Low dietary diversity and intake of animal source foods among school aged children in Libo Kemkem and Fogera districts, Ethiopia

Background A low dietary diversity score (DDS) and low consumption of food from animal sources (ASF) are among the factors related to malnutrition in school-aged children living in Libo Kemkem and Fogera (Ethiopia). Objectives This study aimed to identify associated determinants for low dietary diversity and lack of consumption of ASF. Methods In 2009, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in May, at the end of the lean season. Socio-demographic characteristics and diet habits were collected from 886 school-aged children. Additionally, 516 children from rural sites were followed up in the post-harvest season, in December of the same year. Bivariate and multivariable statistical methods were employed to assess low DDS and ASF intake and their association with different factors. Results Up to 80% and 60% of school-aged children living in rural and urban sites, respectively, ate ≤ 3 food groups the day before the survey. The percentage of children consuming ASF was significantly higher in urban settings (64% vs 18%). In the rural areas, if the head of the household was male (OR: 1.91; 95%CI: 1.00-3.65) and older than 40 years (OR: 1.56; 95%CI: 1.02-2.38) the child had a lower DDS in the lean season, while differences by socioeconomic indexes were observed in the post-harvest season. Males took more ASF than females in rural settings (OR: 1.73; 95%CI: 1.14-2.62) and differences by socioeconomic indexes were observed in both settings in the lean season, though not in post-harvest survey. Conclusions The findings of this study revealed that the diet among school-aged children in Libo Kemkem and Fogera districts lacked diversity, and that the intake of foods from animal sources was low, especially among rural girls. To effectively tackle malnutrition, dietary diversification strategies oriented to the local needs are recommended.JRC.H.4-Monitoring Agricultural Resource

Food Security Status and Its Determinant Factors in Central Ethiopia: Empirical Evidence from Walmara District

The study was conducted with the objective of assessing factors associated with farm households’ food security status using primary data collected from 220 sample households from Walmara district, central Ethiopia. The multistage sampling technique was the sampling procedure followed to take the required sample. Descriptive and econometric data analyses were executed. The descriptive result revealed that sex of the head, access to credit services, access to extension contact, educational level of the household head, livestock holding, and land owned were positively related, while the occurrence of crop pests, age of the household head, dependency ratio, family size, market distance, and irrigation distance negatively related to household food security status. Logistic regression was the model used, and the result revealed that sex of the household head, livestock holding, land owned, access to extension contacts, access to irrigation services, and access to credit services showed a positive association, while the family size and dependency ratio negatively and significantly associated with household foods security status. Therefore, policies and strategies focusing on the provision of gender-based training, establishing irrigation facilities, promoting mixed farming of crop and livestock, and availing institutional facilities that providing financial and technical services to farm households are recommended as they contribute more in improving the food security status of farm households. Keywords: Food security, Calorie, logistic regression, Walmara DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/108-03 Publication date:May 31st 2021

Analysis of the Technical, Allocative, and Economic Efficiencies of Tef Producers in Ejersa Lafo District, Central Oromia, Ethiopia

Tef is the most important food and cash crop for more than 70 million people. It is the second-largest crop in terms acreage, but its average productivity is lower compared to other that may arise from different factors. Therefore, this research was intended to assess technical, allocative and economic efficiency of tef producers, and factors affecting technical inefficiency of tef producers using primary data collected from 472 tef producers from Ejersa Lafo district, Oromia, Ethiopia. The result of the stochastic frontier model and Cobb-Douglas production function revealed that the mean technical, allocative, and economic efficiency scores were 80.85%, 88.91% and 71.89% respectively. The result also revealed that all the included production variable; land, labor, fertilizer, chemicals, seed, and size of the plot allotted for tef significantly affected yield per hectare. Moreover, sex, education, experience in tef production, age of the head, distance from farmers’ training center and dependence ratio were the variable significantly affected technical inefficiency of teff producers. The conclusion from these results is that there is a room for farmers to reallocate their resources and achieve higher tef yield per hectare by 19.15%, and minimize their cost of tef production per hectare by 28.11%. Keywords: Allocative efficiency, Economic efficiency, Stochastic frontier, Technical efficiency, Tef, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/12-13-02 Publication date:July 31st 202

Evaluation of Maize-Intercropped with Forage Legumes Under Different Planting Patterns on Yield and Yield Components of Maize and Fodder in West Hararghe, Oromia

Intercropping is the main activity of the farmers in Hararghe Zones mainly due to land shortage. The study was conducted at Mechara Agriculture Research Center on station, in Daro Labu and Habro District at Farmers Training Center (FTC), West Hararghe Zone of Oromia for two consecutive years (2015/16 to 2016/17. The objectives to evaluate the influence of cropping patterns in intercropping forage legumes with maize on maize and legumes yield and yield components and to determine the appropriate cropping patterns in maize- forage legumes intercropping. The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments was sole maize (Melkasa-4), sole Dolichus lablab, sole Vetch, intercrop by pattern of  Dolichus lablab  at spacing 37.5cm between maize, Dolichus lablab intercrop at 25 cm spacing b/n maize, Vetch intercrop at 37.5 cm spacing b/n maize and  Vetch intercrop at 25 cm spacing b/n maize. The highest mean value of maize seed  yield (40.57qt ha-1) was obtained from sole maize at Mecahara on station while the lowest seed  yield was recorded from double rows Vetch intercropped with maize a tBareda farmer training center (17.4qnt ha-1) and average values of maize seed  yield (28.86qtha-1) was obtained from maize-forage legumes intercropping in different planting patterns. The study result revealed that maize-forage legumes intercropping did not affect maize seed yield but maize seed yield decreases with double rows intercropping with legumes followed by single row. Therefore, it recommended that maize Dolichus lablab intercropping in single row was favorer for West Hararghe area and other similar agro ecologies. Keywords: -Biomass, Forage, Seed  yield, Intercropping, Legume

The Political Economy of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Ethiopia: Review Article

This paper is aimed to review the political economy of deforestation and forest degradation in Ethiopia. Deforestation and forest degradation is a serious problem of the country and it results several socioeconomic and biophysical problems. It affects the capacity of forests to provide ecosystem services; it causes the disappearance of species, declines in carbon stock, shortage of fuel wood, soil erosion and subsequently it has affected agricultural productivity and food security in the country. There are multiple interacting factors of deforestation and forest degradation. They can be direct or indirect causes. The major direct causes are: agricultural expansion, illegal extraction and collection of forest products, investment and resettlement programs and forest fire. The major indirect causes are: population growth, poverty, unstable and inefficient tenure security, limited institutional setup and capacity. The problems are highly associated with the previous and the current political economy of the country. It has been experienced three distinctive socio-political-economic systems. Such as: the Feudal/Imperial regime (pre-1974), the Socialist/Dergue regime (1974-1991) and the Federal government (since 1991). Even if they have their own unique political and economic ideologies, they have failed in implementation because; they have paid less attention to the local or majority people. In addition, the changes from one regime to the other were destructive to the previous system. For instance, land tenure system was changed from absolute private property rights to the communal. In combination, these political-economic approaches have adversely impacts on natural resources, especially the forest resources of the country. To insure sustainable natural resources management and utilization in the country: it must be understand both the biophysical and socio-economic characteristics of the area, any interventions should be in an integrated, flexible, multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approaches, both scientific and indigenous knowledge should be equally paid attention, strengthening awareness creation, capacity building, real community participation and equitable benefit sharing is also required attention. Finally, any developmental activities should be evaluated in terms of an environmental soundness, economically viable and social acceptable. Keywords: Ethiopia, Deforestation, Forest Degradation and Political-Economy

Soil Nutrient Status and Farmers’ Perception on Soil Fertility in Ethiopia: Review

Most of the essential elements in some parts Ethiopia especially the central high lands are found in deficient quantities in the mineral soils. The review deals with the assessment of macronutrients i.e., C, N, K, Ca, Mg, P, S and micronutrients i.e., Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn and framers’ perception of soil fertility status. Deficiencies of macro and micronutrients have emerged as a new problem to crop productivity in Ethiopia. Particularly, deficiencies of N, P and S are widespread in different parts of the country. In some of the studies B and Mo deficiency were also reported. This review indicated that Farmer's knowledge of soil fertility status was based on observable plant and soil related characteristics namely; soil color, soil texture, crop productivity, soil water holding capacity and difficulty to work. Therefore, it is import to recognize farmer’s knowledge and perception about condition of soil fertility status to design more appropriate research and to facilitate clear communication with farmers. Keywords: soil fertility, farmers’ perceptions, fertility status DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-5-03 Publication date:March 31st 202

Impact of Small-Scale Irrigation on Household Food Security in Central Highlands of Ethiopia: Evidences from Walmara District

Small-scale irrigation is among the feasible way in which agricultural production and productivity can be boosted to meet the ever-growing food demand of least developed countries like Ethiopia. But, unlike the potential, the level of utilization is very low. This study was conducted to assess the impact of small-scale irrigation on household food security using the primary data collected from 220 sample households from Walmara district, Finfinnee surrounding Oromia special zone. Descriptive and econometric data analyses were executed. Logistic regression was the model used and propensity score matching (PSM) was the method used to measure the impact of irrigation use on household food security. Using the result of PSM, 118 irrigation non-irrigators were matched with 83 irrigators by discarding 19 observations that are out of the common support. Then, the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) was estimated and the result was 529kcal. Finally, the sensitivity analysis was done and the result showed that the estimated ATT was insensitive to unobserved bias up to 200%. This means family members of irrigation user households on average consume more calories of 529 kcal than irrigation non-users per day and this result is statistically significant. Therefore, agricultural policy interventions giving priority to small-scale irrigation facilities are recommended for their contributions in improving household food security in the study area. Keywords: Impact, Small-scale irrigation, Food security, Calorie, Walmara, PSM DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-3-04 Publication date: February 28th 202

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Actions in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

This paper evaluates the climate change impacts and adaptation actions in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. The impact of climate change is the common phenomenon of the worldwide even though its vulnerability varies in place and time. Thus, Ethiopia has been considered as one of the countries highly susceptible to climate change. Because of the country’s economy heavily depends on traditional rain-fed agriculture within a fragile highland ecosystem, which has been threatened by population pressure and land degradation. Among other regions in the country, the Central Rift Valley has been adversely affected by climate variability and change, which manifested in the frequency and intensity of flood and drought. In addition to these weather extreme events, human activities like land use change and over exploitation of natural resources are also an alarming problem in the area. For example, forest land was decreased by 66.3% whilst agricultural land expanded by 84%, and organic carbon losses were amounted to 60-75% during 1973 to 2006. On one side land degradation, deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, flooding, waste disposal and sediment loads are the main threats of the lakes. On the other hand, increasing in temperature and varying in rainfall pattern leads to evaporation, salinity and water shortage; these create higher competition in water use for irrigation projects, floriculture industry, soda abstraction, fish farming, domestic and livestock consumption, which could have an adverse impact on lake quality, level, and river discharges. The prevalence of invasive species, diseases and parasites are also among the significant issues in the area.Meantime, mitigation and adaptation are used as the fundamental global responsive strategies to address climate change. Hence, Ethiopia has identified different adaptation options in Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy. Watershed based land and water resources management; forest development, energy options, capacity building etc. are among the actions have been used. Beside to this, various potential adaptive activities, including traditional and their effects were examined in the central rift valley. Such as: by adjusting sowing time, applying improved agricultural technologies/inputs,  crop rotation, mixed farming system, Agroforestry, afforestation/reforestation, rehabilitation of degraded land, physical soil and water conservation measures, capacity building, enhancing income generation and employment opportunities were among the most actions used to combat climate change impacts in the area. However, the impacts of climate change on the biophysical and social-economic of the area were beyond to adaptation capacity. So that, the author recommended that climate change adaptation should be addressed through ensuring the local community needs and participation in integrated approaches like Integrated Watershed Management. It should be also addressed by focusing on highly vulnerable sectors (agriculture and water resources) through effective cropping system, conservational agriculture, effective water application and use, diversification of crop and livestock species, mixed farming system, access to extensional services, access to improved farm technologies and crop varieties, access to information about weather conditions. Generally, any adaptation actions should be enhanced food security and water availability, combating land degradation, reducing loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Keywords: Vulnerability, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Integrated Watershed Management, Community Participation, Food Securit

Integrated Nutrient Management for Enhancing and Sustaining Soil Fertility and Crop Productivity in Ethiopia

Agriculture remains the mainstay of Ethiopia’s economy. It contributes a large share of the national products growth. Despite the importance of this sector, soil fertility depletion and soil quality decline have been threatening the ecological and economic sustainability of crop production. In order to improve soil fertility, soil nutrient have been replenished through organic input, chemical application, or combination of both sources. The objective of this paper was to review effect of integrated nutrient management in improving soil fertility and productivity of major crops in Ethiopian context.   Soil fertility management practices such as animal manure, crop residues, crop rotation, mineral fertilizer, compost etc to cope with declining soil fertility, which differ among farmers and among locations. Therefore, the use of integrated soil fertility management strategy with inclusion and combination of chemical fertilizer, organic input and using improved crop varieties gives the better production and keeps the soil fertility status to a better level. The practice being under taken by the government, which is the use of fertilizers in blanket recommendation is not successful as a result of agro-climate, soil and the socio-economic condition of the farmer, resorting to sustainable integrated soil fertility management to get maximum yield without compromising the soil fertility status in the future, this is wise and needed to be followed. Keywords: Integrated nutrient management, Crop production, Soil fertility. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/11-21-02 Publication date: November 30th 202

Estimating Economic Efficiency Levels and Identifying Its Determinants for Milk Producers’ Households in North Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

This study aimed to estimate economic efficiency levels and identifying its determinants for milk producers’ households in North Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Three stages random sampling technique was used to select 400 sample farmers. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometrics model. The result of stochastic frontier model showed significant and positive elasticity of lactation cow, green forage and crop residue. The estimated mean values of technical, allocative and economic efficiency were 58%, 77.6% and 44.7% respectively. The yield gap due to technical inefficiency was 9.6 liter per cow per day. A two-limit Tobit model result shows that education, amount of concentrate feed used, grazing land, type of breed and frequency of extension contact contributed significantly and positively to technical efficiency. Moreover, total land, dairy farm experience, dairy membership and type of breed affect allocative efficiency significantly and positively while the amount of concentrate feed used had a significant and negative effect on allocative efficiency. Economic efficiency also affected significantly and positively by education level, total land, grazing land, type of breed and frequency of extension contact. To improve the efficiency level of farmers, due attention should be given to use concentrate feed , improving feed availability, adequate and proper management of grazing land, using of improved breed and dairy cooperatives. Keywords: Efficiency, Ethiopia, Milk, Stochastic Frontier, Two-limit Tobit DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-17-02 Publication date:October 31st 202