Leadership in strategic information (LSI) building skilled public health capacity in Ethiopia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In many developing countries, including Ethiopia, few have the skills to use data for effective decision making in public health. To address this need, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with two local Ethiopian organizations, developed a year long Leadership in Strategic Information (LSI) course to train government employees working in HIV to use data from strategic information sources. A process evaluation of the LSI course examined the impact of the training on trainees' skills and the strengths and weaknesses of the course. The evaluation consisted of surveys and focus groups.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Trainees' skill sets increased in descriptive and analytic epidemiology, surveillance, and monitoring and evaluation (M and E). Data from the evaluation indicated that the course structure and the M and E module required revision in order to improve outcomes. Additionally, the first cohort had a high attrition rate. Overall, trainees and key stakeholders viewed LSI as important in building skilled capacity in public health in Ethiopia.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The evaluation provided constructive insight in modifying the course to improve retention and better address trainees' learning needs. Subsequent course attrition rates decreased as a result of changes made based on evaluation findings.</p

Effects of altitude and harvesting dates on morphological characteristics, yield and nutritive value of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.) in Ethiopia

The effects of altitude and harvesting period on the performance of desho grass were evaluated in Ethiopia. A factorial arrangement of treatments was employed with a combination of two altitudes and three harvesting dates. Planting and management of desho grass was undertaken according to recommendations for the species. The data collected consisted of plant height, number of tillers, number and length of leaves, leaf-to-stem ratio and fresh yield. Chemical analysis of the constituents of desho grass samples was completed according to standard procedures. All data were subjected to two analysis of variance procedures and Pearson correlation analysis, with significance tested at p < 0.05. Results indicated that most morphological characteristics were not significantly different due to altitude except the leaf length per plant. Harvesting dates significantly affected the number of leaves per plant, leaf-to-stem ratio and dry matter yield. Both altitude and harvesting date significantly affected the crude protein content, yield and fiber fractions. Calcium content was significantly different only regarding harvesting date and phosphorus content was significantly affected by altitude. Dry matter content and yield were positively correlated with parameters such as plant height, leaf length per plant, crude protein (CP) yield, fiber fractions (neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber) and with each other. Crude protein content was positively correlated with the CP yield. Overall results indicated that desho grass was affected more by harvesting date than altitude. Generally, desho grass performed well both at mid and high altitude in Ethiopia and could be a potential livestock feed in the country