Opportunities for exploiting underutilized feed resources to enhance market-oriented animal production in North-western Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Metema district, Amhara Region, Ethiopia to characterize the existing feed resources and recommend their enhanced utilization for animal production. The major feeds were pasture (55.7%), crop residues (20.7%), stubble (14.3%) and hay (9.3%). The estimated annual feed supply was 833,531.2 tons DM and 94% came from natural pasture. About 33 herbaceous species and 20 woody species that are highly desirable, desirable and less desirable were identified. The total dry matter biomass and the high proportion of desirable species could be effectively utilized to support market-oriented ruminant production in the district and beyond

Adoption and Impact of Improved Wheat Technology: The case of Hula Woreda, Ethiopia.

This study provides information on the factors affecting adoption and the impact of wheat technologies. It also identifies the adoption rates and patterns of adoption of wheat technologies in the study area. The study was based on the data collected using from 124 randomly selected households. The survey was conducted structured questionnaire. In addition, secondary data collected from relevant sources were used to substantiate the primary data. Tobit model was used to identify factors affecting adoption and intensity of use of improved wheat varieties. Fourteen explanatory variables were included in the model. Among these fertilizer use, income and access to credit were important factors influencing adoption and intensity of use of improved wheat varieties. The impacts of improved wheat varieties also portray the increase of the farmers\' production of wheat varieties and improve their incomes as farmers adopted wheat technologies. The financial analysis using the partial budgeting method and price sensitivity analysis substantially ascertain the profitability of the adopted improved wheat technologies.Ethiopian Journal of Development Research Vol. 28 (2) 2006: pp. 1-3

INFLUENCE OF RESETTLEMENT ON PASTORAL LAND USE AND LOCAL LIVELIHOODS IN SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

This study was conducted in southwest Ethiopia with the aim of understanding the influence of resettlement on pastoral land use. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Respondents in non-resettled kebele reported that livestock keeping was the main source of their livelihoods. Our results showed that resettlement accelerated crop cultivation and contributed to shifts in land use due to the expansion of crop farming. Respondents mentioned that the condition of grazing resources and livestock economy were adversely affected. The community further claimed that ownership right and changes in resource use were additional deriving forces of conflict over resources. It was also indicated that the deteriorating condition of rangelands linked to resettlement greatly undermined local livelihoods and land tenure security. Recognizing the livelihood strategy of pastoral communalities and tenure security could improve sustainable use of natural resources and conservation of biodiversity. We suggest active participation of the local community to minimize the negative impacts of resettlement on the host community, while implementing resettlement as a strategy to secure food self sufficiency. A robust understanding in planning and implementation of resettlement is needed in consolidating concerns of the host community for minimizing conflict and securing land tenure