Optimizing catfish marketing in forest communities of Ido municipality: The impact of seasonality, storage and pricing on performance

The challenges encountered by catfish marketers due to the seasonality of catfish production in most rural areas have masterminded difficulty in the free distribution of product to consumers, which invariably hampers their income. Therefore, the study examined catfish marketing in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select sampled respondents. First, 5 wards were selected purposefully out of 10 wards in the study area. Next, a total of 10 markets were randomly selected evenly from each ward. Finally, 120 marketers were selected from each of the sampled markets. A questionnaire was adopted for datacollection on the demographic characteristics of respondents, marketing channels available, gross margin estimation of catfish marketing, factors influencing of catfish marketing, and constraints on catfish marketing. Data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages, meanscores, gross margin, linear regression, and benefit-cost ratio (BCR). Key findings indicate that 74% of respondents earn between ₦200,000 and ₦400,000 ($476 -$952) monthly, with a gross margin of 64.4%, meaning marketers retain $0.644 for every dollar of revenue. The analysis showed that 58% of variations in catfish marketing could be explained by the identified influencing factors. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was found to be 1.41:1, indicating a positive return on investment, with marketers retaining approximately ₦1,453,056 from their activities. However, constraints such as seasonality, high transportation costs, and inadequate cold storage facilities were significant hurdles. Therefore, establishment of commodity markets in rural areas to enhance connections between fish farmers and buyers, promoting partnerships among stakeholders, and providing training on product quality and storage were recommended. These measures aim to improve the efficiency and profitability of catfish marketing

Socioeconomic determinants of child Schooling in selected slums in Lagos State, Nigeria

Access to education is a critical factor for human capital development and overall economic development. Yet, many peculiar challenges inhibit school attendance in slums across the world, particularly developing countries. Therefore, this study examines the socio-economic determinants of child schooling in some slums in Lagos State. Data were collected through faceto-face interviews with 400 Households. Descriptive analysis was used to explain the distribution of respondents across various demographic and socioeconomic characteristics; while logistic regression was used to estimate the empirical relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables. The study found that the age of the respondent, household size, years of formal education, and income significantly influenced child schooling. The study also revealed that respondents were willing to allow their male and female children to pursue tertiary education, indicating no bias or discrimination against female children. The findings have important implications for policy and practice, emphasizing the need to encourage older parents not to desist from enrolling children in their care in school. Also, educational infrastructure gaps in the slum should be addressed and parents should be encouraged to utilize free education opportunities offered by nearby government schools

Assessment of the current status of and characterization mango anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) isolates in Wolaita zone, south Ethiopia

Mango anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) poses a significant threat to small-scale mango producers in the Wolaita zone of southern Ethiopia. This study investigated the disease's incidence and severity, along with characterizing the pathogen and its impact on mango production in the area. Disease incidence was determined by examining eight randomly selected mango plants per farm field, while severity was assessed by measuring the percentage of leaf/fruit area infected on eight randomly selected plants. Laboratory analysis focused on characterizing C. gloeosporioides isolates collected from infected plant material. Conidial morphology was examined by measuring the length and width of 20 conidia per isolate. Cultural characteristics, including colony growth, color, form, and diameter, were also documented for each isolate grown on potato dextrose agar. Results revealed a high incidence of mango anthracnose in the surveyed orchards, ranging from 60.5% to 84.0% on leaves and 70.8% to 79.0% on fruits. Disease severity also varied significantly between locations, with leaf severity ranging from 39.75% to 76.75% and fruit severity ranging from 40.25% to 57.15%. Morphological analysis of C. gloeosporioides isolates revealed an average conidial length of 10.65 μm and width of 4.46 μm. Colony morphology on potato dextrose agar exhibited variability, with an average diameter of 34.47 mm and the lowest mycelial growth of 18.18 mm. The study highlights the significant threat of mango anthracnose to mango production in the Wolaita zone. The observed variability in disease severity and pathogen characteristics underscores the need for location-specific disease management strategies. Future research should focus on developing effective and affordable control measures for mango anthracnose in the Wolaita zone, considering the observed variability in disease severity and pathogen characteristics

The role of strategic innovation in achieving sustainable competitive advantage in Ethiopian hotels: mediating effects of human capital

In the context of Ethiopian hotels, this study investigates the effect of strategic innovation on sustainable competitive advantage, with the mediating role of human capital. The investigators employed both primary and secondary data along with a quantitative research approach. Both descriptive and explanatory research designs were used to examine causal association among the variables. The target population of the present investigation comprised hotels. Non-probability sampling, particularly convenience sampling, was employed. Structural equation modeling, along with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, was employed to analyze data. The finding of the study indicated that understanding how these factors interact is essential for enhancing operational effectiveness as well as sustainability as the tourism industry is expanding. With a direct effect of 0.309 and an indirect effect mediated by human capital of 0.230, the results revealed strategic innovation has a significant impact on sustained competitive advantage, with a total effect of 0.540. This suggests that hotels that implement cutting-edge procedures not only set themselves out in a crowded market but also enhance the abilities and involvement of their staff members. Moreover, human capital partially mediates the association between strategic innovation and sustainable competitive advantage. The study highlights how vital it is to fund staff training and development to promote a sustainable culture, which in turn boosts customer happiness and effectiveness of operation. To achieve long-term sustainability as well as competitiveness, hotels should prioritize strategic innovation and human capital development

The impact of parenting styles and gender on prosocial tendencies among senior secondary students in Ethiopia

Despite their educational tasks, students need to develop a sense of moral and social responsibility and demonstrate these obligations in society by engaging in positive behaviors. As a form of positive behavior, prosocial behavior is a healthy way to connect adolescents to their community; however, few previous studies in the Ethiopian context have explored its links to parenting styles and gender compared to antisocial behavior. This research intended to identify the level of prosocial tendencies, the contribution of parenting styles, and students‘ gender in influencing their prosociality. Three hundred and fifty-three senior secondary school students have completed the Prosocial Tendencies Measure and the Parenting Style Scale. In order to analyze the obtained data, researchers used means, standard deviations, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson‘s moment-product correlation coefficient, and t-tests, including independent and one-sample. The results revealed that the status/level of prosocial tendencies was above average, indicating non significant variation by gender. A significant positive relationship resulted between prosocial tendencies and parenting styles. The authoritative and permissive parenting styles showed a statistically significant difference in prosocial behavior among the participants. Gender didn‘t affect prosocial tendencies, while authoritative and permissive parenting styles positively contributed to students‘ prosocial functioning. The results suggest that these two parenting styles are crucial in promoting adolescents‘ prosocial behavior, which requires schools to integrate programs that promote prosocial values and educate parents on effective parenting styles

Effects of digital marketing service components on banks performance with mediating role of customer intention the case of selected Commercial Banks in Moyale and Yabello Town, Ethiopia

Despite the increasing competition for digital marketing services in the banking sector, many banks continue to struggle with inefficiencies and a lack of adoption of modern technologies. Research on the impact of integrated digital marketing services on Ethiopian banks' performance is still lacking. Thus, the objective of the study was to gain better knowledge of how the key components of digital marketing services impact bank performance, particularly in Ethiopia's banking sector. Responses were gathered by selecting 400 employees and customers of specific commercial banks in Borena, southern Ethiopia, and asking them to fill out both closed ended and open-ended questionnaires. A pragmatic research philosophy, a mixed-methods technique, a cross-sectional survey conducted at a specific moment in time, and sequential explanatory designs were all employed to achieve the study's objectives. The data was analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM) with AMOS and SPSS version 26. Demographic variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings showed that internet banking, mobile banking, point-of-sale machines, and automated teller machines all significantly contribute to operational efficiency and customer engagement, which in turn fosters improved financial outcomes for banks. Moreover, a digital marketing service has a substantial and meaningful impact on both bank performance and customer intention. In order to improve bank performance, this study suggested that digital marketing services be taken into account when providing banking services. Additionally, rather than focusing on banks, it was suggested that future researchers look at how digital marketing affects other service organizations. In the banking sector, this study adds to the body of knowledge by concentrating on the mediating function of client intentions in the relationship between digital marketing and bank performance

Introduction of the Kifilideen’s Extermination and Determinant of Matrix (KEDM) Method for Resolving Multivariable Linear Systems with Two, Three and Four Unknowns

The Gaussian extermination technique poses significant challenges when applied to systems of linear equations with three or four unknowns, as it involves multiple steps and requires a high number of arithmetic operations, making the method less efficient and more complex to implement and understand. Furthermore, the Jacobian and Gauss-Seidel methods produce approximate solutions that may not accurately represent the true solution. Additionally, LU decomposition method can introduce round – off errors, leading to inaccurate solutions. The graphical method is also impractical for systems with more than two unknowns, as visualization and interpretation become increasingly difficult. Cramer’s rule, used for resolving large systems of linear equations, is computationally complex and inefficient due to complexity of determinant calculations. Therefore, a simpler and more efficient technique is needed for resolving linear systems of simultaneous equations with two, three, and four unknowns. This study introduces Kifilideen’s Extermination and Determinant of Matrix (KEDM) Method for resolving multivariable linear systems with two, three, and four unknowns. The KEDM method employs a progressive extermination technique to narrow down the number of unknowns of a system of simultaneous equations using a determinant of matrix layout. This method was developed to efficiently determine the solution of linear systems of simultaneous equations. The KEDM method was tested on linear systems of simultaneous equations with two, three and four unknowns to evaluate its effectiveness and simplicity. The results show that the KEDM method involves only 2 × 2 determinant of matrix calculations, making it simpler, easier, more intuitive, less computationally expensive and more efficient to implement and understand.&nbsp

Perceived beneficial impact of community trees on residents’ physical health condition and mental wellbeing in Oluyole Forest Environment, Nigeria

Many studies had investigated the utilization of various parts of forest trees for medicinal treatment of health challenges, but notwithstanding, there is a rise in physical and mental instability among many people, especially nasal congestion, respiratory diseases, and central nervous system disorders. Hence, this study assessed the perceived beneficial impact of community trees on residents’ physical and mental well-being in the selected study area. A three-stage procedure was employed for sampling of the study, with the 1st stage being a purposive selection of 4 wards selected from 10 wards in Oluyole Municipality because the 4 wards possessed a greater population of rural dwellers than the remaining 6 wards. The 2nd stage was systematic selection of houses from each ward, and the 3rd stage was a random selection of 2 household heads from selected houses with a final sample size of 82 respondents. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain data for the study. Data was analyzed with frequencies, percentages, chi square, PPMC and linear regression. The majority of household heads were mostly male (72.0%), of active age (67.6%), had tertiary education (61.0%), were indigenous (64.6%), and about 46.3% practiced farming as their major occupation. Different tree species were identified, with most residents having benefited and agreeing to their impact on their health. The ethnicity (χ²=5.109) and land acquisition (χ²=8.064) had significant association with the perceived impact of trees on residents’ health at α=0.05. In addition, age and marital status were extant factors that influenced the dependent variable. Policy instruments of government through incentives to residents’ participation in conservation practices and clogging sharp practices of government officials would suffice for optimal benefits of community trees

Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers in Asagirt District of North Shewa, Ethiopia

Potato is a vital crop in Ethiopia’s middle- and high-altitude regions, particularly in the North Shewa highlands, where it is the primary Belg (short rainy season) crop after barley. However, production is hindered by low soil fertility, erosion, nutrient depletion, poor crop management, and suboptimal fertilizer application. An on-farm experiment was carried out to evaluate potato performance under various levels of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer in the 2020 and 2021 Belg planting seasons on four farm fields in Asagirt District, North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. A factorial experiment comprising four amounts of N (23, 46, 69, and 92 kg N ha -1) and three amounts of P (23, 46, and 69 kg P2O5 ha -1), along with a control treatment (0, 0) N and P2O5, was carried out via a randomized complete block design (RCBD) involving three replicates. Tuber yield, growth, and soil data were measured and subsequently analyzed using Statistical Analysis System software. The results revealed a substantial (p<0.001) effect of N fertilizer on key tuber yield and growth parameters. In contrast, P rates and their interaction with N did not affect most parameters. The highest marketable tuber production of 25.50 tons ha-1 was attained from a nitrogen rate of 92 kg N ha-1. For phosphorus, the highest yield (22.71 tons ha-1) was achieved with 69 kg P2O5 ha-1, whereas the no input treatment yielded the lowest (18.68 tons ha-1). According to the economic analysis, the greatest marketable yield (26.52 t ha-1) and the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.67) were achieved with an application of 92 kg N ha-1 and 46 kg P2O5 ha-1. Therefore, this fertilizer combination is recommended as the optimal rate for potato production in Asagirt and similar agroecology during the Belg season until further N and P rates are determined through multilocation studies

Genetic variability for yield and yield related traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars evaluated at Taba and Gurumo-Koysha, Wolaita, Ethiopia

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a potential crop in the Wolaita Zone in Southern Ethiopia for both domestic use and export. However, the unavailability of suitable chickpea cultivars that fit the Wolaita area is a major constraint for production. Therefore, field experiments were conducted to evaluate the yield and yield-related traits of 12 chickpea cultivars (Dz-02-54, Dz- 02-53, Hora, Kasech, Ejeri, Acose-dubie, Teji, Shasho, Dhera, Minjar, Dalota and Habru). The results revealed that days to emergence, days to 50% flowering, days to 90% maturity, and harvest index were found to have significant differences (p<0.05) among the cultivars during the analysis of variance for individual locations and combined across locations. Cultivar × location interaction effect was significant for 23.08% of the evaluated traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) values ranged from 4.30 (number of seeds per plant) to 41.68 (grain yield)whereas the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) values ranged from 2.53 (thousand seed weight) to 22.68 (number of seed per plant). The cultivar Hora demonstrated the highest performance, achieving a maximum grain yield of 11.68 q/ha. It was closely followed by Ejeri (11.34 q/ha) and Kasech (11.08 q/ha). These cultivars show potential for cultivation in Taba and Gurumo-Koysha, Wolaita, Ethiopia and may serve as valuable resources for future chickpea enhancement efforts