Advantage of Water Shade in Both Natural Pasture and Improve Forages, Constraints and Option of Range Plats on Rage Ecology of Pastoral and Agro Postural in the Low Land Areas of Ethiopia. A Systematic Review (July, 2015)

The rangelands of East African countries are almost exclusively found in dry land areas where there is general moisture deficit (Coppock, 1994; Herlocker, 1999). The dry land ecosystem covers areas where rainfall is low, variable, often unreliable, and generally unevenly distributed throughout the year (UNEP, 1992; IUCN, 1999). Dry lands have highly seasonal rainfall regimes with significant inter-annual variability and mean annual precipitation values which vary from about 800 mm in summer rainfall areas to 250 mm in winter regimes (IUCN, 1999). They are the habitat and source of livelihood for about one quarter of the earth’s population. It is estimated that these ecosystems cover one third of the earth total land surface and about half of this area is in economically productive use as range or agricultural land (CCD Secretariat, 1997). According to FAO (1996) classification, Ethiopia is one of the thirty-six dry land developing countries in the world. The dry lands, which includes the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas The rangelands of Ethiopia cover about 60% of the total area and are the major sources of livestock feed (BLPDP 2004; PFE 2004). These areas are characterized by lowland plains, relatively harsh climate with low, unreliable and erratic rainfall and high temperatures (Ayana, 2007). Of the total livestock population of the country, about 40% cattle, 75% goats, 25% sheep and almost 100% of camels are raised in the rangelands (Alemayehu, 2004). The rangelands are not only known for livestock rearing, but there are also many wildlife, parks, sanctuaries, and reserves (Abule et al 2005).  In most developing countries, rangelands have contributed to the major portion of feed consumed by ruminants. In Ethiopia more than 90% of the ruminant livestock feed on natural pastures, which vary in composition depending on the agro-ecology (Alemayehu, 2005). Rangeland is defined as land producing natural forage for animal consumption (Coppock, 1994). Most rangelands are at best only marginally suitable for arable cropping, and in Ethiopia there are extensive areas where livestock raising on the natural vegetation is the only possible types of land use. The lowlands of the country are found below 1500 meter above sea level (masl) and are estimated to cover about 78 million hectares, which is about 61–65% of the total land area of the country (Friedel et al. 2000). They are home for about 12-15% of the human and 26% of the livestock population (Beruk and Tafesse, 2000). Pastoral communities dominate the lowland areas of the country. Low human population density and highly variable and uncertain rainfall characterize the lowland areas. In the pastoral community, grazing biomass is entirely determined by the amount, pattern and timing of rainfall.The rangelands are presently undergoing extensive deterioration both in quantity and quality (Belaynesh, 2006). The rangelands have limited capabilities in vegetative production and in providing reasonable animal sustenance and production due primarily to adverse environments including low and seasonal rainfall; moisture gathering winds; varying degrees of poor soil; soil erosion; lack of or inadequate forage and grazing management; and overstocking rates (Alemayehu, 2005). Intensity of grazing and browsing and restriction of livestock mobility have more serious consequences on the rangelands than the number of animals owned by the pastoralists. Community structure is vastly altered when improper grazing continues for long periods (Holcheck et al. 1998)

Effect of Human Settlement and Altitude on Rangeland Herbaceous Species Biodiversity and Productivity in Kafta-Humera Woreda, Tigray, Ethiopia

This research was conducted in Kafta-Humera districts of the Northern Ethiopia with the objective to determine the effect of human settlement on rangeland productivity and biodiversity under three altitudinal ranges (600-1000, >1000-1400 and >1400-1800 m.a.s.l.) and along three distance intervals near (0-2 km), middle (2-4 km) and far (4-6 km) from settlement. Vegetation and soil data was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences.  In the study districts, a total of 39, 30 and 15 species of grasses, forbs and herbaceous legumes species were identified, respectively. Species diversity and species richness in higher altitude were significantly higher than middle and lower altitudes. Species diversity and species richness were lower near to settlement than far distance from settlement. Grass biomass of near, middle and far distance from settlement were 113.59, 622 and 1102.56 kg ha-1 respectively. Similarly, grass biomasses of the low, middle and upper altitude were 349.8, 542.7 and 945.7 kg ha-1, respectively. Far distance from settlement had significantly higher in organic matter, available phosphorus and available potassium than middle and near distance from settlement. The upper altitude had significantly higher in organic matter, available phosphorus and available potassium than the lower and middle altitude. Generally, the study area was highly dominated by the annual herbaceous species. This implies that there is undergoing reduction in soil quality, biodiversity and productivity degradation. Therefore, appropriate plan of soil and biodiversity conservation such as establishing, designing and implementations of watershed management for physical and biological conservation should be planned to minimize loss of biodiversity. Keywords: Settlement, plant Species composition, plant species abundance, plant Species diversity, biomass production, basal cover, soil propertie

Effect of Human Settlement and Altitude on Rangeland Browse Woody Species Biodiversity and Productivity in Kafta-Humera Woreda, Tigray, Ethiopia

A research was conducted in Kafta-Humera districts of the Northern Ethiopia with the objective to determine the effect of human settlement on rangeland wood species productivity and biodiversity under three altitudinal ranges (600-1000, >1000-1400 and >1400-1800 m.a.s.l.) and along three distance intervals near (0-2 km), middle (2-4 km) and far (4-6 km) from settlement. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 16.0, 2013) was used to analyze the soil and vegetation data. In the study districts, a total of 46 woody species were identified. Browse biomass of woody species in the low, middle and upper altitude categories were, 180.47, 225.97 and 243.72 kg ha-1, respectively. Browse biomass of woody species near, middle and far distance from settlement were, 145.30, 228.03 and 276.824 kg ha-1 respectively. Woody species diversity was increased with increasing altitude, and was significantly lower near to settlement than middle and far distance. Far distance from settlement had significantly higher in organic carbon, available phosphorus and available potassium than middle and near distance from settlement. The upper altitude had significantly higher organic carbon, organic matter, available phosphorus and available potassium than the lower and middle altitude. In conclusion, the study area was highly dominated by the thorny shrubs woody species. This implies that there is undergoing reduction biodiversity and productivity degradation. Therefore, appropriate plan of biodiversity conservation such as establishing, designing and implementations of watershed management for physical and biological conservation should be planned to minimize loss of biodiversity. Keywords: Settlement, plant Species composition, plant species abundance, plant Species diversity, biomass productio

Feed Resources of Honeybees in Kewet District of Amhara, Ethiopia

A study was conducted in Kewet district of North Shewa zone Amhara Regional State to assess the feed resources of honeybees. Cross-sectional types of studies were used to collect data. Using a purposive sampling technique, 60 beekeepers were included in the survey. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Plants that are generally considered to be toxic to bees and humans or suspected in the study areas by the respondents are: Gumero, Yeferenj Digit (Cassia siamea), Bisan (Croton macrostachyus), Iret (Aloe brahana), Foch (Zizyphusmucronata), Endod (Phytolaccadodecandra) and Susbania species. Survey conducted in the district showed that the cultivated and natural honey flora potential of the area makes it very favorable for beekeeping. The study district besides cereals, pulses and shrubs/trees/herbs it has known for its horticulture production. Based on the source status and abundance, 60 plant species were identified by the respondents as important bee flora in the study area. The respondents indicated that even though there are different types of bee plants in honey flora seasons, there is a shortage of bee food during the dry seasons. They also indicated that bee forages become declining as compared with the past period due to forest degradation, population growth and expansion of cultivated lands in the area. Key words: feed resources, beekeepers, colony, poisonous, Kewet

Negative Impact of Climate Changes and Its Coping and Adaptation Strategies in the Lowland Areas of Ethiopia; A Systematic Review (July, 2014)

Climate change is a global problem with a profound impact in poor countries of eastern Africa like Ethiopia whose contribution to green house gas emission is insignificant (Thompson et al., 2010). The inter governmental panel on climate change (IPCC) report of 2007 indicated that  Africa will be one of the hardest hit regions by the impact of climate change although its contribution to total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is low (3.6 %). Climate related hazards in Ethiopia include loss of biodiversity, rangeland degradation, disease breakout and increasing vector born disease, drought, floods, heavy rains, strong winds, frost, heat waves (high temperatures), lightning, etc. Though the historical social and economic impacts of all of these hazards is not systematically well documented the impact of the most important ones namely droughts and floods is discussed. Ethiopia is highly vulnerable to drought. Drought has been the single most important climate related natural hazard affecting the country from time to time. It occurs anywhere in the world but its damage is not severe as in Africa in general and Ethiopia in particular. Recurrent drought events in the past have resulted in huge loss of life and property as well as migration of people (Kidus, 2010). This particular review focuses  on the  lowlands areas of the country  which cover about 78 million hectares and accounting for about 61–65% of the total land and found below 1500 meter above sea level (masl), (Friedel et al., 2000). It is home for about 12-15% of the human and 26% of the livestock population (Beruk and Tafesse, 2000). The rainfall of the area ranges from 200 to 700 mm annually with length of growing period of 90 to 180 days (kidane et al., 2009). Degradation of the lowland areas of natural resources as a result of flooding and the prevalence of wind due to climate disorder soils become eroded. The fertility of the soil diminishes, there by resulting in the weakening of their beneficial capacity. This causes more damage in those parts of our country exposed to desertification. The geographical distribution of such areas in Ethiopia is extensive. The irregularity of rainfall results in water shortage. The biodiversity of water resources diminishes both in quantity and quality, as, for example, the damage inflicted on fish resource as a result of the depletion of water resources. This means that a good majority of the population will be deprived of a cheap, protein-rich food source which the people themselves fish or procure for less. The sustenance of vegetation cover is directly linked to climate change. Just as much as climate change causes damage to the country’s biodiversity, so also does the loss of biodiversity cause disruption in climate. Any hazard befalling the environment results in the degradation of the fauna-flora habitat. It is also the case that, because of flooding and increase in temperature, both humans and animals will migrate to other locations. Even if some of them somehow manage to hang on in the affected location, they can only do so at the expense of their members. On the other hand, it is doubtful that those people and animals who happen to inhabit mountainous areas could find suitable locations to which they can migrate (Kidus, 2010). Putting in to consideration of the above hypothesises; this review was carried out with the general objective of reviewing the impact of   long-term climate change on lowland areas of Ethiopia and the specific aims of the review was ; To review the negative impact of climate change on the lowland areas of the countryTo review the Coping and Adaptation strategy of climate change on the lowland areas of the country To review Ways forward on the negative impact of climate change on the lowland areas of the countr

Effects of combined application of phosphorus and sulfur fertilizers on agronomic traits and protein content of supplementary irrigated haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties in Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia

Haricot bean is primarily grown in Ethiopia for human consumption and export earnings. A market demand for haricot bean, both in the domestic and export market, has triggered the production of haricot bean in selected areas of Ethiopia though its production is constrained by several factors such as poor soil fertility and erratic rainfall. This study was carried out to investigate the combined effect of phosphorus and sulfur fertilizers on yield, yield related traits and protein content of haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties at the research field of Mekoni Agricultural Research Center during 2016/17 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in split plot design where varieties were assigned to the main plots and fertilizer rates to the sub plots in three replications. Three phosphorus (P) rates (10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1) were combined with four sulfur (S) rates (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha-1) and applied in combination to Melka Awash-98 and Nasir varieties. Data on phenological, agronomic and quality traits were collected and determined. Partial budget analysis was carried out to assess the profitability of the applications. P-S fertilizer treatments were  significantly affected by varieties. Treatments were significantly affected by varieties and the imposed P and S rates. The interaction effect due to variety by fertilizer the two factors significantly affect days to flowering, plant height, hundred seed weight and protein content. Tallest plants, fewer days to flowering and maturity, many pods/plant, heavier seeds, higher grain yield ha-1 and better protein content were recorded where the fertilizer application rate was 20 kg ha-1P and 30 kg ha-1 S for both varieties. Grain yield ranged from 1520 to 3000 kg ha-1 depending on P-S fertilizer rates and varieties. Nasir variety seems to be superior over Melka Awash-98 for most traits except protein content. However, production of Melka Awash-98 under 20 kg ha-1P and 15 kg ha-1 S fertilization tend to be more economical as it resulted in highest net benefit return. Although not profitable, planting Melka Awash-98 using an application rate of 20 kg ha-1P and 30 kg ha-1 S could be suggested for use in the area to ensure earliness and high grain yield

Anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2018

Anemia is a globally widespread condition in women and is associated with reduced economic productivity and increased mortality worldwide. Here we map annual 2000–2018 geospatial estimates of anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age (15–49 years) across 82 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), stratify anemia by severity and aggregate results to policy-relevant administrative and national levels. Additionally, we provide subnational disparity analyses to provide a comprehensive overview of anemia prevalence inequalities within these countries and predict progress toward the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target (WHO GNT) to reduce anemia by half by 2030. Our results demonstrate widespread moderate improvements in overall anemia prevalence but identify only three LMICs with a high probability of achieving the WHO GNT by 2030 at a national scale, and no LMIC is expected to achieve the target in all their subnational administrative units. Our maps show where large within-country disparities occur, as well as areas likely to fall short of the WHO GNT, offering precision public health tools so that adequate resource allocation and subsequent interventions can be targeted to the most vulnerable populations

Five insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 provides a rules-based synthesis of the available evidence on levels and trends in health outcomes, a diverse set of risk factors, and health system responses. GBD 2019 covered 204 countries and territories, as well as first administrative level disaggregations for 22 countries, from 1990 to 2019. Because GBD is highly standardised and comprehensive, spanning both fatal and non-fatal outcomes, and uses a mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive list of hierarchical disease and injury causes, the study provides a powerful basis for detailed and broad insights on global health trends and emerging challenges. GBD 2019 incorporates data from 281 586 sources and provides more than 3.5 billion estimates of health outcome and health system measures of interest for global, national, and subnational policy dialogue. All GBD estimates are publicly available and adhere to the Guidelines on Accurate and Transparent Health Estimate Reporting. From this vast amount of information, five key insights that are important for health, social, and economic development strategies have been distilled. These insights are subject to the many limitations outlined in each of the component GBD capstone papers.Peer reviewe

Anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2018

Anemia is a globally widespread condition in women and is associated with reduced economic productivity and increased mortality worldwide. Here we map annual 2000–2018 geospatial estimates of anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age (15–49 years) across 82 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), stratify anemia by severity and aggregate results to policy-relevant administrative and national levels. Additionally, we provide subnational disparity analyses to provide a comprehensive overview of anemia prevalence inequalities within these countries and predict progress toward the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target (WHO GNT) to reduce anemia by half by 2030. Our results demonstrate widespread moderate improvements in overall anemia prevalence but identify only three LMICs with a high probability of achieving the WHO GNT by 2030 at a national scale, and no LMIC is expected to achieve the target in all their subnational administrative units. Our maps show where large within-country disparities occur, as well as areas likely to fall short of the WHO GNT, offering precision public health tools so that adequate resource allocation and subsequent interventions can be targeted to the most vulnerable populations.Peer reviewe