Effect of Intra and Inter Row Spacing on Yield, Yield Components and Growth Parameter of Hybrid Maize at Mettu, South Western Ethiopia

Effect of intra- and inter-row spacing on growth, yield components and grain yield of maize was investigated at Mettu, South Western Ethiopia in 2016, to determine the optimum inter- and intra-row spacing of hybrid maize for maximum yield and yield components. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in split plot arrangement with three replications. Main plot were inter row spacing of 65cm, 75cm and 85cm. Subplot were intra row spacing of 15cm, 20cm, 25cm, and 30cm. Significant interaction effect of inter- and intra-row spacing was observed for leaf area, but for other traits only the main effect of inter- and intra-row spacing was significant. The highest grain yield (9609.2 and 9618.9kg ha−1) was obtained at 15cm intra row spacing and 65cm inter row spacing respectively, while the lowest (8618.5 and 8808.2 kg ha−1) grain yield was obtained from 30cm intra row spacing and 85cm inter row spacings respectively. In conclusion and recommendation, since this experimental data was one season and location data, the comprehensive recommendation could be drawn by investigating data of more locations over years for this hybrid maize. Keywords: Maize hybrid, intra row spacing, inter row spacing DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-1-03 Publication date: January 31st 2020

Effect of Lime and Phosphorus Fertilizer on Soybean [Glycine max L. (Merrill)] Grain Yield and Yield Components at Mettu in South Western Ethiopia

Soil acidity and poor soil fertility are regarded as crop productivity limiting factors particularly in south western Ethiopia. This, study was conducted to determine the effect of lime and phosphorus fertilizers on soybean yields and to explore the best treatments that can maximize the productivity of soybean. Factorial combinations of five lime levels (0, 1.41, 2.82, 4.23 and 5.64 t ha-1) and four P levels (0, 10, 20 and 30kg P ha-1) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Findings showed that the application of phosphorus (30Kg/ha significantly increased the plant height (67.03 cm), number of pods per plant (49), number of seeds per plant (77.67) above ground biomass (6160Kg/ha) and the grain yield (1828.44 Kg/ha). A combined application of phosphorous at 30 kg/ha and lime at 5.64 t ha-1 had good response in reclaiming the soil and fostering the crop productivity, which is statically at pars with 4.23 lime t/ha and 30 P kg/ha. Study concluded that application of lime with phosphorus proved to be superior with respect to grain yield as well as other yield and growth parameters of soybean. Keywords: Lime, phosphorus, soil Acidity and soybean DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-9-04 Publication date:September 30th 202

Mapping the Extent of Organic Matter Content, Soil Permeability Rate, Soil Structure and Textural Classes of Kersa Woreda, Jimma Zone, South Western Ethiopia

Compatible soil databases are essential for establishing the current status of the earth’s components and processes, and for monitoring rates of change in the status of these resources. This study was conducted with the objective of mapping and evaluation of the temporal and spatial distribution of soil organic matter content, structure, permeability and textural classes of kersa woreda. The spatial interpolation model showed that a good performance distribution of soil textural class, structure, permeability and organic matter content. The most dominant soil textural class of the study woreda is sandy loam. The permeability rate of study area is dominated by slow to moderate permeability rate. The maximum soil organic matter distribution of kersa woreda range from 3.94- 4.26 percent and the minimum soil organic matter distribution ranges from 2.98-3.316 percent. The major soil structural distribution of the study woreda is medium or coarse granular that cover all parts of the woreda except small area of the woreda. Keywords: Mapping, Texture, Permeability and Organic matter DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-12-02 Publication date: December 31st 202

A Review on the Potential Effect of Lime on Soil Properties and Crop Productivity Improvements

The review summarizes the literature and the current knowledge on the effect of lime on soil chemical properties and crop productivity. Most of investigators confirmed that lime application could improve the chemical and biological properties of the soils. The long-term lime application trials result in increased soil chemical properties. In addition, due to its multiple positive effects on the chemical and biological soil properties, lime contributes to increase crop productivity and crop quality. Predominantly because of the slow work of lime to make the nutrients available for crops lime-combined fertilization schemes often show good results. Thus, for sustainable agricultural systems within small-scale farming in developing countries like Ethiopia, recommended liming with minimum chemical fertilization can be a good option for developing effective plant-nutrient management strategies in acid soil area. Keywords: Liming, soil acidity, crop productivity, soil chemical property, soil biological property DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-2-0

Causes of Seasonal Food Insecurity in Oromiya Zone of Amhara Region: Farmers\u27 View

Ethiopia is currently facing challenging problems, ranging from those induced by environmental crises to those caused by demographic and socio-economic constraints which adversely affect peoples` production system. The country is generally characterized by extreme poverty, continued and high population growth rate, severe environmental degradation and recurrent drought (Getachew 1995; Markos,1997, NOVIB, 1999). Resulting from these, the performance of agriculture, the sector that makes livelihood for 85% of the country’s population, has been poor over the last few decades, to the extent that the country could not adequately feed its population from domestic production. This has been manifested in the prevailing chronic and transitory food insecurity which have almost become structural phenomena and the way of life for a significant proportion of the population of the country

Famine and its Causes in the Perspective of the Modern Geographical Thoughts

The paper argues that famine researches, based on various philosophies of contemporary geography would generate knowledge with different perspectives. Positivists mainly seek to identify factors that induce famine. An in-depth understanding of the processes of famine must rely upon humanists’ approaches. In cases where investigations on famines are made in regard to poverty alleviation through empowering the poor and other marginal segments of a society, structuralism approaches become the most appropriate. It is concluded that famine being a multi-faceted socio-economic problem, and hence a research depending on single philosophical underpinning cannot come out with comprehensive knowledge of it. Therefore, a research project that entertains positivists, humanists and structuralists at a time can come up with somehow complete insights and observations, which in turn enable to prevent citizens from the agony of hunger and eradicate famine.Key words: Famine, Geography, Humanism, Positivism and Structuralis

Determinants of Market Access for Members of Improved Potato Seed Producers’ Cooperatives in West Showa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

This study examined the determinants of market access for members of improved potato seed producers’ cooperative in Jeldu District. The specific objectives of the study are to assess the marketing channels of the potato seed, to analyze the factors that affect members to market access, and to identify the market problems potato seed of the sample farmers. Purposive sampling technique was used to select Jeldu district and four primary cooperatives from the sample frame and based on random sampling techniques of probability proportional to the size, 139 sample respondents have been selected. The analysis of the study was based on both primary quantitative data which was collected from the members of the sampled cooperatives through a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out a logit regression model. Based on the analyses, the main findings of the study revealed that in general majority of the sample cooperatives members (54%) had access to the market through their cooperative and 46% of them have not accessed the market through cooperatives the last year. According to the result of the Logit model; storage facility, price, transportation facilities, and quality of seed produced were significant at less than one percent; training and education, and availability of marketing agent were considered significant at less than five percent probability level; and market information and management commitment were significant at less than ten percent probability level. In addition to the above findings, the study also showed that marketing problems of members in the study area were: Infrastructural problems (such as inadequate road facilities, lack of storage facility, lack of transportation truck, high transportation cost), lack of proper and up-to-date market information, price fluctuation, seasonal demands of potatoes seed, poor linkage of members with credit service organizations and quality problems were the major marketing problems included in the study. So, this and other problems related to the members in the study area need to give attention to the concerning government and cooperative bodies. Keywords: Market Access, Cooperative members, Improved Potato Seed, Producers DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/77-03 Publication date:March 31st 202

Assessment Of Trade Standards On Ethiopia’s Fresh Fruit Export Volume

Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopia's economy and the major source of foreign exchange earnings. Fresh fruit products have been among the most dynamic areas of international agricultural exportable trade. The country has high potential of fresh fruit production and supply for the export market. However, trade standards are becoming a global phenomenon; countries in the developing world face increasing constraints in exporting their products to markets in the developed countries. The Government of Ethiopia is encouraging fresh fruit exports industry as a significant area and the sector has a huge potential for developing an economy. However, its competitiveness is unsatisfactory due to external and internal problems hindering its competitiveness. The aim of this study was to assess the trade in Ethiopia’s fresh fruit export and the effects of trade standard on its fruit export volume to international market. Especially, Ethiopia’s fruit export volume in line with the context of trade standard measurements of fruits. The study was conducted in Koka and Holeta town and their peripheries. Data has been collected from Alemye agricultural investment, Almeta Impex PLC, Holleta Rose PLC and ILAN TOT PLC. The study employed cross sectional survey design and purposive sampling technique. Structured questionnaires (23) and semi structured interview were distributed to respondents and were returned (23). The research is based on the response of samples which have been gathered by primary data (using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview) from managers and senior experts. Four enumerators were employed for data administration. To analyze the data, descriptive statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, mean, tables, graphs, and different types of charts were used for data generated through questionnaires using SPSS with available versions 16. The result of the study identified that trade standards are barriers for Ethiopia’s fresh fruit export and have significant impact on producers too. Finally, to upgrade the fresh fruit export business, the researcher recommended that there should be due commitment of higher officials in Ethiopian Commodity Exchange and Ministry of Agriculture (fresh fruits quality inspection center) in clarifying the concept of fresh fruit trade standards to producers. Besides, the Ethiopian government specially the Ministry of Trade should put additional effort to come up with different preferential free trade agreements with major international market destinations especially for potential high value export commodities like fresh fruits. Key words: - Agriculture, Ethiopian fruits, Export, Trade Standard

Food Security Status of People with Disabilities in Selassie Kebele, Hawassa Town, Southern Ethiopia

The paper is about the food security of people with disabilities in Hawassa town. The situations of people with physical, vision, and speech and/or hearing type of disabilities were studied on the basis of Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussion and conducting exploratory household questionnaire survey. Food security indicators such as income, food self-sufficiency and frequency of meals per days were assessed. Coping Strategy Index (CSI) was the technique employed to assess food security status at household level. It was found that people with disabilities mostly depend upon family members’ compassion and charity to sustain their livelihoods. Likewise, a lack of awareness, self-interest, family and community members’ lack of knowledge and misperceived attitudes have prevented people with disabilities from being independent in their sources of livelihood and attaining food security. Disabilities made them somehow powerless in decision making. Majority of the sample respondents were chronically food insecure. Individuals with physical type of disabilities accounted for the largest proportion of those who are illiterate as well as unemployed. The same group was more vulnerable to food insecurity than their counterparts with other types of disabilities. PWDs cope with food shortage by limiting portion of size at meal, eating less preferred and cheap foods and begging on the streets. Improving the food security of PWDs should receive the attention of all concerned actors. It is important to create jobs that fit to the situation of PWDs, access them to training, credit, marketing facilities and treatment and increasing public awareness about the situations of the PWDs.Keywords: disability, food security, coping mechanisms, PWDs, Hawass