Small scale irrigation (SSI) technologies offer a promising solution to address challenges of low agricultural productivity, unreliable rainfall, and rural poverty in Ethiopia. However, their performance and sustainability remain inconsistent, particularly in regions like East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region. This study aimed to assess the adoption trends, performance challenges, and economic viability of furrow irrigation and motor pump systems across two districts Debre Elias and Machakel. A cross sectional, mixedmethods design was employed, drawing on data from 280 smallholder farmers selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Descriptive analysis showed moderate irrigation access, but a 25.4% overall defect rate raised concerns about technology reliability. Binary logistic regression identified income, credit access, and training as key factors reducing defect occurrence, while motor pump use and larger irrigated areas increased risk. Economic analysis revealed that furrow systems were more profitable, yielding a higher five year Net Present Value and Benefit Cost Ratio than motor pumps. Despite these gains, sustainability challenges persisted, including soil degradation and inefficient water use. The study also found notable district level variation, with furrow systems dominating in Debre Elias due to affordability, and topography favoring gravity flow and motor pumps preferred in Machakel for their productivity potential. Qualitative findings highlighted high maintenance costs and limited institutional support as barriers to sustained use. Based on these insights, the study recommends strengthening farmer access to credit, improving training services, and upgrading irrigation technologies to enhance the long term impact of SSI on smallholder livelihoods and agricultural sustainability

This study investigates the status of biomass stove usage in East Gojjam, Ethiopia, and evaluates the health, economic, and environmental benefits of an improved biomass stove which was designed and fabricated using locally available materials. Major challenges in the study areas were uses of traditional three-stone stoves, which are inefficient and produce harmful emissions. The study aims to assess the status of stoves used, source, amount and type of biomass consumption per household, to analyze the health impact of improved biomass stove with conventional stove and to analyze the economic and environmental impact of the conventional and improved stove.Two stove models were fabricated: one for household use and another for institutional settings. Construction materials included angle iron, sheet metal, ceramic tiles, sand, and clay for insulation. Eucalyptus wood a commonly used local biomass fuel was standardized for all testing, including oven drying and storage procedures. Performance evaluation was based on cooking time, fuel consumption, and emissions (CO and PM2.5), using laboratory and field tests. Additional data were collected through surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations from 400 households across three districts: Dejen, Yedwuha and Debrework.According to the result; the improved biomass stove significantly outperformed the conventional three stone stove: reducing cooking time by 51.61%, fuel consumption by 12.34%, carbon monoxide emissions by 99.72%, and PM2.5 emissions by 75.52%. It also demonstrated substantial environmental benefits, including lower firewood demand and reduced deforestation. Economically, households saved over 3,225 birr per year in fuel and time costs.In conclusion, the improved biomass stove offers a viable, scalable solution to Ethiopia’s household energy and health challenges. Its adoption can significantly mitigate household air pollution, improve public health, reduce environmental degradation, and strengthen economic resilience, particularly for women and children. The study recommends expanding the dissemination of the improved biomass stoves through targeted policy support, community education, and financing mechanisms.

This study was conducted to estimate the technical, allocative and economic efficiency levels, identify the determinant factors of technical and allocative inefficiencies, Debre Markos City and Sinan District of the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. The data were collected from 397 smallholder sheep fatting farmers in all kebeles in debremarkos and two kebeles in sinan district of the study area. Maximum likelihood techniques were used to estimate a Truncated-Normal Model production frontier. The mean estimated technical, allocative and economic efficiencies were 83.07, 91.84.61 and 76.5 respectively with consecutive SD of .1645 , 0.1490 and 0.1985. The estimated results provide evidence that the sheep fatting farmers are technical, allocatively and economically inefficient. The coefficients estimated from the Truncated-Normal Model stochastic production frontier model show the effect of different inputs on sheep fatting farmers. Ln (fodder) has a positive coefficient of .0481792, significant at the 1% level, meaning that the improvement in feed quality increases read met output. Likewise, Ln (heredsize) showed a highly significant coefficient value of .9518208 significant at the 1%, showing its importance to increase fatting sheep.Also, Ln (cost fodder) has a negative coefficient of 1.628079, significant at the 1% . Likewise, Ln (cost of animal health) showed a highly significant coefficient value of 1.838712significant at 10%. The most vital factors include sex, education, age, family size of household, availability of feed supply, extension and training on significant effect on technical inefficient of small scale sheep fatting farmers. The most vital factors include education, non-farm activities, Total livestock unit, availability of feed supply, family size of the household and training on significant effect on allocative inefficient of small scale sheep fatting farmers.The government and the concerned body should be encouraging sheep fatting farmers to grow, properly harvest and store high-protein fodder on their farms reduce reliance on expensively purchased fodder. The government and the concerned body should be expanding animal health centers to keep animal health for fulfill small scale sheep fatting sheep to bring productive the fatting sheep and improve the livelihood. Extension of the household has been shown to significantly improve technical efficiency by providing advice the way of fatting, how to feed

The study is to examine the status and identify factors that affect the participation of dairy cooperatives and its impact on household income. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative data. The two-stage stratified sampling method was employed purposive sampling technique was used to select dairy cooperative for the study. A total of 582 households were sampled using proportion to the sample size methods and the study unites were selected through systematic sample random sampling technique. Primary and secondary data sources were consulted to collect the necessary data. Focus group discussion, Key informant interview, and interview schedule survey questionnaire were the primary data collection methods used in the study. Descriptive and econometric analyses were employed to analyze the collected data. Binary logit model was employed to assess variables affecting the participation of dairy cooperative and its impact on household income by using propensity score much.The household Age, Family size, fair price of milk, sex, TLU, number of milking cow, credit access and distance from the home to diary cooperative office significantly influenced the decision to participate dairy cooperative. Age, fair price of milk, credit access, number of milking cows, sex and credit access positively influenced the participation whereas family size and distance from the home to dairy cooperative office negatively influenced the participate of in dairy cooperative . The study found that membership of dairy cooperative has significantly increased on income of households. Thus, farmers should be encouraged to participate dairy cooperative. Therefore, the government and other concerned bodies should focus encourage households to promote the membership of dairy cooperative.

ABSTRACTSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the root extract Stephania abyssinica by aneco-friendly and cost-effective method. Stephania abyssinica root extract with AgNO3 solutionwas used to synthesize AgNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis,FTIR and XRD spectrophotometers. The antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles was testedby the agar disc diffusion method. The result was that the dark yellow colour solution changedto brown solution with AgNO3 solution confirming the formation of AgNPs. The UV–Vis peak at275 nm in the plant extract shows the presence of organic compounds that interact with silverto form AgNPs. The FTIR spectrum of AgNPs shows peaks at 3406 cm−1, 2353 cm−1, 1615 cm−1and 1021 cm−1. The XRD result showed that the AgNPs are face centred cubic crystallinestructures having a size of 20.8 nm. The synthesized AgNps are more potent in Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive bacteria.
KEYWORDS: Silver nanoparticles; Stephania abyssinica; antimicrobial activity; green synthesis; spectral analysis

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is vital for over a third of the global population but facessignificant production challenges due to limited adaptable varieties, poor management practices,and environmental factors. New wheat varieties often fail in unfamiliar environments, leading tocrop loss. To address this issue, a study was conducted to evaluate the adaptability, performance,and yield stability of recently released high-performing wheat varieties over two years (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) in four districts of the East Gujjar Zone: Machakel, Debre Elias, Gozamin,and Baso-Liben. The trials were set up using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) withthree replications, and data were collected on the main traits such as days to heading, maturity,plant height, tiller number, spike length, spikelet’s per spike, biomass, and grain yield. AMMI andGEE biplot analysis were used to study genotype by environmental interaction. The combinedanalysis of variance for grain yield showed highly significant effects (P < 0.001) due to genotype(4.98 %), environment (66.83 %), and genotype × environment interaction (31.96 %). Grainyield varied across the environments, ranging from 3.72 t ha 1in Baso-Liben to 3.11 t ha 1 inMachakel. Among the genotypes, Ogolcho had the highest mean yield (4.55 t ha 1), whereasWane had the lowest (2.70 t ha 1). Genotype-by-environment interaction biplot analysis groupedthe eight test environments and six genotypes into two mega-environments and three genotypegroups. Wane, Lemu, and Ogolcho were the stable genotypes. This analysis identified the mostfavorable districts for wheat production and highlighted Ogolcho as the most productive wheatvariety in the study area. The results suggest that farmers in these districts should adopt Ogolchoto enhance wheat yield and increase their income.
Keywords: AMMI, GGE, GIE, PCA, Stability, Wheat

Chickpea is a self-pollinated, diploid, and annual plant (2x = 2n = 16). After peas and beans, it is the most important legumein the world. Reduced chickpea production and productivity have been significantly influenced by the lack of improvedand adaptable genotypes, poor management practices, biotic factors such as disease and pests, and abiotic factors includingfluctuating rainfall and temperature. New chickpea genotypes introduced in Northern Ethiopia lack adaptability, stability,and performance evaluation, resulting in crop losses for farmers due to their susceptibility to the new and variable environment. To address these challenges, recently released high-yielding genotypes, alongside a standard check, were evaluatedfor adaptability, performance, and yield stability over 2 years (2022/2023 and 2023/2024) in three districts (Shebel, Awabel,and, Jabitenan) of Northern Ethiopia across six multienvironment field trials each employing a randomized complete blockdesign with three replications. SAS 9.4 and R software were used, showing significant differences in crop phenological stages,growth, and yield parameters across years and locations for test traits. Genotype, location, and year interactions significantlyinfluenced all Kabuli chickpea genotypes. The highest combined mean grain yield was obtained from genotype “Arerti”(2.42 t ha-1) followed by “Yelbie” (2.18 t ha-1), which explained their best performance among the tested genotypes. Analysis ofvariance revealed significant interactions and differences between genotypes and environments, with 15.6% of the variationin grain yield attributed to environmental factors, 6.4% to genotype differences, and 11.4% to genotype-by-environment interactions. The Genotype and Genotype × Environment biplot and Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction analysisidentified stable genotypes, representative environments, and interesting genotype–environment interactions. GenotypesArerti, Chefe, and Yelbie were identified as stable based on Genotype and Genotype × Environment biplot and Additive MainEffect and Multiplicative Interaction analysis. Environments Shebel and Jabitenan were identified as representative amongall environments considered. 

Eucalyptus was frst introduced to Ethiopia in the late 19th century to address the scarcity of frewood and construction wood in thecapital city. Since then, it has spread across the country and has become an important source of income for many households whilealso reducing the need for deforestation. Despite concerns raised by environmentalists about its eco-hydrological impact, theplantation has expanded to cover a vast area of the nation, including farmlands and mountainous regions. Currently, around506,000 hectares of land in Ethiopia are covered by Eucalyptus plantations. Te growth of Eucalyptus plantations can be attributed tovarious socioeconomic, ecological, and biological factors, including the increasing demand for wood and wood products. However,this growth has also led to negative environmental consequences such as reduced surface and groundwater fow, decreased cropproductivity, soil fertility degradation and depletion, and high water consumption, which can result in water scarcity. To address theseenvironmental impacts, it is essential to select appropriate species and sites and implement proper silvicultural and land use planningbefore planting. Additionally, promoting renewable energy sources and planting environmentally sound fast-growing indigenousand exotic tree species can help reduce the adverse efects of Eucalyptus on the environment.Keywords: deforestation; environmental impacts; Eucalyptus plantation; indigenous and exotic tree species

Agro-nanotechnology—the application of nanotechnology in agriculture—holds immense promise for addressing main challengesin African agriculture and promoting sustainable development. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of how agro-nanotechnology is being utilized across Africa, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize various aspects of agricultural practiceson the continent. Firstly, the utilization of nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanofertilizers, and nanopesticides offersopportunities for enhancing nutrient management, improving soil health, and increasing crop productivity in diverseagroecosystems across Africa. Nanofertilizers, with their controlled release mechanisms, facilitate efficient nutrient uptake byplants, thereby reducing nutrient losses and enhancing fertilizer use efficiency, which is crucial for resource-constrainedsmallholder farmers. Nanopesticides suggest improved efficacy in pest and disease control, reducing environmental harmcompared to traditional pesticides. Their targeted delivery also minimizes off-target effects, which is crucial for Africa’s foodsecurity. Nanosensors also enable real-time monitoring of soil and crop health, enhancing precision agriculture. Nanotechnologyin postharvest management reduces food losses and improves safety. However, its adoption requires careful consideration ofsocioeconomic and regulatory factors to ensure equitable access and environmental safety. Collaborative efforts involvingpolicymakers, researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders are crucial for harnessing the benefits of agro-nanotechnology whileaddressing potential risks and concerns. In conclusion, the integration of agro-nanotechnology into African agriculture presents atransformative opportunity to enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability, contributing to the continent’s efforts towardachieving food security, economic development, and environmental conservation.Keywords: agro-nanotechnology; nanofertilizers; nanopesticides; nanosensors; precision agriculture

The use of metal nanoparticles as antibiotics for resistant pathogens has become a current topic of research. Biosyn-thesized nanoparticles are promising drugs as antibacterial agents by inhibiting bacteria from infectious diseases. Thisstudy aimed at the synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from AgNO 3 solution and Sida schim-periana Hochst. ex A. Rich leaves extract. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR),Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopic techniques and evaluated for antibacterial activi-ties against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coliand Klebsiella Pneumonia) bacteria by the disc diffusion method. The result indicated an initial color change that wasobserved below 400 nm for the leaves extract and 429 nm for AgNPs in the UV–Vis band supporting the synthesis ofsilver nanoparticles. The FTIR peaks at 3447, 1638 and 1413 cm −1 predict the hydroxyl, carbonyl and unsaturated C–Cbonds, respectively, in the plant leaves extract. The XRD analysis showed that the synthesized AgNPs were crystalline innature and face-centered cubic (FCC) structure with an average particle size of 26.27 nm. Furthermore, the synthesizednanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity to both types of bacteria, more significant being on Gram-negative bacteria(E. coli). In conclusion, the leaves extract of Sida schimperiana Hochst. ex A. Rich plant contains bioactive molecules thatare used in the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs as potential antibacterial agents.Keywords: Biosynthesis · Phytochemicals · Antimicrobial resistance · Medicinal plant · Resistant pathogens