West Gojam Zone Research Articles

Magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and its determinants among HIV/AIDS patients attending at antiretroviral treatment centers in East and West Gojam Zones, Northwest, Ethiopia: institution based cross-sectional study

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections (IP) are a major source of morbidity in people living with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particularly in resource-limited settings, mostly as a result of high viral load. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and its determinants among patients with HIV/AIDS attending public health facilities in East and West Gojam Zones in Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 327 people living with HIV visiting public health facilities from December 2022 to May 2023. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect socio-demographics and determinants. The fresh stool was collected from each patient, transported, and tested in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures of wet mount, formol-ether concentration technique, and modified acid-fast staining. Data were entered and analyzed in the statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. A 95% CI with p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe overall prevalence of IP in patients with HIV/AIDS was 19.3% (63/327). Hookworm was the most identified parasite 33.3% (21/63) followed by E.histolytica 17% (11/63) and G.lamblia 14.3% (9/63). Parasitic infections were significantly higher among viral load > 1000cps/ml (p = 0.035), WHO stage 4 (p = 0.002), CD4 < 200 cell/mm3 (p = 0.001), and bare foot walking (p = 0.001).ConclusionIP infections are moderately high among patients with HIV/AIDS in the study area. The proportion of parasites was greatly affected by high viral load, WHO stage 4, CD4 < 200 cell/mm3, and being barefoot; this gives valuable insight to health professionals, health planners and community health workers. As a result, viral load monitoring, and WHO stage controlling were periodically assessed in patients with HIV/AIDS. Health education, awareness creation, routine stool examination, and environmental hygiene were regularly advocated to increase the life of patients with HIV/AIDS.

Assessment of veterinary pharmaceutical warehouse management practices and its associated challenges in four selected zones and Bahir Dar city of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia.

A pharmaceutical warehouse is part of the pharmaceutical supply chain and is essential to maintaining the quality and efficacy of veterinary pharmaceuticals for successful animal health service delivery. However, poor storage conditions, improper handling, and inappropriate use and disposal constitute challenges for veterinary supplies in animal health services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the existing practices and challenges in warehouse management in government veterinary clinics and private veterinary drug wholesalers in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 veterinary health facilities in four selected zones (south Gondar, west Gondar, central Gondar, and west Gojam zones) and Bahir Dar administrative city. Zones were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, pre-defined and tested observational checklists, and semi-structured interview guides. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach. The study revealed the presence of poor stock management practices, such as the absence of standard operating procedures for warehouse activities in ~59.5% of facilities surveyed. In none of the surveyed facilities, bin cards and system software utilization were satisfactory. The absence of disposal guidelines was detected in 83.8% of the facilities, and the practice of timely disposal of expired drugs was not satisfactory. Compared to the government veterinary clinics, private veterinary drug wholesalers had better storage practices (86.25%) following theoretical recommendations. The storage conditions in government clinics were rated poor at 48.3% (>80%, which is the limit to the acceptable rate for good storage conditions). The challenges of inadequate infrastructure, a lack of qualified staff, problems with the availability and affordability of pharmaceutical products, insufficient regulatory practice, and budget constraints were identified. A holistic approach involving related stakeholders should be followed to improve the existing challenges and the sector's efficiency.

A Case Report of Coenurus Cerebralis in a Goat at Dembecha District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The Animal Health Institute received a report of an outbreak from Amhara Regional State, West Gojam zone, Dembecha district, with an unknown etiological agent on caprine death in February 2023. With the objective to conduct investigations and ascertain the reason for the caprine death, a team of experts was deputed to the affected area. Goat exhibiting seizures, lateral recumbency, and appetite loss during a clinical examination, symptoms of a central nervous system disorder including paddling, convulsions, and unconsciousness were noted. Based on clinical sign and presence of definitive hosts at the area the case has been defined for coenurosis cerebralis. For further confirmatory diagnosis postmortem inspection for the brain was undertaken. Cysts were found during necropsy in the left hemisphere’s occipital lobe. The cysts were filled with a clear fluid, and the inner layer of the cysts had several clusters of scolice growing out of it. Larval form of Taenia multiceps, known as Coenurus cerebralis, is found in the small intestines of dogs and other carnivores in the wild. Worldwide, coenurosis is endemic, and it is particularly prevalent in Ethiopia’s highlands, where there are many sheep. Commonly occurs in the life cycle of dogs and small ruminants. The larvae of this parasite are found in the brain and spinal cord of intermediate hosts, while the adult stage of the parasite lives in the small intestine of dogs, foxes, coyotes, and jackals. The intermediate hosts become infected when the dog eats the brain containing the Coenurus cyst, which then develops into Taenia multiceps and begins to pass proglottids containing eggs on pasture. If a person accidentally consumes a parasite egg, they become infected with coenurosis. The primary method of controlling coenurosis is the regular administration of canine anthelmintics and the proper disposal of sheep and goat brain.

A Case Report of Coenurus Cerebralis in a Goat at Dembecha District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This outbreak case with an unidentified etiological agent on caprine mortality was reported from Amhara Regional State, West Gojam zone, Dembecha district in February 2023 with the objective of investigating and determining the cause of the caprine death. During a clinical examination, the goat displayed seizures, lateral recumbency, and appetite loss. Additionally, paddling, convulsions, and unconsciousness were observed, which signs of a central nervous system disease. The case for coenurosis cerebralis has been established based on the clinical signs and the presence of certain hosts in the area. The brain was examined postmortem in order to confirm the diagnosis further. Cysts were found during necropsy in the left hemisphere's occipital lobe. The cysts were filled with a clear fluid, and the inner layer of the cysts had several clusters of scolice growing out of it. Larval form of Taenia multiceps, known as Coenurus cerebralis, is found in the small intestines of dogs and other carnivores in the wild. Worldwide, coenurosis is endemic, and it is particularly prevalent in Ethiopia's highlands, where there are many sheep. Commonly occurs in the life cycle of dogs and small ruminants. The larvae of this parasite are found in the brain and spinal cord of intermediate hosts, while the adult stage of the parasite lives in the small intestine of dogs, foxes, coyotes, and jackals. The definitive host becomes infected when it eats the brain or tissue become infected when the dog eats the brain containing the Coenurus cyst, which then develops into Taenia multiceps and begins to pass proglottids containing eggs on pasture. If a person accidentally consumes a parasite egg, they become infected with coenurosis. The primary method of controlling coenurosis is the regular administration of canine anthelmintics and the proper disposal of sheep and goat brain.

The effect of process and context factors on teachers’ readiness for change in West Gojam Zone secondary schools of Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ readiness for change and the factors that contributed to it in secondary schools in the West Gojam Zone. The study used a correlational research design and a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 466 randomly selected teachers using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, and percentage) and inferential statistics (one-sample t-test, independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression). The findings revealed that teachers were ready to implement planned educational changes. The principals made an effort to maintain strong staff cohesion, high organizational commitment, and minimal politicking during the change's implementation. They have also taken advantage of the school's positive track record of change. Process and context factors had statistically significant correlation with readiness for change at p &lt; .05. The four context factors (organizational politicking, history of change, staff cohesion, and organizational commitment) and a process factor (communication of change) contribute to 31.3% of the variations in teachers’ readiness for change. This confirms that teachers’ readiness for change is a function of both context and process factors.

Determinants of default from full completion of vaccination among children between 12 and 23 months old in Yilmana Densa district, west Gojam zone, Ethiopia, 2019.

BackgroundVaccination is one of the best cost-effective public health interventions to safeguard children from vaccine-preventable diseases. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of default to the full completion of child immunization is high. However, the determinants of default to full completion have not been thoroughly investigated in this study area. Therefore, this study assessed the determinants of default to the full compilation of vaccination among children between 12 and 23 months old in Yilmana Densa District, west Gojam, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based unmatched case-control study design was employed in the Yilmana Densa district among 343 (111 cases and 232 controls) randomly selected 12–23 months old children. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data using a multistage sampling method. For analysis, data were entered into epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 23 software. Descriptive analysis followed by binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value of 0.05.ResultThis study identified that mothers who had not attended ANC follow-up [AOR = 5.55, 95% CI: (1.789–17.217)], mothers who had not gotten information about vaccinations [AOR = 8.589, 95% CI: (4.414–16.714)], and mothers whose time taken to reach vaccination site is more than 39 min were at higher risk to default from completion of vaccination [AOR = 3.252, 95% CI: (1.952–5.417)]. Furthermore, maternal waiting time (>45 min) for child vaccination [AOR = 2.674, 95% CI: (1.517–4.714)] and home delivery [AOR 3.19, 95% CI: (1.751–5.814)] were risk factors to default child from full completion of vaccination.ConclusionMothers delivered at home, mothers not attending ANC follow-up, mothers who did not get health information about the vaccine, mothers taking longer time to reach the vaccination site, and staying longer time for child vaccination are causes of default. Motivated institutional delivery services utilization is recommended. The district office should consider the distribution of vaccination sites by the opening of new outreach site to reduce the waiting time of mothers.

On-Farm Evaluation of Genotype by Environment Interaction on Egg Production Traits of Exotic Chicken at Selected Zones of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The current study was conducted in the Awi and West Gojam zones of the Amhara region with the main objective of evaluating genotype by environment interaction on egg production traits of exotic chicken. The districts of Banja and Fageta Lekuma from Awi and South Achefer district from West Gojam zone were selected purposively. Age at first egg, egg laid/week/hen and egg weight data were obtained from the ACGG project. Factorial analysis of variance using R software was used. Based on these study results, G*E interaction revealed a significant effect on average egg number per week per hen and age at first egg, whereas it was non-significant on hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg weight traits. All breeds scored a statistically similar number of eggs/week/hen within all districts during the 20-72 week egg laying period. The highest and lowest total collected eggs per year were observed by Koekoek (215) in South Acheferand by Kuroilor (133) in Fagta Lekoma district, respectively. Sasso laid the first egg earlier in Banja. In comparison to the other chicken breeds, Kuroiler and S-RIR in Fagta Lekoma and Koekoek in South Achefer district laid the first egg earlier. All breeds scored a higher %HDEP in Banja than in Fagta Lekoma during 20-72 weeks. At this age, all breeds except Koekoek exhibited higher egg weight in Fagta Lekoma than in Banja. Overall, the current study found that Koekoek was more productive and should be used for egg production to increase chicken production potential at scavenging with little supplementation in a small-holder production system.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Lupinus albus (L.) from the Amhara region of Ethiopia using seed storage protein markers

The genetic diversity in 48 lupin (Lupinus albus (L.) accessions collected from the Amhara region, Ethiopia, was assessed using seed storage protein markers (SDS-PAGE). A total of 30 different protein bands with sizes ranging from 11 to 100 kDa were detected. The average number of protein bands, the percentage of polymorphism, and gene diversity in the accessions were 16.96, 20.35, and 0.072, respectively. Genetic diversity estimates showed that West Gojam and Bahir Dar areas could be the most important sources for lupin genetic resources. The pair-wise comparison of genetic distances (GDs) among the accessions ranged from 0.011 to 0.378. The most distantly related accessions were accession 6, collected from the West Gojam zone, and accession 28 from the Bahir Dar area. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed the absence of a distinct group, and most of the accessions were intermixed. Population structure analysis revealed that the 48 lupin accessions could be assigned to three clusters. Similar to PCoA, no defined grouping based on geographic origin was observed. Accessions from different geographic origins being grouped together could be attributed to a common origin for the various accessions in the different zones, or it could be the result of seed-mediated gene flow among different lupin growing areas of the country.

Sero Status and Presumed Risk Factors Assessment for Bovine Herpesvirus-1 in North Western, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to June 2021 on a total of 442 randomly selected indigenous zebus (bos indicus) of extensively and semi-intensively managed cattle’s. These cattle’s were sampled from East Gojam (n=137), west Gojam (n=160) and Awi zone (n=145) north western part of Ethiopia. Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immune-Sorbent Assay (I-ELISA) was used to detect antibodies specific to Bovine Herpes Virus-1 (BoHV-1). The relationship of the categories under the variables was analyzed using a chisquare descriptive statistic. Logistic regression analyses were also used to assess potential predictive factors associated with the outcome variable. An overall animal level sero-prevalence of BoHV-1 antibodies were 77.6% (95% CI: 73.5-81.3%) for the present study. In a random-effects of an adjusted logistic regression model, geographically the sero-prevalence of BoHV-1 exposure was higher for cattle’s from East Gojam (Odds ratio [OR] =0.2; p=0.002) than in Awi zone (OR=1.4; p=0.377) and West Gojam. The likelihood of disease occurrence for introduced cattle’s were relatively higher (OR=0.4; p= 0.001) than homebred. Age of cattle’s and parity status of heifers/cows were significantly associated with BoHV-1 infection (p&lt;0.001). The risk of infection was also positively correlated with the occurrence of respiratory problem (OR=2.2; P=0.048). Thus, this result signifies that BoHV-1 is widely circulating among the indigenous zebus in the study areas. Given that there was no BoHV-1 vaccination delivery in the study area and in the country as a whole, control and prevention measures using marker vaccines were highly recommended.

Genetic variability and association analysis for yield and yield related traits in finger millet (Eluesine coracana (L.) Gaertn)

Ashenafi Yayeh, Wossen Tarekegne & Mesfin Abate.2021.Genetic variability and association analysis for yield and yield related traits in finger millet (Eluesine coracana (L.) Gaertn).Journal of Innovative Agriculture.volume 8, issue 2, Pages 9-16. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) is regarded as cereal of hope because of its role in subsistence agriculture, and source of food for millions of poor people in Africa alone. Knowledge of the nature and magnitude of variation existing in breeding materials, interrelationships between quantitatively inherited plant traits is great importance for effective breeding. Forty nine finger millet genotypes were tested at single location at Womberma, West Gojam Zone with the objectives of estimating the genetic variability, association among characters, and to estimate genetic divergence among the genotypes and clustering them in divergent groups. The experiment was conducted using simple lattice design with two replications. Results showed that genotypes had high values of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation for effective tiller per plant, fingers per head, grain yield, biomass yield, lodging and blast severity. High heritability estimated was obtained for all of the traits ranged from 71.43 to 99.56%. Cluster analysis revealed that the 49 genotypes were grouped into nine clusters. Maximum and minimum intra and inter cluster distances was 6.12-16.33 and 17.08- 226.28 respectively. Principal component analysis indicated that three principal components explained about 68.07% of the total variation. Differentiation of the genotypes into different cluster was because of accumulative effect of a number of characters rather than small contribution of each individual character.

Using geographically weighted regression analysis to cluster under-nutrition and its predictors among under-five children in Ethiopia: Evidence from demographic and health survey.

Malnutrition among under-five children is a common public health problem and it is one of the main cause for the mortality of under-five children in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, lack of evidence about geographic heterogeneity and predictors of under-nutrition hinders for evidence-based decision-making process for the prevention and control programs of under-nutrition in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to address this gap. The data were obtained from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016. A total of 9,384 under-five children nested in 645 clusters were included with a stratified two-stage cluster sampling. ArcGIS version 10.5 software was used for global, local and ordinary least square analysis and mapping. The spatial autocorrelation (Global Moran's I) statistic was held in order to assess the pattern of wasting, stunting, and underweight whether it was dispersed, clustered, or randomly distributed. In addition, a Bernoulli model was used to analyze the purely spatial cluster detection of under-nutrition indicators through SaTScan version 9.6 software. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) version 4.0 software was used to model spatial relationships in the GWR analysis. Finally, a statistical decision was made at p-value<0.05 with 95%CI for ordinary least square analysis and geographically weighted regression. Childhood under-nutrition showed geographical variations at zonal levels in Ethiopia. Accordingly, Somali region (Afder, Gode, Korahe, Warder Zones), Afar region (Zone 2), Tigray region (Southern Zone), and Amhara region (Waghmira Zones) for wasting, Amhara region (West Gojam, Awi, South Gondar, and Waghmira Zones) for stunting and Amhara region (South Wollo, North Wollo, Awi, South Gondar, and Waghmira zones), Afar region (Zone 2), Tigray region (Eastern Zone, North Western Zone, Central Zone, Southern Zone, and Mekele Special Zones), and Benshangul region (Metekel and Assosa Zones) for underweight were detected as hot spot (high risk) regions. In GWR analysis, had unimproved toilet facility for stunting, wasting and underweight, father had primary education for stunting and wasting, father had secondary education for stunting and underweight, mothers age 35-49 years for wasting and underweight, having female children for stunting, having children eight and above for wasting, and mother had primary education for underweight were significant predictors at (p<0.001). Our study showed that the spatial distribution of under-nutrition was clustered and high-risk areas were identified in all forms of under-nutrition indicators. Predictors of under-nutrition were identified in all forms of under-nutrition indicators. Thus, geographic-based nutritional interventions mainly mobilizing additional resources could be held to reduce the burden of childhood under-nutrition in hot spot areas. In addition, improving sanitation and hygiene practice, improving the life style of the community, and promotion of parent education in the identified hot spot zones for under-nutrition should be more emphasized.

The extent and association of chickpea Fusarium wilt and root rot disease pressure with major biophysical factors in Ethiopia

Fusarium wilt and root rot complex are among the major challenges to chickpea production throughout Ethiopia. Previous studies have surveyed economically important chickpea diseases in Ethiopia, but were restricted to the major chickpea growing areas and thus were unable to provide a broad geographic view of disease pressure. In the present study, we focus on understanding the extent of wilt/root rot disease pressure and its correlation with local edaphic and agronomic factors. In 2015 and 2016, we conducted geo-referenced field surveys covering 51 districts representing 17 chickpea growing zones, revealing that diseases were widely distributed in all surveyed areas. Across all surveyed sites, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc) was the predominant species encountered among fungi cultured from plant tissue, representing 69.4% of total isolates. The remaining 30.6% of isolates were other root rot pathogens including Rhizoctonia bataticola, Fusarium solani, Sclerotium rolfslii, Rhizoctonia solani and unidentified fungi. Fusarium wilt and root rot diseases incidence were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with clay soils (vertisols), Desi type chickpea, early planting, flowering and plant maturity. The highest mean percent diseases incidence per m2 (45.65%) was recorded in the Amhara region, West Gojam zone, where heavy clay soils (typical vertisols) predominate and chickpea production is regularly threatened by high diseases pressure. Taken together, the results of this survey highlight factors associated with chickpea wilt and root disease and in doing so provide a framework for integrated disease management, while also nominating agricultural environments where breeding strategies for disease resistance might have greatest impact.

Assessment of Soil Carbon Stock Status of Sekelemariam Dry Evergreen Montane Forest Along Altitudinal Gradient: Implication for Climate Change Mitigation

This study was conducted in Sekelemariam Dry Evergreen Montane Forest which is situated within 37° 27' and 37° 30' east, and 10° 34' and 10° 36' north, near Dembecha Town in west Gojam Zone, North Western Ethiopia. It is characterized by steeply sloped areas with huge Rocky Mountains extended throughout the middle parts of the forest. The aim of this study was to estimate the soil carbon stock potential of the forest. A systematic transect sampling technique was adopted in this study and following these transects plots of 1mx1m (1m²) data was taken from the field. The carbon stock density of soil organic carbon was calculated from the volume and bulk density of the soil as V = h× r². The data analysis was conducted using Microsoft excel sheet used as platform in carbon calculations, and SPSS software version 20 to determine the impact of altitude gradient and slope factors on soil carbon stock potential and to compare the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The carbon stock of the SOC showed increasing trend with increasing elevation. In contrast to the elevation, the forest soil carbon stock decreases as increasing slope gradient. Soil laboratory analysis was conducted in Holeta Agricultural Research center to determine the soil organic carbon density and was estimated to be101.56 ± 3.66 t C ha-1. All in all, this study gives estimation of the soil carbon stock in Sekelemariam State Forest.

Prevalence of the common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children in Finoteselam town, West Gojam Zone, Amhara region (Ethiopia).

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been still quite common in developing countries including Ethiopia, particularly in children with low socio-economic and poor living conditions. Previous studies in Ethiopia have shown high burden of intestinal parasitic infections among the primary school children. The effective prevention and control of parasitic infections require research work based on the identification of intestinal parasites including associated predisposing factors. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children. Methods: A school based cross- sectional study was conducted from September, 2019- January, 2020 and a total of 422 asymptomatic primary school children were involved in the study. Specimens of the stool samples were examined using the standard parasite and ova method. Direct microscopy using saline and iodine wet mount preparation was used to examine the presence of eggs and larvae of helminthes and trophozoites and cysts of protozoan parasites and formalin ether concentration method was used for quality assurance. Structured questionnaires were also used to collect quantitative data on socio-demographic characteristics and predisposing factors. Analysis of the data was made manually using the thematic framework method including descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 422 students (aged 5-14 years) participated in the study, 245(58%) were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. Of the total infected participants, 192(45.5%) were single infections and 53(12.6%) were double infections identified. Seven types of intestinal parasitic infections were identified in the present study. The most prevalent parasite was Giardia lamblia 95(22.5%) followed by hook worm 58(13.7%). Age groups 5-9 years old were more infected, 173 (70.6%) than age groups 10-14 years old 72(29.4%). This result also showed parasitic infections were associated with predisposing factors related to infectious cycles. Concluding Remarks and Recommendations: The present study revealed that there was a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among students in the targeted primary schools. Therefore, all stakeholders should give attention to raise awareness about the prevention and control mechanisms of intestinal parasitic infections. Moreover, the health services of the local government should develop a habit of mass public health education and deworming intervention to improve the level of parasitic infection and environmental hygiene in the study area.

Prevalence of the common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children in Finoteselam town, West Gojam Zone, Amhara region (Ethiopia).

Prevalence of the common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children in Finoteselam town, West Gojam Zone, Amhara region (Ethiopia).

Anthrax in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia; spatiotemporal analysis and environmental suitability modeling with an ensemble approach

Anthrax is one of the most neglected tropical disease affecting humans, livestock, and wildlife worldwide. The disease is caused by soil-borne spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. A machine learning algorithm with the biomod2 package of R software was used to develop a predictive map for the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia. One hundred twenty-eight georeferenced confirmed outbreak reports of anthrax in livestock and 11 bioclimatic, eight soil characteristics, and three livestock density variables were used to train the model. The algorithm was set to run 3-fold with a total of 27 outputs for the nine selected models. An ensemble model was developed with ROC evaluation metrics set at 0.8. The ensemble model showed an improved performance than the individual models (KAPPA, TSS, and ROC values of 0.86, 0.93, and 0.99, respectively). Variables like annual precipitation (22.51 %), precipitation of warmest quarter (14.17 %), precipitation of wettest month (11.61 %), cattle density (9.67 %), sheep density (6.6 %), annual maximum temperature (6.17 %), altitude/elevation (5.24 %), and sand content (4.83 %) contributed the highest share in the ensemble model. The predicted suitable areas were primarily in the Central and Southern parts of the region. West Gojam and South Gondar zones were found highly suitable; while parts of Waghemira, North Wollo, and South Wollo were not significantly suitable. Besides, East Gojam, North Gondar, and Awi administrative zones were also reasonably suitable to Bacillus anthracis. The study can be used as a basis in the planning of prevention and control approaches of anthrax outbreaks in the region. Administrative zones like West Gojam, South Gondar, Awi, and East Gojam have to be prioritized as a risky-areas in the planning of preventive measures of anthrax in the region.

Time series analysis of cow milk production at Andassa dairy farm, West Gojam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Milk production is an integral part of Andassa agricultural farming system, even though the area has potential for milk and dairy products, there is always a great demand for milk and milk products among people. However there are no long-term researches done on the area for forecasting the volume of milk production. Therefore this study was attempted to investigate the trends of actual yield of cow milk production and forecast the volume of milk. A time series study was conducted on the volume of cow’s milk production in Andassa dairy farm, and here we used secondary data for this study. The study employed inferential statistics for the purpose of hypothesis testing, estimating the trend, to fit the appropriate model and forecasting. A total of 179 days of milk production were included in this study, and the results showed that the trend of milk yield of caws is decreasing and it is time dependent. The model that has been selected for forecasting volume of milk production is ARIMA (1, 2, 1) since the model was found to be a better model.

Effect of selected aerobic exercises on the improvement of cardiovascular endurance for performance of athlete: The case of demote preparatory school, West Gojam Zone, Amhara Ethiopia

Cardiovascular endurance is a component of physical fitness which plays great role during exercises. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of selected types of aerobic exercise on enhancing cardiovascular endurance of students. The study was conducted to improve cardiovascular endurance performances on 30 male athletes of Dermot preparatory school of Grade 11 students. These thirty male students were assigned as one experimental group and their age ranges 18 and 19 years. All subjects participated in selected aerobic exercises for 8 weeks i.e., three days per week and 60 minutes duration per day. Pre-test, during training test and post training test were conducted on physical fitness variables such as step test and 12 minutes run. The data collected from subjects were analyzed by paired simple t-test to determine the differences between pre-test and post-test mean value results of the participants of the study. According to the findings of the study, step test 26.6 beats per minute mean differences. In twelve minutes run 271.16 meters increments data were observed. Therefore, the results obtained from the study indicate that there were significant improvements within 12 minutes run. However, in the case of steps test, a test result was decreased because of improvement in the performance. So, the findings of the study reveals different responsible bodies like coaches, sport commission office, education office, school principals and sport Science teachers should take considerable actions for the improvement of the Athletics proficiencies of the students as well as others youth.

English

There is a huge maize yield gap in Ethiopia. The use of improper maize agronomic practices could contribute to maize yield gaps. Agronomic panel survey (APS) and a baseline survey were carried out by EIAR and CSA, respectively in collaboration with CIMMYT for three years (2015-17) to assess the rates and types of inorganic fertilizers applied; maize varieties used and plant densities maintained by farmers in major maize growing areas of Ethiopia. The APS were conducted by EIAR in 3 to 4 grids of 10 km &times; 10 km size in five zones while the baseline survey was conducted by CSA in nine zones following their own protocol. Results showed that most of the surveyed farmers (95%) grow improved hybrid maize varieties and &gt;85% of them grow the improved varieties within the agro-ecology they were recommended for. Maize variety BH661 was the commonest maize variety in Jimma zone, BH660 in West Gojam and West Shoa zones, Limu in West Shoa and East Wollega zones and BH540 in East Shoa zone. Most of the surveyed farmers (89.5%) apply fertilizer for maize production out of which 75% of them apply inorganic fertilizers, 20.5% only organic and 4.5% both types. In most maize growing areas, farmers apply fertilizer rates very close to the blanket recommended rate of 100 kg NPS and 200 kg UREA. However, a consistently higher inorganic fertilizer rate was applied in West Gojam and the lowest in East Shoa Zones. The plant density at harvest was lower than any of the recommended plant densities for most of the maize growing zones. As an average of all zones and years, about 87.5% farmers maintained plant density at harvest below the recommended. Mean grain yield was above the national average for most of the study areas, but exceptionally higher for Gojam and Wollega zones and lower for East Shoa zone. There was a positive relationship between cob number and plant density, plant density and grain yield, cob number and grain yield, implying using sub-optimal plant density could potentially affect grain yield. Key words: Fertilizer rate, grain yield, maize varieties, plant density, Zea mays. &nbsp;

English

The study was conducted in South Achefer and Jabi Tehinan districts of West Gojam Zone with the objectives of identifying the major potato marketing channels, to analyze potato marketing cost and margins, and to examine determinants of producer’s potato supply to market. The study took a sample of 100 producers, 70 traders and 40 end consumers randomly. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed through marginal and econometrics analysis. In South Achefer district, producers, wholesalers, retailers and processors earn 11.44, 7.54, 16.85 and 64.17% share of profit margin, respectively. Whereas in Jabi Tehinan district, the percent shares of profit margin for producer, collector, retailers and processors was 26.35, 25.52, 19.13 and 29.01%, respectively. In Jabi Tehinan, regression analyses revealed that distance to nearest market centre (5%), owned ox number (10%), experience (5%), access to credit (10%), total amount of potato produced (1%) and market information (5%) were significant. In South Achefer district, total amount of potato produced and market information were found to be factors affecting supply of potato to the market at 1% probability level. Therefore, governmental and non-governmental organizations should take part in fulfilling the gap of different market chain actors through their intervention especially in term of market information. Key words: Determinants, district, market chain, marketing channels, potato.