Integrating Small Scale Farmers into Bread Wheat Marketing Chain through Contract Farming in Ethiopia

The treatment effect censored regression model results of this study showed that educational level, value of agricultural equipment and number of oxen owned affected the participation decisions of the farmers in bread wheat contract farming significantly. The most important factors that determine gross margin obtained from bread wheat production were contract farming experience, the number of oxen owned and participation in contract farming. However, technical efficiency differences and management practices followed were not the reasons for differences in gross margin between the participant and non-participant farmers.Contract farming participation, Gross margin and Treatment effect model, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Demand and Price Analysis, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, International Relations/Trade, Labor and Human Capital, Marketing, Productivity Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

Stochastic maize production technology and production risk analysis in Dadar district, East Ethiopia

A stochastic production technology that allows risk effects of factor inputs was estimated for maize farmers in Ethiopia. The results suggested that the promoted improved maize technology exhibits constant returns to scale whereas non-adopters use decreasing returns to scale technology. The study showed that timely planting is critical for maize yield stability among both adopters and non-adopters and suggests the importance of using oxen and higher efforts to achieve that. Nevertheless, the results showed that most of the factors under the control of the farmers do not offer powerful explanation to maize yield variability compared to natural factors such as rainfall, frost, pests and diseases.Crop Production/Industries,

Urban Expansion and Vegetation Cover Change in and Around Jimma Town Since 1990

Urbanization is the renovation of rural society into an urban society as a result of socio-economic and political growth leading to foundation and expansion of urban agglomerations along with changing land use patterns. The main aims of this study was Investigating the extent of vegetation loss through urban expansion in and around Jimma Town over a 30 period of 6 years interval by using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. To achieve this objectives, Data was obtained from earth explorer (USGS) 6 years interval from1990 to 2020 of the study area. Downloaded image were extracted and each layer stacked together using the digital image-processing software ENVI 5.2. The Processed images were classified using supervised classification Algorithms into 5 hierarchical classes; Built-up area, Vegetation, Agricultural land, Grass land, and wetlands based on a modified classification scheme. Change analysis was also undertaken by applying post-classification change detection procedures. Accuracy of the image classification was assessed using error matrix, overall accuracy and kappa coefficient. The change analysis result revealed that the LULC have shown both positive and negative significant changes. Built-up were the top LULC that experienced positive change; whereas grass land, vegetation, agricultural land and wetlands have substantially declined. An important implication of the observed changes is that rapid urban expansion, compounded by poor urban planning is leading to enormous losses of key ecosystems such as wetlands and natural vegetation. The consequence of this rapid ecological degradation could potentially impact ecological functioning and environmental sustainability in and around Jimma city. Therefore, critical system thinking is required to address these complex problems in the study area and areas of rapid urbanization elsewhere in the country. Keywords: Image classification, Land use/cover, Remote sensing, GIS, Change detection DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-16-02 Publication date:June 30th 202

Factors Affecting TVET Responsiveness to Youth Employability: Reflection on Practices of Competency-Based Provisions in Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State

With an increasing demand for qualified skilled workers in the area of technical services, Ethiopia now holds several colleges which provide education to technical and vocational education attendants joining after the completion of general secondary education. Yet, conditions related with entry capacity in the fields they are required to attend, depth of training, viability of placement and means of creating job opportunity after graduating from colleges could be traced as major bottleneck conditions encountering such a provision. So, it became very essential to investigate which factors affect the responsiveness of TVET to youth job creation in Oromia Regional State, with specific reference to Arsi Zone. Descriptive survey design was used in the research. Data were collected from randomly selected 120 TVET trainees in three model TVET colleges in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Three purposively selected instructors (n=15) and five deans were also data providers. Open-ended questionnaire and semistructured interview were used to collect data. The findings indicated that, there were no entry assessments held to verify the fitness of candidates for the lesson process. Moreover, formative conditions did not strongly relate with exit assessments. Competency-based assessments were also held with the motto of pass-fail decision-making rather than filling gaps in skill. Even for those passing the competency examination, there were no pre-identified employment opportunities since colleges strongly depended on educating the youth without looking for available job options. Overall, lack of entry assessment, shortage in formative enrichment of practices, lack of alignment between entry-formative-exit -outcome assessment (CoC), and lack of focus on pre-identification of employment opportunities were factors identified to be major bottlenecks to success in youth employment after graduation

An Evaluation of Students’ Practice of Using Reading Strategies in EFL Classes: The Case of Chagni General Secondary School Grade Ten in Focus

The purpose of this study was to evaluate learners’ practices of using reading comprehension strategies. A descriptive case study design which consisted of quantitative and qualitative data was used. The participants of the study were selected from200 grade 10 students and English language teachers in Chagni General Secondary School. To this end, 60 students were selected through simple random sampling technique followed by lottery method for questionnaire and 4 English language teachers were also selected through purposive sampling technique for interview purpose. Three data gathering tools: questionnaire for students, classroom observation and semi-structured interview for teachers were used. Therefore, both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were employed. As a result, the qualitative data was qualitatively analyzed to triangulate the quantitative data obtained through questionnaire. Thus, the result of the questionnaire, interviews and classroom observation showed that most students have negative attitude towards the reading strategy and strategy use. Moreover, most students were not using reading comprehension strategies in an EFL class when reading their instructional materials. The study concluded that there was a weakness of students in using reading comprehension strategies. It is also possible to conclude that most of the students were reading the instructional materials with no care of the strategies which were believed to maximize their text understanding. Moreover, lack of interest and awareness and lack of reading habit were among the major challenges to execute reading strategies in EFL classes. Lastly, the researcher suggested that the practice of reading strategies in EFL classes at Chagni General School needs continuous follow up. DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/66-02 Publication date:August 31st 202

Plant Tissue Nutrient Concentration and Major Soil Nutrients Influenced by NPSB Fertilizer Rates and Plant Population of Maize (Zea Mays L.) at Bako, Oromia National Regional State

Plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur are the nutrients frequently limit the yields of maize over the world. Nutrient recommendation should be based on the optimum yield and environmental save that can be through plant tissue analysis and soil test. This experiment was conducted at Bako Agricultural Research Center west region of Ethiopia Gobu Sayo using split plot desighn with three levels of plant population 53.333,66,666 and 76,923 plants per hectare on main plot and five level 0,100,150,200,250 kg/ha of NPSB fertilizer rates on sub-plots. Soil sample was taken from the plots pre-harvesting for composite sample and post-harvest from each plot and analyzed at Bako soil laboratory and Ethiopia water work design Addis Ababa for soil fertility management. Nutrient in plant tissue was analyzed at Holota Agricultural Research Center soil laboratory. Collected data was analyzed using Genstat computer statistical soft-ware package. The result of pre planting soil analysis showed soil of the study area was categorized as clay soil with medium and stable organic matter and low organic carbon and low total nitrogen that shows low soil fertility. The ANOVA result showed addition of fertilizer reduced soil pH from 5.7 to 5.47 and bellow. 150 kg/ha of NPSB which gave economically feasible yield 9460kg/ha moderately acidified the soil. This soil analysis result showed that the level at which fertilizer boost yield of maize. Only percent of phosphorus was changed due to plant population density. Plant tissue concentration at silking was significantly influenced by fertilizer rates. Potassium is at sufficiency range for all level of supplied fertilizer. Sufficient range nitrogen at silkin was recorded from the plot received 100-150 kg/ha which gave economically feasible yield. It is better to use fertilizer rate of 150kg/ha which shows sufficiency range for nutrient concentration of soil and plant tissue in leaf at silking stage. This finding is not the end for the area and further research should be carried out for feature. Keywords:plant tissue, soil, Zea mays L., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, potassium DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-13-04 Publication date:July 31st 202

The Shattered Dreams: The Experience of Family Members Caring for a Relative Diagnosed with Schizophrenia: The Case of Amanuel Hospital, Ethiopia

This study examined the experiences of family members caring for a relative diagnosed with schizophrenia in Ethiopia Previous studies indicated that family members providing care for their loved one with schizophrenia experienced many challenges in the course of care-giving Though family members experience both enrichments and challenges in caring for their loved one with mental illness little attention is paid to the comprehensive experiences of family members This study addressed the aforementioned issue and contributed to limited studies on psychiatric conditions in Ethiopia where there are limited services community service organizations or legal frame-works on mental illness The study used a qualitative case study approach In-depth interviews were conducted with eight purposely selected participants Content analysis was used to analyze the data and identify themes The study indicated a variety of impacts of caregiving such as psycho-social and economic as well as enrichments such as progress on the illness teaching their experiences deriving hope from the situation and satisfaction from sharing experiences with others Understanding caregivers experiences may be useful in prompting governments and service providers to invest in education and support programs aimed at helping caregivers to cope with this stress and deal with the problem behaviours associated with the illnes

The Reactions of Limmu Oromo of Western Ethiopia During and After the Italian Occupation (1936-41)

In this paper, it has been attempted to highlight the features of the five years administration system and the continuity and changes that took place during the Italy administration in the area. During the Italian Occupation, Limmu was the administrative center of the Italians for the Oromo of Western Anger River. Surprisingly, Limmu Oromo during the Italian occupation (1936-41) fought both the Italians and the naftañä settlers. According to genuine sources, during Italian Occupation (1936-1941) the naftañä-gabär system was removed in the study area. Accordingly, the most important event of this period was that the Limmu Oromo were librated from the naftañä rule by their leader, Fitawurari Duguma Jaldeso. Relatively speaking, according to many written materials and oral sources, the Italian administration was better than the former administration system in Limmu. The Italian Occupation was a land mark in the history of the gabärs in the surrounding region in general and that of Limmu in particular. Soon after they stationed at Ayana (the capital of Gidda-Kiramu Woreda), the Italian military station for the areas between the Abay and Angar, Italians successfully abolished the gabär system in the area. But, in the post-Italian Occupation period, the pre- 1936 situation was restored without much change in Limmu from 1941 continued till 1974. These and other related situations were well assessed in this pape

Technical Performance Evaluation of Ketar Medium Scale Irrigation Scheme, Southeast of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Evaluation of performance of irrigation systems has been increasingly stressed in recent years by many researchers and managers of irrigation schemes. This study was aimed to contribute to the improvement of irrigation efficiency and crop productivity of the farm. It had been conducted on Ketar medium scale irrigation scheme situated in Arsi zone Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. Performance indicators used were conveyance, application, storage efficiency, water application uniformity; depletion fraction, runoff ratio, deep percolation, irrigation water use efficiency and scheme sustainability were done. Potato was the selected crop for the experiment. Soil of the study area was found clay loam, moderate acidic, non-saline soil and has 3.44 OM in average.  Average Ec, ,Ea, Eu, Es, DF, RR, DPF, IWUE of Ketar scheme was found as 57.4% , 61.6%, 61.6%, 160%, 70.1%, 27.86%, 10.54% and 2.38kg/m3, respectively. The study was concluded as upper and middle stream users were consuming more water than the lowers with decreased productivity of the scheme and technical support and SWC activities in this watershed and redesign are recommendable for sustained design discharge

Temperature and Precipitation Trends Using CMIP6 Model Data Using the Different Senarios in Jimma Zone, ONRS of Ethiopia

The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) dataset is used to examine projected trend in temperature and precipitation over Jimma zone. The changes are computed under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs; SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP6 and SSP5-8.5) from 1980-2020.  This study was undertaken to analyze rainfall and Temperature trend in Jimma zone, ONRS of Ethiopia. The study employed Mann-Kendall’s test to detect change in rainfall trends. Results for rainfall trend analysis for Jimma zone indicated decreasing trends, Overall, the observed trends were not statistically significant at 1% and 5%. Temperature is projected to increase over the entire domain under all three SSPs, by as much as 6 °C under SSP5-8.5, and with more pronounced increased. The mean temperature in the study area ranges from 20’C to 25 ‘C with annual average temperature of 22 ‘C. The rate of change of temperature was found to be 0.0181, 0.3536, 0.2041 and 0.026 ‘C per decade for mean, minimum and maximum respectively during the period of 1980–2020. The results of MK test for monthly precipitation data revealed a statistically significant decreasing trend (at 10% level of significance). attributed to an increase in the minimum temperature. It is, therefore, imperative to adjust the agriculture activity with the variability situation and design planned climate change adaptation strategies so as to enhance the adaptive capacity and resilience of rainfed dependent smallholder farmers Keywords: Climate change · CMIP6 · Temperature · Precipitation DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/77-01 Publication date:July 31st 2021