Women Proficiency in Global Crises Management: The case of Ethiopia

The COVID-19 virus is a new pathogen that is highly contagious, can spread quickly, considered capable of causing enormous health, economic and societal impacts. According to the WHO report, about (78%-85%) human-to-human transmission of the COVID-19 virus is the household transmission that has occurred in families where women's conventional role is very crucial. The main purpose of this paper is to assess women's proficiency in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic in Ethiopia. The finding suggests that women's leadership is more likely than men to adopt a relational approach to leadership in managing crises. It's expected that Ethiopia will be a beneficiary because more than half of the country's population and 50% of the top-level management at the national level are women

Management of Striga (Striga hermonthica) in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in Jeldu District

A field experiment was conducted from 2017 to 2018 to determine the chemical herbicides which can best perform against Striga in sorghum fields of Jeldu district, West Shoa Zone. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Result obtained indicted that, sorghum plant height, stock biomass, grain yield and thousand seed weight showed significantly different (P<0.05) among treatments. The highest mean plant height (240.92 cm), stock biomass (13967 kg/ha), grain yield (886.2 kg/ha) and thousand seed weight (24.3 g) were recorded from the sequential application of Metalachlor 960 EC + 2, 4-D as compared to weedy check. The lowest Striga height (31.917 cm) was recorded from sequential application of Metalachlor 960 EC + 2, 4-D. Similarly the lowest Striga biomass were recorded from farmers practice  followed by kerosene (for seed dressing) and sequential application of Metalachlor 960 EC + 2, 4-D. Therefore, sequential application of Metalachlor 960 EC + 2, 4-D is recommended as one component of integrated Striga management in sorghum field. Keywords: Sorghum bicolor L, Striga hermonthica, Dual gold and 2, 4-D DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-16-03 Publication date:August 31st 202

Management of Striga (Striga hermonthica) in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) at Jeldu District

Afield experiment was conducted from 2017 to 2018 to evaluate herbicides which can best perform against Striga in sorghum fields of Jeldu district West Shoa Zone. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data was collected on crop and weed related parameters. Result obtained indicted that, Sorghum plant height, stock biomass, grain yield and thousand seed weight showed significant (P<0.05) difference due to treatments. The highest mean plant height (240.92 cm), Stock biomass (13967 kg/ha), grain yield (886.2 kg/ha) and thousand seed weight (24.3 gram) were recorded from the sequential application of Dual gold+ 2, 4-D as compared to weedy check. The lowest Striga height (31.917 cm) was recorded from sequential application of Dual gold+ 2, 4-D. Similarly, the lowest Striga biomass was recorded from farmers practice followed by Kerosene (for seed dressing) and sequential application of Dual gold+ 2, 4-D. Therefore, sequential application of Dual gold+ 2, 4-D was found effective against Striga weed in sorghum. hence, sequential application of Dual gold+ 2, 4-D can be recommended as one component of integrated Striga management in sorghum field. Keywords: Dual gold, Sorghum bicolor, Striga hermonthica management, 2, 4-D DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-19-03 Publication date:October 31st 202

Characterization of the seed demand dynamism in wheat growing areas of Ethiopia

Availability and access to seed of improved varieties is a key factor contributing for enhancement of wheat production in Ethiopia. Even though farmers have become aware of advantages of seeds of improved varieties through the consolidated efforts of the research and extension systems, seed demand dynamism in the wheat seed system is noticeable in Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study was designed to characterize the seed demand dynamics in major wheat growing areas and to indicate the possible options that improve its access and utilization by the stallholder farmers. The study was conducted in three purposively selected regional states of Ethiopia and totally 756 wheat producer household heads were interviewed in simple random sampling method. Furthermore, Focus Group Discussions were held with the respective key informants to validate the data collected from the selected respondents. Results indicated that in the past five years 80% of the respondents used improved wheat seeds; however, the regular users were only 33.7%. Shortage of supply, high price, and untimely supply of quality improved wheat seeds were the factors that reduced its regular utilization. The farmers’ demand for improved wheat seeds varied across the time because of the miss-match among variety preference, financial availability, change in rainfall trend and shortage of supply. Accordingly, out of 756, 43.3% respondents changed their demand for improved seeds in 2012. In order to enhance farmers’ utilization of improved wheat seeds to improve wheat production and productivity; facilitating credit services, improving wheat research for variety development, and improving timely supply of improved wheat seeds are the points that need due consideration in wheat producing regions of Ethiopia. Keywords: seed system, wheat, seed demand, Ethiopi

Farmers’ Perception and Adaptation Strategies to Cimate Change and Variability in Arsi Negele District, Oromia, Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s agriculture is heavily dependent on rain-fed with low adaptive capacity entail a high vulnerability to adverse impacts of climate change. There has been more erratic rainfall, an increase in temperature, droughts, floods, food insecurity and dramatically decreased of water volumes are a major challenge in the area. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ perception and adaptation strategies to climate change in Arsi Negele district. Both Primary data and secondary data were used. Primary data were collected from household’s interviews through structured questionnaire; key informants interview, focus group discussion and field observation from three agro-ecological zones. The data were collected from 139 households who were selected through multi-stage sampling techniques. Secondary data were collected from published and unpublished sources. Descriptive statistics, frequency, chi square and percentages were used to assess farmers’ perceptions, impacts of climate change, and their adaptation strategies. The Results showed that almost all respondents were perceived that over the past 30 years they have perceived increase in temperature, decrease in precipitation, and irregular rainfall, and there was no divergence between the twin perceptions of farmers and climatic data records. The most common adaptation options include different or new crop varieties, crop diversification, changing planting dates, implementing soil and water conservation practices, adjustment to crop and livestock management, drought tolerant crops, tree planting activities and migration. Therefore it is advisable that Future policy making processes should pay due attention to incorporate action plans that strengthen the already existing autonomous adaptation strategies used by these communities. Keywords/phrases: - Farmers’ perception, Adaptation, Strategies, Climate chang

Small Ruminant GIT Helminthiasis in Select Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Areas of Afar Region, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and identification of GIT parasites of sheep and goats in two selected districts of Afar from December 2014 to February 2016. Totally 590 faecal samples were collected from small ruminants (332 goat and 258 sheep) managed in pastoral and agro-pastoral production. Out of the total examined small ruminant 87.8% (518) were found to harbor one or more genera of helminth parasites. The result of the study revealed that 92.2% (306) of the goats and 82.2% (212) of the sheep were found positive for GIT parasites. Helminth parasites identified in small ruminant of the study area were Strongyles, Fasciola, Strongyloides, Paramphistomum, Trichuris, Ascaris and Monezia. The risk of infection with GIT helminth parasites in goats were 4.009 times higher than sheep (OR=4.009, p=0.011). Age and sex related difference was not observed in the prevalence of helminth parasites in sheep and goats. Significantly (OR=0.119, p=0.000) higher prevalence of overall helminth parasites in poor body condition sheep and goats than good body condition was observed. Likewise significant variation in overall parasite prevalence was observed between the study districts (OR=0.169, p=0.000). In this study, species of the animals, origin, and body condition score are important risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in the study area. In the study area nutrition is generally poor, low productivity in small ruminants is likely to be aggravated by a high prevalence of polyparasitism. Consequently, beneficiary control strategies should be designed and implemented because the primary household food source of the study area pastoralists is milk of small ruminant. Keywords: Helminths, Small ruminants, Prevalence, Afar Region, Ethiopia

Evaluation of Integrated Management of Wild Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) in Faba Bean in Waliso District of South West Shoa, Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted from 2017 to 2018 to evaluate effective and economical integrated management package for the control of Raphanus raphanistrum in faba bean in Waliso District of South West Shoa, Ethiopia. The experimental design used was spilt plot design with two levels of plowing frequency assigned as main plot and eight weed management practice as sub plot in three replications. Data recorded on crop and weed related parameters. Results obtained indicated that the interaction effect of plowing frequency and combination of herbicides with hand weeding frequency significantly affected plant height, number of pods per plant, seeds per pod, crop biomass and grain yield of faba bean. The highest mean grain yield (1541 kg/ha) was obtained from the interaction effect of  plowing three times with application of pendimethalin at 3 lt ha-1 supplemented with once hand weeding at 30-35  days after sowing. This  is followed by plowing three times and  application of S-Metolachlor at 1 litter ha-1 supplemented with  twice hand weeding at 30-35 and 50-55 days after sowing that gave a mean grain yields of 1463kg/ha. The interaction effect of plowing frequency and combination of herbicides with hand weeding frequency also significantly affected the weed population, weed plant height and biomass.  The lowest R. raphanistrum population, height and biomass was obtained from the interaction of three times plowing and application of S-metolachlor at 1 litter ha-1 supplemented with twice hand weeding at 30-35 and 50-55 days after sowing. Economic analysis showed that trice plowing combined with application of Pendimethalin at 3 lt ha-1 supplemented by once hand weeding at 30-35 days after sowing gave the highest Net benefit (23174 birr) followed by three times plowing combined with application S-Metolachlor at 1 lt ha-1 supplemented by twice hand weeding. Therefore, three times plowing and application of S-Metolachlor herbicide supplemented by twice hand weeding at 30-35 and 50-55 DAS or three times plowing and application of Pendimethalin herbicide at 3 lt ha-1 supplemented with one time hand weeding at 30-35 DAS is recommended for economic control of R. raphanistrum in  faba bean production. Keywords: Raphanus raphanistrum, s-metolachlor, pendimethalin DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-5-02 Publication date:March 31st 202

Factors affecting contracting Malaria in Chanka town, Ethiopia

Malaria is usually considered as problem of the rural poor and the disease has been overlooked in urban settings due to assumption that economic development in urban areas results in better life conditions, such as improved housing, drainage system and environmental situations that enable urban settings not favorable for breeding of mosquitoes. However, for many African countries, including Ethiopia, in most urban areas, although there is rapid development, they are characterized by poor housing, lack of sanitation and drainage of surface water that would provide conducive situations for vector breeding. Inadequate studies have been conducted as far as urban malaria is concerned in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study is to assess factors contributing to contracting malaria in one of rapidly growing town, Chanka, Ethiopia. So identifying factors affecting contracting malaria in rapidly growing small towns; where public health interventions are minimal is helpful for policy makers and stakeholders to design effective and efficient intervention strategies targeting those settings. 227 households were randomly selected from family folder in five health posts in Chanka town, Ethiopia. Volunteer households were visited and interviewed by using pretested questionnaire. Observation of the household and the surrounding area was one of the main activities conducted by the data collector. The study was retrospective community based cross-sectional household survey which was conducted between the beginnings of March to the end of May 2018. Demographic characteristics, window screened with mosquito wire mesh, indoor residual spray, latrine usage, main materials of rooms’ wall and insecticide treated nets usage were investigated using logistic regression analysis in SPSS version 25 against prevalence/morbidity of malaria in the households which was dependent variable. Out of 227 respondents 146(64.3%) were male and 81(35.7%) were female. Majority of the houses of the study respondents, 136(59.9%) interior wall had been sprayed against mosquitoes in the past one year and 91(40.1%) were not sprayed which showed statistically significant difference between sprayed and non-sprayed in contracting malaria/morbidity. In case of toilet facility used by households, more than half of the study participants 119(52.4%) use latrine with cement slab, while 91(47.6%) of them have no standard toilet facility or used open field. 118(52.0%) and 109(48.0%) of the study participants house room walls were made from cement and mud blocks respectively . In case of screening window with mosquito wire mesh, although it minimizes the contact between people and mosquito it is not statistically significant. This study showed that Factors that affect contracting malaria in rural areas are also there in rapidly growing towns in developing countries; which are supposed to have better housing conditions, environmental situations, surface water drainage and sanitation. Contracting malaria in poor urban areas is affected by several factors such as window screened by mosquito wire mesh, types of material for homes’ wall, indoor residual spraying and sanitation facilities. Therefore, attention should be given to those poor urban areas with respect to malaria intervention strategies and further research should be conducted.open석

Effect of Capital Structure on Firm’s Profitability (Evidence from Endowment Fund for Rehabilitation of Tigray /EFFORT/Manufacturing Companies)

Capital structure the mix of securities and the proportionate sums that make up capitalization. It is the combination of unlike sources of long-term sources such as equity shares, preference shares, debentures, long-term loans and retained earnings. The term capital structure refers to the link between the various long-term sources financing such as equity capital, preference share capital and debt capital. This research was done to assess the effect of capital structure on profitability of EFFORT manufacturing companies. The researcher used secondary sources of data, which is audited financial statements such as balance sheet and income statement of eight (8) manufacturing companies from period of 2008 to 2017. The companies selected are those operated for at least 10 years. Because of this all selected samples are aged in the operation more than ten (10) years. For this study panel data of eight (8) manufacturing firms for ten (10) years from (2008 to 2017) is used. Independent variables used for this study were total debt to total asset, total debt to equity, and Long-term debt to total assets  and dependent variable were return on assets, and also control variables were firm size, sales growth rate and tangibility. Under this study descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were employed. For panel data regression, random effects regression was used for the data analysis. The result of the study shows that total debt to assets (TDA) and Long term debt to total assets (LTDA) are negatively significant with profitability of the firm and total debt to equity (TDE) is positively significant with profitability of the firm. As the result shows most of EFFORT manufacturing firms’ use debt financing. The researcher recommends that for all managers of EFFORT manufacturing companies’ equity source of finance is more profitable than debt financing. Keywords: capital structure, profitability, returns on assets, total debt to assets, Long term debt to total assets, and total debt to equity. DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/11-7-05 Publication date: April 30th 202

Study of Phenology of Chrysanthemum segetum L. and Its Impact on Crop Productivity in Cheliya District, Ethiopia

Studies on distribution, impact and phenology of   Chrysanthemum segetum was carried out in Cheliya district. The aim was to study the distribution, impact and phenology of C. segetum. Assessment was done at regular interval of 5 km along gravile and main roadsides. Phenology of the weed was investigated under the natural conditions through regular visit.  C. segetum was distributed in specific surveyed locations having different altitudinal ranges from 1993-2820m in study area. It was observed to infest crop land and grazing lands, but its infestation was found most serious at crop land than grazing lands. Scale of infestation of the weed varied among different locations depending up on time of its introduction in to the area. Animal dung, flood, crop seed, birds and farm machinery is found to be the major dispersal agents. Most of the farmers in the surveyed areas have recognized C. segtum invasion cause significant reduce in crop yield.  C. segtum was ranked as first based on its negative impact on crop production and productivity.  Hand weeding is the most common practice to manage C. segetum infestation in the study areas. The weed started to germinate at early May to late July even extended to August; flowering in early August to mid-September and the seeds fully ripened in September to December and even it extended to January at the study area.  C. segetum produce high number of branch per plant (75.50) and averages of seeds per plant (11,551). The present investigation indicated that C. segetum significantly reduce crop productivity. Phenology of C .segetum was studied. Therefore, there is a need to develop scientifically proven control measure and contain the further spread of the weed to non-infested areas. Keywords: Chrysanthemum segetum, Phenology, Relative frequency, Percentage frequency Distribution, Impact, Infestation DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/9-2-0