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This research attempted to analyze the determinants of market supply of tomato in Fogera district, South Gondar zone, Amhara Region of Ethiopia. Tomatoes generate income for the poor farmers of Ethiopia. Primary and secondary data were collected. The primary data was generated though a household survey (N=235), a pre-tested structured questionnaire and a key informant interview using a checklist. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression model. The model results showed livestock ownership, size of land allocated for tomato, access to credit, income from non-farm/off-farm activities and use of improved seed significantly affected quantity of tomato supplied to the market. The findings indicated the need to encourage off/non-farm income activities, strengthen access to improved varieties of tomato, use technologies that can improve the production and productivity of tomato, and expand the access to credit.

In this paper, we study fuzzy congruence relations and kernel fuzzy ideals of an Ockham algebra A , f , whose truth values are in a complete lattice satisfying the infinite meet distributive law. Some equivalent conditions are derived for a fuzzy ideal of an Ockham algebra A to become a fuzzy kernel ideal. We also obtain the smallest (respectively, the largest) fuzzy congruence on A having a given fuzzy ideal as its kernel.

Rice productivity in Fogera Plain of Ethiopia is low due to poor soil nitrogen management. A field experiment was conducted for two years during the main cropping seasons of 2017 and 2018 in Fogera...

Traditional short-term diversification of annual crops for the purpose of improving soil fertility and food security is a common practice in Ethiopia. However, the best cropping systems have not be...

Currently, the unchecked increase in human population results in increased demand for agricultural lands. Growing two or more crops simultaneously is one of the mechanisms to reduce this problem. A field experiment was conducted in northwestern Ethiopia during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. Two legume crops [haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and lupine (Lupinus angustifolius)] were intercropped with finger millet (Eleusine coracana) using two intercrop planting methods (row and mixture) and three finger millet-legume planting ratios (100.0%:75.0%, 100.0%:50.0% and 100.0%:25.0% of the respective recommended seed rate of sole crops). Two sole crop finger millets (planted in rows and broadcast) and two sole legume crops (haricot bean and lupine) were included as checks. The experiment comprised a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated intercropped finger millet and total land output yield from finger millet-haricot bean row intercropping at a 100:50 planting ratio and sole finger millet planted in a row improved better yield stability. Finger millet-haricot bean row intercropping at a 100:50 planting ratio also resulted in higher grain yields of the component crops, area time equivalent ratio (1.34), relative production (38.1%) and economic (314.0%) efficiencies with a relatively lower component crop competitive ratio. Thus, this cropping system offered increased productivity and economic return and is a viable option for increasing household food security.

The study was conducted to explore EFL teachers’ conceptions of teaching English in secondary schools in eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia. Adopting phenomenological research approach, in-depth interview was conducted with nineteen purposively selected teachers from five schools. The analysis followed grounded approach to emerge categories from the data. In the findings, four categories of conceptions of teaching and two higher-order orientations were identified. Transmission of specific knowledge of language elements and exam-preparation are identified as the most predominant categories of conceptions and indicators of good teaching and success. Conversely, the two facilitative orientations to teaching and learning English language were the least reported categories. Hence, teachers’ conceptions of teaching are predominately teacher-centered/exam-focused than student-centered/meaning-making-focused. Unless their conceptions are changed, teachers in the traditional approach are unlikely to adopt active learning methods in English classroom which is against the EFL policy claims. In such context, as part of continuous professional development, constant reflective practices in which teachers reconceptualise and change their conceptions of teaching is a necessity., East African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vol. 6 No. 2 (2021)

Background: The productivity of soybean in Assosa Zone particularly in Assosa and Bambassi districts is very low due to poor soil fertility management practices which resulted in severe soil acidity and low N-fixing inoculant in the soil. Hence, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of biofertilizer and inorganic fertilizers on nodulation, growth and yield of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. Methods: During the period 2019-2020 factorial combinations of four levels of biofertilizer inoculants [without inoculant (B1), SB12 inoculant (B2), MAR1495 inoculant (B3) and SB12 plus MAR1495 inoculants (B4); and four inorganic fertilizer types NP (F1), NPS (F2), NPB (F3) and NPSB (F4) at their recommended rates for soybean] were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in Assosa and Bambassi districts, Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia. Number of effective nodules per plant, leaf area index and grain yield were collected following the standard procedures and were analyzed using SAS software version 9.1.3 and significant mean differences were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) at 5% significance level. Result: Number of effective nodules per plant, leaf area index and grain yield were highly significantly (P less than 0.01) affected by the interactions of biofertilizer and inorganic fertilizers at both locations and years. Thus, the maximum grain yield (2621.67 kg) was obtained from (SB12+MAR1495) + NPSB at Assosa and the maximum grain yield (2460.20 kg) was obtained from SB12+NPS at Bambassi. Hence, (SB12+MAR1495) + NPSB and SB12+NPS are recommended for higher soybean grain yield for Assosa and Bambassi districts and similar agro-ecologies, respectively.

Tef grain color is considered as the dominant parameter in the trading and price setting on the local markets. However, there are no comprehensive studies conducted so far on the preference and perception of actors on tef grain quality attributes and factors affecting it. Its implicitly assumed that other quality parameters also play a role in the value chain of tef. Using semi-structured questionnaires, this study researched the parameters and factors affecting the quality of tef, perceived by farmers, traders, and consumers in central and northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. Results from this survey indicated that grain color, size, density, shininess, cleanness, purity, and hulledness were the perceived tef grain quality attributes by all respondent groups'. Grain color followed by grain size, cleanness, and purity were the most perceived and directly or indirectly affected the price setting of tef. Farmer and trader respondents' perception for tef color was mainly dependent on their clients' (consumers). However farmer preferred the brown color tef for their consumption. Trader respondents categorized their client's preference of grain color on the income level as high, medium and low-income consumers. The high-income consumers mostly preferred the whitish color; middle-income for the mixed and brown color; and low-income for the brown color tef. The perception between farmer and trader, farmer and consumer, and trader and consumer as well as the same group of respondents living in different areas showed significantly (p < 0.05 to p < 0.0001) different on most of grain quality attributes. Nevertheless, there was no preference variability on grain color and density between farmer and trader respondents. While there were considerable differences in the color of tef between farmer and consumer and trader and consumer respondents. However, between the central and northwestern highland farmers (grain color, density and cleanness, traders, (color and cleanness), and consumer (color, density, purity, and hulledness) did not show considerable differences. From respondents, 100% of farmers, 97.7% of traders, and 93.3% of consumers perceived that grain quality variability comes from the variability of production area. Soil types, topography, and climatic factors were the main perceived causes for the variability of quality. Ninety eight percent of farmer and 100% of trader respondents perceived that black and brown color soils produced tef had highest quality in terms of whiteness or brightness as compared to tef produced on red soils. All respondent groups were also perceived that the quality of injera affected by tef grain quality. To better connect the value chain actors to the needs and preferences of tef grain and the economy in Ethiopia; the quality attributes like grain size, density, and shininess which affect the price of tef needs consideration in Ethiopian tef breeding program. The effects of soil type, agroecology, and crop variety should also be tested experimentally for a better understanding of factors influencing tef grain physical quality., Attributes; Soil; Farmers; Traders; Consumers.

There is not a special recommended fertilizer rate for component crops in intercropping systems. Rather, soil nutrient applications for intercropped crops are mainly based on recommended rates for ...

Teff is the most strategic cereal crop grown from high rainfall to drought prone areas of Ethiopia, where it covers nearly 30% of the land allotted for cereals. However, its productivity remains very low due to lack of knowledge and research interventions. To investigate the grain yield potential, estimate the genetic parameters, and the diversity, a pot experiment with intensive management and a field experiment with conventional management at two contrasting locations for two seasons using the same 317 genotypes and additional 3 improved cultivars in the field experiment were carried out. The results showed highly significant variation among the genotypes for grain yield, biomass, harvest index, and phenological traits under both experiments. The best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP)-adjusted grain yield performance of the genotypes ranged from 4.2 to 8.8 g/plant in the intensive management and 1.8 to 4.3 g/plant in the field growing condition with conventional management. Coefficient of genetic variation, heritability, and expected genetic advance for grain yield were the highest in both experiments. Among the phenological traits, the grain filling period in the intensive growing condition exceptionally showed the highest genetic coefficient of variation and genetic advance. The high grain yield performance and wider range of the harvest index observed under the intensive management condition with moderate to high heritability signifies the genetic potential of teff for further improvement through trait recombination.

Thermal efficiency and fuel economy of diesel engines are better. Despite the fact, due to the depletion of world petroleum reserve and hazardous pollutant emission to the environment, there is a need to research on the improvement of performance and reduction of environmental pollution. Utilization of biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel is a solution to substitute petro-diesel and reduce pollution. The low calorific value of biofuels makes them to have lesser performance values compared to neat diesel. To improve the performance and reduce emission, strategies of fuel modification consisting of modifying fuel characteristics to improve combustion, which leads to better engine performance, less exhaust emissions, and higher fuel economy, are required. Addition of biofuels such as ethanol to petro-diesel lowers the calorific value and the cetane number of the emulsified fuel which reduces the performance of the engine and increase fuel consumption. Adding nanoparicles in base fuel is a promising way of improving fuel properties to improve performance and decrease pollution. In this review work, the performance and exhaust emission characteristics of different nanoparticles such as CNT, MoO3, Al2O3, TiO2 ZnO, CeO2, and GQD in different base fuels are covered. The study indicated that the highest brake thermal efficiency is reported for CNT and Al2O3 nanoparticles. Al2O3, GQD, and TiO2 nanoparticles resulted in a very significant reduction of HC and CO emission. Regarding NOx emission, inconsistent reports are seen from the papers covered in this review. Majority of the research indicated there is a reduction of NOx emission; however, some of the reports which are done by CNT, Al2O3, GQD showed increasing NOx emission relative to the base fuel.

In this paper, we introduce the concept of relative fuzzy annihilator ideals in C-algebras and investigate some its properties. We characterize relative fuzzy annihilators in terms of fuzzy points. It is proved that the class of fuzzy ideals of C-algebras forms Heything algebra. We observe that the class of all fuzzy annihilator ideals can be made as a complete Boolean algebra. Moreover, we study the concept of fuzzy annihilator preserving homomorphism. We provide a sufficient condition for a homomorphism to be a fuzzy annihilator preserving.

Premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) mode of combustion is one of the advanced combustion concepts under low-temperature combustion (LTC) which has been found out in resulting acceptable emission results in internal combustion engines particularly in reducing particle matter and oxides of nitrogen altogether. Various experimental, as well as simulation works, were done on IC engines on PCCI mode of combustion. Performance and emission results from these works were compared with the conventional IC engine mode of combustion, and better results were obtained. Studies also indicated that through fuel modifications for having different properties helps to get optimized load range operations and emissions under PCCI mode of operation. Tuning the EGR at different load ranges were also found very important in PCCI mode of combustion. Researchers found out the existing uncontrolled fluctuation of soot with that of oxides of nitrogen in the common diesel engine operation could be managed by PCCI, which is a low-temperature combustion strategy usually used for diesel-like fuels. PCCI mode showed results of thermal efficiencies close to diesel engines and also provides means of minimizing particle matter and oxides of nitrogen at the same time. Such findings used the conventional direct injection compression ignition engines with minor medications and low costs of operations. Various investigations also showed that further investigations should be done in making PCCI combustion more efficient for less NOx, HC, CO and better load limit ranges through the optimized matching of EGR level, time of injection and also blends of the fuel. The review aims in describing PCCI mode of combustion and basic parameters affecting this advanced combustion concept and also to summarize the results obtained from PCCI mode of combustion as a scheme to reduce emissions.

Analysis of climate variability and trends frequently takes place at large scale. For agricultural applications, however, highly localized climate conditions can be critically important. This certainly applies to tropical highland regions, where dissected topography and convectively dominated precipitation processes can lead to strong variability in both mean climate conditions and year-to-year climate variability. This study examines recent climate variability and trends (1981–2016) on Choke Mountain, located in the western Ethiopian Highlands. Through analysis of precipitation and temperature records at monitored locations, we explore observed variability in climate patterns and trends across sites and seasons. The lens for our spatial analysis is the agroecosystem (AES), defined on the basis of prevailing climate and cropping systems, which currently serve as the foundation for climate adaptation planning in the region. We find that interannual temperature variability is greatest in the hottest, driest AES, and is most pronounced in the dry season. All AES warmed significantly in all seasons over the analysis period, but the magnitude of trend was greatest in high elevation AES. Precipitation variability was also large across AES, with largest interannual variability found in the dry season. This season is frequently excluded in climate analyses, but it is a critical harvest time and irrigation period. Trends in rainfall anomaly and precipitation concentration index are less clear, but there is a tendency towards drying and increasing irregularity of rainfall. Interestingly, we find little association between the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and temperature or precipitation variability at our study sites. This suggests that even though ENSO is a widely recognized driver of large-scale rainfall variability in the region, its impacts are highly spatially variable. This has implications for applying ENSO-based precipitation outlooks to agricultural management decisions. Farmer interviews reveal that local perceptions of climate variability and trends are generally consistent with the objective observations.

The purpose of this article is to investigate the types of reflective contents and tools utilized to prepare critical English language teachers in the PGDT program of Dilla, Haramaya and Hawassa Universities of Ethiopia. The study was a mixed method research in its approach and employed questionnaire, semi-structured face-to-face interview and classroom and field observation for data collection. One hundred twenty six randomly selected student-teachers took part in the questionnaire and purposively selected twelve student-teachers, five teacher educators and three coordinators took part in the face-to-face interview. Field and classroom observations were done in two universities-Dilla and Haramaya universities. Both quantitative and qualitative analytical procedures (descriptive statistics-frequency and percentage, and narrations) have been used for data analysis. The findings of the study showed that student-teachers had not found opportunity to practice reflection through different learning contents. It was also identified that though reflective tools such as action research, microteaching, case study and portfolio were used in the program, they were not applied for the purpose of reflection as such. These findings show that there is a defect in the implementation of reflective contents (analyzing teaching and learning experiences, reading critical texts, analyzing assumptions, examining teaching methods), and tools proposed in the different literature. Thus, lack of emphasis on contents that delve student-teachers into critical thinking, and absence of regular use of specific reflective tools seem to have generated student-teachers’ inability to be reflective teachers., East African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vol. 4 No. 2 (2019)

Currently, eco-friendly products have been given great attention as the world is being polluted severely by non-biodegradable products and by-products. Different textile products have their own sha...

Analysis of Rainfall onset date (OD), cessation date (CD), and length of growing period (LGP) for specific sites in highly dissected topography and highly variable climate may not provide actionable information for crop production planning. In tropical highland regions information on these parameters is scant at a resolution relevant for targeted management. This study examined recent (1981-2016) OD, CD, and LGP variability and trends for the main rainy season in different agroecosystems (AESs) in the northwestern Ethiopian Highlands. Onset criteria were derived from surveys, rainfall data, and previous literature whereas cessation criteria were set from the soil water holding capacity (WHC), daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo), and daily rainfall in each site. Dry spells (DS) were analyzed for the small rainy season in higher elevation AESs where the season is relevant for potato production. All analyses were performed using site specific data grouped by agroecosystem (AES), a unit that has similar climate, soil, crop, and farm management for better agricultural decisions. Results show high inter-annual variability of OD and CD, and LGP exhibited a significant trend in some AES and greater variability in higher elevation AES. Generally, trend analysis results showed early onset and cessation of rainfall. Significant increasing trends and variabilities in DS and OD may significantly affect crop production and thus AES specific crop production calendar should be revised to minimize crop failure. The analysis also confirmed that farmers perception is consistent with meteorological analysis. The results emphasize the importance of AES-based improved seasonal weather forecasts and tailored climate information services to guide farm decisions and improve management of climate variability by smallholder farmers. It also concluded that AES level analysis can better provide actionable information for decision makers and growers than site specific and scattered studies as mosaic results are reported between sites grouped in the same agroecosystem.

Apple-based agroforestry system could significantly improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in the drought-prone areas of north-western Ethiopia. This study, based on 200 households’ farm interviews, aims at providing information and analysis on how to improve such systems and therefore foster apple orchard systems in Ethiopia. It examines factors influencing farmers’ decisions on land allocation to apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards and the respective number of apple trees planted using fractional probit and negative binomial regression models. Results indicate that farmers, among other characteristics, with education, received training, being experienced, participating in off-farm activities, having less labor force in the household but more financial means to invest in orchards, are more likely to establish apple orchards. Insect pests and diseases, theft, frost damage and water stress, poor agronomic practices and market restrictions are identified as constraints to apple production systems. The study has important policy implications so as to create more awareness through education, build capacity through the provision of short-term training on apple orchard management practices, introduce apple specific production packages and extension support services, and support off-farm activities to employ extra labor and generate cash to invest in fruit orchards that will help resource-poor orchard farmers.

Growth promoting hormones like auxins are now a day commercially used for rooting of many ornamental plants including roses in propagation industries of many countries. Their effects are however influenced by environmental conditions, types of plants, the rooting media and the concentrations used. This research was therefore mainly conducted to evaluate the effects of different IBA concentrations on growth and development of stenting-propagated roses. The experiment was laid down in completely randomized design with four replications in the propagation house of Tana Flora PLC. The performance of rose cuttings treated with 1500 ppm of IBA was the best in all growth parameters including shoot length, Root length, toot number etc. which can be recommended to propagate roses by stenting method in the study area.

Onion is an important vegetable product for food security and income generation to a large proportion of the rural household of Ethiopia. Enhancing onion farmers to reach markets and actively engage in the markets as a key challenges influencing onion production in Ethiopia. The perishability nature of onion necessitates an effective marketing channel choice decision. So the objective of this study was the analysis of factors affecting market outlet choice decision of farmers. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select the sample kebeles and households, whereby 275 farm household using a stratified random sampling method for this study. Both primary and secondary data were collected to address the objectives. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an econometric model by using SPPS and STATA software. Multivariate probit model was used to analyze factors affecting market outlet choices of smallholder onion producers. Multivariate probit model result showed that the probability of choose wholesales, retailer, rural collectors, and consumers market outlet was significantly affected by post-harvest value addition, amount of onion production, land size allocated for onion production, ownership of motor pump, educational status of the household head and the total livestock owned. Based on the finding the government and the concerned stakeholders should focus on promoting the dissemination of improved onion varieties and input of production, intensification of land for onion, expanding of post-harvest value addition activities, strengthening of the existence of formal and informal education and promote and encourage onion farmers on investment onion production.

A field experiment was conducted under rain fed condition at Fakoy site in Debir Abajalie Peasant Administration of Ebinat District, Amhara Region on farmers’ field to study the response of integrated NP and FYM fertilizers application on yield and yield components of noug. The experiment was conducted using a factorial experiment laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Four rates of FYM: 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 t ha-1 and four levels of NP; 0-0, 10.25-5.75, 20.5-11.5, and 41-23 kg N and P2O5 ha-1, respectively were used. The analysis of variance for growth and yield of noug revealed that there were highly significant (P, Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Vol 1 No 2 (2015)

Tassew A, Alemayehu G, Sölkner J, Wurzinger M. 2019. Future of beekeeping in Northwestern Ethiopia: Scenarios, local adaptation measures and its implications for farmers’ livelihoods. Biodiversitas 20: 1633-1643. For this study, a participatory scenario planning approach was used to understand the driving forces, generate the plausible future scenarios of beekeeping, explore local adaptation measures and its implications for farmers’ livelihoods in Northwestern Ethiopia. Data were collected from three watersheds representing different agro-ecological zones. To identify the driving forces, different methods including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, workshops, researchers observations and literature search were applied. The data were analyzed by ranking followed by controllability, cross-impact and consistency analysis. The results show that nineteen driving forces were identified that are contributes to changes in beekeeping. Out of nineteen six most relevant and locally controllable driving forces (watershed development, deforestation, agrochemicals use, government emphasis for beekeeping development, technical support, and farmers' awareness) were selected to develop different plausible and contrasting scenarios. The three plausible and contrasting scenarios for beekeeping in 2025 are: ‘‘repressive'', ‘‘beekeeping advance'' and ‘‘beekeeping on the margins''. The results show that beekeeping significantly contributes to the livelihoods of farmers to 2025 under ‘‘beekeeping advance'' scenario. In the ‘‘beekeeping on the margins'' scenario, beekeeping has low contribution to the livelihoods of farmers. But the beekeeping is in a system of involution in ‘‘repressive'' scenario and has very low contribution to the livelihoods of farmers. The stakeholders were checked the plausibility of the scenarios and selected the ‘‘repressive’’ scenario as the worst, the ‘‘beekeeping advance’’ scenario as the best, and the ‘‘beekeeping on the margins’’ scenario as the business as usual and intervention strategies were developed to transform the current beekeeping into ‘‘beekeeping advance'' scenario. The study has shown that the participation of stakeholders in the scenario planning process provides knowledge relevant for understanding the dynamics and future scenarios of beekeeping. Hence, interventions to be made by concerned stakeholders to improve the beekeeping in the study areas need to focus on addressing the various and complex driving forces through a system wide and context-specific approach.

Terminal moisture stress is one of the major factors that reduce the yield of chickpea when it is grown using residual moisture. Field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2015/16 and 2016/17) at Teda research site, northwestern Ethiopia to investigate the effect of Supplemental Irrigation (SI) on yield and yield attributes of chickpea ( Habru variety). The treatments comprised of six SI levels (no SI/rain-fed, SI at: 50% flowering, 50% pod setting; vegetative + 50% flowering, vegetative + 50% pod setting stages). The treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were analyzed using SAS software, and means were separated by least significant difference test. The result showed that the effect of SI on water use efficiency, yield and most yield components of chickpea such as weight of 100-seed, biomass yield, number of secondary branch, pods and seeds plant -1 was significant. SI generally decreased the water use efficiency of chickpea compared to rain-fed condition. Based on two-year result, SI twice at vegetative + pod setting produced maximum seed yield (30.02 q ha -1 ), which was at par with that of SI twice at vegetative+ flowering (29.30 q ha -1 ) and once at vegetative stages (29.17 q ha -1 ). SI once at vegetative, twice at vegetative + flowering and twice at vegetative + pod setting stages increased seed yield by 12, 17 and 19% in 2015; and by 35, 24 and 36 % in 2016, respectively, compared to rain-fed condition. SI once at vegetative stage provided maximum net benefit (45880.40 ETB ha -1 ), with a marginal rate of return (477%) greater than minimum acceptable level (100%). Moreover, it had the highest water use efficiency among SI treatments. Therefore, SI once at vegetative stage can be recommended as the best management option for chickpea production in the study area.

The study was conducted during 2013/14 main cropping season in Ebinat district with the aim of studying the effects of seeding rates and row sowing methods on growth, yield and yield components of tef. Planting material of improved tef variety ‘Quencho’ (DZ-01-387) was used as a test crop for the experiments. Two factors of 3 seeding rates of (5, 7.5 & 10 kg/ha) and 3 inter-row spacing of (15cm, 20cm & 25cm) were combined to form 9 treatment. The treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Days to 50% emergence, days to 50% heading, days to 90% physiological maturity, plant population. Total tiller number per plant, effective tiller, plant height, panicle length, number of spikelet’s per panicle, biomass and straw yield, thousand seed weight, grain yield and harvest index were the important attributes used for data collection. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for all parameters were computed with SAS 9.0 software and mean separation was done using least significance difference (LSD). The results of ANOVA analyses showed that sowing method of days to 50% emergence, days to 50%heading, days to 90% physiological maturity, total number of tillers per plant, number of effective tillers, thousand seed weight and number of spikelet’s per panicle were significantly (P

ABSTARCTIt may be that improved cultivars can increase yield. This project was undertaken to determine factors affecting adoption of new potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars over those currently in use. A logistic regression procedure was used to examine factors influencing adoption of improved potato varieties by smallholder farmers. Data were collected with questionnaires administered to 158 respondents. The logit model initially contained 13 factors, of which seven had significant effects on adoption of improved potato varieties. The estimated chi-square value (χ2 = 31.91) indicated that the data fit the model reasonably well. Partial effects analysis indicated that, compared to those who do not use fertilizer, those who do are younger; have more extension contacts and access to credit, and likely plan to allocate more land to growing potato. Those who belong to an agricultural cooperative are more likely to adopt improved potato varieties. Social, economic, and institutional factors have implicatio...

We have investigated the relevance of the notion of "peripheralism" in the Beles basin. In this lowland border area of Ethiopia, important investments require an evaluation of their socio-economic and ecological impacts in the light of Ethiopia's Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy. We contrasted literature of different periods with field observations. In the middle and lower parts of the basin, the Gumuz people traditionally practised shifting cultivation. Resettlement of highlanders is particularly linked to water and land resources. A large irrigation project was initiated in the 1980s, but vegetables and fruits face post-harvest losses. Large water transfers from Lake Tana since 2010 affect the movement of people, the hydrogeomorphology, and ecology of the river. In several parts of the basin, the settlers' economy now dominates. Many Gumuz became sedentary but maintained their agricultural system, particularly in the south of the lower basin. Land titling allowed allocation of "vacant" areas to transnational or domestic investors. As a result, the semi-natural vegetation is frequently replaced by open cropland, leading to decreased carbon storage and increased soil erosion. This and water abstraction for irrigation jeopardise hydropower production, in contradiction with the CRGE objectives. Despite the recent developments, the contrasts in economic activity make the core-periphery dichotomy to remain actual in the Beles basin. The resettlements and permanent cropping tend to make the upper basin part of the core. However, the installation of a transit road and commercial farms in the lower basin do not allow to consider that a non-peripheral integration has taken place.

Low soil fertility status is a dominant challenge in Ethiopian agriculture for decades. Organic amendment from different sources could help to rebuild the soil fertility status of the country. Hence, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the outcome of organic treatment and preceding crops on growth and biomass yield of clover. Four levels of organic treatments (V1= 0 t ha -1 FYM; V2 = 5 t ha -1 FYM; V3 = 2.5 t ha -1 FSB and V4 = 5 t ha -1 FYM +2.5 t ha -1 FSB) and two levels of crop rotation patterns (R1 = wheat - clover and R2 = potato-clover) were factorially arranged and laid out in a completely randomized block design (RCBD) with four replications. Plant height, number of tillers plant -1 , number of nodules plant -1 , root biomass plant-1 and above ground biomass of clover was recorded and analyzed using SAS system. The overall experimental results showed that only the main effect of organic amendment had a significant effect on the growth and biomass yield of clover. The highest total dry biomass (5.6 t ha-1) of clover was recorded at 5 t ha -1 FYM +2.5 t ha -1 FSB. The unfertilized control gave the lowest mean dry biomass (3.06 t ha -1 ) of clover compared to all other treatments. Thus, 5 t ha -1 FYM +2.5 t ha -1 FSB could be recommended for better biomass yield of clover. The finding could bridge the chronic green manure and livestock feed shortage of the district. Keywords : Clover, biomass yield, preceding crops, farmyard manure

Participatory variety selection was conducted at Marwoled Kebele, Womberma Woreda, to select superior bread wheat varieties on farmers’ fields with their participations. Bread wheat variety called Kubsa (HAR1685) is the sole variety grown by farmers. Twelve alternative bread wheat varieties were evaluated under rainfed conditions using a randomized complete block design with three replications as grandmother trial and three farmers’ fields with one replication each as mother trial. In both trials, highly significant differences among the genotypes were observed in terms of plant height, spikelets per spike, hectoliter weight, thousand grain weights, leaf rust, yellow rust and days to maturity. HAR3730 (5.4 t ha-1), ETBW5518 (5.3 t ha-1), Plcafeor (4.8 t ha-1), ETBW5521 (4.7 t ha-1), ETBW5520 (4.4 t ha-1) and HAR1685 (4 t ha-1) were highest yielding over the check variety Kubsa (HAR1685) and selected by farmers and researcher. Developed participatory bread wheat varietal selections have solved many constraints related to farmers’ participations, set parameters, select superior varieties, evaluating the performance of better varieties, and identify better varieties and accelerating the dissemination of farmers’ selected varieties at Marwoled Kebele. Therefore, promotion of higher yielding selected cultivars is necessary at Marwoled Kebele to diversify wheat varieties to cope up with evolving disease pathogens and epidemic occurring in wheat system in the region. Key words: Participatory selection, bread wheat, varietal selection.

Sesbania sesban (L.) Merrill is the most productive multipurpose tree widely distributed in tropics and subtropics; and usually planted by smallholder farmers mostly for its fodder and soil improvement values. The objective of the present study was to review the various aspects (with emphasis on its importance) of S. sesban and generate comprehensive technical information for scholars who wish to study the plant in detail. Different parts ofS. sesban is reputed for various purposes such as weed control, phytoremediation, anti-inflammation and antioxidant effect, abortion and antifertility agent, antimicrobial activity, firewood source, livestock feed and pasture improvement, green manure, mosquito repellant, live support and Schistosoma control. Having these and other multiple uses, S. sesban can contribute to sustainable livelihoods by improving household food, nutrition and health security. Key words: Sesbania sesban, phytoremediation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant,livelihood.

Tomato production is not common during main rainy season, especially in sub-humid climatic conditions like in Bahir Dar. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to study the production potential of tomato using rainshelter and management practices during the 2013 rainy season (June-October) in Bahir Dar. The experimental treatments were laid down in split-plot-design at three replications, where with and without plastic rain-shelter were assigned as main plots and management practices (fungicide and stalking) as sub-plots. The results revealed that tomatoes grown in protected structure were significantly (P

Twelve varieties of improved and local (landrace) sorghum were tested under artificial inoculation conditions. Out of 12 sorghum varieties evaluated with covered kernel smut, notably local cultivar ‘Tetron’ was found to be highly resistant. Disease incidence and severity on the rest of the cultivars varied from 21 to 47% and 40 to 53% respectively. Differences among cultivars in yield loss were also observed. The highest yield loss (40%) was recorded on 97 MW 6129 (NVT-11 4) and for Tetron yield loss was nil. The effect of disease on germination was noticed but cannot be considered as conclusive due to moisture stress at the time of germination.

Higher education and research in Ethiopia is going through a decisive phase of reform and expansion. As a system it is increasingly required to respond and gear adequately to the development needs of the society and the country. This change is taking place through a government-led radical review of the system’s status and challenges, and by devising mechanisms of consensus building, as well as ownership and overcoming the resistance to change. Higher education and research institutions of Bahir Dar and Gondar Universities and ARARI, in Ethiopia are not satisfactorily responsive to rural transformation in addressing problems of small-scale farmers. This calls for responsive education and research that addresses farmers’ constraints. Thus, to survey the suitability/appropriateness of the current training programmes of higher education and research institutions to address the actual problems of farmers is of paramount importance. To this effect, tools such as interview guide, checklist and questionnaires were put to use for data collection. Primary data was collected from observation, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics for quantitative data and triangulation for qualitative data were the prime techniques for data analysis. The result of the study shows that university heads, instructors, students, research heads, researchers and employees rated the suggested mechanisms, namely “inviting speakers from industries and farming community”, “visiting guest lecturers” and “special entrepreneurial project”, as the top most important for ensuring training and research closely to the reality in the society of Amhara region in facilitating agricultural growth and rural transformation. Besides, employers and farmers responded that fresh graduates are deficient with relevant technical skills because of less emphasis on experiential learning on higher education. Therefore, the curriculum for the training should give much weight to incorporate these suggested mechanisms and the higher institutions curriculum should be arranged in such a way that the trainees could obtain appropriate technical know-how.

Ethiopia is an agrarian country and agriculture is the backbone of its economy. Consequently, the government of Ethiopia has devised Agricultural Development Led Industrialization (ADLI) as the country’s overall economic development policy. For the last 15 years, public investment towards the expansion of higher education, research and extension in agriculture has been so enormous. In reality, however, these higher education and research institutions were not sufficiently responsive to rural transformation. Thus, to evaluate the role of higher education and research institutions in stimulating rural transformation and to identify main training constraints accountable for their poor performances in institutional learning and rural transformation is of paramount importance. To this effect focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted. Stratified and purposive sampling technique was dominantly employed during the survey studies. The result of the study has shown that higher education and research institutions were less responsive to address the actual problems of small-scale farmers and they were limited by a number of constraints/challenges to address the actual problems of farmers. The major constraints were, to list some, limited involvement in research and extension works by the university staff, students limited practical attachments of the training programmes with farming communities, limited infrastructures and facilities and limited availability of contextualized learning resources. In addressing the aforesaid constraints/challenges, the university staff should proportionally allocate time in the research and extension activities on top of practical teaching supported by local research results and experience; involving students on practical attachments both in their academic and vacation time; giving emphasis on basic training preparation like fulfilling libraries, laboratories, demonstration fields and transportation facilities; and lastly to revise the existing curriculum in to the direction of solving the real problems of the Amhara region then the country Ethiopia.

Pot experiments were carried out in the green house at Amhara Regional Agriculture Research Institute (ARARI) Bahirdar, Ethiopia to evaluate the potential of Brassica carinata cultivars namely; Holleta-l, S-67 and Yellow Dodola in 2007 and 2008. The treatment effects of B. carinata (L.) cultivars Holleta–1, S-67 and Yellow Dodola seed meals on chickpea fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris) were studied. Six rates of seed (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g/kg of infested soil) were used. Infested soil without B.carinata cultivars amendments as a control and susceptible check variety JG-62 also without amendments were used in all the experiments. For each seed meal experiment, the treatments were arranged in factorial randomised complete block design in three replications. Data on seedling emergence, wilt incidence, fresh weight, dry weight, pod per plant, seed per pod, hundred seed weight and yield per hectare were collected. The amendments of infested soil with B.carinata cultivars seed meal reduced th...