Rice (Oryza Sativa) and Chickpea (Cicer Aritinum L) Relay Intercropping Systems in an Additive Series Experiment in Rain Fed Lowland Ecosystem of Fogera Vertisols

Study on rice as a main crop-chickpea as a companion crop relay intercropping in an additive series experiment in rain fed lowland ecosystem of Fogera vertisols was conducted for two consecutive years to test the rice-chick pea relay intercropping planting method and to determine the optimum proportion for component crops in rice- chick pea relay intercropping on transplanted rice. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications. Five seed rates of chick pea relayed intercropped in between rows of transplanted rice and one sole rice were tested i.e. full recommended seed rate of chick pea relay intercropped in between rows of transplanted rice, two-third of the recommended seed rate of chick pea relay intercropped in between rows of transplanted rice, two-third of the recommended seed rate of chick pea relay intercropped in between alternate rows of transplanted rice, half of the recommended seed rate of chick pea relay intercropped in between rows of transplanted rice, half of the recommended seed rate of chick pea relay intercropped in between alternate rows of transplanted rice and the sole transplanted rice used as comparison. Rice yield and yield component data were statistically subjected to analysis of variance using SAS-JMP-5 software. All growth, yield and yield component of rice did not significantly affected by additive relay intercropping and seed proportion in rice-chickpea relay intercropping systems. However, the study conducted for two consecutive years at all test sits confirmed that chick pea after twenty days from the planting time was completely dried and unable to gave seed yield from rice-chickpea relay intercropping experiment. Hence, under current crop management practice of rice at Fogera vertisol areas, relay intercropping of chickpea with rice is not economically important for farmers. Keywords: Rice; chickpea; relay intercropping systems; vertisol

Revisiting Indigenous Biotic and Abiotic Weather Forecasting for Possible Integration with Scientific Weather Prediction: A Case from the Borana People of South Ethiopia

This study assesses how Borana herders make weather forecast using abiotic and biotic indicators. Survey questionnaire, observations, focus group discussions, and key informant interview were employed to obtain data. Field data were analyzed and interpreted using appropriate analytical tools and procedures. The result revealed that the Borana herders have time-tested weather forecasting experience of using astrological, intestinal, plant, and animal body language indicators. Astrological and intestinal readings that need special training and local expertise are known as Urgii Elaltus and Uchuu, respectively. Forecast information is disseminated using the Borana sociocultural institutions. Based on the disseminated forecast information, the Borana herders take measures such as strengthening enclosure, storing hay, migrating with animals, destocking, and changing schedules of social and cultural festivities such as wedding. The precision and credibility of traditional weather forecast steadily declined and led to repeated faulty predictions. Poor documentation and knowledge transfer system, influence of religion and modern education, premature death of forecast experts, and expansion of alcoholism were identified as causes undermining the vitality of Borana indigenous weather forecast. It is high time that the tenets of indigenous weather forecasting be assessed scientifically and be integrated into the modern science of weather forecasting before they vanish

Fertility Status of Married Women and Its Determinants in Ethiopia

This study investigates determinant factors of fertility among married women in Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa with rapid population growth. The data used for the analysis was obtained from the 2014 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey which was carried out by the Central Statistical Agency. A generalized linear model (GLM) analysis was carried out to investigate the effect of socioeconomic and demographic factors on the number of children ever born by a married woman of age 15-49 years. High fertility was independently associated with residing in urban areas, increased household economic status, younger age at first birth and not using contraceptives. Current age and media exposure, household head gender and media exposure, household head gender and regional state, mother’s education and, regional state and media exposure and regional state were found to jointly affect fertility level

Morphine dependence is attenuated by red ginseng extract and ginsenosides Rh2, Rg3, and compound K

AbstractBackgroundRed ginseng and ginsenosides have shown plethoric effects against various ailments. However, little is known regarding the effect of red ginseng on morphine-induced dependence and tolerance. We therefore investigated the effect of red ginseng extract (RGE) and biotransformed ginsenosides Rh2, Rg3, and compound K on morphine-induced dependence in mice and rats.MethodsWhile mice were pretreated with RGE and then morphine was injected intraperitoneally, rats were infused with ginsenosides and morphine intracranially for 7 days. Naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal syndrome was estimated and conditioned place preference test was performed for physical and psychological dependence, respectively. Western blotting was used to measure protein expressions.ResultsWhereas RGE inhibited the number of naloxone-precipitated jumps and reduced conditioned place preference score, it restored the level of glutathione in mice. Likewise, ginsenosides Rh2, Rg3, and compound K attenuated morphine-dependent behavioral patterns such as teeth chattering, grooming, wet-dog shake, and escape behavior in rats. Moreover, activated N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor subunit 1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the frontal cortex of rats, and cultured cortical neurons from mice were downregulated by ginsenosides Rh2, Rg3, and compound K despite their differential effects.ConclusionRGE and biotransformed ginsenosides could be considered as potential therapeutic agents against morphine-induced dependence

The crisis and renaissance of curriculum studies: A reflection on the Positions of Wraga and Hlebowitsh

This article is mainly a reaction paper that reflects on the views and positions of Wraga and Hlebowitsh (2003) concerning the crisis and renaissance of the curriculum field. In doing so, a brief critical review of the two authors’ views with regard to the ups and downs that the curriculum field has passed through, and most importantly, the crisis it faced as it went through its formative period was made. The article also endeavored to show the efforts of different curriculum scholars, including the proposals of these two authors, to rescue the field from its total collapse. Next to this, my reflections on the views and positions of the two authors vis-à-vis the current state of the field and the proposals they presented to solve its crisis are highlighted. The paper also tried to reflect on the current state of the Ethiopian curriculum field based on some personal experiences and observations. Accordingly, it revealed that many of the signs of curriculum crisis are prevalent in contemporary Ethiopia. Finally, concluding remarks and lessons to be learned from this article are include

Perceptions of Bahir Dar University teacher educators about functions of education in Ethiopia

Using the four major philosophies of education (Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism, and Social Reconstructionism) as its theoretical framework, this study examined the perceptions of teacher educators about the functions of education in Ethiopia. The study adopted the qualitative research approach and employed the case study as a design. Through a purposeful criterion-based sampling technique, six teacher educators from Bahir Dar University were selected as participants in the study. Data pertinent to the study were collected through semi-structured interviews and document reviews. The data collected through these methods were thematically analyzed. The results of the study revealed the existence of multifarious perceptions among teacher educators. To be specific, the teacher educators were found to be proponents of the perennialist, essentialist, and progressivist educational purposes. As far as the function of education in Ethiopia was concerned, the study revealed that the perennialist and essentialist purposes of education were dominant. Educational purposes advocated by the progressive educational philosophy were also found to be important. The social reconstructionist function of education, however, was not given an adequate place. Finally, the implications of these findings for the country’s teacher education programs and policymaking initiatives are indicated

Nurturing education quality through impactful research: Insights from Bahir Dar Journal of Education July 2023 issue

Welcome to the third issue of Bahir Dar Journal of Education for the year 2023. In this issue, we publish eight manuscripts authored by a total of seventeen scholars. They cover a variety of topics pertaining to education. From the challenges faced in implementing 21st-century skills, authentic learning, and time management to parents' concerns over television viewing’s impacts on children's education and well-being, the papers attempt to address various educational challenges. Each manuscript brings unique insights and recommendations that collectively contribute to the ongoing quest for quality education.

Highlighting research on the challenges and implications of some selected educational issues

This editorial highlights the manuscripts published in the January 2024 edition of the Bahir Dar Journal of Education. Written by a total of 24 scholars from six universities and one international non-governmental organization, the manuscripts provide valuable insights into some fundamental educational issues in two African countries, namely, Ethiopia and Somaliland. The editorial outlines the main themes of the manuscripts and the valuable contributions the authors made to the field of education. Focusing on the African context, the editorial also featured paragraphs on some key educational challenges and the vital role scientific research and researchers can play in alleviating the challenges

Analyzing curriculum materials from a gender perspective: Grade eight English textbook of Ethiopia in focus

The purpose of this study was to examine the place of some gender issues in curriculum materials of Ethiopia. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative content analysis was made on the country’s Grade Eight English textbook. The analysis was conducted on two interrelated categories: nature of narrations and sensitivity of illustrations. In doing so, a nine-stage content analysis model, developed by Frankel and Wallen (2006), was employed. The analysis revealed that in all of the evaluation criteria, the textbook was gender-biased favoring the male gender. For instance, most of the passages and stories presented in the textbook were narrating the fame, contributions, and achievements of the masculine gender. The study also revealed that the great majority of the role models in the textbook under consideration were representing the male gender. Besides, most of the illustrations presented in the textbook were male-dominated that convey unequal power relationships between the two genders. Overall, from the findings of the present analysis, it was understood that some gender issues that need to be considered while writing a language textbook were not adequately addressed. Finally, the implications of these findings for future research and policy initiatives are briefly indicated

The experience of Bahir Dar university teacher educators in practicing society-centered instruction

The purpose of this study was to understand the practice of society-centered instruction in teacher education classrooms. Hence, a qualitative research approach focusing on the phenomenological design was employed. Participants of the study were six teacher educators from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Bahir Dar University. They were selected through purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used to collect data essential for the study. An adapted five-stage data analysis model was also used to analyze the data collected through the above methods. The findings of the study revealed that the experience of teacher educators in practicing society-centered instructional methods and assessment techniques was minimal. The study also revealed that the instructional processes in teacher education classrooms of Bahir Dar University were not satisfactorily interconnected with major issues of society. Towards the end of the article, the implications of these findings for classroom practices and policy initiatives are highlighted