Innovation and Microenterprises Growth in Ethiopia

This paper addresses two prominent issues on the development of small enterprises in Africa. Which factors inhibit or foster innovation activities in small enterprises? Do innovators create more jobs? We use a large set of microenterprises survey data from Ethiopia that comprise 1000 observations with ten and fewer workers. The analysis shows that firms larger in size and in manufacturing are more likely to engage in innovative activities. Among the human capital variables vocational training is found to have a strong effect on the innovation activity. However, firms owned by female and old entrepreneurs are less likely to get involved in innovation. In an extended model of firm growth determinants that includes innovation indicators we found strong evidence that innovators grow faster than non-innovators. Firm growth is also affected by other factors such as the firm's initial size, age, access to finance, sector, and owner character. Our estimation results provide supporting evidence to the stylized fact that the smaller, younger, and less capital constrained firms grow faster than their counterparts. Firms in manufacturing also grow faster than other sectors.micro and small enterprises, firm growth, innovation, developing countries, Ethiopia

Determinants of Female-headed Households’ Livelihood Diversification Strategies Choice in Ambo District, Ethiopia

The study has concluded that diverse livelihood options are available and thus,Female - Headed Households pursue diverse range of activities that draw on their labor and time. However, the participation levels vary within Female - Headed Households(FHHs). The variation is mainly in terms of the activity they diversify into and conditions under which diversification are made. Generally, FHH participate in low-return and high risk and last resort activities. The study concludes that livelihood diversification strategies choice of FHH is determined by a number of factors. Hence, it is recommended that the livelihood of FHHs needs to be recognized and policy intervention should concentrate on improving access to assets within the aim of expanding livelihood options rather than assuming households are spatial homogenous and individual engage in one type of activity only

Innovation performance and embeddedness in networks: evidence from the Ethiopian footwear cluster

This study focuses on innovation in a cluster of informal shoemaking firms in Ethiopia - namely the Mercato footwear cluster. It examines how differently those firms are embedded in networks and how heterogeneous they are in absorptive capacity, and how this heterogeneity affects their innovation performance. Business interactions with buyers, suppliers and other producers are the major channels through which knowledge flows into the cluster. These business networks are mainly built on trust and long-term relationships and tend to be selective. The study reveals that despite homogeneity in social background the firms in the cluster behave and perform differently. Based on econometric analysis we document a positive and strong effect of local network position and absorptive capacity on innovation performance.industrial clusters, networks, innovation performance, informal sector, Africa, Ethiopia

Traditional use and classification systems of cactus pear (opuntia ficus indica) in Gantafeshum woreda Eastern Tigray Northern Ethiopia

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), is the most popular fresh fruit used by the local people during the rainy season in Ganta Afeshum woreda, Eastern Tigray Northern Ethiopia. The present study was designed to investigate and document the Traditional use and classification system of opuntia ficus indica in the woreda. The study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2014 using both primary and secondary data. Data was collected from 60 sample respondent farmers of three purposively selected Kebeles by field observation, structured and semi structured interviews and questionnaires. Descriptive type of research was applied to analyze the attained data. The result of this study revealed that 14 categories of cactus pear are available based on the traditional classification system of the local people in the study area. Five traditional devices are commonly used by the local users to manage cactus pear. The main hazards to opuntia ficus indica in the woreda are herbivores, termites, and snowfall. The possible side effects while using opuntia ficus indica are constipation in children, spines and glochids in all users. The local people use cactus pear for food, forage, fuel wood, income source, fence, and erosion protection. Even if the local people are using their own traditional use and classification system, modern and study based improvements are required for better usage and sustainable productivity. Therefore, this paper suggests that researchers should give more attention to improve the varieties, the use and also the equipments used for this socially friendly plant. Keywords: Cactus pear, traditional classification, Traditional use

Affirmative Action and Substantive Equality in the Academia: Female Students’ Perspective the Case of Raya University

The study was conducted in Raya University, Ethiopia with a prime objective to assess and analyze the role of affirmative action program in improving female students’ academic achievement. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed in this study. Besides primary and secondary data sources were utilized. Proportional stratified sampling method was employed to determine sample size. Thus, 120 female students were participated in the study as primary data source from which the required data was generated. Besides 10 female instructors was included using purposive sampling method to validate and cross check the idea of female students. Multiple data collection instruments were utilized in the data collection process which includes questionnaire, interview and document analysis. The finding revealed tutorial class, material support and department placement are implemented to enhance female students’ academic achievement. Even though female students have positive perception towards the program they claimed that the program is not well organized and ineffective in its implementation. Thus, substantive equality is not assured in the academia between male and female students. This is in line with the document analysis result in which female students disproportionately scores lower academic result than their male counterparts. Economic problem, cultural barrier and lack of self-confidence of females are the most contributory factors for their failure. In view of these the researchers recommends capacity building schemes such as financial support, counseling service, tutorial class and awareness creation activities to be given due attention by concerned stakeholders for female students to minimize their challenges and enhance the effectiveness of affirmative action programs in higher education institutions. Keywords: Academia, Affirmative action, Female students, Substantive equality DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-16-09 Publication date:June 30th 201

A study of students' attitude towards EFL reading: Tinishu Metti and Jain preparatory schools in Gambella region in focus

This study was conducted to investigate EFL Students' attitude towards reading of Grade lland Grade 12students at Tinishu Meti and Jain preparatory schools at Gambella Region Mejeng Zone and Godere and Mengeshi Wereda. The study obtained quantitative and qualitative data collection method. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the sample size for the quantitative survey which takes 30% of the total population 325 in each grade in respective schools to maximize the sample. Accordingly, the sample size was 98 students. On the other hand, the researcher used purposive sampling for Focus Group Discussions conducted in the target schools. The schools and grade level of the study were selected in availability sampling techniques because only two preparatory schools were available in Mejeng Zone. The researcher decided to focus on 11th and 1ih grade students of both schools since these grade level teachers had complaints about their students' low involvement in EFL reading. The quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 16 software program to calculate mean score in order to describe the target students EFL reading attitude. One sample t-test and mean score were used to compare if there were a significant difference in EFL reading attitude between students in the target schools and whether there existed a significant difference between Grade 11 and 12 students in their EFL reading attitude. On the other hand, the qualitative data used in order to get information why the target respondents hold certain kinds of attitude that was analyzed qualitatively using methods of description, narration and interpretation. The finding of this study indicated that most students found negative kind of attitude. With respect to school and grade levels no statistically significant difference was observed between grade 11 and 12 students in the respective schools and also with respect to schools no statically significant difference was observed between Tinishu Meti and Jain preparatory school students.Jimma Universit

Beyond Paper-Based Affiliate Status: Policy Analysis on Non-Formal Education and the Graduates in Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions

Non-formal education is a form of education that creates access to education for adults in remote rural areas, people living with disabilities, prison inmates etc. to acquire knowledge, skill and attitude that would make them to be independent of their own. This paper aims to critically analyze the applicability of non-formal education in higher education institutions in Ethiopia. In doing so, the researchers employed qualitative research approach to analyze the existing national documents regarding non-formal education program in higher education institutions. This paper, accordingly, reveals that Ethiopian higher education institutions/ universities use necessarily the same educational policy and curriculum, both for formal and non-formal education programs. Their academic vacancies, however, unequivocally excluded the non-formal education program graduates from university lectureship competition. In other words, though the formal and non-formal education students graduated from the same institution, and learn by the same curriculum (harmonized one), by the same academic staff and evaluated through the same mode of assessment and grading system and pass through the same certification procedure, the later ones are ineligible to be lecturers in higher education institutions. In conclusion, there is educational inconsistency between policy and practice in Ethiopian higher education institutions. Accordingly, the researchers recommend that job vacancies in higher education institutions for lectureship should bases on the competence of the applicants. Keywords: Educational policy, Higher Education Institution, Lectureship, Non-formal Education, Quality education DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-10-08 Publication date: April 30th 201

The Price of Women’s Employment in Business Industry in Ethiopia: A Phenomenological study in Addis Ababa

In Ethiopia, thousands of women and girls are openly selling sexual services in bars, restaurants, hotels, and night clubs and on the streets of the cities and towns of Ethiopia. Their entry into prostitution was the result of unemployment, poverty, peer influence, false promises from bar, restaurant and hotel owners and other related socio-economic factors. Once women engage in prostitution, they would experience physical, sexual and psychological abuses i.e. beatings, rapes and insults. The aim of this paper is to investigate the price of women’s employment in business industry. This phenomenological study looks at the working experience of those women employed in massage parlors. In-depth interviews were employed. This paper shows that commercialization of sex in massage parlor is new phenomenon in Ethiopia. It attracts thousands of women to commercialize sex. Prostitution is invisibly practice in massage parlors in Addis Ababa. This paper also shows that long working hours and night work without overtime payments; unfair commission; obligation to wear only bra and pant at the workplace; and sexual, physical and psychological abuses are among prices women paid for their employment in massage parlors. This article generally reveals women’s employment in massage parlor opens the possibility of prostitution and facilitates trafficking of women for the purpose of prostitution. Keywords: Commercialization of sex, Massage parlor, Trafficking of women, Prostitution, Violence, Women’s rights DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-11-07 Publication date:June 30th 201

Job Satisfaction and Its Determinants Among Nurses in Harari Region and Diredawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Nurses job satisfaction is important to provide quality health care services. This study was aimed to determine the nurses’ level of job satisfaction and associated factors in Harari region and Dire-Dawa Administration public health facilities, Eastern Ethiopia..Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in public health facilities from October to April 2012. The data were collected through self-administered questionnaire. Level of job satisfaction was measured using four point Likert scale with the thirty two items mean score as a cutoff point by summing up the satisfaction related items. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the associated factors with job satisfaction. P-value < 0.05 was taken to declare statistical significance.Results: A total of 417 nurses were included in the study. About half of the respondents (51.8%) were found to be satisfied with their job. Factors that include  the health center nurses (AOR =1.91, 95%CI =1.14-3.187), female (AOR= 2.3, 95%CI =1.417-3.823),convenient organizational structure for decision (AOR=0.31, 95%CI=0.164-0.571) ,perceived safety of the work environment(AOR=0.41,95%CI=0.237-0.731)and dispute at work place(AOR=3.12,95%CI=1.495-6.503) were factors associated with  job satisfaction. Conclusion: Nearly half of the nurses were not satisfied with their current job. Factors that included type of health facility, gender, convenience of the organizational structure, perceived safety of work environment and violence at work place are elements need to be considered in any intervention addressing the job satisfaction of the nurses . Keywords: Job satisfaction, Nurses, Government health facilities

The Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Diagnosis in Shashemene Referral Hospital in Shashemene, Ethiopia

Background:- Helicobacter pylori infection is the principal cause of chronic active gastritis in developing countries including Ethiopia. Objective:- The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection colonization and its associated risk factors among upper gastrointestinal patients aged ≥14 years. Method:- Hospital-based retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted at Shashemene referral Hospital among upper gastrointestinal positive patients who underwent diagnosis in the Hospital from September 2012-August 2017. Results:- After organizing the recorded data of the 1966 upper gastrointestinal patients, the overall prevalence of five consecutive years (September 2012-August 2017)  H. pylori infection in this study was found to be 30.3% (n= 592/1966). The majority of the patients were in the age range of 20-29 (218/657(33.03%)) and ≥60 (46/149(30.9%)). The overall prevalence of H. pylori in this study dropped from 45.5% in September 2012 -August 2013 to 15.2% in September 2016 - August 2017. The most important risk factors in this study were large family size, age, poor personal hygiene, poor hygiene in nutrition and life style, poor economic status, stress, alcohol, overcrowding and educational level. Marital status of the patients (2.793 OR; 95%CI: p=0.038 < 0.05) and age groups (1.345 OR; 95%CI: p=0.006< 0.05) were statistically significant predictors or were significantly associated with H. pylori infection. In this study the prevalence of H. pylori infection is highest in the youngest group, because of the exacerbation of the youngest to multi substance use, and environmental hygienic condition. Conclusion and recommendation:-This study has shown that gastritis and H. pylori infection were the major problems in the study area and, therefore, further in-depth epidemiological 0research and identification of other potential environmental and personal related risk factors of H. pylori infection and gastritis are suggested. Keywords: Helicobacter Pylori; gastritis; prevalence; risk factor; Ethiopia; retrospective study; cross–sectional study DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/73-01 Publication date: April 30th 202