West Hararghe Zone Research Articles

Performance Evaluation of Banana Varieties, through Farmer’s Participatory Selection

ABSTRACT In many developing countries of rural areas, banana plays a significant role as source of economic growth, income, food security and nutrition. Seven dessert Banana cultivars were evaluated at West Hararghe, Mechara. The analysis of variance indicate that there were highly significant (p < .001) difference of all morphological traits except fruit diameter and fruit length. The highest yield ton ha−1 was recorded for variety of Giant Cavendish (11.83 ton ha−1) but statistically on par with Robusta (10.67 ton ha−1) and Williams −1 (10 ton ha−1) and farmers in the study areas prefer Giant Cavendish, Robusta and Williams-I for yield and different morphological traits. These varieties also have the highest number of leaves as well as pseudo stem girth and plant height. Therefore, the varieties viz., Giant Cavendish, Williams-I and Robusta are highly recommended to the society of west Hararghe zone. For future work, we recommended to conduct studies on nutritional quality leaves as feed for animals and fruit quality.

On-farm Demonstration and Evaluation of Improved Variety of Black Cumin in Gemechis, Habro and Tulo Districts of West Hararghe Zone

The experiment was carried out in Habro, Gemechis and Tulo districts of West Hararghe Zone with the objectives of evaluating improved varieties of black cumin under farmers` field condition and to create awareness and skill of production and management of the improved black cumin variety. Four kebeles were selected purposively based on black cumin production potential, two kebeles from Gemechis and the other two were selected from Habro and Tullo districst. Seven farmers and two Farmers Training Centre were included depending on their interest to the technology, managing the experiment, have appropriate land for the experiment and taking the risk at the time of failures. Two improved varieties Eden and Dirshaye with local check were demonstrated and evaluated. The experiment was demonstrated on 50m 2 demonstration plots and NPS 40kg/ha -with Urea (50kg at the time of sowing and at growing stage) were applied to one demonstration plot. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through observation, feedback from farmers and data recording sheet. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and ANOVAs -test was used to analyze collected data. While qualitative data were analysed through simple ranking and summarization. The result of the study indicated that Dirshaye was ranked first in terms of high branch, high plant height, large pod size, high pod per plant, high yield, drought tolerant and insect resistance. Dirshaye variety has more economic advantage than local variety at the study area. Thus, Dirshaye were recommended for further popularization and scaling up in study area and similar agro ecology. Keywords: Black cumin, Varieties , demonstration, insect resistance, yield DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/11-19-04 Publication date: October 31 st 2020

Participatory Promotion of Improved Chickpea Varieties in Habro and Oda Bultum Districts of West Hararghe Zone

This activity was conducted during the 2013 main cropping season at Habro and Oda Bultum districts of West Hararghe Zone to evaluate the performance of improved chickpea variety on farmer’s field and strengthen stakeholder’s linkage in the study area. A total of seventy (70) farmers from both district were participated for the activity. Three improved variety of chickpea (Minjar, Natoli and Habru) were evaluated with local checked to create awareness for farmers. 0.125 of land were used for each variety on each farmer’s field. The result of the study showed that Minjar variety performed well than other improved varieties and local check in terms of yield from the same area on farmer’s field. In addition, farmers also prefer Minjar variety in terms of its seed quality, seed size, early maturity and disease resistance over other improved varieties and local check. So, concerning body should scale up further for similar agro ecology to improve chickpea production and productivity of farming community. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/11-17-06 Publication date: September 30 th 2020

Level of Antenatal Care Services Utilization and Associated Factors Among Mothers who have Given Birth in the Past Twelve Months in Gelemso Town, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, East Ethiopia

Background In Ethiopia, the levels of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality are among the highest in the world. This is attributed to, among other factors, none use of modern health care services by women. According to the 2011 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey, more than seven in ten mothers did not receive antenatal care at all. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine level and identify factors influencing maternal antenatal care services utilization among mothers who gave birth in the last twelve months in Gelemso town west Hararghe Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross sectional study design was conducted on 347 study participants in Gelemso town west Hararghe Oromia Ethiopia from July 15, 2017 to August 15, 2017 G.C.A probability to proportional to size sampling technique was used to select the study population in two urban Kebeles. Data were collected using a pre tested structured questionairs. Descriptive results were presented using frequencies, and numerical summary measures. Bivariate analysis was carried out to assess the association between outcome variable and each in dependent variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence level was estimated to identify factors associated with Antenatal Care (ANC) utilization using multivariable logistic regression. The statistical significance was declared at p- value &lt; 0.05. Result The response rate this study was 98%. The prevalence of antenatal care service utilization was 64.6%. About 146 (42.1%) of the pregnant mother started antenatal care visit during the second trimester of pregnancy and a significant proportion 289(83.3%) had less than the recommended four visits. Educational status (AOR;15.19:CI 95%,6.006,38.417), husband attitude (AOR;1.995:CI 95%,1.016,3.916), marital status(AOR:4.587:CI 95%,1.888,11.146), planned pregnancy (AOR:4.938:CI 95%,2.514,9.702) were major factors associated with antenatal care service utilization. Conclusion Though more than half mother used antenatal care service in the study setting, two in ten of the mothers did not have the minimum number of visits recommended by World Health Organization. Promotion of information, education and communication in the community should be strengthened is to sustain antenatal care service utilization in the community.

Predictors of Change in Weight Among People Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Treatment in West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study.

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global public health issue, particularly in Africa. In resource-limited settings like Ethiopia, regular weight measurement and monitoring is useful in the examination of patient response to antiretroviral therapy and in clinical decision-making. However, there is a paucity of evidence on factors that affect longitudinal weight change. Therefore, the present study was intended to identify predictors of weight change among people living with HIV (PLWH) in West Hararghe, Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 558 PLWH aged 18 years and above from September 2013 to January 2019 at Chiro Zonal Hospital and Gelemso General Hospital in West Hararghe zone, Ethiopia. Data were entered in Epi info 7 and analyzed in R software. The linear mixed effect regression model was used to identify predictors of longitudinal change in weight. Regression coefficients with their 95% confidence intervals were used to indicate the strength and significance of the association.ResultsWeight showed improvement in follow-up periods. In this study, age of respondent (beta=0.136, 95% CI, 0.044:0.227), time since the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (beta=0.089, 95% CI, 0.075:0.104), primary educational status (beta=2.403, 95% CI, 0.540:4.266), secondary educational status (beta=4.035, 95% CI, 1.666:6.404), tertiary and above educational status (beta=3.444, 95% CI, 0.330:6.558), sex (beta= −5.514, 95% CI, -7.260:-3.768), ambulatory functional status (beta= −3.419, 95% CI, −6.169:-0.668) and baseline CD4 count (≤200) (beta=2.205, 95% CI, 0.593, 3.817) were significant predictors of longitudinal weight change.ConclusionWe observed an increment in weight among PLWH who were on ART in Ethiopia. Educational status, time since the beginning of ART, age and having CD4 count above 200 have contributed positively to the change in weight, while ambulatory functional status and being female are negatively associated with longitudinal change in weight. Close monitoring is recommended for patients with ambulatory baseline functional status and for patients with baseline CD4 count ≤200.

Assessing the Effect of Working Capital Management on the Profitability of Small Business in Chiro Town, West Hararghe Zone, Ormia Region, Ethiopia

An optimal working capital management is expected to contribute certainly to the profitability of firms. The main purpose of the study was to assess the effect of working capital management on profitability of small business in Chiro town, West Hararghe, Ethiopia. To collect primary data semi-structured questionnaire survey and key informant interview were employed. By using non-probabilistic purposive sampling technique, cross-sectional data were collected from 15 sampled small businesses. The effect of the inventory conversion period, accounts receivable period, accounts payable period and cash conversion cycle on return on asset was analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Correlation and linear regression by using SPSS version 20. The result shows that there is positive relationship between accounts receivable period and accounts payable period with profitability of small business. However, inventory conversion period and cash conversion cycle have a negative significant impact on profitability. Keywords: Working capital Management, Small business, Profitability and Ethiopia. DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/11-15-03 Publication date: August 31 st 2020

Value chain analysis of smallholder milk producer in West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

The study was aimed at analyzing milk value chains in West Hararghe zone with 140 producers were randomly selected from list of dairy producer kebeles. Meanwhile, 30 traders from different markets and 30 consumers in Chiro,

Assessment of the Role of Agricultural Cooperatives in Input Output Market in Boke, Anchar and Darolebu Districts of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in three districts where agricultural cooperatives have been well promoted in West Hararghe zone to identify role of primary agricultural Cooperatives and factors affecting its role in the study area. Structured interview schedule were used to collect data from 180 cooperative members and non-members selected randomly from six agricultural cooperatives and its surrounding. Focus group discussions were also conducted to collect qualitative data from respondents. In this study, the statistical tools like descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency distribution and percentage, SWOT analysis and an index score was used to rank major constraints. Out of interviewed respondents, 66.7% were member of cooperative while 33.3% were non-members of the cooperatives. Most primary cooperative mainly focuses on the activities like provision of fertilizer (DAP, UREA and NPS), consumable food items (sugar and cooking oil) and rarely involved in improved seed distributions. Lack market interest, climate change, lack of market information, insufficient capital and low price of the marketable commodity were major constraints found in agricultural commodities in study area. Strengthening training, improve their capital, services and transparency, increasing members participation, sharing dividend to the members and annual auditing their status were major recommendation delivered for responsible bodies by the study. Keywords: agricultural cooperative, role, inputs, outputs DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-11-03 Publication date: June 30th 2020

Adoption of NPS Fertilizer on Sorghum Crop Production by Smallholder Farmers in Gemechis and Mieso Districts of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The adoption of inorganic fertilizer such as NPS which is concerned by development clients and government is different from one farmer to another farmer and this makes productivity of agricultural crops to vary from one plot to another plot due to socio-economic, institutional and other factors. Therefore, this study was intended to know the socio-economic factors that significantly affect utilization of inorganic fertilizer NPS. Primary data was collected from 201 sampled households of selected districts. Secondary data was collected from stakeholders related with production of sorghum and inorganic fertilizer NPS in the study areas. In the sampling procedure, two stage simple random sampling was used. In the first stage, kebeles were randomly taken from total kebeles in the two districts. In the second stage, households were randomly selected from the selected kebeles. Data was analyzed using descriptive, inferential statistics and econometric models methods of data analysis. In econometric models Double Hurdle model was use to know factors affect adoption decision of inorganic fertilizer NPS and intensity use of inorganic fertilizer NPS. Double Hurdle model result confirms that district of the household, education level, family size, extension visit, expectation of the coming rainfall by the household, number of farm plot owned, total farm land owned and off/non-farm income earned by the household significantly affect adoption decision inorganic fertilizer NPS. Double hurdle model result also reveals that, district of the household, livestock holding, number of farm plot owned, participation on agricultural training by the household significantly affect intensity use of inorganic fertilizer NPS. Government and concerned stakeholders should give attention on these significant socio-economic factors so that utilization inorganic fertilizer can be improved to sorghum crop productivity.

Floristic composition and carbon pools along altitudinal gradient: the case of gara–muktar forest, west hararghe zone, eastern Ethiopia

Forests play vital role in combating climate change through carbon sequestration in the atmosphere and serving as a carbon sink in the form of carbon pool systems of forest ecosystems. The species composition and carbon stock in the different carbon pools and analysis of the influence of the environmental gradients were studied by systematic sampling method collecting data in thirty-six quadrant plots of 20x20m each distributed along transect lines. Diameter at breast ≥5cm and total height measured for each tree in the main plot. Above and below ground biomass was estimated using allometric equation, while the litter carbon was estimated by taking 50% of dry biomass as carbon. Soil sample was collected using auguring method and analyzed following Walkley-Black method, while bulk density was performed using core sampling method. The data was analyzed was performed using one way ANOVA of R software. The carbon stocks in aboveground, belowground, litter biomass and soil organic carbon showed distinct variation along environmental gradients. The aboveground and below ground carbon stock was showed a decreasing trend along with increasing altitude, while soil organic carbon and liter carbon showed increasing trend along with increasing in altitude. The mean total above and below ground carbon stocks were 156.60t C ha-1 and 31.32t C ha-1 respectively whereas, litter carbon and soil organic carbon stocks were 2.72t C ha-1 and 125.86t C ha-1 (up to 30cm depth) respectively. The mean total carbon stock density in all carbon pool of Gara-Mukitar forest was found to be 316.6±67.15t C ha-1 from which 49.5% of carbon was contained in the above ground biomass, 9.9% in below ground biomass, 0.9% in litter carbon and 39.8% was stored in soil organic carbon (0-30cm depth). The analysis of carbon stock variation of different carbon pools along altitude of the forest showed a significant variation, whereas the above and belowground carbon stock variation with slope gradient was also significant except soil organic carbon and liter carbon. It result concluded that Gara-muktar Forest is a reservoir of high carbon, since it has a good capacity to sink carbon from the atmosphere having positive role in reduction of greenhouse gases and in contributing to climate change mitigation. Therefore, to enhance the carbon stock of forest in a sustainable way, it should be supported with proper community based forest management system.

Carbon stock variation along altitudinal and slope gradients in gara–muktar forest, west hararghe zone, Eastern Ethiopia

Forests play vital role in combating climate change through carbon sequestration in the atmosphere and serving as a carbon sink. The species composition and carbon stock were studied along environmental gradients using systematic sampling method. Data were collected in the 36 quadrant plots of 20 x 20m each distributed along transect lines. Diameter at breast ≥5cm and total height measured for each tree in the main plot. Above and below ground biomass was estimated using allometric equation, while the litter carbon was estimated by taking 50% of dry biomass as carbon. Soil sample was collected using auguring method and carbon was analyzed following Walkley-Black method, while bulk density analyzed using oven dried method. The data was analyzed was performed using one way ANOVA of R software. The carbon stocks in aboveground, belowground, litter biomass and soil organic carbon showed distinct variation along environmental gradients. The aboveground and below ground carbon stock was showed a decreasing trend along with increasing altitude, while soil organic carbon and liter carbon showed increasing trend along with increasing in altitude. The mean above and below ground carbon stocks were 156.60 t C ha-1 and 31.32 t C ha-1 respectively whereas, litter carbon and soil organic carbon stocks were 2.72 t C ha-1 and 125.86 t C ha-1 respectively. The total carbon stock density of Gara- Mukitar forest was found to be 316.6±67.15 t C ha-1. Similarly 49.5% of carbon was contained in the above ground biomass, 9.9% in below ground biomass, 0.9% in litter carbon and 39.8% in soil organic carbon (0-30 cm depth), respectively. The analysis of carbon stock variation of different carbon pools along altitude of the forest showed a significant variation, whereas the above and belowground carbon stock variation with slope gradient was also significant except soil organic carbon and liter carbon. In conclusion Gara-muktar forest is a reservoir of high carbon, since it has a good capacity to sink carbon from the atmosphere having positive role in reduction of greenhouse gases. Therefore, proper community based forest management options should be implemented for its continuity.

Profitability Analysis of Family-size Biogas Plant Installation in West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Biogas technology, which converts biological waste into energy, is considered as an excellent tool to improve the lives, livelihoods, health, ecosystem and economy. In Ethiopia, biogas technology has been domesticated to improve the rural energy security and household’s income by reducing their dependence on traditional biomass energy and chemical fertilizers. The profitability of biogas installation is rendered doubtful despite its numerous benefits and domestication efforts. Hence, this study aimed at evaluating the cost-benefit analysis and Profitability of biogas technology at household level in West Hararghe zone, Eastern Ethiopia. By using multistage sampling technique, cross-sectional data were collected from 105 systematically selected adopter households. The costs incurred and the benefits gained were analyzed using paired t-test. Payback Period (PBP), benefit cost ratio (BCR) and Net Present Value (NPV) were analyzed using different economic formula. The results indicated the most commonly domesticated plant is fixed dome biogas with volumes of 6 m³ and 8 m³. Investing 6 m³ biogas plant with subsidy (0.7³ year) had short PBP than the 8 m³ plant (0.97 year). This implies, subsidy has been attracting households into biogas adoption. The BCR under assumption with subsidy was found to be 1.³4 and 1.10 at 10% discount rate for 6 m³ and 8 m³ plants, respectively. Under both assumptions with and without subsidy, the NPV results for 6 m³ and 8 m³ biogas plant sizes turn out positive. In general, the results of PBP, BCR and NPV shown that the biogas investment is preferable and profitable for continuing the investment for the future.

Predictors of Change in CD4 Count among Adult HIV/AIDS Patients on Anti-Retroviral Treatment in West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia; Retrospective Longitudinal Study

Background: As one of the countries in the Sub-Saharan African Region, Ethiopia also happens to bear a higher burden of HIV infection. For HIV-infected patients, the level of CD4 count remains an important test with regard to diagnostic decision-making. There is limited information on predictors of longitudinal change in CD4 count over time that examine immunologic response of patients during the course of treatment in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine predictors of change in CD4 count among adult HIV infected patients on antiretroviral treatment in west Hararghe zone, Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 405 adult HIV/AIDS patients on Anti-Retro Viral Therapy (ART) from September 2013 to January 2019. Data was entered into Epi info 7 and analyzed in R software. Generalized mixed effect model was applied to identify predictors of longitudinal change in CD4 count. Results: In multivariable analysis time since start of ART (beta=0.306, 95%CI, 0.286: 0.326), primary level educational status (beta=0.048, 95%CI, 0.004: 0.092), tertiary educational status (beta=0.094, 95%CI, 0.007: 0.182), WHO RVI stage II (beta=-0.108, 95%CI, -0.156:-0.061), bedridden functional status (beta=-0.175, 95%CI,-0.309:-0.039), poor baseline adherence (beta=-0.145, 95%CI, -0.214: -0.076) and baseline weight (beta=-0.004, 95%CI, -0.006, -0.002) were significant predictors of longitudinal CD4 change. Conclusion: In this study time since start of ART, primary and tertiary educational status contributed positively to the change in CD4 count whereas bedridden functional status, poor adherence, WHO RVI stage II and baseline weight are negatively associated with longitudinal change in CD4 count. Close monitoring for bedridden patients and patients with poor baseline adherence is needed especially during the initiation of ART for immunological response.

Comparative Performance Assessment of Two Small Scale Irrigation Scheme in West Harerghe, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

This research was focused on assessing and comparing the performance of two small scale irrigation schemes: Homacho sogido and Jawis irrigation in west hararghe zone by using comparative indicator. Based on the collected data four (4) comparative indicator from the nine indicators indicated by IWMI’s were selected for this study. The indicators used are output per cropped area, output per command area, and output per irrigation diverted, output per water consumed. The collected data are total yields, farm gate prices of irrigated crops, area irrigated per crop per season, crop types, production per season or per year, cropping pattern. The major crops grown in both schemes are Chat, Cabbage, Sorghum, Maize, Tomato, Soybean and Onion. The result of the analysis express that four agricultural indicators; output per cropped area, output per command area, output per water consumed and output per unit water supply are in the order of 16843.4 birr/ha, 19730.86 birr/ha, 2.23 birr/m³, 4.24birr/m³ and 24304.5birr/ha, 38692.8 birr/ha, 3.29birr/m³ and 4.28birr/m³ for Jawis and Homacho sogido irrigation scheme, respectively. Excessive annual irrigation water was supplied by farmer in both scheme due to lack of knowledge on balancing crop water requirement and water diversion. This can be improved through training of farmer to balance crop water demand and water diversion. Homacho irrigation scheme could be benchmarked in the zone for water productivity and land productivity.

Characterization of Village Chicken Production and Marketing Systems in Chiro District, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to generate comprehensive information on village chicken production, management and marketing systems in Chiro district of West Harerghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Majority of the respondents in the study area were female (66.7%). The largest proportions of household heads in the study area (70%) were illiterate. the overall household income in the study area was generated from agriculture (76.7%). Among agricultural activities, livestock production was contributed 53.3% for the household income. The entire households in the study area were kept exotic chicken ecotype. The major sources of that chicken were gift from governments (60%). Most of the household in the study area was practiced backyard chicken production systems (73.3%). The major objective of raising chicken in the study area was egg production (80%) and Meat production (10%). The majority of the households in the study area were practiced semi-extensive management systems (60%). The entire households in the study area were providing supplementary feed and water for their chicken. The main reason for providing supplementary feed was to increase egg yield (70%) followed by shorting of broodiness (23.3%). the entire households in the study area were hatching the egg by using natural incubation hence broody hens used as a natural incubation. Most of the households in the study area were sold their chicken through formal market (63.3%) for the consumers (83.3%). The major constraints of chicken marketing in the study area were instable chicken price, poor sales/demand seasonality, poor infrastructure, lack of credit /financial support and lack of market place. This finding was put baseline for understanding about production, management and marketing practices of village chicken and serve as a base for designing a sustainable chicken production and management strategies in the study area.

Assessment of Traditional Agroforestry Practices, Benefits and Constraints: The Case of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, South-eastern Ethiopia

A study was conducted in west Hararghe zone with the main objectives of understanding various traditional Agroforestry practices and to identify reasons behind practicing and to prioritize major constraints related to traditional Agroforestry practices. (18) Peasant associations in 6 rural districts were selected by multistage sampling in which 600 household heads were selected using random sampling techniques. Qualitative data were generated by conducting household survey interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interview, and direct field observations were applied to secure additional data. Data were manipulated using suitable analytical software packages to calculate descriptive statistics, including percentages and frequency. A total of 478 (79.7%) of smallholder farmers expressed interest in practicing traditional agroforestry in their farm plots, 122 (20.3%) of the total had no single practices in their farm plots. The results of this study have shown that mixed intercropping (44%), homegarden (36%), trees on cropland (31%), boundary planting (25%), trees on soil conservation (18%), multi-purpose woodlots (17%) and trees on rangeland (9%) are the common traditional agroforestry practices in the study area. The major benefits for planting tree species were for income, soil quality, food, shade, fuel wood, construction purpose, manure, fodder and medicinal purpose. On the other hand, lack of adequate seedlings availability, shortage of land, rainfall shortage, termite hazard and disease, animal browsing, shortage of labour and inadequate extension servicesare the major constraints recorded in the study areas. The study recommends the suggestions made to overcome difficulties of practicing traditional agroforestry in smallholders’ farm plots have implications for the way forwarded.

Response of Hot Pepper (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Capsicum annuum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) as Affected by NP Fertilizer and Planting Method on Yield and Yield Related Traits in West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia

Hot Pepper is an important food and cash crop in eastern Ethiopia including Daro labu and Boke Districts of West Hararghe Zone. A field experiment was conducted in Daro labu and Boke Districts, under rainfed during 2016-2017 cropping season, with the objectives of to determine the influence of NP fertilizers rates and method of planting on the yield and yield components of hot pepper and to estimate the cost-benefit of application fertilize rates and planting method in hot pepper production. Mareko fana variety, which is the dominant hot pepper variety produced in the area was used as planting material for the study, The treatments consisted of five combined rates of Nitrogen and phosphorus (0/0, 41/46, 61/69, 82/92 and 102/115 kg level of N/P2O5 ha-1) and three methods of planting (broadcasting, drilling and transplanting method) were used. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design in a 5 x 3 factorial arrangement and replicated three times. From the combined analysis of variance over the location, the result revealed that the two main factors fertilizer rates and planting method had a significant effect on all traits, except that fertilizer and planting method had a non-significant effect on fruit diameter, from interaction effect of fertilizer rates and planting methods, the highest mean of plant height (64.24cm), canopy diameter (44.15cm) and fruit number (26.70) per plant were obtained from 102/115kg N/P ha-1 in combined with drilling planting method. The highest fruit length (9.33cm), diameter (3.92), weight (2.82 gm), marketable (2.05t/ha) and total yield (2.26 t/ha) were recorded from plots that received 102/115 kg N/P ha-1 fertilizers combined with drilling planting method, while the lowest dry pod yield (0.55t/ha) was obtained from plot received control 0/0 kg NP ha-1 combined with transplanting method. While the highest unmarketable fruit yield (0.42 t/ha) was recorded from control (0/0) with the broadcasting method. Moreover, Partial budget analysis result has shown that application of 102/115 kg N/P ha-1 fertilizer rate with combined with drilling planting method was found to be economically viable with net income 71572.25 of Birr ha-1 with 265.28% marginal rate of return was obtained from the application of 102/115 kg N/P ha-1 fertilizer rate combined with drilling sowing method. Therefore, it could be recommended for the production of hot pepper crops in the study area and similar agro ecology.

Evaluation of Nutrient Content of Vermicompost Made from Different Substrates at Mechara Agricultural Research Center on Station, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted at Mechara Agricultural Research Centre during 2016–2018 to evaluate nutrient content of vermicompost made from different substrates. The treatments were sorghum straw, maize straw, teff straw, haricot bean straw, grass straw and mixture of all straws. A red worm (Eisenia fetida) was selected to digest the substrates. The substrates was chopped and added to the worm bin volume calculated using spherical frustum formula 1/6πh (3a2+3b2+h2 in a ration 2.5:1 ration of cattle manure to crop residue in weight basis. Water was sprayed to maintain optimum moisture for worms as it needed. The vermi composting process was started by releasing 100 worms in to the substrates. Matured composite vermicompost samples were prepared and collected for laboratory analysis. The laboratory result showed that, the pH and EC values of all type of vermicompost are found in suitable range for survival of earthworms and also for plant growth. Data with regards to %OC, C: N ratio and CEC of vermicompost made from all material is excellent and promise for improvement of soil properties. Relatively the highest (4.26%) and lowest (3.04%) TN content was recorded from vermicompost made from grasses and haricot bean substrates respectively. The highest value of available P and K was also registered from vermicompost prepared from all materials. Even if the values of recorded exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and extractable micro nutrients were different, the vermicompost obtained from all substrates were rich in exchangeable cations and micro nutrients. Therefore, the nutrient content of vermicompost prepared from all substrates showed the highest values for all macro and micro plant nutrients. Thus, the vermicompost made from all materials could correct the plant nutrient imbalance and could be used for vermicompost preparation based on the accessibility of materials. Also utilizing the vermicompost for crop production and enhancing soil fertility.

Assessment of Beekeeping System, Constraints and Opportunities in Selected Districts of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted two districts (Daro Labu & Gemmachis) of western Hararghe Zone with the objective of identifying beekeeping production systems and constraints in the area. For this study 6 Peasant Associations (PAs) were selected on the bases of beekeeping potential. 90 beekeepers were interviewed using pre tested semi-structured questionnaires and PRA were also used for 55 non-beekeepers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13. In the survey area among the beekeepers interviewed almost all farmer possess different types of traditional hive where only 26.7% and 2.22% owned modern box hive and transitional hive respectively. About 96.67% of the respondents categorize their colonies based on body size, color, swarming rate, honey production and ability to enemy protection. 80% of the interviewed farmers prefer “Red” and “Shumbure” colored bees. The beekeepers have good knowledge in colony management – feeding, watering and pest and predator caring. In all surveyed areas, honey harvested once a year from end of September to November (main honey flow) and sometimes April to May (minor honey flow). The average honey yield from traditional, transitional & box hive per harvest were 6.4±2.63, 8±2.83 and 13.9±4.04 kg respectively. There are different kinds of bee pests and predators in the area as small ant, birds, wax moth and others. 92.23% of respondent stated that as the trend of beekeeping is decreasing due to a number of factors. In our survey major beekeeping constraints in the area were also identified as lack of extension services, lack of improved beekeeping technologies, lack of man power, Lack better performer line, lack of bee forage. From this study it was realized that, there is potential of beekeeping in the zone but the production system still under traditional way where it needs further intervention of NGOs, Conservers, Researchers and private organizations to improve production system and exploit resource from this sub sector.

Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Haricot Bean Technology in West Hararghe Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia: A Heckman Two-step Approach

Adoption of improved technology is one of the most promising ways to reduce food insecurity in Ethiopia. However, the adoption and dissemination of these technologies is constrained by various factors. The aim of this study was to determine intensity of adoption of improved haricot bean technology and identify factors affecting its adoption in the study area. The study was based on cross sectional data collected from 148 randomly selected improved haricot bean producing farmers. The Heckman selection model results showed that farmers with large livestock size, members of primary agricultural cooperatives, participation in haricot bean technology demonstrations and having contact with an extension agent, are more likely to adopt and implement haricot bean production technology. Strengthening the existing livestock production system through providing improved health services and forage, expanding and capacitating primary agricultural cooperatives, and increasing the number of participants on technology demonstrations and field days are recommended to facilitate adoption of improved haricot bean technology.