Waghimra Zone Research Articles

Honey value chain analysis and Gender role in Dehana Woreda Waghimra Zone of Amhara, Ethiopia.

Honey value chain analysis and Gender role in Dehana Woreda Waghimra Zone of Amhara, Ethiopia.

Soil erosion assessment and identification of erosion hotspot areas in the upper Tekeze Basin, Northern Ethiopia

Soil erosion is a major environmental problem in Ethiopia, reducing topsoil and agricultural land productivity. Soil loss estimation is a critical component of sustainable land management practices because it provides important information about soil erosion hotspot areas and prioritizes areas that require immediate management interventions. This study integrates the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with Google Earth Engine (GEE) to estimate soil erosion rates and map soil erosion in the Upper Tekeze Basin, Northern Ethiopia. SoilGrids250 m, CHIRPS-V2, SRTM-V3, MERIT Hydrograph, NDVI from sentinel collections and land use land cover (LULC) data were accessed and processed in the GEE Platform. LULC was classified using Random forest (RF) classification algorithm in the GEE platform. Landsat surface reflectance images from Landsat 8 Operational land imager (OLI) sensors (2021) was used for LULC classification. Besides, different auxiliary data were utilized to improve the classification accuracy. Using the RUSLE-GEE framework, we analyzed the soil loss rate in different agroecologies and LULC types in the upper Tekeze basin in Waghimra zone. The results showed that the average soil loss rate in the Upper Tekeze basin is 25.5 t ha−1 yr−1. About 63 % of the basin is experiencing soil erosion above the maximum tolerable rate, which should be targeted for land management interventions. Specifically, 55 % of the study area, which is covered by unprotected shrubland is experiencing mean annual soil loss of 34.75 t ha−1 yr−1 indicating the need for immediate soil conservation intervention. The study also revealed evidence that this high mean soil loss rate of the basin can be reduced to a tolerable rate by implementing integrative watershed management and exclosures. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that GEE could be a good source of datasets and a computing platform for RUSLE, in particular for data scarce semi-arid and arid environments. The results from this study are reliable for decision-making for rapid soil erosion assessment and intervention prioritization.

The Effect of Armed Conflict on Treatment Interruption, Its Outcome and Associated Factors Among Chronic Disease Patients in North East, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022.

The health services delivery system is debilitated in conflict setting areas due to damage of health facilities and attack on health care providers. Armed conflict is a complex phenomenon which causes a large amount of death and disability worldwide. However, there is lack of information towards treatment interruption among chronic disease patients in conflict areas. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of armed conflict induced treatment interruption and its outcome among chronic disease patients. A mixed cross sectional study design was conducted on a total of 399 sample size at North Wollo and Waghimra zone hospitals. To select study participants a consecutive sampling method was used. Multiple logistic regressions were computed to evaluate the association and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. From the total 399 study participants, 264 (64.6%) study participants interrupted their medication. Treatment interruption is significantly associated with poor service availability and perceived high stress. War has detrimental health effects, both immediate and long term, on populations. Treatment interruptions due to armed conflict were caused by poor health care access, lack of medications and lack of transport and displacement of hospital staff, insecurity and fear. Treatment interruption results in morbidity, mortality, lifelong complications, disability, psychological and economic impact.

Acaricidal efficacy evaluation of amitraz and diazinon against Amblyomma variegatum tick species in Waghimra zone, northern Ethiopia.

Ticks pose a substantial economic burden associated with production loss and treatment costs globally. Ethiopia has tremendous livestock resources, but its productivity is hindered by various animal health challenges in which ticks are the top priority, with a limited response to acaricidal treatments. Hence, we designed an acaricidal efficacy trial for the top commercially available Chemicals (amitraz and diazinon) to examine their efficacy against the widely distributed tick species (Amblyoma variegatum). Ticks were collected from animals admitted to veterinary clinics with no history of treatment with acaricides. Adult Immersion Technique (AIT) was employed to detect acaricidal resistance, and the mean percent control and antiparasitic efficacy were used to estimate tick susceptibility with a completely randomized laboratory-based trial (CRT). The mean weights of eggs laid by ticks subjected to amitraz and diazinon indicated that amitraz had a better egg-laying-inhibition effect than diazinon. The mean control percentages of amitraz and diazinon were 92.8±5.6% and 69.7±3.1%, respectively, with a highly significant difference (P-value=0.00). The antiparasitic efficacy of the two drugs was 57.5±0.96 and 37.5%±0.96 for amitraz and diazinon, respectively, which revealed that amitraz was statistically better than diazinon in killing adult ticks (P-value =0.026). In general, ticks treated with diazinon showed evidence of resistance development, and amitraz is relatively the most effective acaricide; we recommend its use in the study area and other locations with similar settings.

Identifying rainwater harvesting sites using integrated GIS and a multi-criteria evaluation approach in semi-arid areas of Ethiopia

In recent years, East Africa has been suffering from severe droughts. The availability of water is crucial to socioeconomic development and ecosystem services in the region. In order to address the pressing issue of water scarcity in the Wag Himra zone, a study will identify viable rainwater harvesting (RWH) sites. Geographical Information System with a multi-criteria evaluation system was used to identify suitable RWH sites based on land use and cover, soil texture, runoff depth, slope, drainage density, and considering road and town constraints. The runoff depth was estimated using the soil conservation service curve number model, and the land use/cover image classification was undertaken using ArcGIS. By using weighted overlay analysis, sites that are potentially suitable for RWH were identified. Based on the hydrological and socioeconomic characteristics of the study area and available literature, the weight of the criteria was determined using the Analytical Hierarchical Process. The findings of the study indicate that only 0.02% of the study area is considered highly suitable, 2.59, 12.26, 61.76, and 21.1% are rated as moderately suitable, marginally suitable, less suitable, and not suitable for RWH, respectively, and 2.29% is labeled a constraint for RWH. It is possible to harvest and store rainwater in the study area to meet increasing water demand. These findings aim to assist decision-makers, planners, and managers to find sites, invest in water resources, and use RWH as an alternative water source.

Retrospective Impact Assessment for Pilot Hydroponic Green Fodder Production in Sekota Woreda, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to assess the impact of hydroponic green feed production on the milk production and household income of small-scale farmers in Sekota Woreda (District) of Waghimra zone in Ethiopia. Hydroponic feed production is not a common way of animal feed production. However, an NGO called Action For Hunger (ACF) designed a project and introduced it in two Peasant Associations (PAs) or Kebeles in Sekota Woreda. The technique employs non-soil fodder production with the application of specialized nutrient solutions which replace nutrients that plants can get from the soil. Sekota Woreda under Waghimra zone is found in Amhara region, Ethiopia, characterized by recurrent drought, degraded topography, and minimal amount of vegetation coverage. It is paramount in providing alternative production techniques to small holders in the area and the project introduced non-soil-based animal feed production technique. The project selected totally 50 households for piloting the project. All participating farmers have been included on the impact assessment study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics techniques were employed to characterize beneficiaries and analyze the impact brought about to their livelihood by the project. Descriptive statistics techniques implemented such as mean, frequency, standard deviation, and cross tabulation techniques. Two-sample t test with equal variance assumption is used to analyze the impact in retrospective way of analysis. The results include about 60% of beneficiaries are Female and the rest are Male and most of them are either Widowed or Divorced. Participation criteria for the program were restocking beneficiary, female-headed household, affected by recurrent drought and elderly farmer. When it comes to the impact of the hydroponic feed production activity, it has brought statistically significant improvement in both cattle and goat milk production and the income from the sale of the milk produced by the intervention. Hence, it is recommended that either the project itself or other development practitioners should take the lesson from this activity and think about scaling up the project to other farmers within the District or other Districts within the area.

Pre-scaling up evaluation of banana technology under irrigation conditions in Abergelle District, Wag-himra Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to compare the improved banana technology against the local production technique to enhance demand-driven banana technology up-scaling and diffusion. Data were collected at the field and farmers' levels. Descriptive and inferential statistics, cost-benefit analysis and matrix ranking were employed for analysis. The result revealed that the average yield (38.40 ton ha-1) of improved banana technology had a significant yield advantage (47.24%) over the local practice (p<0.05). Despite the higher cost of production, its net return was by far higher than the local practice. The benefit-cost ratio also displays that 9.49 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) profit per 1.00 ETB investment in an improved technology package. The overall farmers' perceptions were laid under strongly agree and agree categories, and 95% of them believed that the improved banana technology was appropriate for their area and hence accepted with full confidence. The respective organizations working on rural livelihood improvement are therefore advised to up-scale the improved technology for the wider community based on the irrigation potential.

Time to nutritional recovery and its determinants among children aged 6 to 59 months with severe acute malnutrition admitted to stabilization centers of WagHimra Zone, Northeast Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Severe acute malnutrition is a life-threatening condition that contributes to over half of under five deaths in developing countries. Urgent and specialized treatment to improve the time to recovery and recovery rate is very important. However, data regarding time to nutritional recovery is limited in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to determine the average time to recovery and its determinants among children aged 6 to 59 months admitted with SAM to the stabilization centers of Wag Himra zone, northeast Ethiopia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 501 patients charts of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) admitted to stabilization centers (SCs) from September 2014 to August 2017. The charts were selected using the systematic random sampling technique. Data were extracted from the charts of each child using a pretested standard checklist and entered using Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by STATA 14. A Cox proportional–hazard regression analysis was carried out to identify determinants of time to recovery. Any statistical test was considered significant at P-values < 0.05. In this study, the overall recovery rate from SAM was 80.4% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 76, 84) with the median nutritional recovery time of 11 (Inter Quartile Range [IQR]: 8–18) days. Patients aged 6–23 months (Adjusted Hazard Ratio [AHR] = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.60, 0.92), and had pneumonia (AHR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.59), anemia (AHR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.81) and vomiting (AHR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.82) at admission were less likely to recover quickly compared to those who did not have these conditions or were in other age categories, whereas edematous malnourished children (AHR = 2.85; 95% CI: 2.28, 3.56) were positively and significantly associated with early recovery. The median nutritional recovery time fell within the recommended international standards. However, the length of stay was significantly longer among children with severe wasting, aged 6-23 months, and had vomiting, pneumonia, and anemia at admission than their counterparts. Therefore, interventions should focus on young children with severe wasting, pneumonia, vomiting, and anemia to prevent prolonged stay in the SCs without recovery. Retrospectively registered

Determinants of diabetes ketoacidosis among diabetes mellitus patients at North Wollo and Waghimra zone public hospitals, Amhara region, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundDiabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder associated with acute and chronic complications. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most serious diabetic emergency in patients with type one and type two diabetes mellitus. It is the leading cause of mortality in children and young adults. Even though the burden of DKA has increased, no research has been conducted on the determinants of Diabetes ketoacidosis in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region. Thus, this study aimed to identify the determinants of diabetes Ketoacidosis among Diabetes Mellitus patients at North Wollo and Waghimra Zone public Hospitals.MethodsAn institution-based unmatched case-control study design was employed among 408 patients at North Wollo and Waghimra Zone Public Hospitals from March 1st to April 30th, 2020. A consecutive sampling method was used to select study participants. The data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questioners and reviewing of patient charts. The analysis was done using a binary logistic regression model. Then, P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultThe mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 46.96 (± 15.175 SD) years. Irregular follow-up in diabetes clinic (AOR:4.19, 95% CI: 2.28–7.71), not received diabetic education (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI:1.44–5.72), alcohol drinking (AOR:2.99, 95% CI: 1.46–6.12), discontinuation of medications (AOR: 4.31, 95% CI:1.92–9.68), presence of comorbidity (AOR:2.57, 95% CI: 1.37–4.84), and being type one of diabetes mellitus (AOR: 2.01, 95% CI:1.11–3.63) were determinant factors of diabetic ketoacidosis .ConclusionsThis study showed that the behavioral and clinical characteristics of diabetic patients were determinant factors of DKA. Follow-up in the diabetic clinic, diabetic education, discontinuation of medications, alcohol drinking, presence of comorbidities, and type of diabetes mellitus were independent determinants of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Estimation of Concentration of Naturally Occurring Radioactivity and Radiation Hazards, in Iron Ore Deposit Soil from Wag-Himra Zone, Ethiopia

The current study looked at the concentration of naturally occurring radioactivity and radiation hazards in iron ore deposited in soil. The aim of this study was to identify the dose of radiation which is emitted from rocks, soil and some building materials, the radiation dose and the effect in the area. In this work, analyses of the sample soils were performed with a computer-based gamma-spectrometry system with software of G-2000 for qualitative and quantitative determination of gamma-emitting radionuclide of natural occurrence of radioactive materials. The quantitative investigation of natural radioactive materials of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K were 11.688±0.42Bq/kg, 23.505±0.925Bq/kg and 141.48±4.403Bq/kg respectively. In addition to this, the results of absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent, radium equivalent activity and representative gamma index of the sample were much less as compared to recommended international values by UNSCEAR-2000. At low activity concentrations of the radionuclides produce low background radiation to the environment. The value obtained from the experiment reveals that the radiation hazards emitted by natural radionuclides in the soil cause insignificant harm to the public from the Wag-himra iron ore deposit soil. The concentration of natural radioactive elements in this area's soil could be used for construction purposes without causing any significant radiological hazards to humans for the time being.

Irrigation suitability evaluation of Zamra irrigation scheme, Abergelle District of Wag-Himra Zone, Amhara Region Ethiopia

BackgroundAssessment of suitable lands for irrigation is indispensable to plan and implement different programs in a cost-effective approach for sustainable land use planning and efficient utilization of the land. Hence selecting proper land use based on land suitability evaluation will enhance the productivity per unit area and ensures the sustainable use of land resources. Therefore, the research was designed to evaluate the suitability of the soil properties of Zamra irrigation scheme for irrigation purposes.MethodFor this study about 195.16 ha of land were evaluated for irrigation suitablity. Four soil profile pits were opened in the representative site of the scheme based on slope, texture, soil color and soil depth. Soil samples were collected from the soil mapping units for analysis of texture, electrical conductivity, and calcium carbonate content, whereas slope, drainage and soil depth were directly measured at the field. The evaluation was carried out using a parametric evaluation method.ResultsThe results of the study revealed that four types of soils were identified namely, Rehodic Nitisol(eutric), Haplic Regosol (eutric) Eutric Regosol, Leptic Regosol (eutric, loamic), and Vertic Cambisol (Hypereutric). The soil texture consists of sandy loam and sandy clay loam at the surface and subsurface soil and the soil depth of study area varied from shallow to very deep. The soil of the scheme was free from salinity and the status of calcium carbonate was at a low level. The slope of the study area was ranged from flat (0–3%) to slopping (8–15%). Generally, 80.64 ha (41.32%) of the scheme was moderately suitable whereas 71.68 ha (36.73%) of the land was marginally suitable for irrigation. Due to major limiting factors of soil depth and slope about 42.84 ha of the land (21.95%) were not currently suitable for irrigation.ConclusionIn the study area, the major limitations were slope and soil depth. Therefore, to increase production and productivity of the scheme, land improvement operations are suggested.

Determinants of Virologic Failure among Adult HIV Patients on First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy at Waghimra Zone, Northern Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Introduction. The primary goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is to reduce the viral load in HIV-infected patients to promote quality of life, as well as to reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality. A high rate of virologic failure was reported in Waghimra Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, in viral load assessment conducted among HIV-infected patients on ART in the Amhara region. However, there is limited evidence on the determinants of virological failure in the study area. This study aimed to identify the determinants of virological failure among HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in Waghimra zone, Northern Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. An institutional-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from May 21 to June 30, 2019. Cases were people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART who had already experienced virological failure; controls were those without virological failure. Data were extracted from 92 cases and 184 controls through chart review using a pretested and structured checklist. The data were entered using Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with virological failure, and variables with a P value &lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. This study revealed that poor adherence to ART (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.17, 8.31), taking ART for longer than five years (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.17, 8.25), having drug toxicity (AOR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.54, 7.23), age of PLHIV ≥ 35 years (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.29,4.64), and recent CD4 count &lt;200 cells/mm³ (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.52, 6.13) were factors associated with virologic failure. Conclusion and Recommendation. This study showed that poor adherence to treatment, longer duration on ART, experiencing drug toxicity, older age, and recent CD4 &lt;200 cell/mm³ are factors that increase the risk of virologic failure.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mothers on Prevention and Control of Intestinal Parasitic Infestations in Sekota Town, Waghimra Zone, Ethiopia.

BackgroundIntestinal parasites (IP) are a major public health problem in several developing countries. It accounts for 1.5 billion infections with one or more intestinal parasitic agents. The prevalence of helminthiases in Ethiopia is 29.8% with variable degree of prevalence among the different regions. Young children have a high infestation rate and suffer a substantial burden of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Schistosomes. Intestinal parasitic infections have serious consequences for human health; such as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, esophageal varices, and delay in physical development. Therefore, this study was intended to assess mothers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice on prevention and control of intestinal parasitic infestations.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out on 378 mothers who had under six and over two year old children. Although 384 mothers were selected using sample size calculation, the data were collected from 378 mother-child pairs using a face to face interview-based questionnaire. The level of maternal knowledge, attitude, and practice are presented in the form of percentage, frequency, and tables. In order to ensure the quality of data, in all of the data collection, data analysis, and write up, a standard operational procedure was followed.ResultsThe overall level of good maternal knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice in preventing and controlling intestinal parasitic infection concerning pre-school children in Sekota town was 45.2%, 55.3%, and 51.1% respectively. Seventy-seven (20.4%) respondents reported that they knew about A. lumbricoides, and 62 (16.4%) participants washed vegetables as a means of intestinal prevention.ConclusionThe overall level of optimum knowledge, attitude, and practice of mothers on prevention and control of intestinal parasites is significantly low. Therefore, community awareness about intestinal parasitic infestation prevention and control should be created through campaigns or structured training.

Livestock owners\u2019 anthrax prevention practices and its associated factors in Sekota Zuria district, Northeast Ethiopia

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, the second most prioritized of the zoonotic diseases next to rabies is anthrax. About 50.6% of anthrax cases and 33.3% of deaths of livestock have been reported from Wag-Himra Zone, where appropriate anthrax prevention practices are not implemented by the owners of the animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the extent of appropriate anthrax prevention practices of livestock owners and associated factors in Sekota Zuria district, northwest Ethiopia.ResultsTwenty-five percent (95% CI: 25.2, 26.1%) of the livestock owners implemented appropriate anthrax prevention. Three quarters (74%) of the owners consumed infected meat; more than three quarters (78%) used the skins and hides of animals found dead with anthrax. The odds of appropriate anthrax prevention practices were higher among livestock owners with positive attitude (AOR = 4.16, 95% CI: 2.72, 6.37), who received health education (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.28) and owners who lived in urban areas (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.43, 4.77) compared to their counterparts. Ability to read and write (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.37), and primary (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.37) or secondary school and above education (AOR = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.61, 11.13) were significantly associated with appropriate anthrax prevention practices.ConclusionIn Sekota Zuria district, only one quarter of the livestock owners were aware of appropriate anthrax prevention practices. Thus, implementing effective health education and creating positive attitude are vital to improve anthrax prevention practices in the area.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infestations among preschool children in Sekota town, Waghimra zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infestations triggered considerable gastrointestinal morbidity, malnutrition, and mortality worldwide. In particular, young children in developing countries affected most. Helminthiasis infestation accounts for 10–20% of prevalence on preschool children worldwide. Unfortunately, small children below 5 years are uniquely susceptible to intestinal parasitic infestations in poor communities. This is because of children’s behavior like playing with soil and putting hand -to- mouth habit. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infestations among preschool children in Sekota town, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 378 preschool children in Sekota town from February 15 – March 10/2019. Stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasites using wet mount and formal ether concentration technique. The risk factors of intestinal parasites were assessed using a pretested structured questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using Epi-data version 4.2.0.0 and SPSS-version 23 statistical software respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable analysis was carried out, and potential co-linearity was tested for closely similar variables. Variables with P value less than 0.05 in multivariable analysis was considered as statistically significant and reported with 95% CI and odds ratio.ResultsThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestations in Sekota town on wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques was 83(21.9%), (95% CI, 17.7–26.3%) and 113(29.9%), (95% CI, 25.1–34.8%) respectively.In multivariable analysis, not taking medication as periodical deworming (AOR, 95% CI), (2.5, 1.5–4.3), presence of animals in the living room (AOR, 95% CI) (3.1, 1.8–5.3), and being a government employee as an occupation (AOR, 95% CI), (3.4, 1.1–10.0) were increasing the odds of intestinal parasitic infestations.ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestations in Sekota town is high, which is a public health problem. The risk factors that contributed to intestinal parasitic infestations in this study were preventable and modifiable. Therefore, the concerned bodies need to emphasis on periodical deworming and keeping animals in separate room.

Evaluation of the potentials of supplementary irrigation for improvement of sorghum yield in Wag-Himra, North Eastern, Amhara, Ethiopia

Water is the most limiting factor for agricultural production in dry land areas. supplying of adequate water is very crucial in stablizing crop yields and increasing their production. Therefore, the experiment was conducted for two cropping seasons (2014 to 2015) at Aybra on farmer’s plot in Sekota district of Wag-Himra Zone, Eastern Amhara. The objective of the experiment was to determine the net irrigation requirement and schedule of supplementary water application during moisture stress period and to improve crop water productivity of sorghum yield. The design of the experiment was random complete block design and seven treatments (C1, C2, FMSO, S1, S2, S3 and S4) with three replications were tested. The statistical analysis indicated that a significant difference in head weight, grain yield, stem diameter, and water productivity of sorghum among treatments. The analysis of variance for both years showed that there was a significant interaction effect between treatments across years on head weight, grain yield, and water productivity. Supplementing the crop with S3 and S1 treatments the application of 219.4mm and 328.4mm of irrigation water respectively at eight days interval at moisture stress time was obtained better head weight, grain yield, water productivity, and stem diameter. Therefore, this research recommended that supplementing rain-fed for sorghum production starting from the development stage (20 days after sowing down to harvesting). However, water is a limiting factor for crop production supplementing during development and mid-season stage only at eight days interval at moisture stress or rainfall is ceased.

English

A cross sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to April 2017 to estimate the status of mange infestation in indigenous sheep and goats and identify the major species of mites and potential risk factors in selected districts with different agro-ecological zones of Wag-Himra zone. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the awareness and control practices of livestock owners on mange mite’s infestation. From a total of 384 small ruminants (120 sheep and 264 goats), 105 (27.33%) were positive for mange mites infestation on skin scraping examination. Sarcoptes scabiei was the only mange mites species identified with a prevalence of 33.3% (n=40) in sheep and 24.6% (n=65) in goats. Host factors such as species, sex, age and body condition were not found as a risk factor of S. scabiei infestation in the current study. However, there was a statistical significant (P<0.031) difference in prevalence of S. scabiei infestation in small ruminants between the three agro-ecological zones. The pathological lesions (crusts formation and loss of hair) caused by S. scabiei were observed on the face, head, ear and tail regions. The result of the questionnaire survey indicated that mange was considered as an important disease by small ruminant holders. From the interviewed livestock owners, 86.27% respondents explained that they use modern acaricides for the treatment of mange. The results of this study indicates that the agro-ecology had effect on the prevalence of S. scabiei in sheep and goats in the study area. Key words: Cross sectional, ectoparasites infestation, small ruminants.

English

The study aims to evaluate major challenges, opportunities and future prospects of bee keeping and honey production in three districts of Waghimra Zone (Abergell, Sekota and Gazgibala). To collect data, 332 respondents were selected using systematic random sampling from the three districts. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire, observation, keyinformant interveiw and focus group discussion. Data were analyzed using descriptative statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version-20. The results of this study indicated that beekeeping is one of the most important income generating activities besides other agricultural activities. The major challenges identified were prevalence of pests and predators, recurrent drought, indiscriminate application of pesticides and herbicides, lack of bee forage associated with deforestation,&nbsp; lack of credit service for the beekeeping sector, absconding and migration of bee colonies, high cost and limited availability of modern beekeeping equipment&rsquo;s and accessories, shortage of water, and lack of skill in beekeeping management. It has been revealed that the opportunities for beekeeping in the study areas were the existence of abundance of honeybee colonies, availability of potential flowering plants, sources of water for bees, increasing market demand for beehive products, existence of soil and water conservation practice and area enclosure in the area, beekeepers&#39; experience and indigenous knowledge and socio-economic value of honey. Thus, based on these findings, improving the awareness of the beekeepers through training and strong extension service, supplying cheap bee keeping inputs, capacitating to beekeepers to control the pests and predators are important to address the identified challenges and to improve the overall honey production in Waghimara Zone. Key words: Bee colony, beehives, beekeeping, challenges, honey production, opportunities. &nbsp

Prevalence of goiter and associated factors among schoolchildren in northeast Ethiopia

OBJECTIVESGoiter is a major public health problem, especially in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of goiter among children in Waghimra Zone, northeast Ethiopia.METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted from April 8 to 25, 2015 in northeast Ethiopia. A multistage sampling method was used to select 454 schoolchildren. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Children were examined for the presence or absence of goiter based on the criteria of the United Nations Children’s Fund, International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency, and the World Health Organization. Salt samples from children’s homes were tested for iodine levels using a rapid iodized salt test kit. Data were entered into EpiInfo version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted, and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed to determine the level of significance.RESULTSThe prevalence of goiter was 62.1% (95% CI, 57.5 to 66.5%). Being female (aOR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.57 to 6.08), having a family history of goiter (aOR, 5.18; 95% CI, 2.43 to 11.03), and using non-iodized salt (aOR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.12 to 4.38) were factors associated with goiter among schoolchildren.CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of goiter was high. Being female and having a family history of goiter increased the risk of goiter in children, but using iodized salt was protective. Therefore, we recommend ensuring universal access to iodized salt and increasing the awareness of the community of the importance of iodized salt utilization.

Adoption and intensity of modern bee hive in Wag Himra and North Wollo zones, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Wag Himra zone is one of the Amhara Regional State which has a potential honey production and it is a quite suitable for apiculture activities. The objectives of the study were (1) quantifying the determinant factors of the probability of adoption, (2) evaluating the intensity use of modern beehive and (3) identifying the major constraints of modern beehive production in wag Himra and north Wollo zones, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling methods were employed. 268 rural beekeepers were interviewed for this study with proportional random sampling method from adopters and non-adopters. Among the 268 beekeepers, 97 (36.19%) and 171 (63.81%) were non-adopters and adopters respectively. Descriptive analysis and econometric (double-hurdle model) were applied using SPSS-22 and STATA-12, respectively. The first hurdle result revealed that age, the number of livestock owned, educational level, the number of local hives beekeepers possessed, training provided, the the total annual income of beekeepers, credit service, distance to Woreda agricultural office, extension service and participation in off-farm activities are the main factors that affect the probability of adoption decision. Moreover, the second hurdle revealed that age, the number of local hives beekeepers possessed, training access, credit service, and distance to Woreda agricultural office are the main factors that affect the intensity use of modern beehive. Additionally, Pests and predators, drought and lack of bee equipment and accessories are ranked as the first, second and third major constraints of beekeeping respectively which lead the bee colony to abscond and reduction of honey yield. According to the finding the authors safely recommended that those significant factors in adoption decision and intensity use of modern beehive should be considered by policy makers and planners of governmental and NGOs in setting their policies and strategies of honey production improvement interventions.