Do Households Diversify Energy Sources or Switch to New Sources in Ethiopia? A Case Study in Wolkite Town

This study analyses weather households diversify their energy sources or switch to new sources. The study utilized cross-sectional data gathered from a randomly selected sample of 260 households in Wolkite town. The study employed linear approximation almost ideal demand system (LAAIDS).The model was constrained to comply with neoclassical theoretical restrictions on demand, and was estimated using Iterative Seemingly Unrelated Regression (ISUR).We found that households did not completely switch to new energy sources as suggested by the energy ladder hypothesis. Instead, they diversified their energy consumption through a process of fuel stacking (energy mix). We also found that the demand for energy was expenditure elastic, with the estimates of cross-price elasticity of the demand for energy sources attesting to the existence of energy substitution and complementarity in the study area. Furthermore, we document that  prices of all energy sources (except kerosene), household total energy expenditure, sex (if male), age, years of education, family size, and residence type as main determinants of  expenditure share of energy sources. Given the negative health and environmental consequences associated with massive consumption of fuel-wood and charcoal, the study suggests that making modern energy source easily accessible, incorporating environmental costs attributable to consumption of fuel-wood and charcoal in the energy planning process, and imposing environmental tax equivalent to the costs to help enhance transition (switch) to modern energy sources as solution to improve the situation. Keywords: Almost Ideal Demand System, Household energy demand, Energy complementarity, Energy mix, Energy switch, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/JETP/9-1-0

U.S. Press Representation of the Southern Sudanese Civil War, 1983-2005

The study examines how the U.S. print news media discursively represented the civil war that raged from 1983-2005 between southern Sudan and the central government in the north over the tenures of three successive war-time Sudanese administrations. The study was situated within the broader theoretical umbrella of cultural studies. However, the theory of representation and postcolonial theory served as the principal theoretical frames for the study. Employing critical discourse analysis, with framing as a strategy, the study focused on five U.S. print news media outlets (three national newspapers and two national newsmagazines): The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report. News articles published on the subject in the selected print news media outlets over the entire stretch of the civil war were collected and analyzed. The analysis revealed that the narratives of the selected print news media discursively constructed an ethno/racial-religious frame as a colonizing frame in talking about the southern Sudanese civil war. With respect to the portrayal of the warring parties (southern forces and three war-time Sudanese administrations), a shift of narratives was observed over the entire civil war period. While the ethno/racial-religious discursive angle remained the same throughout the civil war period, the news narratives\u27 portrayal of the warring parties oscillated depending on the nature of Washington\u27s policy toward Khartoum\u27s regimes. It was argued that the news discourse of the civil war focused exclusively on the ethno/racial-religious dimension in explaining the locus of the southern Sudanese civil war, and in so doing, excluded the role of colonial legacy, which could have shared the same discursive terrain, as an important explanatory factor for the southern Sudanese predicament. This colonial legacy, among other things, encompasses the institution of the north-south divide, the emergence of a sectarian political structure, and the contribution of the Condominium in the Sudanese national identity crisis. The study outlines the implications of such representations and portrayals and articulates some of the loci of the U.S. news media\u27s analytical impoverishment with respect to reporting events on the African continent. Finally, the study makes some suggestions as to what the U.S. news media might do to improve the way they cover crises on the continent

The Role of Higher Diploma Program in Improving Trained Teachersa Classroom Teaching Methods: Focused on Selected CTE of Oromia

The purpose of this study is to identify the Role of Higher Diploma Program in Improving Trained Teachers Classroom Teaching Methods and to examine how Higher Diploma Program Training changes HDP Trained Teachers Classroom Teaching Methods so as to bring changes in college students learning The method employed in this study is descriptive one because it helps to reveal the current major implementation problems after the training of higher diploma Among 10 CTE in Oromia three colleges namely Nekemte Jimma and Asela were chosen using purposive sampling The reason for using purposive sampling technique in determining the sample were to examine the certain improvements and changes of HDP experienced beginners since they trained more teacher educators up to the present time The sample sizes are fifty- Seven students from each college making up a total of one hundred and seventy one students out of 5 700 and Sixteen HDP trained teachers from each college making up a total of 48 teachers out of 210 were included using probability sampling since the populations were relatively large Instruments used for data gathering were questionnaires composed of both open and close ended items were set and administered To cross-check the validation of information gathered the researcher used semi-structured interview questions beside with personal observation which was used to compare the opinion of respondents with relevant issues of pre-set questionnaires of students and teachers The major findings denote that HDP trained teachers were able to talk knowledgeably about the key components of the HDP active learning methods students centered learning continuous assessment lesson planning classroom management and time management The researcher recommends that there were an obligatory program of continuous Professional Development for CTE instructors to include annual workshops to remind them of the latest teaching method as well as lesson observations by a CP

Determinants of Rural Livelihood Strategies: The Case of Rural Kebeles of Dire Dawa Administration

This study investigates the push and pulls factors that influence rural households, choice of livelihood strategies. The data for this study are obtained from a survey of 200 households’ selected using multi stages random and purposive sampling technique from rural areas of Dire Dawa Administration in the year 2010. Multinomial logit regression was applied to identify the determinants of rural livelihood strategies followed by the rural household heads. Descriptive results addressed the economic status and livelihood strategies practiced by rural households.  Out of the total sample household heads about 39 % of the total household income was derived from agriculture only, 25% from a combination of agriculture and nonfarm, 17.5% from a combination of agriculture, non-farm and off-farm and 10.5% from a combination of agriculture and off-farm activities. The multinomial logit analysis revealed that family size, safety net, age of household head, sex and distance to the market were theoretically consistent and statistically significant effect to the likelihood choice of livelihood diversification, while livestock holding, farming system and dependence ratio, were partially contrary to the expectation. Livestock holding, family size, farming system, safety net, and dependency ratio were positively and significantly related at 1% to agriculture plus off-farm, at 5% to agriculture plus non-farm and at 1% to agriculture plus non-farm plus off-farm, at 1% to agriculture plus non-farm plus off-farm and at 5% off-farm plus non-farm, 1% to agriculture plus non-farm plus off-farm and at 5% probability level to off-farm and non-farm livelihood strategy respectively. In contrary, age of household head, sex, distance to the market, livestock holding, farming system and dependency ratio were negatively significant at 10% agriculture plus off-farm,10% to agriculture plus non-farm plus off-farm,1% to agriculture plus off-farm,1% agriculture plus non-farm plus off-farm, 5% to agriculture plus off-farm and 1% probability level to agriculture plus off-farm livelihood strategy respectively. The findings of the study suggest that efforts should focus on the promotion of options, substitution between assets and activities to diversify household specific agriculture-linked non-farm and off farm livelihood rather than focusing on the single agricultural productive farm by taking action to improve information, mobility and asset accumulation. Keywords: determinants, Dire Dawa, livelihood strategies, rura

Causes of Organ Condemnation and Estimated Financial Loss in Dromedary Camels Slaughtered at Akaki Abattoir, Ethiopia

An investigation was conducted to identify major camel organs condemned and its causes at Akaki slaughterhouse together with estimated direct financial losses associated with the condemnation from October 2013 to April 2014. A total of 305 camels were thoroughly investigated by conducting both ante mortem and post mortem examinations following a standard inspection procedure. Different factors and/or conditions contributed towards the condemnation of the camel organs.  The major factors observed during ante mortem examination of the camels for slaughter include emaciation (7.2%), branding (4.9%), lameness (1.6%) and localized wound (1.6%). However, all camels with these abnormalities were passed for slaughter under special precaution. Two major organs that showed gross abnormalities during Post mortem examination and rejected were liver (24.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.4 - 29.1%) and heart (2%; 95% CI: 0.4 - 3.5%). However, no other organ and carcass was rejected due to any other reasons. Liver condemnation was significantly associated with sex and age of the camels (p<0.05). The direct financial loss due to the two organs condemnation in the abattoir was estimated to be 399,060 Ethiopian birr (ETB) (US$20,485.63; 1US$ = 19.48 ETB) per annum. The liver and the heart condemnation rates of slaughtered camels lead to substantial financial losses but lower than that reported in other ruminants. Therefore, further detailed investigation needs to be conducted to understand specific etiological agents causing organ condemnation, estimate avoidable costs, and to create awareness among the producers, traders and policy makers so that proper control measures can be instituted to optimise the benefit obtained from the camel sector. Keywords: Camel, Organ condemnation, financial loss, Ethiopi

Characterization and Classification of Salt Affected Soils and Irrigation Water at Bule Hora District, West Guji Zone

The study of soil physico-chemical properties and irrigation suitability was made on the soils of Galesa Negeso small scale supplementary irrigation located in West Guji Zone, Oromia Region. The objective of the study was to characterize, classify the soils and irrigation Water then to determine the suitability for agriculture. The physico-chemical properties of the soils were also characterized in the laboratory through the analysis of soil samples collected on depth wise. The results of the study revealed that the soil texture, bulk density, porosity, field capacity, permanent wilting point, total available water and chemical properties of soil such as soil pH, Electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable catios and exchangeable sodium percentage in the soil profile of different land use systems such as Rainfeed field (Pedon1), irrigated field (Pedon2) and Fallow land (Pedon3). The highest average value of bulk density (1.36 g cm-3) was observed on the irrigated sugarcane field followed by 1.31 g cm-3 on the Rainfeed maize land and the lowest bulk density (1.20 g cm-3) was observed on the fallow land. The soil texture classes the same throughout the depth to sandy loam and sandy clay loam in the Pedon1 and Pedon2, respectively. The average value of total available water holding capacity of the Pedon1, 2 and 3 were 9.0, 11.9 and 7.9 %, respectively. The highest average value of pH (6.9) was observed on the Pedon3 followed by 6.43 on the Pedon1 whereas the lowest average value of pH (6.42) was observed on the Pedon2. The highest average values of exchangeable sodium percentage (14.43%) were observed in the Pedon1 followed by 10.34% in the Pedon2 and then followed by 7.23% in the Pedon3. In all of the land use systems the electrical conductivity & exchangeable sodium percentage of the soils was found to be less than 4dS/m & 15%, respectively, indicating that there would not be any actual and potential salinity & sodicity hazard in the soils of the study area. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) ranged from 11 in the irrigation water sampled from the Alfat River to 12 for Lake Habas water for the sampling at mid-rainy and mid-dry season. During the mid-rainy and mid-dry season, the EC of the different water sources varied from 151μmhos/cm to 165μmhos/cm for Alfat River and Lake Habas, respectively.The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), electrical conductivity (EC) and RSC value were 11, (151 μmhos/cm), 0.14meq/l for Alfat River water for the sampling at mid-rainy season, respectively. SAR, EC and RSC contents of the Alfat River and Lake Habas water fell under the same class, low salinity hazard class (C1), medium sodium hazard class (S2) and safe (class1), respectively which were used for irrigation purpose according to the classification set. Keywords: Salt affected soils, soil physicochemical properties; water qualit

The Impacts of Socio-Cultural Practices on Female Studentsa College Education in Oromia: The Case of Jimma College of Teachers Education

The general purpose of this study was to identify some socio-cultural factors that affect female students College education and then to indicate intercultural educational issues in line with young female students College education in Oromia by taking JCTE as the case study area The study was a mixed approach investigation which involves index of qualitative variation that measure the dispersion of quantitative way that are available at nominal level variable through triangulating with qualitative inquires The investigation of this qualitative approach was using purposive sampling through which case studies personal observation FGD and semi-structured interview was employed The information gathered was organized and analyzed using tabulations showing both percentages and index of quantitative variations The quotation of field narrations were also included The result indicated that the major barriers to female students college education in classroom participation of formal education were both the cultural and traditional values and their prospects for educational opportunities Traditional beliefs practices and proverbs perpetuate gender imbalance in terms of educational achievements and classroom performance The study also found the factors that negatively affect female students education in JCTE in emphasizing to pregnancy lack of female models low level parental education and negative parental attitudes towards female students education from their very growing up low value attached to education and sexual harassments by their classmates and male teachers To ameliorate the existing situation the study suggested in a way of conclusion about the use of culture procedures for teacher training and applications of cultural information to curriculum Therefore it was also suggested that a serious consideration in educational teacher training that could be given on the following areas Knowing the effects of cultural and socioeconomic va

Intention to Use and Factors Associated with Utilization of Long Acting and Permanent Contraceptive Methods among Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Debre Markos Town, North West Ethiopia

Background: Globally, large disparities exist on utilization and access to the most effective methods of contraception and women continue to have unmet need and experience unintended pregnancy. Long Acting and Permanent Methods (LAMPs) are the most effective methods available and are very safe and convenient for protection against unintended pregnancy. But they are least utilized than short acting methods in most of sub Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Information regarding intention to use and utilization of LAMPs and its associated factors in the study area were lacking.Methods: Community based quantitative descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Debre Markos town, April, 2012. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 523 study participants and data was collected through face to face interview. To determine associated factors Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were computed.Results: Among a total of 519 respondents, 423 (81.5%) of them knows at least one methods of LAPMs. Overall 323 (62.2%) were currently using modern FP methods in which 101 (19.5%) were using LAPMs. Two hundred thirty eight (45.9%) of women had intention to use one of the LAPMs of contraception in the future. Being older age (35-49 years) (AOR= 3.81), having ever discussed about LAPMs with health care provider (AOR=6.20), spousal discussion about Family Planning (AOR=2.31) and having perception of their husband approves use of LAPMs (AOR=4.62), were significantly associated with utilization of LAPMs. Having Knowledge of LAPMs (AOR=4.42), currently using LAPMs (AOR=2.19), spousal discussion about Family Planning (AOR=1.78), and having perception that their spouse approves using LAPMs (AOR=2.27), were factors associated with having intention to use LAPMs in the future.Conclusion: Majority of women knows at least one method of LAPMs, but permanent methods were the least known methods. The overall practices of LAPMs were relatively higher compared with other previous studies in the country. Therefore, it is better to address barriers to utilization and strengthening their knowledge and spousal discussion about family planning methods specifically LAPMs through mass media, health education and FP counseling. Keywords: Intention to use, Utilization, Long acting and permanent method

Opportunities and Challenges of Investment Activities: The Case of Selected Areas in Jimma Zone

The purpose of this paper is to explicitly identify the major opportunities and challenges of investment activities in selected areas of Jimma zone Seka Waterfall Asendabo Hydro-Electric power Yebu Beekeeping and Jimma Museum in order to make the line open for further advanced research Furthermore indicating some of the investment opportunities for investors and providing possible solutions to the challenges observed were investigated Information has been gathered from both primary and secondary sources of data The pre-prepared written questionnaires and structured observation were primary one whereas document analysis belonged to secondary sources of data In addition to this structured interview was also employed for triangulation of research findings reality Simple random sampling method has been used for collection of data processing and analyzing was performed accordingly Jimma Zone has investment opportunities with a potential to accommodate various types of agro-industries that could make agricultural resources produced in the areas of its row material s production Some of the inputs for this sub-sector agro industry include cereals oil-seeds fruits vegetables coffee tea spices cotton honey animal and animal products milk and milk products processing enterprises such as tannery meat canning honey processing fruit and vegetable processing could be established in the zone particularly in the stated urban areas Lack of resources and political factors were the major factors contributing to the limited level of investment activity followed by social factors and lack of awareness Climatic condition of the areas and others such as corruption was some challenges which limit investment activity in the zone To overcome these and other problems that contribute to low investment activities in the zone developing infrastructure facilities matching the activities with the climate of the area conducting panel discussions as well as m

Neighborhood Variation in Rate of Revascularization among Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients in New York City

Objective. To identify modifiable neighborhood factors and quantify their effect on the rate of revascularization among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Method. Using the New York City hospital discharge records during 1998–2002, we employed a hierarchical regression model that integrates patient-level risk factors and neighborhood-level factors to retrospectively examine revascularization patterns among AMI patients. Results. Access to revascularization varied substantially (27%–88%) among neighborhoods. Ready access to a hospital with on-site capacity of revascularization increased the likelihood of receiving the procedure after adjusting for individual-level sociodemographic factors and comorbidity. More than 64% of the variation in rate of revascularization is explained by access to revascularization. Conclusion. Optimizing the AMI patients' delivery system to hospitals with on-site capacity of revascularization might enhance access to needed care thereby help to alleviate the prevailing variation in the rate of revascularization among New York City neighborhoods