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Purpose: This paper examines the gender achievement gap in the Ethiopian secondary education system using tenth-grade national examination results for the period 2002/03–2013/14. Design/methodology/approach: Statistical tests are employed to determine equality of the average male and female GPAs (grade point average), and equality of the proportions of female and male test-takers in the upper and lower achievement distributions. Further, a panel fixed effects model is used to evaluate factors that affect the regional average GPAs by gender and to determine whether those factors could explain observed gender achievement gaps. Findings: Results indicate statistically significant gender achievement gaps in all regional states and the capital city. The gap has been persistent with a minor declining trend and will not be closed if continued at the current trend. The authors also find that the regional average male and female test scores could be explained partially by factors such as pupil-teacher ratio, the proportion of rural students and access to secondary schools. These factors, however, cannot explain the observed gender achievement gap. Originality/value: The study uses regional data collected from the annual educational abstracts published by the Ethiopian ministry of education. It investigates the trends of the gender achievement gaps across the regional states and overtime at the tenth-grade level. It depicts the persistence of the gap hindering girls from furthering their education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present results of an exploratory study conducted on entrepreneurial intent among graduating class students of higher education institutions in Kafa, Sheka, and Bench-Maji Zones, Southern Nation Nationalities Peoples' Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia. The research design of the study was a cross-sectional survey design where relevant data were collected through questionnaires from a sample of 347 University and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College graduating class students. The data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics (bar graph and pie chart) and inferential statistics (chi-square goodness-of-fit test, independent samples t test, and one-way between-group analysis of variance). The study found out that among prospective graduates of higher education institutions in the study area, only 45.4–50.6% had low, 24–33.7% had moderate, and 18–25% had a high level of entrepreneurial intent. The study also showed that the level of higher education, prior experience of self-employment, and the chance of taking extracurricular entrepreneurship courses were the three demographic and other distal variables that explained the difference in entrepreneurial intent among the study population. The study, however, showed gender, the chance of taking entrepreneurship courses as part of curriculum, college, department, parent's occupation, and level of education had no statistically significant association with entrepreneurial intent of the study population. The study is expected to hold relevant inputs to politicians and national policy-makers, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, entrepreneurial intent researchers, and model developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The city of Hawassa is growing fast, driven by construction of a flagship industrial park that is expected to attract up to 60,000 workers by 2021, mostly young women, arriving without families or dependents, and living off very low wages. Along with these young women, female-headed households; divorced, separated and widowed women; elderly women; and women with disabilities all face severe/acute shelter vulnerabilities. These groups are most likely to struggle to access both formal and informal shelter, related to their below-average income levels but also to other forms of bias and discrimination. This paper draws out key findings on gender and housing from a collaborative study investigating shelter provision in Hawassa, part of a wider research study on inclusive cities in East Africa led by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). It aims to highlight specific constraints faced by women in accessing shelter, and around such issues as informality, safety and security, and infrastructure provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teff is a highly valuable grain for Ethiopian people in generating income and achieving food security. Using unique cross-sectional data from husbands and wives, descriptive statistics and an econometric model, this paper analyzes gender roles in the teff value chain in south-western Ethiopia. Primary data was collected from 117 farmers, 38 traders and 14 consumers. Findings indicate that women contribute more than their husbands to teff production, and their labor burden exceeds that of their husbands since they perform reproductive activities in which men do not participate. Most women are involved in the production, processing and retailing of teff. In turn, their husbands control the wholesale process and cash generated. However, it is difficult to calculate the labor share of women in the household. There are very weak linkages between actors of the entire teff value chain. Among the main determinants of teff market supply, education of the respondent, land area, market information and cooperative membership have a positive effect. Conversely, distance to market negatively affected teff market supply. Therefore, enhancing cooperation between teff value chain actors and providing women with access to training, education and extension services should be a policy priority in the study areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate-induced migration is an increasingly pressing issue in many African regions, as rising temperatures and extreme weather events have caused the displacement of vulnerable populations. This is especially so in Eastern Africa and the Horn of Africa, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia, where extreme weather events have led to rangeland degradation, crop failures, water shortages, and food insecurity. Hence, there is a perceived need to understand these processes better. Against this background, this paper reports on a study investigating the processes associated with climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia. The research method used consisted of an expert-driven assessment approach, which assesses the causes of climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia and its human and social implications on local communities. Data were collected from 110 experts residing and working on climate and migration-related issues in Ethiopia and Kenya via e-mail, whose knowledge of the current situation has enabled the identification of some important trends. The results show that climate change is a primary trigger of migration both internally and externally. The high number of migrants, many of whom living within levels of poverty in their home areas is straining resources and services in the receiving regions. Their presence is also leading to increased competition for jobs and resources. Additionally, it has increased urban poverty, as many migrants have little access to living space and health care. This paper provides a welcome addition to the literature in that it lists the causes and implications of climate-induced migration and, by doing so, fosters a better understanding of the current crisis and its implications. The implications of this paper to the overall knowledge of climate change and migration are twofold. First, it highlights the need for governments, international organisations, and other stakeholders better to understand the complex linkages between climate change and migration. Secondly, it shows the usefulness of better recognising how climate change can drive migration and the other factors shaping the decision to migrate. The paper concludes by stating the urgent need for policies and programmes that support climate change-induced migrants. Also, it draws attention to the usefulness of promoting sustainable development in their origin countries and destinations, so that migration is not necessarily perceived as the only response to climate change. A further conclusion is that there is a perceived need for providing access to resources such as education, health care, and livelihood opportunities and establishing mechanisms to ensure a safe and dignified return for those who choose to do so. • Climate change is a significant driver for migration in Kenya and Ethiopia. • Droughts, conflicts, and crop failures are among the key drivers of migration. • Male migration is more prominent than a female one. • Limited access to productive resources leads to outmigration from rural areas. • Lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic did not cause any major migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper empirically investigates whether the quantity deficit in the children of the mother's preferred gender is compensated through their favorable treatment in terms of investment in schooling (what we call a compensating hypothesis) in an environment where schooling opportunities are limited. We use data from siblings in two rounds of the demographic and health surveys of Ethiopia for empirical analysis. Using the gender ratio of the mother's own siblings and the birth of same sex twins as instruments for gender ratio gap, we estimate binary choice models with clustering for school attendance using generalized instrumental variable techniques with interactive instruments. Our empirical evidence appears to be consistent with the compensating hypothesis that the larger the excess of actual proportion of girls over the mother's desired proportion, the smaller a girl's chance of attending school and the bigger a boy's chance of attending school will be. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of agency in women's empowerment, whether individual or collective, has long been at the center of feminist discourse. Although, highly context dependent, studies on agency are less contextualized. Based on mixed methods, we generated in-depth understandings of what constitutes agency in livestock-based institutions, and associated contextual factors across three regions. Agency, the ability to make effective participation, conceptualization is based on four main dimensions, in turn associated with key agency enabling resources. The agency-enabling resources such as years of schooling, land holding, sheep flock size, number of women in the leadership committee, along with location and distance to extension services variables were associated with the ability to effectively participate. Study participants are aware of the influence of normative environment but lack the power to challenge it. If supported and used as a means, the collective action, breeding cooperative, itself could potentially generate its members such power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite a large body of literature on the nexus between knowledge, attitude and practice towards nutrition and gender, this nexus is likely to vary and is not clear in many societies, such as Ethiopia. Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the level of gender-based knowledge, attitude, and practice towards malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency using primary data collected from two regional states in Ethiopia. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches were used. Qualitative data were analyzed using a narrative and content approach. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Results indicate that female are generally more adept than male at identifying the symptoms of malnutrition. However, concerning vitamin A and iodine food types and its deficiency, male respondents had relatively better knowledge and consumption practice than female. Results show that there is very little awareness about biofortified and fortified foods. When we rate respondents, male had a relatively better understanding about fortified foods than their female counterparts. Conclusion: Findings can support development agents working to improve nutrition in Ethiopia to focus on improving community knowledge and perception of biofortified and fortified foods to improve diet quality through increased micronutrient intake. The majority of the respondents were aware of the importance of consuming micronutrient rich foods and had a positive attitude towards them. However, there is still a gap in practice. It may therefore require more targeted campaigns to increase the ability of community members to adopt best practices while reducing barriers to consumption of nutritious diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on my encounter with a group of Ethiopian female students whose common denominators are poverty, discrimination, violence, inequality and resilience, hope, courage and dignity. I describe these students' belief that education has enriched their lives in a country still dominated by patriarchy, with a high adolescent birth rate and a low Gender Development Index (UNDP, 2016). I draw insights from my practical experience as a development professional with the aim of contributing to the realization of the human capabilities of these young women. They aspire to a dignified life and believe education to be the sole instrument with which they can free themselves from the subordinated position society attributes to them. As a Living Theory researcher I neither separate myself, or my practical experience, from the social formation I am part of. In this account I explain my educational influences in learning and show how my work in Ethiopia is enriched by my Living Educational Theory research as it helps me to understand more fully the motivating power of love, faith in humanity and action that I incorporate within my practice, and how I originated the notion of generativity in my living-theory of sustainable development. I also write about recognising the significance of gender, professionally, personally and interpersonally and provide an insight into my research journey, unveiling my living values and living standards of judgment (Laidlaw, 1996) while attempting to be a 'good' development professional aspiring towards a 'good' change (Chambers, 2005). I focus on the influence those Ethiopian women have on my practice and how they have shaped my view of development, sustainability, and gender. I conclude by reflecting on the process that may lead me eventually to answer a key question for a Living Theory researcher, 'How can I improve my practice?' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Evidence suggests adolescent self-esteem is influenced by beliefs of how individuals in their reference group perceive them. However, few studies examine how gender- and violence-related social norms affect self-esteem among refugee populations. This paper explores relationships between gender inequitable and victim-blaming social norms, personal attitudes, and self-esteem among adolescent girls participating in a life skills program in three Ethiopian refugee camps. Methods. Ordinary least squares multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the associations between attitudes and social norms, and self-esteem. Key independent variables of interest included a scale measuring personal attitudes toward gender inequitable norms, a measure of perceived injunctive norms capturing how a girl believed her family and community would react if she was raped, and a peer-group measure of collective descriptive norms surrounding gender inequity. The key outcome variable, self-esteem, was measured using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Results. Girl's personal attitudes toward gender inequitable norms were not significantly predictive of self-esteem at endline, when adjusting for other covariates. Collective peer norms surrounding the same gender inequitable statements were significantly predictive of self-esteem at endline (ß = -0.130; p = 0.024). Additionally, perceived injunctive norms surrounding family and community-based sanctions for victims of forced sex were associated with a decline in self-esteem at endline (ß = -0.103; p = 0.014). Significant findings for collective descriptive norms and injunctive norms remained when controlling for all three constructs simultaneously. Conclusions. Findings suggest shifting collective norms around gender inequity, particularly at the community and peer levels, may sustainably support the safety and well-being of adolescent girls in refugee settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing from the lived experiences of female domestic workers in Ethiopia and Tanzania, this article illustrates different ways in which domestic work can be practiced and defined in both countries. It analyses women's narratives in the present and past tense to explore different situations before and after they come into contact with an NGO that advocates for domestic workers' rights. Since their childhood, the women interviewed have worked in various kin and non-kin households, and performed different types of domestic work (formal and informal, paid and unpaid, live-in and live-out). The asymmetrical and hierarchical relationships between employees and employers are ambiguous and often confused with kinship or distant kinship. These ambiguities come to the fore precisely when projects fostered by labour activists aim at the formalization of hired care work, that is, skilled employment made up of clearly defined tasks, regulated by written contracts, rights and responsibilities. In contexts where labor protections are poorly enforced, proposals to formalize domestic work can provide an essential reference point for the collective mobilization of women workers. At the same time, proposed solutions favoring the formalization of hired work might clash with local realities and not necessarily be perceived as appropriate by domestic workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, improvements in Ethiopia's socio-economic context, the prioritization of health and development in the national agenda, and ambitious national health and development policies and programmes have contributed to improvements in the living standards and well-being of the population as a whole including adolescents. Improvements have occurred in a number of health outcomes, for example reduction in levels of harmful practices i.e., in child marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), reduction in adolescent childbearing, increase in positive health behaviours, for example adolescent contraceptive use, and maternal health care service use. However, this progress has been uneven. As we look to the next 10 years, Ethiopia must build on the progress made, and move ahead understanding and overcoming challenges and making full use of opportunities by (i) recommitting to strong political support for ASRHR policies and programmes and to sustaining this support in the next stage of policy and strategy development (ii) strengthening investment in and financing of interventions to meet the SRH needs of adolescents (iii) ensuring laws and policies are appropriately communicated, applied and monitored (iv) ensuring strategies are evidence-based and extend the availability of age-disaggregated data on SRHR, and that implementation of these strategies is managed well (v) enabling meaningful youth engagement by institutionalizing adolescent participation as an essential element of all programmes intended to benefit adolescents, and (vi) consolidating gains in the area of SRH while strategically broadening other areas without diluting the ASRHR focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A limited number of studies suggest that boys may have a higher risk of stunting than girls in low-income countries. Little is known about the causes of these gender differences. The objective of the study was to assess gender differences in nutritional status and its determinants among infants in Ethiopia.Methods: We analyzed data for 2036 children (6-11 months old) collected as the baseline for a multiple micronutrient powders effectiveness study in two regions of Ethiopia in March-April 2015. Child, mother, and household characteristics were investigated as determinants of stunting and wasting. Multiple logistic regression models were used separately for boys and girls to check for gender differences while adjusting for confounders. The study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ with the clinical trials identifier of NCT02479815.Results: Stunting and wasting prevalence is significantly higher among boys compared to girls, 18.7 vs 10.7% and 7.9 vs 5.4%, respectively. Untimely initiation of breastfeeding, not-exclusive breastfeeding at the age of 6 months, region of residence, and low maternal education are significant predictors of stunting in boys. Untimely introduction to complementary food and low consumption of legumes/nuts are significant predictors of stunting in both boys and girls, and low egg consumption only in girls. Region of residence and age of the mother are significant determinants of wasting in both sexes. Analysis of interaction terms for stunting, however, shows no differences in predictors between boys and girls; only for untimely initiation of breastfeeding do the results for boys (OR 1.46; 95%CI 1.02,2.08) and girls (OR 0.88; 95%CI 0.55,1.41) tend to be different (p = 0.12).Conclusion: In Ethiopia, boys are more malnourished than girls. Exclusive breastfeeding and adequate dietary diversity of complementary feeding are important determinants of stunting in boys and girls. There are no clear gender interactions for the main determinants of stunting and wasting. These findings suggest that appropriate gender-sensitive guidance on optimum infant and young child feeding practices is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a common reproductive health problem, especially in developing countries. It is still the first research priority area in Africa that is identified by World Health Organization. The main aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and determinants of Gender Based Violence among Baso high school female students in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia. A total of 350 female students were selected by stratified sampling technique. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Each independent variable was fitted separately into bivariate logistic analysis, and Variables with p-values less than 0.25 in bivariable model were fitted into multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate the degree of association with gender-based violence. The significance level was obtained with 95% CI and p-value < 0.05. Result: The prevalence of GBV during the lock- down was 36.2% (95% CI 0.3, 0.4), and the lifetime prevalence of GBV was 47.2% (95% CI 0.4, 0.5). The prevalence of life time sexual violence and physical violence were found to be 27.99% (95% CI 0.2, 0.3), and 37.99% (95% CI 0.3, 0.4), respectively. Sexual violence and physical violence during the lockdown were found to be 21.3% and 17.8%, respectively. Respondents educational performance (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI 1.8, 11.3), monthly pocket money received from their parents (AOR = 3; 95% CI 1.6, 5.6), free discussion about reproductive issue (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI 1.4, 5.2), and experience of sexual intercourse (AOR = 13.2; 95% CI 4.8, 36.4) were found to be associated factors of gender based violence. Conclusion and recommendation: Gender Based Violence is still a significant sexual and reproductive health issue in Ethiopia. Governmental and non-governmental organizations should give due attention to this problem. Moreover, further large-scale studies are needed to estimate the national figure of GBV and to identify route causes. Plain Language summary: Gender-based violence (GBV) has been defined as any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person's will and that is based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females. GBV has a myriad of adverse health effects but is vastly underreported. It is the first research priority in Africa. Every form of violence has devastating effects on the school system such as physical and psychological effects, educational damage and societal breakdown. An institution based cross-sectional study was employed among Baso high school female students. There are four governmental high schools in Debre Berhan town and our study was conducted among Baso high school female students from November 2020–December 2020. The single population proportion formula was used to calculate the required sample size, and the final sample size was 350. First, a stratified random sampling method was employed by considering each grade level as a stratum. Then, a simple random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Study participants were asked about their Sociodemographic characteristics, family history, substance use, sexual experiences, physical violence status, sexual violence status and complications. Out of 350 students, 343 were completed questionnaires, with a response rate of 98%. Lifetime prevalence of GBV was 47.2%.Life time sexual violence and physical violence was found to be 27.99%, and 37.99%, respectively. Respondent's educational performance, monthly pocket money received from their parents, free discussion about reproductive issue, and experience of sexual intercourse were found to be determinants of gender based violence. In conclusion; Gender Based Violence is still a significant sexual and reproductive health issue in Ethiopia. Significant amount of female students were victim of GBV in our study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood malnutrition is a major cause of child mortality under the age of 5 in the sub-Saharan Africa region. This study sought to identify the risk factors and spatial distribution of the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF).Methods: Secondary data from 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016 Ethiopian Health and Demographic Survey (EDHS) were used. The generalized geo-additive mixed model was adopted via the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) with a binomial family and logit link function.Results: The CIAF status of children was found to be positively associated with the male gender, the potency of contracting a disease, and multiple births. However, it was negatively associated with family wealth quartiles, parental level of education, place of residence, unemployment status of mothers, improved sanitation, media exposure, and survey years. Moreover, the study revealed significant spatial variations on the level of CIAF among administrative zones.Conclusions: The generalized geo-additive mixed-effects model results identified gender of the child, presence of comorbidity, size of child at birth, dietary diversity, birth type, place of residence, age of the child, parental level of education, wealth index, sanitation facilities, and media exposure as main drivers of CIAF. The results would help decision-makers to develop and carry out target-oriented programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis and extrapulmonary tuberculosis are the world major public health issues. Although some primary studies have been reported on the burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis in extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis that attempt to summarize the available literature. Thus, we aimed to estimates the prevalence of drug-resistance in extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients and summarize the risk factors associated with the occurrence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the published primary studies on extrapulmonary drug-resistant tuberculosis in Ethiopia. Results: Eight observational studies were included in this review from different regions of Ethiopia. The overall pooled prevalence of rifampicin resistance was 6% (95% CI 0.03–0.10), while isoniazid resistance was 7% (95% CI 0.03–0.12). The pooled prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis was 4% (95% CI 0.01–0.07). Previous tuberculosis treatment history and male gender are frequently reported risk factors for developing drug-resistant tuberculosis in extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients. Conclusion: The current review has identified a high proportion of resistance to rifampicin, isoniazid, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Ethiopia. Clinicians should request drug susceptibility testing for all patients with presumptive extrapulmonary tuberculosis to detect drug-resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Open defecation practice problem is rampant in most rural areas of developing countries, including Ethiopia. To combat this problem, the Ethiopian government implemented different sanitation interventions including Community-Led Total Sanitation and Hygiene (CLTSH). The CLTSH approach is mainly aimed to eradicate open defecation practice through mobilizing the community to construct a latrine facility and utilize it. Although this intervention has significantly improved households' access to a latrine facility, its impact on bringing behavioral change such as avoiding open defecation is not well studied. Objective: Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of open defecation among households having their latrine and its determinant factors in rural settings in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Machakal district from September 1 to 30, 2019. A total of 472 household heads who had a latrine facility and systematically selected from six rural Kebeles of the district, were involved in the study. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and observational checklist tools through face-to-face interviews and observation methods. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were run to identify the factors that influence open defecation practice. During the multivariable analysis, statistical significance was declared at the p-value of <0.05 with 95% CI. Results: The prevalence of open defecation practice among household heads who had latrine facility was 27.8% (95% CI, [23.1–32.8]). Female gender (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI [1.13–7.68]), not attending of formal education (AOR = 3.10, CI 95% [1.34–7.13]), having >5 family members (AOR = 1.72, CI 95% [1.05–2.80]), presence of under-five child (AOR = 3.64 CI 95% [2.14–6.21]), preferring leaf as anal cleaning material (AOR = 3.18, CI 95% [1.67–6.08]), having unclean latrine (AOR = 2.15, CI 95% [1.34–3.44]), and having latrine that needs maintenance (AOR = 2.50 CI 95% [1.52–4.11]) variables were associated with open defecation practice. Conclusions: Among the total respondents, finding more than a quarter of open defecators is concerning for a district that achieved greatly in terms of latrine coverage. This indicates the above-mentioned factors contributed to influence household heads to defecate openly despite having latrines. Therefore, the government and partners need to focus on designing strategies that effectively address determinant factors of open defecation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of under-five children's undernutrition in Ethiopia is among the highest in the world. This study aimed at exploring the prevalence and risk factors of the composite index for anthropometric failure (CIAF) of under-five children in Ethiopia by incorporating the zonal (district) effects. Methods: The data was drawn from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHSs), a population-based cross-sectional study of 29,599 under-five year children from 72 Zones in the years 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016. Fixed effect variables related to child and maternal-household were included in the model. We adopted a generalized mixed model with CIAF as outcome variable and Zones as random effects. Results: The prevalence of CIAF in Ethiopia was 53.78% with the highest prevalence of 61.30% in 2000 and the lowest prevalence of 46.58% in 2016. The model result revealed that being a female child, absence of comorbidity, singleton births, and the first order of birth showed significantly lower CIAF prevalence than their counterparts. Among the household characteristics, children from mothers of underweight body mass index, uneducated parents, poor household sanitation, and rural residents were more likely to be undernourished than their counterparts. Based on the best linear unbiased prediction for the zonal-level random effect, significant variations of CIAF among zones were observed. Conclusion: The generalized linear mixed-effects model results identified gender of the child, size of child at birth, dietary diversity, birth type, place of residence, age of the child, parental level of education, wealth index, sanitation facilities, and media exposure as main drivers of CIAF. Disparities of CIAF were observed between and within the Ethiopian administrative Zones over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of gender differences on maize productivity in Dawuro Zone, southern Ethiopia. Our study addressed the limitations of the previous studies in two ways. First, the study separately assessed gender differences in productivity between de facto female-headed households and de jure female-headed households and revealed that female-headed households are not homogenous. Second, the study separately examined the impacts of the covariates on male-headed households and female-headed households using an exogenous switching treatment effect model. We find the existence of gender differences in maize productivity between male-headed households and female-headed households. The maize productivity of male-headed households was overall 44.3% higher than that of female-headed households. However, if female-headed households received the same return on their resources as male-headed households, their productivity would increase by 42.3%. This suggests agricultural policy should target female-headed households to help reduce the productivity gap between male-headed households and female-headed households. Finally, the distributions of the gender differentials between male-headed households and female-headed households are more pronounced at mid-levels of productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine household food gap and food insecurity in Eastern Ethiopia. Differences in food gap and food insecurity were also examined in terms of gender of the household head and location. Design/methodology/approach: A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods such as household survey, key informant interview and focused group discussion were utilized for this study. Households were drawn randomly from the study area. Findings: In terms of food availability, more than half of the households experienced a food gap during the year, especially during the months of July and August. In terms of gender, female-headed households had more months of food shortage compared to their male counterparts. This disparity was also reflected in poorer food access among female-headed households as shown by the higher HFIAS. Differences in food insecurity were obtained in terms of gender of the household head and location. Livestock ownership, cereal crop production, extension contact and household size significantly influenced household food access. Research limitations/implications: Findings are valid only for low-land agroecologies Originality/value: This study contributes to the existing literature by examining household food gap and food insecurity using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. It adds value in examining disparities between male-headed and female-headed households. Literature related to seasonal household food insecurity is limited in Ethiopia. This study contributes in this regard by examining seasonal food insecurity between post-harvest and pre-harvest seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Until recently, global public health initiatives have tended to overlook the ways that social factors shape adolescent health, and particularly how these dynamics affect the specific needs of adolescents in relation to information about puberty, menstruation and sexual health. This article draws on mixed methods data from rural and urban areas of Ethiopia to explore how access to health information and resources - and subsequently health outcomes - for adolescents are mediated by gender and age norms, living in different geographical locations, poverty, disability and migration. Methods: Data was collected in 2017–2018 for the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) mixed-methods longitudinal research baseline in three regions of Ethiopia (Afar, Amhara and Oromia). Quantitative data was collected from over 6800 adolescents and their caregivers, with qualitative data obtained from a sub-sample of 220 adolescents, their families and communities. Adolescent participants shared their experiences of health, illness and nutrition over the previous year; their knowledge and sources of information about sexual and reproductive health and puberty; and their attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health. Regression analysis was used to explore differences by gender, age, rural/urban residence, and disability status, across a set of adolescents' health knowledge and other outcomes in the quantitative data. Intersectional analysis was used in analysing the qualitative data. Results: Analysis suggested that gender inequality intersects with age, disability and rural/urban differences to shape young people's access to information about puberty, with knowledge about this topic particularly lacking amongst younger adolescents in rural areas. Drought and lack of access to clean water exacerbates health challenges for adolescents in rural areas, where a lack of information and absence of access to preventive healthcare services can lead to permanent disability. The research also found that gaps in both school-based and alternative sources of education about puberty and menstruation reinforce stigma and misinformation, especially in rural areas where adolescents have higher school attrition rates. Gendered cultural norms that place high value on marriage and motherhood generate barriers to contraceptive use, particularly in certain rural communities. Conclusions: As they progress through adolescence, young people's overall health and access to information about their changing bodies is heavily shaped by intersecting social identities. Structural disadvantages such as poverty, distress migration and differential access to healthcare intersect with gender norms to generate further inequalities in adolescent girls' and boys' health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) often occurs in resource-limited settings such as Ethiopia. It could result in psychological and physical adverse outcomes such as stress, anxiety, depression, unsafe abortion, unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with gender-based violence among female high school students in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.Methods: An institutionally based-cross-sectional study was conducted in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia. A total of 604 female high school students were recruited through multi-stage stratified sampling techniques. The gender-based-violence assessment tool, validated by the World Health Organization, was used to assess gender-based-violence and other determinants. The strength of statistical association was measured by adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.Results: The lifetime prevalence of GBV, sexual violence, and physical violence were found to be 63.2, 37.2, and 56.3%, respectively. The prevalence of sexual violence before and after joining the current school as well as in the current academic year were 30.5, 37.2, and 22% respectively. Having regular boy-friends (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI:1.07-3.79), being sexually active (AOR = 6.10; 95% CI: 2.49-14.92), having female or male friends who drink alcohol (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI:1.26-3.77), students witnessed their mothers being beaten by their partners or husband (AOR = 1.92; 95% CI:1.19-3.11) and joining public school (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI:1.11-2.76) were significantly associated with gender-based violence.Conclusion: The prevalence of gender-based-violence was high. This needs a due concern from governmental, non-governmental and civic organizations as well as other responsible bodies to tackle factors associated with GBV in this study. Further large scale studies incorporating male students are warranted to elucidate the factors associated with GBV in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early identification of children <5 years with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a high priority to reduce child mortality and improved health outcomes. Current WHO guidelines for community screening for SAM recommend a Mid-Upper-Arm Circumference (MUAC) of less than 115 mm to identify children with SAM, but this cut-off does not identify a significant number of children with a weight-for-height Z-score <-3. To establish new specific MUAC cut-offs, pooled data was obtained for 25,755 children from 49 SMART recent surveys in Ethiopia (2016–2019). Sensitivity, proportion of false positive, and areas under receiver-operator characteristic curves (AUC) were calculated. MUAC below 115mm alone identified 55% of children with SAM identified with both methodologies. MUAC was worse in identifying older children (21%), those from a pastoral region (42%) and boys (41%). Using current WHO cut-offs, the sensitivity (Se) of MUAC below 115mm to identify the children severly malnourished screened through Weight-for-height below-3 was 16%. Analysing the ROC curve and Youden Index, Se and Specificity (Sp) were maximal at a MUAC < 133 mm cut-off to identify SAM (respectively Se 61.1%, Sp 81.4%). However, given the high proportion of false-positive children, according to gender, region and age groups, a cut-off around 125 mm to screen SAM could be the optimal one. In Ethiopia, implementation of a MUAC-only screening program for the identification of severe acute malnutrition with the actual cut-off of 115 mm would be unethical as it will lead to many children remaining undiagnosed and untreated. In addition, future study on implementation challenge on screening children with a higher cut-off or gender/age sensitive ones should be assessed with the collection of mortality and morbidity data to ensure that the most in need are being taking care of. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mistreatment during childbirth occurs across the globe and endangers the well-being of pregnant women and their newborns. A gender-sensitive approach to mistreatment during childbirth seems relevant in Ethiopia, given previous research among Ethiopian midwives and patients suggesting that male midwives provide more respectful maternity care, which is possibly mediated by self-esteem and stress. This study aimed a) to develop a tool that assesses mistreatment appraisal from a provider's perspective and b) to assess gender differences in mistreatment appraisal among Ethiopian final-year midwifery students and to analyze possible mediating roles of self-esteem and stress. First, we developed a research tool (i.e. a quantitative scale) to assess mistreatment appraisal from a provider's perspective, on the basis of scientific literature and the review of seven experts regarding its relevance and comprehensiveness. Second, we utilized this scale, the so-called Mistreatment Appraisal Scale, among 390 Ethiopian final-year midwifery students to assess their mistreatment appraisal, self-esteem (using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), stress (using the Perceived Stress Scale) and various background characteristics. The scale's internal consistency was acceptable (α =.75), corrected item-total correlations were acceptable (.24 -.56) and inter-item correlations were mostly acceptable (.07 -.63). Univariable (B = 3.084, 95% CI [-.005, 6.173]) and multivariable (B = 1.867, 95% CI [-1.472, 5.205]) regression analyses did not show significant gender differences regarding mistreatment appraisal. Mediation analyses showed that self-esteem (a1b1 = -.030, p =.677) and stress (a2b2 = -.443, p =.186) did not mediate the effect of gender on mistreatment appraisal. The scale to assess mistreatment appraisal appears to be feasible and reliable. No significant association between gender and mistreatment appraisal was observed and self-esteem and stress were not found to be mediators. Future research is needed to evaluate the scale's criterion validity and to assess determinants and consequences of mistreatment during childbirth from various perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Understanding farmers' needs and local genetic resources are crucial steps to improve and conserve the potato crop. A study was conducted to understand what potato traits Ethiopian farmers consider most important, and to characterize the diversity and distribution of local varieties. Growers from six districts were surveyed in 2012 and 2014. Based on the survey results, participatory variety selection (PVS) activities were conducted in two districts during two production seasons. Simultaneously, local varieties were collected from northwest and southern Ethiopia and characterized using molecular and morphological markers. Farmers identified 23 traits they considered important for variety selection, with the degree of importance for each trait varying across gender groups, agro-ecological zones, and growing seasons, as well as with extent of market access. The distribution of local varieties varied by agro-ecological zone, cropping system and proximity to markets. Our genetic fingerprinting and morphological characterization further revealed that, 34% of 44 local potato varieties collected are truly unique, the rest were duplicates, known by different names. These unique Ethiopian local varieties harbour considerable genetic variation, compared to the variation found in European and North American clones. Although local varieties may have lower yield than commercial varieties, they have other desirable attributes that make them well suited for alternative uses and different agro-ecologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home gardens enable farmers to secure their food availability, mitigate environmental change, increase consistency of social-cultural values and protect species provenance. On the other hands, they conserve biodiversity and sequester carbon, and improve a biogeochemical process even if the home garden has multifunctional values. The objective of this review is to identify the factors hindering the adoption of home garden agroforestry practices in Ethiopia and to show existing opportunities to scale-up the practice. The dominant species in various home gardens are economically appreciated as they fulfill a demand. Women are more engaged than men in home garden activities, which create job opportunities and foster social acceptance. There is also available indigenous and scientific knowledge that has to be managed and administered by concerned stakeholders. Many researchers found that there were high species diversity, suitable environments, good experience, available products, a willingness of women to participate and important component interdependence with flexible arrangements, but small farm size and discouraged tenure of land and tree were major impediments. The responsible bodies should undertake positive actions like promote community services, researchers on home garden agroforestry. awareness creation, scale-up of appropriate home garden components, provide support through cultivating good and multipurpose hybrid varieties, and formulate policies and strategies that encourage farmers to make home gardens an alternative to secure food stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving food security has remained to be one of the major challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, where Ethiopia is not an exception. As a result of poor productivity of the farming sector, smallholder farmers in Ethiopia have been strained to have a precarious livelihood. This study aims at analyzing the determinants of farm livelihood of smallholder farmers particularly in the context of Yayu biosphere reserve, where farmers are legally prohibited from expanding farmland and wild animals often intrude into the farmers' field. A household survey was conducted to collect gender disaggregated data from 334 smallholder farmers supported by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. T-test mean comparison was made to compare socio-economic and household characteristics between male and female-headed households. Tobit regression analysis was also employed to capture the probability and extent of determinant variables in predicting the engagement of households in farm livelihoods. The result shows that augmented production factors, particularly farm physical capital and land along with access to credit, yield enhancing inputs and local labor support systems were found to significantly increase the intensity of engagement in farming both in male and female-headed households. Encroachment of wild animals to the farmers' field brought insignificant effects on farm livelihoods. However, it brought additional burdens on farmers as they are expected to patrol their fields regularly. The findings implied that farm livelihood is highly dependent on ownership and efficient use of scarce production factors. These call for sustainable and integrated approaches to improve the future productivity of smallholder agriculture in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study investigates the relationship between gender and poverty in urban Ethiopia using cross-sectional data of 1999/2000 and 2004/2005 household surveys. It employs consumption expenditure to measure the poverty level. In addition, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke index and regression models such as Ordinary Least Squares, Probit and Quantile models are used to assess the correlates of poverty and determinants of real per capita expenditure of households at mean and different quantiles. The result shows that between 1999/2000 and 2004/2005, the poverty headcount has decreased for both femaleheaded households (FHHs) and male-headed households (MHHs), where the rate of reduction was higher for the FHHs. Feminization of poverty is thus a weak argument in urban Ethiopia. However, over the two periods the income shortfall below the poverty line and severity of poverty were more common in households headed by females. In the year 1999/2000, FHHs were more poverty stricken compared to MHHs, and the gender headcount difference had fallen to 3% in 2004/2005, but remained at a higher level for both, indicating that poverty is an issue of both MHHs and FHHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses marriage by abduction in the Hadiya zone of Ethiopia, with a particular focus on its characterization by the Ethiopian government as a harmful traditional practice (HTP). According to the author, Western stereotypes about abductions are inaccurate and obscure the fact that many abductions occur with the previous consent of the girl being abducted. Details on other marriage customs in the region are presented. Other topics include violence, Western concepts of romantic love, and gender.

An introduction is presented to a special section on gender and identification in patrilineal and patriarchal society, with particular focus given to case studies from Ethiopia.

The depth and geographical scope of the impacts of the 2007-2008 food price hikes have received wide attention, and calls have been made for urgent actions to minimise the short- and long-term negative effects on vulnerable groups, including women in farming communities. This article, based on research from farming households in Bangladesh and Ethiopia, confirms that it is gender inequality that makes women more vulnerable to the food price hikes, yet they are resourcefully devising ways to cope with scarcity in availability, access and consumption of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our article explores how intersecting crises, sociocultural norms around gender, age, household and community and broader political and economic shifts are affecting youth transitions. We draw on qualitative virtual research with 138 young people in Ethiopia and Jordan undertaken between April and August 2020. COVID-19 is exacerbating ongoing crises and gender inequalities in Ethiopia and Jordan and foreclosing opportunities for youth transitions. In Ethiopia, the pandemic has compounded the precarity of young people who have migrated from rural to urban areas, often to locations where they are socially marginalised. In Jordan, the confinement of young people affected by forced displacement to their households with extended family during pandemic-related service closures augments existing perceptions of an extended 'waithood'—both psychosocially and economically. In both contexts, conservative gender norms further entrench the restrictions on adolescent girls' mobility with consequences for their opportunities and wellbeing. This article makes an important contribution to the literature on gender, migrant youth and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by showing how multiple crises have sharpened the social and political (im)mobilities that already shaped young men and women's lives in Ethiopia and Jordan and the consequences for their trajectories to adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly, pastoral communities in Ethiopia are under pressure to change their livelihoods and cultural practices. There are serious implications for sustainable development, livelihoods and social relations, including gender relations. In response to these concerns, SOS Sahel Ethiopia is implementing an action research programme in the pastoral areas of Ethiopia. The main objective is to move towards more community-led processes of development and environmental management that will offer a higher degree of equal opportunities for all sections of pastoral societies, including women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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