AbstractFood legumes are key commodities produced in sole and mixed cropping system in Ethiopia. Their productivity has been affected recently by virus infections. Field surveys were conducted from 2018/19 to 2021/22 cropping seasons in the highlands of Ethiopia to identify major viruses and determine how biophysical factors affect disease incidence. A total of 2797 samples of chickpea (755), lentil (1683), fenugreek (111) and grass pea (248) were collected from 194 farmers' fields in Amhara (North Shewa, South Wollo and East Gojjam zones) and Oromia (East Shewa, West Shewa and North Shewa zones) regions. Laboratory testing using Tissue blot immunoassay showed that chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV, genus Polerovirus, family Solemoviridae) and pea seed‐borne mosaic virus (PSbMV, genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) were the major viruses affecting legume crops in Ethiopia. The highest relative virus incidence of CpCSV (90.6%) and PSbMV (11.5%) was recorded in samples of chickpea and lentil crops, respectively. Except for crop conditions, all the independent variables significantly affected PSbMV incidence, whereas all independent variables showed a highly significant association (p &lt; .0001) with CpCSV Incidence. A CpCSV incidence of ≥30% had a high probability of association with chickpea and fenugreek crops, the presence of aphid vectors and the 2018/19 cropping season. Similarly, PSbMV with an incidence ≥7% was highly associated with the 2018/19 cropping season. Both viruses can be managed by the combined application of cultural practices, insecticide's application, healthy seeds and resistance breeding.

Interventions to reduce camel and small ruminant young stock morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia.

Morbidity and mortality of young stock is a challenge for livestock producers globally. In Ethiopia, where camels and small ruminants (sheep and goats) are essential smallholder and pastoral livestock, young stock losses can cause severe consequences to livelihoods. This pilot study, part of a Government-led Young Stock Mortality Reduction Consortium project, was undertaken to identify and evaluate interventions to reduce young stock mortality in mixed crop-livestock and pastoral production systems in Ethiopia. Pastoralists and mixed crop-livestock farmers were enrolled by convenience sampling across four regions. Households were sampled with questionnaire surveys to establish baseline mortality risk and prevalence of diarrhoea and respiratory disease in animals younger than one year, and followed longitudinally over a one-year period, with final evaluations conducted from March to July 2020. Mortality risk and prevalence of diarrhoea and respiratory disease before and after implementation were compared using Poisson regression models including household as random effect. Prior to intervention, median camel mortality, prevalence of diarrhoea, and respiratory disease across production systems in the different households was 0.4, 0.44 and 0.2, respectively. This compared to median pastoralist small ruminant mortality risk and prevalence of diarrhoea and respiratory disease of 0.45, 0.32 and 0.18, respectively. Post-intervention, median camel mortality, prevalence of diarrhoea and respiratory disease dropped to 0.1, 0.08 and 0. Similarly, more than half of the small ruminant households reported no mortality, and no cases of diarrhoea or respiratory disease. In camels, rate ratios of mortality risk, prevalence of diarrhoea, and respiratory disease post-intervention compared to the baseline were 0.41, 0.41 and 0.37. In small ruminants, rate ratios were 0.33, 0.35 and 0.46. All reductions were statistically significant (p<0.01). Generally, pastoralists experienced higher mortality and disease prevalence compared to mixed crop-livestock smallholders, and the effect of intervention was slightly higher in pastoralist households. The pilot study findings demonstrated highly significant reductions in mortality and risk of diarrhoea and respiratory disease post-interventions. However, not all households benefitted from the interventions, with a few households reporting increased mortality and morbidity. Many households had very few animals which made it challenging to measure impact and the study was conducted over a single year, without a control group, so between year effects could not be accounted for in the reductions observed. These findings should contribute to improved livestock productivity in Ethiopia.