Essays on poverty issues: microeconomic evidence from african countries

Using household level panel data, the thesis provides comprehensive empirical evidence on poverty issues. The thesis constructs spatial and inter-temporal utility consistent poverty lines for Uganda, which are used as inputs to study the sources of poverty, distinguish chronic poverty from transitory poverty and the mechanisms affecting poverty persistence. Based on these poverty lines which are consistent across space and time, the poverty headcount in Uganda increases by about 9% as one moves from 2005 to 2009. In contrast, the official report suggests a reduction in poverty headcount by about 4.5% which is mainly due to low food and non-food consumer price indexes and low food share. Poverty in Uganda is largely chronic. The highest burden of inter-temporal poverty ascribes to households living in the North. Households with a large number of dependent members contribute to inter-temporal poverty more than their population share. The thesis estimates the dynamic random effect probit models and endogenous switching regression. After controlling for observed and unobserved differences in individual characteristics, the thesis still finds strong evidence of state dependence, which is that past poverty actually increases the risk of future poverty. In the presence of genuine state dependence, short run polices are effective. Since consumption in the household surveys is often measured with error, the thesis applies the mixed latent Markov model to estimate the extent of true mobility into and out of poverty. It finds that measurement error overstates the observed poverty transition probabilities or understates the true poverty persistence. Since the actual poverty persistence rate is at least 61%, the poverty in Uganda is largely permanent, not transitory. Measurement error also understates the impacts of observed individual characteristics on making poverty transition from one state to another. Land size per capita, having mobile phone and TV-radio reduce the probability of transiting into poverty as well as increase the chances of poverty exit. The empirical evidence suggests that policy makers have to target households whose consumption slightly above the poverty line and households who are very poor. Since poverty is state dependence, short run policies are effective to keep individuals not to fall into poverty in the first place because once they are poor, they are less likely to exit poverty. Since poverty is mainly chronic in Uganda, on the other hand, long term intervention through increasing human and physical capital and the returns to these assets is effective to the very poor households. Using employer- employee panel data from Ghana, the thesis also finds that poor women are disproportionately sorting into low paying firms. Even after controlling for gender difference in individuals endowments and sorting effects, firms actually pay different wage premium for comparable female and male. When wage inequality increases among the poor, chronic poverty increases. The result suggests that targeting female dominant firms to increase their productivity helps mitigate the national level chronic poverty. The thesis also identifies the type of firms that pay equal premium for comparable gender attributes

Assessment Of Production Potentials And Constraaints Of Mango (Mangifera INDICA) At Bati, Oromia Zone, Ethiopia

Production potentials and constraints of mango were assessed at Bati wereda, Oromiya zone, Ethiopia in 2013 using data from sixty randomly selected mango producers in the area. Data were collected using questionnaire and focus group discussion. The result revealed that most of the producers belonged to the age group of 41-50 (28.3%) and 31-40 (266.7%). 95% of the producers were male and the rest 5% were female. Analysis of production system revealed that 90% of the respondents do not use fertilizer; the only 10% of the respondents do use organic fertilizer. All of the respondents use irrigation water; however the source, quantity and quality differ from farm to farm. 85% of the respondents replied that they did not control diseases except birds during the time of fruit maturation. Most of the respondents (95%) did not practice pruning. The orchards branch is so large and weak to support the fruit. Fifty percent of the respondent replied that they harvest the fruit at peak maturity but 33.33% of the respondents replied that the fruit harvest before peak maturity and only 16.67% response that the fruit harvest after peak maturity. The majority of the respondents (46.67) replied that all the listed factors (irrigation water scarcity, pest and disease and technology limitation) can influence the production of mango. The majority of the respondents (66.67) replied that hand picking method of harvesting produce and maintains good quality of fruit and protects the fruit from mechanical damage. Most of the respondents (30%) replied that all the listed (birds, wind, wounding, maturity stage and micro organisms) are major causes of mango production loss. 26.67%, 23.33%, 6.67%, 8.33% and 5% of the respondents response that birds, wind, wounding, microorganisms and maturity stage are the main causes of loss on mango respectively. Most of the respondents (45.00%) replied that major lost of mango occurs during harvesting and before harvesting. The majority (35) of the respondents use both pack animal and human back and shoulder to transport their produce. Most of the respondents (96.67%) sell their products at nearby local marke

Trend of visceral leishmaniasis at Medicine Sans Frontier´s Abdurafi Treatment Center, West Armachiho District, Ethiopia, 2009-2015, a retrospective descriptive analysis

Introduction: Leishmaniasis currently threatens 350 million men, women and children around the world. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal parasitic disease mostly prevalent in low land areas VL typically affects migrant agricultural workers. Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the Leishmaniasis donovani complex, which includes Leishmaniasis donovani and Leishmaniasis infantum. An estimated 200,000 to 400,000 new cases of visceral leishmaniasis occur worldwide each year. This study aims to understand the trend, magnitude and mortality of visceral leishmaniasis at MSF Abdurafi treatment center during the period (2009-2015). Methods: Retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted on monthly kala-azar report of MSF Abderafi treatment center in West Armachiho district. We included a total of 11680 patients screened for leishmaniasis in 2009-2015. We entered and analyzed data using Microsoft Excel. Results: Among 11680 patients screened for kalazar in the study period (2009-2015), 2131 were primary kalazar cases, 198 kalazar were relapse and 19 were post kalazar dermal leishmaniasis. The case fatality of kalazar ranged from 0.9% (4/469) in 2014 to 7.4% (22/296) in 2013. The highest cure rate was (96%) in 2015, and the least was (89%) in 2009. The total case fatality rate during study period was 4% (92/2263). The highest HIV/Kala-azar coinfection rate was 15% in 2009 and the lowest was 4.8% in 2014. Conclusion: Visceral leishmaniasis was highly prevalent in the study area. There was high kala-azar mortality rate and majority of deaths were unrecognized. Prevalence rate of VL-HIV co-infection and relapse was higher at MSF Abdurafi kalazar treatment center in West Armachiho district. Ministry of health should strengthen prevention and control mechanisms of kala-azar. Ministry of health and MSF Holland should conduct further studies on the cause of death among kala-azar patients, because there may be drug toxicity or other complications

Factors associated with perinatal substance use among Ethiopian women: an institutional-based cross-sectional study

Introduction: Substance use during the perinatal period is a significant public health concern, as it can have potential adverse effects on maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Unexpectedly, no previous studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence of substance use during the perinatal period among Ethiopian women. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of substance use and its determinant factors during the perinatal period.Method: We conducted a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study among a systematically selected sample of 418 women who attended perinatal care between May and July 2022. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, with a 95% confidence interval and p-values less than 0.05, was employed to identify factors associated with substance use behavior.Result: The prevalence of perinatal substance use was found to be 38.3% (95% CI: 33.5–43.5). Of the women who used substances, 109 (26.1%) reported using chat, 46 (11.0%) reported alcohol consumption, and 5 (1.20%) reported using shisha. Factors significantly associated with substance use behavior during the perinatal period included a history of obstetric complications (AOR = 1.722, 95% CI: 1.022–2.902), the presence of chronic medical conditions (AOR = 3.784, 95% CI: 2.164–6.615), experiencing physical abuse (AOR = 5.323, 95% CI: 2.171–13.050), depression (AOR = 1.963, 95% CI: 1.028–3.749), and experiencing sleep disturbances (AOR = 2.016, 95% CI: 0.975–4.168). Conversely, giving birth to a live baby was found to be a protective factor against substance use behavior (AOR = 0.389, 95% CI: 0.187–0.810).Discussion: This study highlights a high prevalence of substance abuse among women during the perinatal period. In light of these findings, a comprehensive approach is recommended to address perinatal substance use among Ethiopian women. This should include the integration of preventive educational programs into perinatal care

Exclusive breastfeeding practice and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Woldia Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Inappropriate practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is still a major problem worldwide.Objective: To identify exclusive breastfeeding practice and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Woldia Town.Methods: A Community based cross-sectional study was carried out.Interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized to collect the data. The questionnaire was adapted from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey. Hosmer-Lemeshowmodel was fitted at a P-value of 0.91. Finally, Variables having P-Value <0.05 with 95% CI was considered as significant factors.Result: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice was 46.2% (95% CI: 42.0, 49.8). Being employed mothers (AOR=0.62,95% CI:0.44,0.87), being head of a household (AOR=0.52,95% CI:0.32,0.83),not g getting husband support (AOR:0.5,95%CI:0.34,0.74),not fed colostrum’s (AOR:0.36,95%CI:0.23,0.57),not affected by traditional belief (AOR:3.59,95% CI:2.09-6.17) shows significant association with Exclusive breast feeding practice.Conclusion: The prevalence of exclusive breast feeding practice was relatively lower than the National prevalence. Some demographic variable and traditional beliefs were significantly associated with exclusive breast feeding. Designing model policies that empower the role of women and eradicating bad traditional beliefs in the community is fundamental step. Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding; Breastfeeding practice; Breastfeeding Promotion

Effect of preeclampsia on the incidence rate of small-for-gestational-age of the fetuses among pregnant women in selected public hospitals in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Background: In low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, small-for-gestational-age of the fetuses is a risk factor for fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity that is linked to immediate perinatal adverse events and also to adult pathologic conditions in later life. In Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray, there is a paucity of information on the incidence rate and predictors of small-for-gestational-age of the fetuses among pregnant women. Objective: To determine the incidence rate and predictors of small-for-gestational-age of fetuses among pregnant women in selected public hospitals in Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among preeclampsia (n = 239) and normotensive (n = 476) women who were in antenatal care follow-up before 20 weeks in selected hospitals of Tigray, from January 01, 2014, to March 31, 2019, to measure weight for gestational age of the fetuses every two to four weeks. Systematic sampling was used to select preeclampsia and normotensive women from the list in antenatal care logbook by their medical record numbers, using every three and every 25 intervals, respectively. A pre-tested structured checklist was used to extract data, then entered and cleaned using Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14 for analysis. The incidence rate was calculated by dividing all small-for-gestational-age of the fetus cases by the person weeks of follow-up. The Cox proportional hazard model was performed to identify predictors of small for gestational age of the fetuses. Results: The incidence rate of small-for-gestational-age of the fetuses was higher among women with preeclampsia than normotensive women (94.5 versus 24.9 per 1,000 person weeks, Z = 9.42, p < 0.000001). A higher risk of small-for-gestational-age of the fetuses was observed among women with preeclampsia/eclampsia (AHR = 3.92, 95% CI 2.55-6.01), women with a history of low birth weight (AHR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.17-0.94), and women with poor gestational weight gain (AHR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.15-3.1). Conclusions and recommendations: There were significant differences in the incidence rates of small-for-gestational-age of fetuses among preeclampsia, and normotensive women. Preeclampsia, a history of low birth weight and poor weight gain were significant predictors for small-for-gestational-age of the fetuses. It is necessary to strengthen the screening of preeclampsia for optimal fetal growth and to provide counseling on nutrients for adequate gestational weight gain. Further studies would also be beneficial to confirm the predictors at the community level. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2020; 34(3):181-190] Keywords: Small-for-gestational-age, preeclampsia/eclampsia, Tigra

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Associated Factors Among Women in Perinatal Period

Background and Objective Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is an important public health issue requiring adequate screening and management to avoid such harmful consequences. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of EDS in the perinatal period. Methods Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out in selected public health institutions of Ethiopia on systematic selected 362 women during perinatal period. We used a validated Epworth daytime sleepiness tool to collect data. Epi-InfoTM 7 and SPSS version 26 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associated factors. Results The prevalence of EDS was 16.6% (95% CI: 12.6–20.7). Excessive pregnancy-related concern (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.087–0.621), having depression symptoms (AOR = 8.045, 95% CI: 3.375–19.174), anxiety symptoms (AOR = 4.905, 95% CI: 2.083– 11.550) and having a chronic medical illness (AOR = 5.441, 95% CI: 2.273–13.021) were the factors associated with EDS. Conclusions The results of the current study suggested that perinatal EDS among women in northern part of Ethiopia is a highly prevalent and associated with excessive pregnancy concern, depression, anxiety, and medical illness

Climate Services amid the Covid-19 Pandemic: Seasonal and sub-seasonal climate advisory and communication to agricultural stakeholders in Ethiopia

This brief summarizes a work that has been conducted in 2020 to provide seasonal and intra-seasonal climate forecasts and advisories to smallholder farmers amid the Covid-19 pandemic in Ethiopia. The work involved (i) preparation of seasonal outlook for the main rainy season, (ii) translation of the forecasts into advisories, and (iii) communication of advisories to smallholders to serve for tactical decision making. Similar steps were followed to generate 10 to 15 days forecasts and advisories and communicating them to smallholders together with COVID-19 status updates and awareness messages

Problematic substance use and its associated factors among street youth in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia

BackgroundProblematic substance use is becoming a common problem in marginalized groups such as street youths. However, there is a dearth of studies on the prevalence and factors associated with problematic substance use among street youth in Ethiopia.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of problematic substance use and identify its associated factors among street youth.MethodsThis community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2020. A total of 252 participants were included in this study. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit participants. Cut down, annoyed, guilty feeling, and eye opening-adapted to include drugs (CAGE-AIDs) were used to assess problematic substance use. The data were entered into epidata and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to show the strength of association. A p-value < 0.5 was statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of problematic substance use was 55.8%, 95% CI (49–63%). Peer pressure [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.38, 6.59], family conflict [AOR = 5.05, 95% CI: 1.67, 15.25], physical abuse [AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.11, 5.84], and substance use in the family [AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.29, 6.27] were the factors significantly associated with problematic substance use.ConclusionThe prevalence of problematic substance use was high. It was also found that peer pressure, family conflict, substance use in the family, and physical abuse were the factors associated with problematic substance use. Therefore, proper screening and intervention for individuals with problematic substance use are needed, and further research should be conducted for marginalized groups

Cryopreservation of bioflavonoid-rich plant sources and bioflavonoid-microcapsules: emerging technologies for preserving bioactivity and enhancing nutraceutical applications

Bioflavonoids are natural polyphenolic secondary metabolites that are medicinal. These compounds possess antitumor, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-psoriasis properties to mention a few. Plant species that contain bioflavonoids should be preserved as such. Also, the bioactivity of the bioflavonoids as neutraceutical compounds is compromised following extraction due to their sensitivity to environmental factors like light, pH, and temperature. In other words, the bioflavonoids’ shelf-life is affected. Scientists noticed that bioflavonoids have low solubility properties, poor absorption, and low bioavailability following consumption. Researchers came up with methods to encapsulate bioflavonoids in order to circumvent the challenges above and also to mask the unpleasant order these chemicals may have. Besides, scientists cryopreserve plant species that contain bioflavonoids. In this review, we discuss cryopreservation and bioflavonoid microencapsulation focusing mainly on vitrification, slow freezing, and freeze-drying microencapsulation techniques. In addition, we highlight bioflavonoid extraction techniques, medicinal properties, challenges, and future perspectives of cryopreservation and microencapsulation of bioflavonoids. Regardless of the uniqueness of cryopreservation and microencapsulation as methods to preserve bioflavonoid sources and bioflavonoids’ bioactivity, there are challenges reported. Freeze-drying technology is costly. Cryoprotectants damage the integrity of plant cells, to say the least. Researchers are working very hard to overcome these challenges. Encapsulating bioflavonoids via coaxial electrospray and then cryopreserving the micro/nanocapsules produced can be very interesting