Wondo Genet District Research Articles

Litterfall-Associated Carbon Deposition and Vertical Profiles of Soil Organic Carbon in Different Land-Use Systems

Litterfall is one of the major inputs for soil nutrients. Understanding the connection of litterfall and soil organic carbon (SOC) as the part of ecological processes is a key step towards carbon sequestration as a climate change mitigation strategy. Yet, it remains inadequate to support by empirical pieces of evidence particularly in tropical ecosystems. In this study, litter traps were used to monitor the monthly organic carbon deposition over a year through litterfall, and soil samples were collected vertically up to 30 cm depth to define the SOC depth distribution in three different land use types located at Wondo Genet district, southern Ethiopia. The results were interpreted by deploying both the carbon stratification ratio (CSR) and carbon flow balance ratio (CFBR) as ecological indicators. The results revealed that both the annual litterfall amount and associated organic carbon input in plantation forest (958.4 ± 112 g·m−2·yr−1; 391.4 ± 112 g·C·m−2·yr−1) were higher than those in the homegarden (183.5.4 ± 26 g·m−2·yr−1; 67.4 ± 10 g·C·m−2·yr−1), conceivably due to few litter contributors (trees) present in the homegarden. The CSR of the homegarden (1.3 ± 0.01) was found between the ratio obtained for crop (1.2 ± 0.01) and plantation forest (1.4 ± 0.01), indicating that it is definitely a combination of pure plantation forest and crop system. The CFBR was higher in plantation forest (3.4 yr−1) than in soil of homegarden (0.77 yr−1), implying the net accumulation of soil carbon over time in the latter system. Hence, homegardens could be considered as a system of climate-smart practice with multiple-biogeochemistry pathways, which simultaneously address the social-absolute needs. Given the current tendency of transforming homegarden agroforestry to monoculture types owing to economical drivers, such indicators can dictate of making rational decisions related to land use planning and soil fertility management.

Birth weight was associated with maternal exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy in southern Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study.

Birth weight is defined as the first weight of the newborn, ideally measured soon after birth. A recent Ethiopian survey estimated that 48% of births took place in health facilities. Data for women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) may be lacking in official statistics because these women may prefer to deliver at home, where data from non-institutional births, including reporting of birth weights, are not routinely recorded. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal exposure to IPV during pregnancy and birth weight in a community in the Wondo Genet district of southern Ethiopia. We carried out a community-based prospective cohort study from February to December 2017. We followed up with 505 pregnant women and their newborns until after delivery. An interview about partner violence was done during pregnancy at home when enrolled. Field assistants who visited the homes measured the birth weight of each baby in grams. Twins and late birth weight measurements were excluded. Factors associated with birth weight were assessed by multiple linear regression. Birth weight was assessed within 48 h for 477 (94.5%) newborns and between 48 and 72 h for an additional 28 (5.5%). There were 365 (72.3%) institutional deliveries. In an adjusted regression analysis (IPV adjusted for socio-economic status), birth weight was 203 g lower (B -203 95% CI -320 to -87) among newborns of women exposed to IPV than among the unexposed. Birth weight was also lower in girls than in boys, in newborns delivered at home rather than in a health facility, and in babies with a younger gestational age. Maternal exposure to IPV during pregnancy was associated with lower baby birth weights. Antenatal clinics should consider routinely identifying IPV-exposed women, and identifying babies with lower birth weights at home is an important indicator.

Determining the Extent of IBR, BVD and Bovine Brucellosis Based on Abortion History of Dairy Cattle’s Reared at College of Wondo Genet Forestry and Natural Resources, Sidama, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in the Wondo Genet district of the Sidama region of Ethiopia to identify the cause of sporadic abortion occurrence in dairy cattle kept in the college. Serum samples were collected for the test from a total of 101 cattle with essential epidemiological data. Disease investigations were carried out on IBR gB ELISA for BoHV-1 antibody detection, BVD for antibody and antigen detection ELISA, and Rose Bengal plate test for Bovine brucellosis antibody detection. Of 101 serum samples examined for these diseases; IBR was found 28.7% (29/101) seropositive for bovine herpesvirus-1 antibody detection and the other two diseases (i.e. bovine brucellosis and BVD) showed negative (0%). Out of, 16 cows with a history of abortion, 10 (62.5%) were positive for the antibody detection of BoHV-1 which was statistically significant when compared to non-aborted groups (p=0.003). The farm had used bulls for breeding purposes and was positive upon examination for IBR. So that the seropositivity of this bull had a direct causal effect on the breeding cows on the farm as the disease was majorly transmitted through the reproductive tract. The result of the present study revealed that IBR is the most important disease in the area which is causing a significant economic loss on the dairy farm. Therefore, it requires further detailed studies on the level of antigen detection using some sophisticated test methods like real-time PCR.

Utilization of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives and Associated Factors Among Reproductive Age Women Attending Governmental Health Institutions for Family Planning Services in Wondo Genet District, Sidama, National Regional State, Southern Ethiopia.

Background:Utilization of family planning services improves women’s reproductive health outcomes. Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARCs) methods, in particular, prevent unwanted pregnancy and significantly reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. In Ethiopia utilization of LARCs was very low. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the utilization of LARCs and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Wondo Genet District, Southern Ethiopia.Method:Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 May to 15 August 2020 among reproductive-age women. A systematic sampling method was applied to recruit 376 women and the sample size was allocated to health centers proportionally. Data collection was conducted by trained collectors using pretested and structured questionnaires. Data coded and entered into EPI Info 7 and the analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were done. Statistical significance was declared with P < 0.05.Result:The utilization of LARCs was 37.8% (95% CI: 32.9-42.7). The multivariable analysis showed that odds of the utilization of LARCs were increased among reproductive-aged ≥25 years (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.41), gave birth to ≥3 live births (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.04), employed (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.14), earned high monthly income (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.26) and discussed contraceptive methods with their husbands (AOR = 2.87, CI: 1.68, 4.89].Conclusions:Utilization of LARCs was low. The odds of the utilization of LARCs were increased in women aged ≥25 years, gave birth to 3 or more children, earned high monthly income, and discussed with their husbands about contraception methods.

Biogas technology in fuelwood saving and carbon emission reduction in southern Ethiopia

Most rural communities in developing countries, rely heavily on traditional biomass for cooking and lighting. Furthermore, a large area of forest land has been changed to other land-use types like agricultural land is becoming a serious problem in Wondo Genet district. This situation largely contributed to deforestation and forest degradation. Hence, assessing the efficiency of adopting an alternative source of energy was found to be very important. This study was carried out to examine the role of biogas technology in fuelwood saving and carbon emission reduction in Wondo Genet district, southern Ethiopia. The multi-stage sampling procedure was followed to select sample households. A total of 152 households (54 adopters and 98 non-adopters) were involved in the household survey. Moreover, 25 test subjects were taken randomly from both adoption categories to conduct Kitchen Performance Test. Descriptive statistics and independent-sample t-test were used to analyze the data. Results showed that the major fuel sources for domestic use were plantation forest, natural forest, crop residue, and animal dung, accounting 46.71 %, 30.92 %, 15.13 %, and 7.24 %, respectively. Among the 54 sampled biogas plants, 32 (59.26 %) were a digester size of 6 m3 whereas the remaining 22 (40.74 %) were of 8 m3. The annual fuelwood saving potential of the technology was found to be 1423.06 kg with an emission reduction potential of 2.1 tons of CO2 e per biogas plant annually. Accordingly, all functional biogas plants were estimated to reduce about 91.63 tons of carbon emission annually. Generally, the biogas was found to be a promising technology in combating the pressure on forest resources and mitigating climate change. Therefore, the energy sector of the country should encourage households to adopt biogas plants that have more than 8 m3 digester size to improve the fuelwood and carbon emission reduction potential.

Profitability Analysis of Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon winterianus) Cultivation for Herbal Production: The Case of Wondo Genet District, Southern Ethiopia

Aromatic plants are plants that possess aromatic compounds, most of which are essential oils which are volatile at room temperature. They can be used as raw materials for extraction of essential oils which, in turn, are used in the flavor and fragrance industries, as well as the sources of spices, herbs, and other natural products such as traditional medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, botanical pesticides, insect repellents, herbal teas/drinks, etc. Aiming to this, Wondo genet agricultural research center (one of the centers of Ethiopian institute of agricultural research)is responsible in doing research, promoting and coordinating aromatic, medicinal and bio energy plants at national level including other research activities on soil and water, livestock, forestry, and other food crops. In Ethiopia; other than the traditional aspect, the scientific aspect of aromatic and medicinal plants is not well known and little has been done on their economic contribution to households. Therefore Wondo genet agricultural research center has been done cost-benefit analysis for a selected aromatic grass namely Cymbopogon winterianus at wondo genet experimental site. The selected plant was planted based on its recommended spacing at wondo genet experimental site and the required data was collected. For the analysis net return to land (birr/ha) was used as a parameter. The analysis shows that, the selected aromatic grass provides the net return of which is 80417.32 birr/ha at fresh bio mass price of 1 birr. The NPV and BCR for Nardos grass was found to be: 76,858.5 and 2.3 respectively. Keywords : BCR, Benefit, Citronella grass/ Cymbopogon winterianus, Cost and NPV DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-8-05 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

Intimate partner violence and maternal depression during pregnancy: A community-based cross-sectional study in Ethiopia.

IntroductionIntimate partner violence (IPV) is regarded an important public health and human rights issue, characterized by physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Globally more than one in three women report physical or sexual violence by their intimate partners. Though the association between IPV and depression is known, we found no study investigating depression as a risk factor for IPV and very few studies using standard tools in assessing both IPV and depression among pregnant women.AimTo measure the prevalence of IPV and depression during pregnancy and assess the association between IPV and depression and other determinants.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 589 pregnant women living in Wondo-Genet district, southern Ethiopia. IPV experience was assessed using a structured questionnaire of the World Health Organization (WHO), and maternal depression was measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Descriptive statistics were computed and multivariable logistic regression was carried out to estimate risk and adjust for confounders.ResultsThe overall prevalence of IPV was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 18.1–24.7). After adjusting for potential confounders, increased risk of IPV remained among rural women (adjusted odds ratio[AOR] = 2.09; 95%CI = 1.06–4.09), women who had parental exposure to IPV (AOR = 14.00; 95%CI = 6.43–30.48), women whose pregnancy was not desired (AOR = 9.64; 95%CI = 3.44–27.03), women whose husbands used alcohol (AOR = 17.08; 95%CI = 3.83–76.19), women with depression (AOR = 4.71; 95%CI = 1.37–16.18) and women with low social support (AOR = 13.93; 95%CI = 6.98–27.77). The prevalence of antenatal depressive symptom (with EPDS score above 13) was 6.8% (95% CI 6.2–11.3). Increased risk of depression was found among women who had been exposed to IPV (AOR = 17.60; 95%CI = 6.18–50.10) and whose husbands use alcohol (AOR = 3.31; 95%CI = 1.33–8.24).ConclusionOne in five pregnant women experienced IPV and it was strongly associated with depression. Screening for IPV and depression at antenatal visits with referral to relevant care and service is recommended.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and its association with anemia among pregnant women in Wondo Genet district, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies reported contradicting findings about the association between intestinal parasitosis and maternal anemia. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and its association with anemia among pregnant women in Wondo Genet district, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsThis facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in June and July 2018. Pregnant women (n = 352) were randomly drawn from five health centers using antenatal care follow-up lists. Trained data collectors administered the questionnaire. Capillary blood was collected and analyzed for hemoglobin using the HemoCue method. Stool sample was collected following standard procedure and analyzed for the presence and types of intestinal parasites using direct microscopy with Formalin-ether concentration technique. Association between intestinal parasitosis and anemia was measured using multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. The outputs are presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 38.7% (95% CI: 33.6–43.8%). One-tenth (9.7%) of the pregnant women were infected with polyparasites. Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant infection encountered in 24.9% of the women. The other infections identified were: hookworms (11.2%), Giardia lamblia (5.4%), Entamoeba histolytica (3.4%), Trichuris trichiura (2.9%) and Schistosoma mansoni (2.3%). The mean (± standard deviation) hemoglobin concentration was 12.3 (±1.9) g/dl and 31.5% (95% CI: 26.6–36.4%) women were anemic (hemoglobin < 11 g/dl). The prevalence of anemia among women infected with intestinal parasite (55.6%) was substantially higher than the prevalence in their counterparts (16.4%) (p < 0.001). In a multivariable model adjusted for multiple potential confounders including socio-economic status indicators, the odds of anemia were six times increased (AOR = 6.14, 95% CI: 2.04–18.45) among those affected by at least one intestinal parasite.ConclusionStrengthening the existing water, sanitation and hygiene programs and routine deworming of pregnant mothers may help to reduce the burden of both intestinal parasitic infection and anemia in pregnant women.

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Protein Energy Malnutrition among Children Aged 6-59 Months in Wondogenet District, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Failure to provide sufficient nutrients during rapid rates of growth results in malnutrition, which is complex in its etiology and increasing in its manifestations. Ethiopia is one of the developing countries where malnutrition and communicable diseases represent the major health problems, and children are the more vulnerable group than others. Objectives: To assess magnitude of protein energy malnutrition and associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Wondogenet district, southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was employed on 422 mother-child pairs of 6-59 months old children in April 2017 using both quantitative and qualitative methods. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurement were used to collect data. Logistic regression was fitted to identify associated factors, and Focused Group Discussion was used to substantiate the quantitative finding. Result: The analysis of this study revealed that, 45.5%, 38.7% and 15.7% of children were stunted, underweight and severely wasted respectively. The major predictors of stunting were weight at birth and food distributions in the households. Age of the children was independently associated with wasting and underweight. Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in the study area was very high. A child less than 2 years of age, a weight<2.5 kg at birth and deprived special attention during feeding children in the households were associated with increased odds of being malnourished. Thus, it is recommended that the parents and care givers should strive to improve the awareness on timely introduction of supplementary food with optimum nutritional value for children less than 2 years of age, and to pay special attention for children on meal time. Birth attendants should pay due attention on proper identification for birth weight and early diagnosis and on time management of neonatal illnesses related with low birth weight.

Can Women be empowered through savings and Credit Cooperatives? Evidence from Ethiopia

Although women constitute about half of the Ethiopian population, their socio-economic status remains very low. Women belong to the most deprived section of the society facing adverse conditions in terms of social oppression and economic inequality, a visible majority of them being poor. Hence, due to these facts the government of Ethiopia has been implemented policies and programmes to address women’s strategic gender needs through improving their access to resources and their decision making power. In addition the government also considered cooperatives as the social organizations to tackle the women issues. However, how for these social organizations performing in empowering the rural women is not known due to dearth of studies. Considering this scenario, this research investigates women empowerment through saving and credit cooperatives in terms of socio-economic benefits, decision making and so on. The methodology of this research paper is an integration of qualitative and quantitative in nature based on data collected from 9 saving and credit cooperatives in wondo genet district by employing purposive sampling technique. The collected data was complied and analyzed by using descriptive statistics, such as mean, percentages, Wilcoxon signed rank test, Chi-square test. In addition, Ordered Logistic Regression analysis was carried out to find the factors influencing women empowerment. The results are presented in the form of tables and graphs along with interpretations. The findings indicate that, women in the study area gained different socio-economic benefits after joining saving and credit cooperatives. In aggregate terms, there is an improvement and significant change of women status in all selected empowerment dimensions. Moreover, the results of Ordered Logistic Regression analysis shows that Awareness on Cooperative Principles and values, Members’ Participation in their cooperatives affairs, Loan Size provided by the cooperatives, Work load in the household, Loan repayment period, lack of access to information are found to be significantly influence the women empowerment. Many constraints are faced by the women in the study area which are to be addressed by giving proper attention while strategy and policy preparation aimed to implement for women empowerment.

Nutritional Status and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Wondo Genet District, Southern Ethiopia

Nutritional Status and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Wondo Genet District, Southern Ethiopia

Factors Associated with Dietary Practices and Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women in Wondo Genet District, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Factors Associated with Dietary Practices and Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women in Wondo Genet District, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Case Study in Wondo Genet District, Southern Ethiopia

The purpose of this research was to identify the type of human- wildlife conflicts and wild mammals that cause the conflict, determine the extent of damage and to provide a better understanding of the causes of human-wildlife conflict in Wondo Genet district. The study was carried out from December 2013 to June 2013. Four sample areas were selected to collect data on human-wildlife conflict; Gotu, Wosha Soyoma and Wethera Kechema villages and Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources. Data were collected using questionnaires, one to one interviews, observations and cross checking of crop loss using quadrants in selected crop lands, reviewing of literature, and was later analyzed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the target population comprised the households living in sampled areas, local administrators and staffs who lived within Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources. The study established that crop damages, livestock killing, human disruption and property destruction were some of the mostly reported damages. The results of the study further indicated that animal species most involved in HWC were warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), bush pig (Potamochoerus larvatus), vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), Olive baboon (Papio anubis), porcupine (Hystrix cristata), Giant mole rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus) and African civet (Civettictis civetta). They were involved mostly in crop raiding/ damage. Most raided crops were maize (Zea mays), sugar cane (Saccharum africanum) and Enset (Ensete ventricosum). Over 75% of the population of Wondo Genet district was affected by crop raiders. Therefore, conservation education is paramount, coherent land use plans should be emphasized to determine where certain crops can be grown.

English

&nbsp; This study was conducted in WondoGenet district, Southern Ethiopia to assess the water quality of rural water supply schemes in relation to the sustainability of their service delivery. 28 functional water points were selected randomly, for their assessments. The assessments included sanitary surveillance of water points and water quality analyses. Water samples were analyzed for pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity, total hardness, fecal and total coliform bacteria, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, manganese, and iron. The results obtained show that most of the &#39;user perceived&#39; acceptable drinking water quality parameters were within the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water quality, based on aesthetic and taste considerations. Only one dug-well had marginally higher level of total hardness (that is, 220 mg/l of&nbsp;CaCO3), while four water points had higher turbidity ranging from 8.3 to 64 NTU when compared with the WHO guidelines. In all the sampled water points, the level of iron (&lt;0.009 to 1.25 mg/l), manganese (0.10 to 1.50 mg/l), chloride (0.80 to 62.5 mg/l), and nitrate (0.90 to 12.7 mg/l) were within the WHO guidelines. Fluoride was also found to be below the WHO health based limit (&lt;1.5 mg/l). However, majority (85.7%) of the water points had detectable levels of total coliform bacteria (1 to 68 cfu). On the other hand, it was only in 25% of the water points that fecal coliform bacteria were detected (1 to 10 cfu). This shows that the bacteriological water quality is of concern as majority of the water points had detectable levels of coliform bacteria. Therefore, regular chlorination of water points, particularly dug wells, should continue. Besides, disinfection of water at the household level can be an added advantage. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Ethiopia, quality, rural, supply, sustainability, water

Assessing water quality of rural water supply schemes as a measure of service delivery sustainability: A case study of WondoGenet district, Southern Ethiopia

Assessing water quality of rural water supply schemes as a measure of service delivery sustainability: A case study of WondoGenet district, Southern Ethiopia