Preparing competent citizens through appropriate instructional approach: How do instructors in three Ethiopian universities conceptualize and practice 21st century pedagogical skills?

This study aimed to investigate how instructors at three Ethiopian universities conceptualize and practice 21st century skills in classrooms. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative case study design was employed. Using a purposive sampling method, three universities in the Amhara national regional state of Ethiopia were selected. From these universities, ten participants were selected purposively. Semi-structured interviews and observation were used to collect data essential for the study. The data collected through these methods were thematically analyzed. The results revealed that participants had a limited understanding of 21st century skills. To be specific, their conceptions reflected the conventional pedagogical approach rather than the pedagogy of the 21st century. On the other hand, participants believe that 21st century skills are important for both instructors and their students. However, they had difficulties to practice these skills in the teaching-learning process. Finally, the implications of these findings for future research and policy initiatives are presented

GIS-Based multi-criteria land suitability mapping for scaling faba bean varieties in Ethiopia.

Successful scaling of agricultural technology requires a spatial explicit framework for targeting the right variety at the right place. This entails a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) approach, using a set of determining factors to delineate the scaling domains for faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) varieties in and identify potentially suitable land area in a specific region, and zone in Ethiopia. Meeting this challenge will require a solid spatial framework. Land suitability analysis is an evaluation and spatial decision making, involving several determining factors. The factors considered in this analysis include key biophysical parameters such as climate, topography, soil types and properties. The analysis was also focused on improved faba bean varieties viz., Dagm, Dosha, Gabelcho, Gora, Hachalu, Moti and Walki. The environmental factors\u2019 layers of a specific crop pixel values were classified and given a weight, and then compared among themselves for further ranking to account for their relative importance to delineate variety specific extrapolation domains. The geo-statistical analysis was carried out to estimate the extent of the scalable areas. The classification showed that, it was highly suitable for varieties 0.02 million hectares for Dosha; 0.19 for Gabelcho; 0.11 for Gora; 0.33 for Moti; 0.05 for Dagm; 0.14 for Hachalu; and 0.26 million hectares for Walki. Moderately suitable areas for these varieties covered 5.0, 9.4, 7.2, 15.3, 4.6, 8.8, and 7.5 million hectares, respectively across the country. The largest proportion for all varieties was moderately suitable; while the share of slightly suitable was very low, although there was quite variability within each of the faba bean variety in terms of its agro-ecology adaptation to the target environments. Such biophysical spatial frameworks become essential entry points for introducing variety specific product profiles and this can be further enhanced by incorporating socio-economic attributes accounting for return of the investment in targeting the technology.La mise \ue0 l\u2019\ue9chelle r\ue9ussie de la technologie agricole n\ue9cessite un cadre d\u2018 explicite spatial pour se concentrer sur la bonne vari\ue9t\ue9 au bon endroit. Cela implique une approche d\u2019\ue9valuation multicrit\ue8re (ECM), utilisant un ensemble de facteurs d\ue9terminants pour d\ue9limiter les domaines de mesurage pour les vari\ue9t\ue9s de f\ue9verole ( Vicia faba L.) et identifier les terres potentiellement appropri\ue9es dans une r\ue9gion et une zone sp\ue9cifiques en \uc9thiopie. Relever ce d\ue9fi exigera un cadre spatial certain. L\u2019analyse de l\u2019aptitude des terres est une \ue9valuation et une prise de d\ue9cision spatiale impliquant plusieurs facteurs d\ue9terminants. Les facteurs pris en compte dans cette analyse incluent des param\ue8tres biophysiques cl\ue9s tels que le climat, la topographie, les types de sol et leurs propri\ue9t\ue9s. L\u2019analyse a \ue9galement port\ue9 sur les vari\ue9t\ue9s am\ue9lior\ue9es de f\ue9verole, \ue0 savoir Dagm, Dosha, Gabelcho, Gora, Hachalu, Moti et Walki. Les couches de facteurs environnementaux d\u2019une valeur de pixel de plante sp\ue9cifique ont \ue9t\ue9 classifi\ue9es et pond\ue9r\ue9es, puis compar\ue9es entre elles pour un classement ult\ue9rieur tenant compte de leur importance relative dans la d\ue9limitation de domaines d\u2019extrapolation sp\ue9cifiques \ue0 une vari\ue9t\ue9. L\u2019analyse g\ue9o-statistique a \ue9t\ue9 r\ue9alis\ue9e pour estimer l\u2019\ue9tendue des zones \ue9volutives. La classification a montr\ue9 qu\u2019elle convenait parfaitement aux vari\ue9t\ue9s 0,02 million d\u2019hectares pour Dosha; 0,19 pour Gabelcho; 0,11 pour Gora; 0,33 pour Moti; 0,05 pour Dagm; 0,14 pour Hachalu; et 0,26 million d\u2019hectares pour Walki. Les zones moyennement adapt\ue9es \ue0 ces vari\ue9t\ue9s couvraient respectivement 5,0; 9,4; 7,2; 15,3; 4,6; 8,8 et 7,5 millions d\u2019hectares dans l\u2019ensemble du pays. La plus grande proportion de toutes les vari\ue9t\ue9s \ue9tait mod\ue9r\ue9ment appropri\ue9e; alors que la proportion de produits l\ue9g\ue8rement appropri\ue9s \ue9tait tr\ue8s faible, bien qu\u2019il y ait une assez grande variabilit\ue9 au sein de chaque vari\ue9t\ue9 de f\ue9verole en ce qui concerne son adaptation agro\ue9cologique aux environnements cibles. De tels cadres spatiaux biophysiques deviennent des points d\u2019entr\ue9e essentiels pour l\u2019introduction de profils de produits sp\ue9cifiques \ue0 une vari\ue9t\ue9, ce qui peut \ueatre encore am\ue9lior\ue9 en incorporant des attributs socio-\ue9conomiques permettant de rentabiliser l\u2019investissement dans la focalisation de la technologie

Genetic and non-genetic parameter estimates for growth traits and Kleiber ratios in Dorper × indigenous sheep

Genetic improvement programme will only be successful when accompanied by a good understanding of the influence of different environmental factors, knowledge of the genetic parameters and the genetic relationships between the traits of interest. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of non-genetic fac- tors on growth traits and Kleiber ratios and to estimate genetic parameters for early growth traits in Dorper indigenous crossbred sheep. The effects of fixed factors were analysed by the general linear model procedure of statistical analysis system, while the genetic parameters were estimated using a WOMBAT computer program fitted animal model. The overall least-square mean for birth weight (BRW), weaning weight (3MW), six-month weight, nine-month weight, and yearling weight were 3.03 ± 0.02, 14.5 ± 0.18, 20.4 ± 0.26, 24.8 ± 0.31, and 28.3 ± 0.40 kg, respectively. The overall least- square mean for Kleiber ratio from birth to weaning (KR1), weaning to six months, six to nine months and nine months to yearling age were 16.8 ± 0.10, 6.41 ± 0.17, 4.55 ± 0.21 and 3.38 ± 0.20 g/kg of meta- bolic weight, respectively. The inclusion of maternal genetic effect had a significant influence on BRW, and it explains 20% of the phenotypic variation. The total heritability estimates for BRW, 3MW, birth to weaning average daily weight gain and KR1 were 0.10, 0.14, 0.16 and 0.12, respectively. The pheno- typic correlation varied from 0.11 ± 0.05 to 0.98 ± 0.02, whereas the direct genetic correlation ranged from 0.32 ± 0.40 to 0.98 ± 0.17. The mean inbreeding coefficient was 0.105% with an annual rate of 0.02%. The heritability estimates for growth traits and Kleiber ratio suggest that slow genetic progress would be expected from the selection. However, the integration of selection with crossbreeding pro- gramme can enhance genetic gain. Therefore, selection should be conducted based on breeding values estimated from multiple information sources to increase the selection response

Using qualitative methods to explore lay explanatory models, health-seeking behaviours and self-care practices of podoconiosis patients in north-west Ethiopia

Background: Podoconiosis (endemic non-filarial elephantiasis) is a chronic, non-infectious disease resulting from exposure of bare feet to red-clay soil in tropical highlands. This study examined lay beliefs about three under-researched aspects of podoconiosis patients’ care: explanatory models, health-seeking behaviours and self-care. Methods: In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were undertaken with 34 participants (19 male, 15 female) between April-May 2015 at podoconiosis treatment centres across East and West Gojjam regions in north-west Ethiopia. Results: Explanatory models for podoconiosis included contamination from blood, magic, soil or affected individuals. Belief in heredity or divine punishment often delayed clinic attendance. All participants had tried holy water treatment and some, holy soil. Herbal treatments were considered ineffectual, costly and appeared to promote fluid escape. Motivators for clinic attendance were failure of traditional treatments and severe or disabling symptoms. Patients did not report self-treatment with antibiotics. Self-care was hindered by water being unavailable or expensive and patient fatigue. Conclusion: A pluralistic approach to podoconiosis self-treatment was discovered. Holy water is widely valued, though some patients prefer holy soil. Priests and traditional healers could help promote self-care and “signpost” patients to clinics. Change in behaviour and improving water access is key to self-care

Educational practices of indigenous qene bet schools and its implications to the modern educational practices

AbstractThis study explored indigenous educational practices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Qene Bet education and its implications to the modern educational practices. The study employed a qualitative approach with an ethnographic design. Three Qene Gubae Bets, one in Bahir Dar City administration and the other two in West Gojjam administrative Zone, were selected using purposive sampling for this study. Data was gathered through field observations, semi-structured interviews and focused group discussion from Yenetas(Qene Teachers) and students. Twenty-four participants have participated in the study. Data is analyzed and results are presented based on thematic approach. The findings indicate that Qene Bet church schools have their own indigenous pedagogical practices such as Qene “Qotera” (self-study), Qene “Negera” (oral presentation and defense) and Qene “Zerefa” (creating and presenting original Qene poems) that demands student centered and deep learning approaches. The findings also indicate that the practices of cooperative learning, peer learning, reflective learning, pace learning, critical interpretation, argumentative oral defense, differentiated instruction, self and peer assessment and scaffolding are central to the Qene education system. The study concluded that Qene Gubae Bet schools pedagogical practices have valuable insights for the current pedagogical practices of contemporary schools in Ethiopia

The effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding among mother-infant pairs in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract Introduction Despite strategies and recommendations for complementary feeding initiation were applied globally, mothers initiated complementary feeding to the infants on time was low. Previous works of literatures were not identified the effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding. Particularly, evidences regarding to this in Ethiopia is scanty. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding among mother-infants pairs in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based prospective cohort study was carried out among 732 primipara, and 1464 multipara mothers who had a live birth in Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using Kobo collect software at the start of and on a monthly bases until the end of the follow up period. Parity as exposure variable and other confounders were analyzed using cox proportional hazard regression. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the Schoenfeld residuals global test (P-value = 0.4861) was performed. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to declare statistical significance of predictors. Results The overall incidence rate of initiation of complementary feeding among primipara and multipara mothers were 16.27 (95%CI: 15.04, 17.61) and 13.30 (95%CI: 12.53, 14.12) person months’ observations respectively. The median time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara and multipara mothers for their infants was 5 and 6 months respectively. Primipara mothers had a 30% higher rate to initiate complementary feeding early (AHR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.17, 1.43). Age from 15 to 24 and 25–34 years (AHR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.36, 2.09; and AHR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.17, 1.81) and Birth type (twin) (AHR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.64) were statistically significant predictors for time to initiate complementary feeding. Conclusions Parity was identified as a statistically significant predictor for time to initiate complementary feeding. The incidence rate of early and late initiation of complementary feeding was higher among primipara than multipara mothers. Besides, the median time to initiate complementary feeding was earlier among primipara than multipara mothers. So, a parity based complementary feeding practice education should be advocated to tackle the gap and further reduce infants and children malnutrition. Relatively younger age and twin delivered mothers initiated complementary feeding against the recommendation. Therefore, intervention considering such statistically significant predictors could have a public health importance

Additional file 1 of The effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding among mother-infant pairs in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Supplementary Material

Time to initiate complementary feeding and its predictors among primipara mothers who have infants aged 6–12 months in the Awi zone, northwest Ethiopia

Introduction: The timely initiation of complementary feeding is essential to reduce infant mortality. In Ethiopia, 37.5 % of mothers did not initiate complementary feeding to their infants in time. However, previous studies could not identify the time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara mothers. Therefore, this study aims to identify the time to initiate complementary feeding and its predictors among primipara mothers with infants aged 6–12 months in the Awi zone, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 732 primipara mothers who had infants aged 6–12 months from January 1, 2022, to December 30, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants through questionnaires administered by interviewers. Data were entered into EPI-data 3.1 and exported to STATA 17 for further analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve together with the log-rank test was used to assess the survival experience of the infant at specific times and to compare the survival of the infant in it between different categorical independent variables. Bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to identify significant predictors. Model fitness was also assessed using the Schoenfield residual and the Cox-Snell global residual test. Statistical significance was declared at the p-value <0.05. Result: The median time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara mother-infant pairs was 6 ± 2 months. The overall incidence rate of complementary feeding initiation before, at and after 6 months of age of the infant was 7.28 (95%CI: 6.44, 8.25), 41.41 (95%CI: 36.05, 47.56), and 42.97 (95%CI: 36.89, 50.05) per 100 person-month observations, respectively. Among those mothers who initiated complementary feeding for their infants, 249, 200, and 165 initiated complementary feeding before, at and after 6 months of age of the infants. Furthermore, the age (15–24 years) of mothers (AHR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.16, 2.29), rich wealth (AHR: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.75), and richest wealth (AHR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.10, 1.84) were identified as statistically significant predictors of the time to initiate complementary feeding. Conclusions: The median time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara mother-infant pairs was 6 months. The age of the mother and the wealth status of the household were found to be statistically independent predictors of the time to initiate complementary feeding. Therefore, community health professionals are better able to work on when to initiate complementary feeding to infants of rich and richest young primipara mothers

Adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures and its associated factors among Gondar City residents: A community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundConsidering its pandemicity and absence of effective treatment, authorities across the globe have designed various mitigation strategies to combat the spread of COVID-19. Although adherence towards preventive measures is the only means to tackle the virus, reluctance to do so has been reported to be a major problem everywhere. Thus, this study aimed to assess the community's adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation strategies and its associated factors among Gondar City residents, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 635 respondents from April 20-27, 2020. Cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Epi-Data version 4.6 and STATA version 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regressions (Bivariable and multivariable) were performed to identify statistically significant variables. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p ResultsThe overall prevalence of good adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures was 51.04% (95%CI: 47.11, 54.96). Female respondents [AOR: 2.39; 95%CI (1.66, 3.45)], receiving adequate information about COVID-19 [AOR: 1.58; 95%CI (1.03, 2.43)], and favorable attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures were significantly associated with good adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Whereas, those respondents who had high risk perception of COVID-19 were less likely to adhere towards COVID-19 mitigation measures [AOR: 0.61; 95% CI (0.41, 0.92)].ConclusionsThe findings have indicated that nearly half of the study participants had poor adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Sex, level of information exposure, attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures, and risk perception of COVID-19 were factors which significantly influenced the adherence of the community towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Therefore, it is crucial to track adherence responses towards the COVID-19 preventive measures, scale up the community's awareness of COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies through appropriate information outlets, mainstream media, and rely on updating information from TV, radio, and health care workers about COVID-19

Knowledge and attitude of the communities towards COVID-19 and associated factors among Gondar City residents, northwest Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundCOVID-19 is the novel coronavirus responsible for the ongoing global outbreak of acute respiratory disease and viral pneumonia. In order to tackle the devastating condition of the virus, countries need to attack the virus with aggressive and targeted tactics. Thus, to strengthen the COVID-19 mitigation measures and to give rapid response, there is an urgent need to understand the public's knowledge and attitude about of the pandemic at this critical moment.ObjectiveThis study was aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of communities about COVID-19 and associated factors among Gondar City residents.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was done among 623 respondents in Gondar city from April 20-27/2020. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from different literatures. The data were entered using Epi data version 3.1 and then exported into STATA version 14 for analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p value less than 0.05 in the multivariable binary logistic regression model.ResultsThe overall knowledge and attitude of the community towards COVID19 was 51.85% [95% CI (47.91%-55.78%)] and 53.13% [95% CI (49.20, 57.06%)], respectively. In this study, being married [AOR = 0.60 at 95% CI: (0.42, 0.86)], educational level; primary [AOR = 3.14 at 95% CI: (1.78,5.54)], secondary [AOR = 2.81 at 95% CI: (1.70,4.63)], college and above [AOR = 4.49 at 95% CI: 7.92, 13.98)], and family size [AOR = 1.80, at 95% CI: (1.05, 3.08)] were emerged as statistically significant factors impacting the knowledge of the community about COVID-19. Besides, educational level; primary [AOR = 1.76 at 95% CI: (1.03, 3.01)], secondary [AOR = 1.69 at 95% CI: (1.07, 2.68)], and college & above [AOR = 2.38 at 95% CI: (1.50, 3.79)], and family size; four to six members [AOR = 1.84 at 95% CI (1.27, 2.67)], above seven members [AOR = 1.79 at 95% CI (1.08, 2.96)] were factors identified as significantly attribute for positive attitude of the communities towards COVID-19.ConclusionMore than half of the respondents had better knowledge and attitude regarding COVID-19. Higher educational level and larger family size were significant factors predominantly affecting the knowledge and attitude of the communities towards COVID-19