PRELIMINARY BASELINE SURVEY OF AVIFAUNAL DIVERSITY IN JIMMA ZONE, SOUTH-WESTERN ETHIOPIA

Multidimensional poverty, which is deeply-rooted within least-developed African countries like Ethiopia, is forcing local people to heavily rely on natural resources for their subsistent livelihoods. As a result, remaining wilderness areas in tropical Africa which support huge but little known biological diversity, are subject to extensive habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation in turn causing loss of plant and animal species and ecosystem services provided by them. Coffee forest fragment within the Jimma Zone of Ethiopia cannot be expected to be an exception to such scenario. Taking this persistent problem into consideration, we carried out a preliminary survey of bird biodiversity in selected areas of Jimma Zone during a short term bird ringing training held from Sept. 30 to Oct. 20, 2008. The main objective of the survey was to identify and document bird species of Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia, for further in-debth ornithological studies. Survey data were collected through exhaustive observations in and around 10 coffee forest fragments in Garuke, one fragment in Eladale, one urban area site in Jimma town and in scrubland vegetation around Gilgel Ghibe hydropower reservoir, Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia. In addition, five mist-nets were employed to capture understory forest birds in two purposively selected coffee forest fragments. Mist nets were opened at 5:50 A.M. and checked every 30 minutes until they were closed at 12:00 A.M. Over 196 bird species were identified during this survey and of these, 41 individuals belonging to 20 species were captured in Garuke and 23 individuals of 9 bird species in Eladale. Montane white-eye (Zosterops poliogastrus) followed by Olive sunbird (Nectarinia olivacea), Abyssinian slaty-flycatcher (Melaenornis chocolatinus) and Rupell’s robinchat (Cossypha semirufa) were the most frequently captured bird species. Of the sites surveyed, Gilgel Ghibe hydropower reservoir had strikingly highest bird species diversity. We approached the reservoir almost in a constant site near Bulbul Kebele (the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia) and recorded over 115 bird species within about 300 meters distance! We learnt that this area was an important and most appropriate site to see a number of migrant and resident species as well as to undertake future bird ringing activities. We believe that the result of this survey will contribute much for the preparation of a comprehensive bird species checklist for Jimma Zone that could serve as important baseline information for more focused future ornithological investigations in the area so as to promote bird conservation through ecotourism activities and improve the livelihood of local people

Remote Sensing and GIS Based Agricultural Drought Risk Assessment in East Shewa Zone, Central Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia

Drought is one of the most complex naturally occurring disasters that results in serious human life, environmental, social and economic costs around the world. In order to monitor agricultural drought risk, GIS and remote sensing have a significant role. This research was conducted in East Shewa Zone of Oromia Region of Ethiopia with the objective of mapping agricultural drought risk using GIS and remote sensing. Ten years decadal SPOT NDVI datasets were downloaded from VITO website. In order to compute the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), rainfall data was obtained from meteorological stations of the study area. The result of drought severity index indicated that 2005 and 2009 were years of drought while 2013 identified as wet year. On the other hand based the result of SPI, 2005 and 2009 were years of droughts while 2012 wet year. The result also showed that there is good correlation (r = 0.7) between long term NDVI and seasonal rainfalls. The results were supported by the interviews and focus group discussions. Based on the result drought risk map, 5.1% of the zone are under extreme drought risk, 31.9% severe drought, 27.1% moderate drought and 32.5% are under mild drought. Thus,  it is only the remaining 3% of the East Shewa Zone that are not vulnerable to drought. Our findings showed that we can use GIS and remote sensing for drought assessment in regions where there are scarce ground observation data. Future research may focus on camparson of  ground observation data and sattellite derived data. Keywords: Drought risk, GIS, NDVI, Remote sensing, SPI, SPOT

Managing Workplace Conflicts in Business Environment: The Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Ethiopian in Focus

A critical review of a journal article is an evaluation of an article's strengths, weaknesses and validity. It is used to inform readers of an article's value through explanation, interpretation and analysis. Ethiopia has for centuries been using traditional methods of dispute resolution. The institutions of Gadaa among the Oromo, the Shimagelle by the Amhara, and the other ethnic groups reviewer re used. But Alternative Dispute Resolution has not attained any significant position of usage and acceptance in its modern form. Recent incorporation of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms in the legal polity has been greeted with a lukewarm attitude by the government, judiciary and the civil society (Shipi M, 2001). This article critically analyses alternative dispute resolution alternative dispute resolution in Ethiopia. it includes coverage of: various alternative dispute resolution techniques and the roles played by alternative dispute resolution practitioners in workplace conflict; the need for workplace grievance policies and the forms these can take; the suitability of alternative dispute resolution for various types of disputes; three case studies where alternative dispute resolution was utilized in workplace conflict and the experiences of both the human resource consultant and their clients (Barrister E, 2014). In this regard, the aim of the article is to examine all the possible and applicable alternative dispute resolution mechanism and literature synthesis in general. Keywords: alternative Dispute resolution, organizational, work place conflict, concept DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/10-1-0

Species composition, Plant Community structure and Natural regeneration status of Belete Moist Evergreen Montane Forest, Oromia Regional state, Southwestern Ethiopia

Belete forest is one of the very few remnant moist evergreen montane forests in Ethiopia. The objective of this work was to study the vegetation structure, composition and Natural regeneration status of Belete moist evergreen montane forest. To investigate the plant community structure, composition and regeneration status of Belete forest, line transects were laid down on the longest transect starting from the bottom valley to the top ridge. Sample quadrats 20m x20 m, 5m x 5m, 1m x 1m were laid for trees, shrubs, sapling and seedling, and herbaceous layer respectively in a nested form. The sample quadrats were laid down along transects at a distance of 50m from each other. A total of 69 quadrats were sampled. Vegetation classification was performed using PC - ORD for windows version 5.0. Five communities were recognized. Results showed that a total of 157 plant species representing 69 families and 135 genera were recorded. These were composed of 31.2% Herbs, 28.7% Trees, 26.1% Shrubs, 5.7% Climbers, 5.1% Liana, 1.9% Epiphytic herbs, and 1.3% herbaceous Ferns. The major families were Fabaceae and Asteraceae each represented by 10 species (6.4%), followed by Lamiaceae 9 (5.7%) and Rubiaceae 6 (3.8%). Other thirty three families consisting 19.8% were represented by one species only. Regeneration status of the forest was analyzed by comparing saplings and seedlings with the matured trees. Results revealed that Belete moist evergreen montane forest is at good regeneration status. Planning and management of the forest should be assisted by research findings, such as detailed ecological studies in relation to various environmental factors.Keywords: Belete forest, Community structure, Moist Evergreen Montane Forest, Regeneration

A comprehensive analysis of gender dynamics in organizations:Integrating social, structural and individual dimensions

This study delves into gender dynamics in 12 Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) organizations in Ethiopia, using qualitative methods. We conducted 96 face-to-face interviews and triangulated the data through observations, employee records and document reviews. Thematic analysis revealed that gender inequality in organizations persists due to the interplay of social, structural and individual factors. Emphasizing individual or societal aspects hinders transformative efforts. A holistic approach considering these dimensions is crucial for understanding and addressing gender inequality. Identifying and dismantling structural barriers is essential for gender transformation. Focusing solely on individual-level issues, like female-only mentoring, is insufficient for achieving gender equality. A combination of strategies is needed to tackle structural problems and societal assumptions, fostering organizational transformation

Practices and Challenges of Teachers’ Continuous Professional Development Program in Secondary Schools of Mao and Komo Special Woreda.

The main purpose of this study was to assess the practices and challenges of school based teachers Continuous Professional Development program implementation in secondary and Preparatory schools of Mao and Komo Special Woreda. The study arose out of concerns that, though the Government of Ethiopia planned CPD program to update the professional development of teachers to improve the achievements of students, research has shown that teachers have not improved their classroom practice which indicates that CPD program was not implemented successfully as it was planned. To this end, the study used a cross-sectional survey design. In this study, both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were employed. The survey sample consisted of 3 secondary and preparatory schools, 3 principals, 2 school supervisors, 37 teachers, 15 CPD coordinators and 6 Woreda TDP coordinators with a total of 63 participants out of 104 study participants. These groups of samples were selected using purposive sampling and availability sampling techniques. The 3 secondary schools were selected through availability sampling and the rest were selected by purposive sampling techniques. The researcher collected the relevant data using instruments like questionnaire, semi-structured interview, and document analysis. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as- mean and standard deviation. The qualitative data were analyzed through descriptive narration for the purpose of triangulation. The findings of the study show that: - majority of the respondents (teachers) had negative views on the CPD program. As they said: - there were no stakeholders support and follow up activities on the CPD program; and the CPD program was delayed due to various factors. Based on the finding the study concluded that CPD program was not implemented successfully as per the views of teacher’s participants. To alleviate the identified problems, the following recommendations were made: to implement the CPD program effectively the stakeholders should reduce the work load of teachers; prepare conducive environment for training; apply licensing, re-licensing, certification and career level for teachers, identify CPD priorities clearly and make discussion with teachers; design systematic support, follow up and evaluation strategies continuously; allocate the necessary budget and providing the necessary CPD implementation materials at school level

Nutritional Knowledge and Determinant Factors Among Lactating Mothers in Nekemte Referral Hospital and Health Centers, East Wollega, Ethiopia

Background: Lactating mothers from low-income countries including Ethiopia are considered as a nutritionally vulnerable group due to different socio demographic factors and lack of nutritional knowledge which impact on the health and well being of children. Adequate nutrition for the mothers during lactation is therefore important for their good health as well as for that of their offspring. However community based information regarding nutritional knowledge and associated factors among lactating mothers is lacking and scanty.  Objective: To assess nutritional knowledge, and associated factors among lactating mothers in Nekemte Hospital and Health Centers, East Wollega, Ethiopia. Methods:  Institution based cross-sectional study was done from January 2014 to June 2014. The study was conducted using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge and associated factors was collected from all lactating mothers who visited both health institutions during postnatal care and EPI program. The association of nutritional knowledge with socio-economic and demographic factors was analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: This study revealed that majority of the women 260(81.3%) was in the age range of 17-25 yrs and attending school 292 (91.3%). This research also showed that 185(57.8%) of lactating mothers had good nutritional knowledge while a significant proportion of the respondent, 135(42.2%) of mothers had poor nutritional knowledge. From multiple logistic regression analysis   family size (AOR=4.604, 95%CI=1.903-11.140), family income (AOR=0.250, 95%CI=0.100-0.623) and knowledge of foods that were significantly associated with the nutritional status of the study participants. Conclusions:  Nutritional knowledge of the lactating mothers were short of the national and international recommendations. Therefore, sustained nutrition education is recommended to the lactating mothers and their families and communities to improve food intake, proper dietary knowledge during lactation in order to enhance health and nutrition outcomes of lactating mothers and their children. Keywords: Lactating mothers, Nutritional knowledge, associated factor

SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AND SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY IN BOSET DISTRICT, OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

The study aimed at examining the ongoing adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers in response to climate variability in Boset district. It also assessed the socioeconomic factors that influence choice of adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers to climate variability risk. For attaining the objectives of the study, both primary and secondary sources of data were employed. The primary data were obtained through household questionnaire, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observations while secondary data were acquired through desk review. Questionnaires were distributed and filled by 328 respondents and they were identified through systematic random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were applied in this study as the main analytical methods. The findings of the study reveal that the sample households have utilized multiple adaptation strategies in response to climate variability such as cropping early mature crops, planting drought resistant crops, growing mixed crops on the same farm lands and others. The results of binary logistic model revealed that education, sex, age, family size, off farm income, farm experience, access to climate information, access to farm input and  farm size were significant and key factors determining farmers’ choice of adaptation strategies to climate variability in the study area. To enable effective adaptation measures, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource with its regional bureaus and offices and concerned non–governmental organizations should consider climate variability in their planning and budgeting in all levels of decision making

EFFECTS OF FARMLAND FRAGMENTATION ON CROP PRODUCTION OF THE SMALLHOLDER FARMERS: EVIDENCE FROM ARSI ZONE, SOUTH EAST ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia has low crop production in the agriculture of smallholder sector where farmland fragmentation is one of the major factors behind this problem. This study aimed at assessing the effects of farmland fragmentation on crop production of smallholder farmers in Arsi zone of South East Ethiopia. Data were generated by using survey questionnaire, focus group discussion, and interviews. Farmland fragmentation was measured by Simpson index and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Sample sizes of 314 households were selected by using systematic random sampling technique from sampling frames. Simpson index was applied to compute farmland fragmentation. Multiple linear regressions were also employed to test how well fragmentation was able to predict crop production per hectare with relative contribution of each variable in the model. Results indicated that the study area has 3.54 average numbers of plots, 0.55 fragmentation indexes, 0.45 ha mean plot size, and 28 quintals total mean crop production per hectare. The qualitative data results also revealed that land transaction via dividing smaller plots was the major factor for land fragmentation. Multiple regression models established that land fragmentation had negative relationships with crop production per plot. Thus, the study suggested that the local government should curb the need for scarce farmlands by initiating nonfarm livelihood strategies among the farming households

The Role of Agricultural Cooperatives in Rural Household Food Security in Digalu-Tijo District, Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

This research was conducted to assess the role of agricultural cooperatives in rural household food security in Digalu-Tijo District, Oromia, Ethiopia. Cross-sectional survey research design was used and the necessary primary data were collected from 234 households through a household questionnaire. The determined sample size was identified using a systematic random sampling technique. Similarly, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used as data collection instruments and participants were identified based on purposive sampling. Secondary data were also collected from concerned organizations, published and unpublished materials. Statistical tools like percentage, mean, standard deviation and cross-tab analysis were applied in the study as methods of analyzing the data. The result of the study revealed that agricultural cooperatives have provided different services to rural households including broad bed maker technology, fertilizer, improved seed, and agrochemicals after they joined the cooperative as a member while there were gaps in providing credit, cooperative loans, and training. It has been also found that food accessibility in rural households has increased after their membership with cooperative institutions and similar results have been found with respect to the food stability of the farmers. Therefore, from the findings, it is concluded that agricultural cooperatives play significant roles in improving rural household food security. The study recommended that the contribution of agricultural cooperatives should further strengthen through awareness creation as well as regular monitoring and evaluation