Western Ethiopia Research Articles

Pangenome and genomic signatures linked to the dominance of the lineage-4 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in western Ethiopia.

The lineage 4 (L4) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is not only globally prevalent but also locally dominant, surpassing other lineages, with lineage 2 (L2) following in prevalence. Despite its widespread occurrence, factors influencing the expansion of L4 and its sub-lineages remain poorly understood both at local and global levels. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a pan-genome and identify genomic signatures linked to the elevated prevalence of L4 sublineages among extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) patients in western Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted at an institutional level involving confirmed cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) patients from August 5, 2018, to December 30, 2019. A total of 75 MTB genomes, classified under lineage 4 (L4), were used for conducting pan-genome and genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses. After a quality check, variants were identified using MTBseq, and genomes were de novo assembled using SPAdes. Gene prediction and annotation were performed using Prokka. The pan-genome was constructed using GET_HOMOLOGUES, and its functional analysis was carried out with the Bacterial Pan-Genome Analysis tool (BPGA). For GWAS analysis, Scoary was employed with Benjamini-Hochberg correction, with a significance threshold set at p-value ≤ 0.05. The analysis revealed a total of 3,270 core genes, predominantly associated with orthologous groups (COG) functions, notably in the categories of '[R] General function prediction only' and '[I] Lipid transport and metabolism'. Conversely, functions related to '[N] Cell motility' and '[Q] Secondary metabolites biosynthesis, transport, and catabolism' were primarily linked to unique and accessory genes. The pan-genome of MTB L4 was found to be open. Furthermore, the GWAS study identified genomic signatures linked to the prevalence of sublineages L4.6.3 and L4.2.2.2. Apart from host and environmental factors, the sublineage of L4 employs distinct virulence factors for successful dissemination in western Ethiopia. Given that the functions of these newly identified genes are not well understood, it is advisable to experimentally validate their roles, particularly in the successful transmission of specific L4 sublineages over others.

Prevalence of Bovine Hydatidosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Nekemte Municipal Abattoir, Western Ethiopia.

Hydatidosis (cystic echinococcosis) is one of the major serious parasite infectious diseases that cause poor weight gain and organ condemnation, which contributes to Ethiopia's low cattle industry production. A cross-sectional study was performed at the Nekemte Municipal Abattoir, Western Ethiopia, from October 2020 to August 2021 with the aim of determining the prevalence of bovine hydatid cysts, assessing the related risk factors, and evaluating the organ level of distributions of the cysts. An antemortem examination and postmortem examination were performed as usual on all 220 chosen slaughtered cattle. We evaluated the organs of systemically selected cattle through visual inspection and palpation. Of the total number inspected, 44 (20%) had one or more hydatid cysts in one or more of their organs. Both age and sex of the cattle were significantly associated with the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis (X 2 = 5.928; p = 0.015; and X 2 = 4.086; p = 0.043, respectively) among the risk factors evaluated. 44 (20%) of the 220 animals evaluated were positive for hydatidosis. In terms of organ distribution, the liver accounted for 27 (61.4%), the lung for 16 (36.3%), and the spleen for 1 (2.3%). 34 (55.8%) of the 62 cysts counted and characterized were found in the liver, 27 (53.6%) in the lung, and 1 (2.3%) in the spleen. 22 (35.5%) of the 62 cysts collected were calcified, and 31 (50%) were found to be fertile. Of the 31 fertile cysts discovered, 7 (22.6%) were found in the liver, 23 (74.2%) in the lungs, and 1 (2.3%) in the spleen. Hydatidosis is still one of the most critical diseases that need careful consideration for prevention and control measures in the East Welega Zone, even with the moderate level of infection currently detected. This is because there appears to be a socioeconomic environment that is conducive to the disease. Therefore, the installation of regulated, well-equipped abattoirs, public awareness campaigns, and stray dog control are crucial.

Nutritional status and associated factors among adult tuberculosis patients in public health centres of Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Western Ethiopia

Abstract This study aimed to assess nutritional status and associated factors among adult tuberculosis patients in public health centres in Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia, 2021. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 334 randomly selected adult TB patients at public health centres from May 7, 2021, to June 21, 2021. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. The nutritional status was measured by using body mass index (BMI). Data was entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. A bivariate and multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with nutritional status. The prevalence of under and overnutrition was found to be 48.2% and 8.7%, respectively. Female TB patients (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: (1.918–6.314)), patients who didn’t receive dietary counselling (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: (1.335–4.720)), TB patients on the initiation phase of treatment (AOR = 3.76, 95% CI: (2.072–6.852)), and meal frequency less than three times per day (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: (1.942–6.676)) were significantly associated with under nutrition. The prevalence of undernutrition was high in the study area. Being a female, being in the initiation phase of treatment, lack of dietary counselling, and having meal less than three per day were independently associated with undernutrition. Hence, regular nutritional assessments, dietary counselling, and nutritional support should be encouraged at the facility and community level.

Evaluating the Economic Feasibility of Combined Biochar, Lime, and Inorganic Fertilizer Rates for Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Production in Gimbi District, Western Ethiopia

Evaluating the Economic Feasibility of Combined Biochar, Lime, and Inorganic Fertilizer Rates for Garlic (<i>Allium sativum</i> L.) Production in Gimbi District, Western Ethiopia

Plant Diversity and Relationship between Plant Communities and Environmental Variables in Combretum‐Terminalia Woodland, Western Ethiopia

Plant Diversity and Relationship between Plant Communities and Environmental Variables in Combretum‐Terminalia Woodland, Western Ethiopia

Knowledge of cervical cancer screening and its determinants among 30–49 years old rural reproductive age women in Sadi Chanka district, West Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022: A mixed method study

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the cancers affecting the female organs connecting the uterus and vagina. It is the second most common form of cancer among reproductive-age women living in Ethiopia. It is one of the preventable cancers; through effective interventions with timely screening and treatment can reduce the risk of deaths associated with the disease. The study aimed to assess the knowledge of cervical cancer screening and its determinants among rural reproductive-age women in Sadi Chanka district, Western Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study supplemented with qualitative findings was conducted from February 1 to 28, 2022, with a total sample size of 867. Data collection was done by using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire using simple random sampling techniques to select representative rural women aged between 30–49 years from selected kebeles. Bivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, and the variables with a p-value less than 0.25 were recruited to the multivariable analysis. Finally, an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI and a p-value less than 0.05 was used to declare the statistically significant determinants of knowledge of cervical cancer screening. For qualitative findings, a key informant interview guide was used to collect the qualitative data through in-depth interviews. A total of nine Key Informants Interviews were selected by a purposive sampling technique. Participants’ interviews were translated, transcribed, coded, categorized, and triangulated with quantitative data. Results: In this study, the prevalence of knowledge of cervical cancer screening among reproductive-age women was 51.3% with a 95% CI of (95% CI: 47.7–54.6). The mean age of the participants was 38.50 (±4.4 SD) years, and their ages ranged from 30 to 49 years. Of all assessed factors: modern contraceptive methods use (AOR = 1.79, (95% CI: 1.21–2.63)), history of sexually transmitted diseases (AOR = 1.97, (95% CI: 1.15–3.38)), family history of cervical cancer (AOR = 2.02, (95% CI: 1.06–3.87)), and knowing women who had cervical cancer (AOR = 2.72, (95% CI: 1.96–3.79)) were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: The study revealed that, the knowledge of cervical cancer screening is found to be low, which is only 51.3% of reproductive-age women knew about cervical cancer screening. The study identified that modern contraceptive methods use, history of sexually transmitted disease, family history with cervical cancer, and knowing those women who had cervical cancer were found to be the determinants of knowledge of cervical cancer screening among reproductive-age women. Thus, the district health office and concerned stakeholders should work on interventions aimed at improving the awareness of cervical cancer screening among reproductive-age women through providing appropriate health communication activities about cervical cancer screening at the community level using health extension workers.

Applicability of Gravity Separation Method on the Ashashire Gold Ore Deposit from Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia

Applicability of Gravity Separation Method on the Ashashire Gold Ore Deposit from Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia

Livestock Depredation and Pastoralist Attitudes towards Carnivore in the Landscape of Lions Associated with Gambella National Park, Abobo District, Western Ethiopia

The livelihoods of individuals in Ethiopia are severely affected by the livestock depredation from wild animals. The main objective of this study is to assess the incidences of livestock predation and pastoralist attitudes towards carnivore in the landscape of lions associated with Gambella National Park in the Abobo district of Western Ethiopia. The study was conducted between September 2017 and May 2018, utilizing a pretested semistructured questionnaire. Data analysis involved the utilization of multiple response analysis, Chi square test, Cramer’s V and Cohen’s Omega, Potential for Conflict Index2, and multinomial regression analysis. Anubis baboon (29.1%), leopard (20.5%), hyena (19.3%), lions (18.6%), and common fox (12.4%) were responsible for depriving cattle, sheep/goat, and fowls. The chi‐square test, along with Cramer’s V and Cohen’s Omega, indicated a relatively smaller effect size for the anubis baboon (ω = 0.220) and the common fox (ω = 0.164), implying a consistent trend of livestock depredation across villages. In contrast, medium effect size for leopards (ω = 0.466), hyenas (ω = 0.449), and lions (ω = 0.324) indicated that livestock depredation across villages was moderately inconsistent. In terms of preventive measures, barns and active guarding were reported options to protect their livestock, with a small effect size (ω = 0.257). Moreover, increased trend of livestock predation was perceived by informants with small effect size (ω = 0.227). Many respondents expressed a negative attitude (73.51%) towards wild animals than positive (8.60%) and neutral (17.90%) attitudes with a small effect size (ω = 0.181). The Potential for Conflict Index2revealed a low consensus for acceptance of livestock depredation by different predators and skewed responses indicating the predominance of negative attitudes, regardless of livestock losses to predators. The regression model revealed that sociodemographic elements such as age, education, and occupation influence people’s attitude. Hence, sustainable and culturally acceptable conservation measures are required to mitigate human‐wildlife​ conflict.

Knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Associated Factors among&amp;nbsp;Female&amp;nbsp;Students of Wolegga&amp;nbsp;University, Western Ethiopia

Knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Associated Factors among&amp;nbsp;Female&amp;nbsp;Students of Wolegga&amp;nbsp;University, Western Ethiopia

Effects of Lime, Inorganic Fertilizer and Compost as Amendment on Soil Chemical Properties: Field Experimental Approach to Reclaim Acidic Nitisol, South Western Ethiopia

Soil acidity is a series problem in south western part of Ethiopia due to high rain fall that aggravate the concentration of toxic elements like Al3+ and Fe2+. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lime with different fertilizer sources on soil chemical properties at Seka chekorsa area. Seven different treatments were applied with randomized complete block design along three replications. The study pointed out the response of soil pH (5.01) which was increased by 91.8% when compared to control plot (4.60), H+(0.25 cmol/kg), Al3+(0.19 cmol/kg), Exchangeable Acidity (0.44 cmol/kg), Available Potassium (1.96 Cmol/kg) and CEC (22.76 Cmol(+)/Kg) were attained significantly different result at (p&lt;0.05) on CompL treated plot. However, OC (2.14%) and OM (3.69%) were attained the highest result on HCHNP and TN (0.1%) and Available K (2.00Cmol/kg) was significantly different at (p&lt;0.05) on HCHNPL treated plot. The combined application of compost with lime was better than other combination including solely applied treatments to enhance different soil chemical properties in most of soil parameters. The integration of lime with organic and inorganic nutrient sources generally increased soil pH when compared with sole applied and control plot. Finally, the Integration of full recommended compost and Lime of agriculture could be promising alternative to amend acidic nitosol.

Variability and Correlation Study on Lowland Green Super Rice in Western Ethiopia

Abstract The success of plant breeding activities entirely depends on the existence of genetic variability with respect to desired traits and selection skills of plant breeders. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the extent of variability, heritability genetic advance, and character association among yield and yield-related traits in lowland GSR. The experiment was conducted using 20 low-land green supper rice genotypes in the Northwestern part of Ethiopia at Pawe agricultural research center for three consecutive years from 2016-2018 main cropping seasons. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The results of the analysis of variance for yield and yield-related characters revealed that highly significant mean square due to genotypes observed for all traits studied, Higher phenotypic co-efficient of variation, compared to genotypic co-efficient of variation was recorded for all the traits studied indicating the variation is not only genetic but also influence of growing environment. The highest PCV was recorded for the trait plant height (32.6) followed by panicle length (23.3). Broad sense heritability analysis showed that days to heading (56.3), plant height (49.8), Days to maturity (42.4%), and panicle length (42.3%) were high. High heritability with the high genetic advance in percent of mean was recorded by plant height (49.8 & 33.54) followed by Panicle length (42.3 & 36.55) which confirms their additive gene action and direct selection of these traits depending on phenotypic expression would be effective for yield improvement. The positive and highly significant phenotypic correlation was observed between days to heading and days to maturity (r = 9385***) plant height was positively correlated with thousand-grain weight (0.50436*) and Panicle length (0.48312*). Grain yield showed negative correlation between Days to maturity (-0.044662*), but weak positive correlation was observed for days to heading (r = 0.33472), plant height (r = 0.18729) and panicle length (r = 0.08771). Therefore, the traits recorded high heritability and higher genetic advance; and the traits showed positive correlation and could be considered as suitable traits for selection and improvement to achieve high-yielding green super rice varieties in rain-fed environments.

Response of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) to Rhizobium Inoculation and NPS Fertilizer Applications in Western Ethiopia

Response of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) to Rhizobium Inoculation and NPS Fertilizer Applications in Western Ethiopia

Influence of Farmyard Manure and NPS Fertilizer on Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Growth and Yield Variables at Western Ethiopia

Hot peppers are important vegetable crops widely grown in Ethiopia. Investigation into the economic, nutritive and therapeutic purposes of the pepper plant is extremely limited. Thus, a field trial was piloted to assess the influence of NPS (compound fertilizer containing three important plant nutrients of nitrogen, phosphate, and sulphur with the ratio of 19% N, 38% P2O5, and 7% S) and farmyard manure (FYM) fertilizer on hot pepper at the Dambi Dollo University research field for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) under rain fed. The finding was systematized in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three repetitions and variety of Marako Fana hot pepper was assessed. NPS fertilizer at four level (0, 100, 200, 300 kg N ha-1) and four FYM levels (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 t ha-1) were owed to the study area and a total of 20 treatments. The research results revealed that FYM and NPS mineral fertilizer interacts to affect positively (P&lt;0.05) maximum parameters without unmarketable harvest, which was influenced through the single effect of NPS and FYM. The highest marketable pod yield (2.28 t ha-1) and total pod harvest (2.72 t ha-1) was recorded through NPS rates of 100 kg ha-1 applied with 5 t ha-1 of farmyard manure. Consequently, it is likely to determine that hot pepper farmers can use NPS mineral fertilizer rate of 100 kg ha-1 with 5 t ha-1 of FYM that would expand yield of the hot peppers in the study area with similar agro-ecological conditions.

Spatiotemporal assessment of land use land cover change, driving forces, and consequences using geospatial techniques: The case of Naqamte city and hinterland, western Ethiopia

Land use and land cover change (LULCC) is the result of both anthropogenic and natural activities. LULCC has caused biodiversity and climate change in the study area. Land use and land cover (LULC) datasets for the investigation site were created from Landsat images in 1987, 2004, and 2021 using the maximum likelihood method. After LULCC the cross-tabulation and trend-surface analyses were performed to identify dominant land transitions in post-classification maps. The driving forces that caused LULCC and its consequences were examined using qualitative data. Study results show that spatial and temporal LULC classes were significantly changed except for waterbodies. The estimated aerial extent of forest land has decreased dramatically by 14.5 % over the last 34 years (1987–2021), while bare land, built-up land, and agricultural land have increased by 6.83 %, 4.33 %, and 3.21 %, respectively. According to this study, the main causes of LULCC in the district were population increase, growing cropland, the need for firewood, building supplies, and coal, as well as the ineffective use of natural resources and land monitoring systems. Forest deterioration, extinction of plant and animal species, soil degradation, and a lack of animal feed were the primary effects of changes in LULC. The overall accuracy of the three classified images of the years 1987, 2004, and 2021 was 86 %, 94 %, and 97 %, respectively. Lastly, our work used Markov chain analysis to examine LULCC in a spatiotemporal manner. These findings would provide decision support for policymakers to frame future sustainable land use policies.

Assessment of bacteriological quality and safety of raw meat at slaughterhouse and butchers’ shop (retail outlets) in Assosa Town, Beneshangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia

Contaminated meat has been implicated in many cases of foodborne illness and poses serious challenges in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the quality and safety of raw beef meat in Assosa Town. The finding showed that the mean of Aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB) and S. aureus at retail outlets was 5.04 log10cfu/g and 3.84 log10cfu/g; 4.03 log10cfu/g and 3.5 log10cfu/g at slaughterhouse, respectively. The microbial load range of AMB at the butcher shop was 2.49-5.16 log10 cfu/g, while at the abattoir it was 2.75-7.52 log10 cfu/g out of 70 raw beef meat analyzed samples. Similar to this, the butcher shop and abattoir had S. aureus microbiological load ranges of 2.74 - 4.84 log10 cfu/g and 2.71-4.72 log10 cfu/g, respectively. In contrast, 25.7% and 34.3% of the samples in the abattoir and retail shop, respectively, were contaminated with Salmonella sp. For S. aureus, just 38.71% and 17.14%, respectively, of the samples at the retail and butcher shops were satisfactory. AMB found that 80% of the examined samples from butcher shops and 57.7% from abattoirs were satisfactory. Due to poor handling and environmental hygiene procedures by Assosa Town butchers, 77.1% of the meat contact surface and 82.9% of the carcass were exposed to flies. On the other hand, only 5.7%, 28.6%, and 22.9% of the butchers kept the carcass in the refrigerator, and wore gowns and hairnets, respectively. In slaughterhouses, the majority of respondents (87.5%) concur that there were certain challenges in achieving slaughtering in the working environment.

Ecosystem Service Reason to Save Wetlands: A Case of Geray Wetland, North Western Ethiopia

Efforts to conserve wetland ecosystems depend on the recognition of ecosystem services they provide. Hence, the study was conducted to analyze the ecosystem services of the Geray wetland and the driving force of its degradation. Structured questionnaires, personal interviews, focused group discussions, and field observations were used in data collection. Questionnaires were administered to 114 respondents obtained through random sampling of households. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression. Descriptive statistics like mean, percentage and frequency distribution were used to analyze quantitative data. The binary logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the impact of household-related independent variables on the dependent variable. Results showed that Geray wetland provides provisioning services (fish, fresh water, fodder and grazing services, firewood, crop, and fruit), regulating services (temperature regulation, water purification, sediment retention and erosion control), cultural services (recreation, tourism, and aesthetic) and supporting services (nursery, habitat, and accumulation of organic matter). Farm expansion, sedimentation, overgrazing, uncontrolled irrigation practices and deforestation of wetland vegetation, which are rooted in rapid population growth, open access to wetland resources, lack of awareness, lack of clear boundaries and weak institutional framework, were the main causes of the wetland degradation. Predictor variables like household size have a negative, and landholding size and age have positive significant impacts on the Geray wetland ecosystem. A high number of respondents were also aware of the measures (planting trees, trace building as a controlling method of erosion and conservation education to the community) to be taken to overcome the problems that face the Geray wetland. Thus, participatory sustainable wetland management is recommended to obtain more benefits from the wetland and minimize its destruction

Prevalence and factors associated with adequate dietary diversity among pregnant women in Nekemte town, Western Ethiopia, 2021.

Dietary diversity refers to increasing the consumption of a variety of foods. The consumption of diversified food during pregnancy enables the adequate intake of 11 important micronutrients. Inadequate dietary intake during pregnancy is the major determinant factor in the risk of low birth weight infants. It is capable of ensuring the adequate intake of essential nutrients, which can promote good physical health and mental development. Pregnant women require more protein, iron, iodine, vitamin A, folate, and other nutrients. Adequate intake of fruit, vegetables, and animal products throughout the life cycle helps ensure that women enter pregnancy and lactation without deficiencies. Micronutrient deficiency and protein, carbohydrate, and fat intake imbalances are also linked to an increased risk of chronic disease. To assess the prevalence and associated factors with adequate dietary diversity among pregnant woman in Nekemte town, western Ethiopia, 202.1. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 475 pregnant women in the town. We used a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews by trained data collectors using a validated questionnaire. Before being exported to STATA version 14, data were entered into EpiData version 3.1, cleaned, coded, and checked for missing values. Results from bivariable analysis of p-value less than 0.25 were moved to a multivariable binary logistic regression model for analysis. Finally, multivariable logistic regression with p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Prevalence of adequate dietary diversity was 43.6% (95% CI; 39.1-48.1). Households with the richest wealth index adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 3.17; 95%Confidence Interval = 1.60-6.28), those who have antenatal care (AOR = 2.16; 95%CI = 1.22-3.84), and women who were government employees (AOR = 1.87; 95%CI = 1.01-3.48) were positively associated with adequate dietary diversity. On the other hand, food-insecure households (AOR = 0.34; 95%CI = 0.17-0.66), women who had not changed their meal frequency (AOR = 0.613; 95%CI = 0.38-0.99), and women in their third trimester (AOR = 0.40; 95%CI = 0.20-0.81) were negatively associated with adequate dietary diversity during pregnancy. The findings showed that there was a low acceptable level of dietary diversity among pregnant women in the town. Wealth index, antenatal care, women's occupation, household food insecurity, gestational age, and not changing meal frequency were identified as factors associated with adequate dietary diversity. Therefore, multi-sectoral collaboration is needed to enhance the dietary diversity of pregnant women by promoting women's employment and strengthening sustainable income-generating activities.

Determination of Optimum Level of Seeding Rate of Silver Leaf Desmodim Intercropping with Desho Grass for Dry Matter Yield and Yield-Related Components in Western Ethiopia

Compatible production of forage grasses and legumes through intercropping is one of the best options to achieve higher biomass yield and forage quality for animal production in areas where land and other resources are scarce. This study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 with the aim of evaluating the best-match level of seeding rate of silverleaf desmodium (SLD) intercropped with desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatment consists of three levels of seeding rate of SLD (2, 4, and 6 kg ha−1) and one pure plot of each species. The result of this study showed that the intercropping of 6 kg ha−1 SLD with 100% of desho’s recommended plant population (50,000 plants ha−1) produced the highest forage dry matter yield and maximum plant height. The total dry matter yield (TDMY) of the intercrops was also significantly varied for the tested treatments. Accordingly, 6 kg ha−1 of SLD intercropped with 100% recommended seed rate of desho ha−1 gave the highest forage TDMY, which surpasses both the grass and legume yields in monoculture. The total land equivalent ratio (LER), which shows system productivity, was also different among the treatments. About 6 kg ha−1 of SLD intercropped with 100% recommended seed rate of desho also produced the highest LER (1.51). Thus, in Bako and similar agro-climatic conditions, where arable land is heavily covered with food crops, desho grass intercropping with SLD can be used as one of the best strategic options for producing feeds of energy and protein sources simultaneously on the same area of land.

Assessment of Sheep Production and Marketing System in Jimma Geneti Wereda, Horo Guduru Wollega Zone of Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Jimma Geneti district to assess production and marketing system of sheep. Three kebeles were randomly selected as sample kebeles from which sample respondents were purposively selected based on their potential

Effect of Environmental Gradient on Organic Carbon Stock of Wacho Forest Soil, South Western Ethiopia

Effect of Environmental Gradient on Organic Carbon Stock of Wacho Forest Soil, South Western Ethiopia