Mitigation of Climate Change through Conservation Agriculture

Current and future global environmental change, in combination with population growth and increase in consumption per capital, poses a great threat to global food security.  In addition, it is predicted that up to 25% of world food production may be lost during the 21st century due to climate change, water scarcity, invasive pests and land degradation.Smallholders in Ethiopia face widespread problems related to inappropriate cultivation, overgrazing and deforestation, resulting in soil erosion and soil fertility decline, water scarcity, lack of pasture and livestock feed, and fuel wood crisis. This cycles requiring urgent action and different approaches in the dry lands and highland areas adapting to climate change through land and Water management. Increasing weather variability and climate change are contributing to land and natural resource degradation by exposing soils to extreme conditions and straining the capacity of existing land management practices to maintain resource quality. Results include degradation of vegetation cover and loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, depletion of organic matter, reduced rainwater infiltration and water holding capacity of the soil and loss of productivity and effects on wider ecological functions. So that by considering the climate change as national and global condition it is a time to taking action through different alternatives. Among the options conservation agriculture system is one of non-substitutable option among others due to its smartness with climate change by improving soil fertility, water management and food security. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-1-03 Publication date: January 31st 202

Refining Fertilizers Rate Recommendation for Wheat (Triticum aestivum) at Kafa Zone Adiyo Wereda

To refining the effect of different fertilizers NPKS with common Zn and B has significant higher yields in each fertilizer levels on wheat, an experiment were conducted at Adiyo Wereda Kaffa Zone. The experiment was laid out in simple randomized complete block design having three replications. Plot size of 9m2(3 m x 3 m), seed rate of 150 kg ha-1 and row to row distance of 20 cm was used. Various combinations of each fertilizers N (0, 46, 92,138,176 and 222 kg ha-1 with 69p2o5,80k2o,30s,2 Zn and 1B), P (,0,23 ,46,69,92and115 kg ha-1 with 92N,90k2o,30s,2 Zn and 1B), K (0,18,36,54,72and 90 kg ha-1 with 92N,69p2o5,30s,2 Zn and 1B) and S (0,10,20,30,40 and 50 kg ha-1 with 92N,69p2o5,90k2o,2Zn and 1B with additional treatments, control and recommended NP in each fertilizers were used. N=urea; P=TSP; K= KCl; S= CaSO4; Zn=ZnSO4; B = Borax were   used as a sources of NPKSZnB. Recommended rates of NP (64:20 kg ha-1) were applied. Nitrogen was applied in two split doses half at sowing and half about 35-45 days after sowing. Variety Digalo was used during the experiment. Plant height, Spike length, Grain yield and biomass were significantly affected by different fertilizers levels. Grain Yield significant at different fertilizer levels 176 N kgha-1 (3400.3kgha-1), 115P kgha-1 (4221.2 kgha-1), 90K kgha-1 (4128.9 Kg ha-1) and 40S kgha-1 (3987.0 kgha-1) were produced respectively in the interaction of ZnB. Based on the results, it is recommended a combined application of NPKS (176 kg N ha-1,115 kg P ha-1, 90 kg K2O ha-1 and 40 kg S ha-1 with 2kg Zn ha-1 and 1kg B ha-1) fertilizers to achieve sustainable bread wheat production on the study area. Keywords: fertilizer rates, wheat DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/120-03 Publication date:October 31st 202

Organic Fertilizers Use and Application for Cereal Crop Production in Ethiopia

Different relevant studies have been held across the county parts or regions to assess the effect different organic fertilizers like compost, farm yard manure, green manure, crop residue and biogas slurry application and use in experiment field and smallholder farming without upsetting their usual living. Results supposed to the benefit of farmers and come up with a policy briefing that policy makers give a better support for its implementation. The experiments conducted in different regions by different researchers like Maichew District of Tigray Region by Hailu Araya, Gozamen Woreda Eastern Gojam Amhara Region by Tadesse Dejene , Haraghe zone Oromia region Easten Ethiopia by Zelalem Bekeko and Sirinka Earstern Amara rgegion by   Abebe Getu  and Yalemtshay debebe in Sebeta Oromia Region indicated that  the application compost Farm yard manure ,green manure and Biogas slurry enhances different crop production and productivity by improving of soil physical and chemical property and also bring  additional benefit  in terms of minimizing inorganic fertilizers cost.  Therefore this visualized or tell us   for the future as country level promoting of organic fertilizers in well-organized form is very important to enhance cereal crop productivity and there quality by improving soil and soil fertility issues. Keywords: Organic fertilizers, Cereal crops DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-10-03 Publication date:May 31st 201

Effect of Phosphorus Fertilizer for Maize Production in Gimbo Woreda at Kafa Zone Southern Ethiopia

The current use of commercial fertilizers in Ethiopia is not in harmony with the economics. Although, there have been nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer rates for the production of maize, sometimes this recommendation does not work outside the experiment sites largely due to the variation of the soil fertility levels on farmer’s field. Therefore, site specific fertilizer recommendation and continual updating and re-evaluation of this recommendation are a vital step for optimizing the maize grain yield. Although field experiment results are more reliable, soil test calibration research could alleviate this problem with much more benefit to farmers and the environment the average national yield. The objective of this study was to assess and evaluate phosphorus fertilizer requirement for Maize. Seven levels of P (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60) combined with sufficient amount of N 46kg and laid down in RCBD with two replication. The experiment was conducted for two consecutive years at Kaffa Zone Gimbo Wereda.TSP was used as a source of P and Urea was used as a source a common combined N. All dose of P was applied at planting while N was applied as splitting half at planting and half after 45 days of planting crop data such as plant highest, stand count at emergency, stand count at harvest,biomass,grainyield,cobelength and 1000seedweight was collected and analyzed using SAS computer software . Composite surface soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected before planting, at harvest from each treatment. The highest maize production of grain yield was obtained from 30kg P ha-1and 50kg P ha-1 on two 2005/6 and 2006/7 consecutive years respectively. So that these levels are better for maize production .but for economic value 30kgPha-l1 should be recommended for better maize production approach. Keywords: P fertilizers, Maize production DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/85-05 Publication date:March 31st 201

The Effects of Application of Erythrina bruci Biomass and Inorganic Fertilizers On Wheat Productivity in Southwestern Ethiopia.

Soil fertility depletion is emerging as a serious challenge causing low crop yields and food insecurity in Ethiopia. An experiment was conducted in two cropping seasons 2016 to 2018 to investigate the effects of the application of Erythrina biomass and nitrogen fertilizer on soil properties and wheat yields in southwestern Ethiopia. Treatments were the recommended N and P fertilizers, 50% of the standard rate of Erythrina + 50% of the recommended N, 25% Erythrina + 75% N, 75% of the standard rate of Erythrina + 25% of the standard rate of N, 100% of the standard rate of Erythrina, and 50% of the standard rate of Erythrina, and without fertilizer as the control. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Application of Erythrina and nitrogen fertilizer increased soil organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared to before fertilizer application or the control. Plots amended with 25% Erythrina + 75% of the recommended N provided the highest above ground biomass (8.98 t.ha-1) and grain yield (3.453 t.ha-1) and it was higher than the 100% chemical fertilizer treatment. Conversely, the lowest above ground biomass (5.44 t.ha-1) and grain yields (1.958 t.ha-1) were obtained from the control. Our study demonstrated that an integrated nutrient management which combines organic and chemical fertilizer can improve soil properties and increase wheat yield in the highlands of southwestern Ethiopia

A qualitative study of vulnerability to HIV infection: Places and persons in urban settings of Ethiopia

Background: HIV continues to differentially affect specific population group and geographic locations in the world. Often individual risk behaviors are associated with vulnerability to HIV infection. However, such notion often overlooks the broader context of social determinants of the infection. Such determinant is broader than personal attributes and includes diverse social factors that contribute to vulnerability to as well as prevention of HIV infection. This study explores the social determinants for HIV infection in urban settings of Ethiopia.Methods: A qualitative study employing Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) was conducted in six purposively selected cities of Ethiopia. FGDs and IDIs were tape recorded and fully transcribed. Transcripts were coded, categorized and analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Findings show that it is not only people who are vulnerable, but specific places in urban settings where they reside. Vulnerability of places are linked to overcrowding, being hub of in-migrants and transistors, and with limited availability of services and infrastructure for its residents Majority of residents in such places were daily laborers, female sex workers, students who are living away from family, widows, separated and divorced women, those who work in restaurants and engaged in petty trade were found to be relatively more vulnerable group of population. They were also found to have weakened social controls and restraints that facilitate vulnerability.Conclusion: Every city has settings that are relatively more vulnerable as compared to others and there are population groups that are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. Mitigating the spread of HIV infection requires mapping vulnerable section of the city and targeting vulnerable group of population makes interventions effective. Moreover, HIV intervention in urban settings calls for a multi-sectoral response. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2016;30(3):105-111]Keywords: HIV, social determinant of health, place, person, JS

Precancerous Cervical Lesion Among Adult Women With Human Immune Deficiency Virus on Anti Retroviral Therapy At Saint Peter Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundCervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women representing 6.6% of all female cancers occurring in low and middle-income countries, where resources for cancer prevention programs are often scarce. So this study aimed to assess the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion and associated factors among adult women with human immune deficiency virus (HIV) on Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) at Saint Peter Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 06 to July 20, 2020 among 267 adult women with HIV on Anti Retroviral Therapy At Saint Peter Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. Data were collected using face-to-face interview, patient chart review, and the examination of the squamo-columnar junction by the visual inspection with the acetic acid method. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with the precancerous cervical lesion. Statistical significance was considered at a P-valve less than 0.05.ResultA total of 267 women who were on ART were included in the study and the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion was 7.5% with 95% CI =4.10%-10.50%. Modern family planning (AOR = 4.14, 95% CI = 1.23-13.87), history of sexual transmission infection (STI) (AOR=5.39, 95% CI= 1.56-18.70) and viral load (AOR=20.85, 95% CI = 6.19-70.25) had significant association with precancerous cervical lesionConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion is relatively low compared to studies in low and middle-income countries. Modern family planning, history of sexual transmitted infection, and viral load had a significant association with a precancerous cervical lesion. Hence, encouraging modern family planning, and routine screening of women for pre-cancerous cervical lesions for those with high viral load have enormous contributions to decreasing cervical cancer disease among Women with Human Immune Deficiency Virus through Anti Retroviral Therapy

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Trachoma in Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia: Results of 79 Population-Based Prevalence Surveys Conducted with the Global Trachoma Mapping Project.

PURPOSE: To complete the baseline trachoma map in Oromia, Ethiopia, by determining prevalences of trichiasis and trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) at evaluation unit (EU) level, covering all districts (woredas) without current prevalence data or active control programs, and to identify factors associated with disease. METHODS: Using standardized methodologies and training developed for the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, we conducted cross-sectional community-based surveys from December 2012 to July 2014. RESULTS: Teams visited 46,244 households in 2037 clusters from 252 woredas (79 EUs). A total of 127,357 individuals were examined. The overall age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of trichiasis in adults was 0.82% (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.70-0.94%), with 72 EUs covering 240 woredas having trichiasis prevalences above the elimination threshold of 0.2% in those aged ≥15 years. The overall age-adjusted TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds was 23.4%, with 56 EUs covering 218 woredas shown to need implementation of the A, F and E components of the SAFE strategy (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement) for 3 years before impact surveys. Younger age, female sex, increased time to the main source of water for face-washing, household use of open defecation, low mean precipitation, low mean annual temperature, and lower altitude, were independently associated with TF in children. The 232 woredas in 64 EUs in which TF prevalence was ≥5% require implementation of the F and E components of the SAFE strategy. CONCLUSION: Both active trachoma and trichiasis are highly prevalent in much of Oromia, constituting a significant public health problem for the region

The Global Trachoma Mapping Project: Methodology of a 34-Country Population-Based Study.

PURPOSE: To complete the baseline trachoma map worldwide by conducting population-based surveys in an estimated 1238 suspected endemic districts of 34 countries. METHODS: A series of national and sub-national projects owned, managed and staffed by ministries of health, conduct house-to-house cluster random sample surveys in evaluation units, which generally correspond to "health district" size: populations of 100,000-250,000 people. In each evaluation unit, we invite all residents aged 1 year and older from h households in each of c clusters to be examined for clinical signs of trachoma, where h is the number of households that can be seen by 1 team in 1 day, and the product h × c is calculated to facilitate recruitment of 1019 children aged 1-9 years. In addition to individual-level demographic and clinical data, household-level water, sanitation and hygiene data are entered into the purpose-built LINKS application on Android smartphones, transmitted to the Cloud, and cleaned, analyzed and ministry-of-health-approved via a secure web-based portal. The main outcome measures are the evaluation unit-level prevalence of follicular trachoma in children aged 1-9 years, prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis in adults aged 15 + years, percentage of households using safe methods for disposal of human feces, and percentage of households with proximate access to water for personal hygiene purposes. RESULTS: In the first year of fieldwork, 347 field teams commenced work in 21 projects in 7 countries. CONCLUSION: With an approach that is innovative in design and scale, we aim to complete baseline mapping of trachoma throughout the world in 2015