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

Eucalyptus camaldulensis is commonly planted on farmland in highland Ethiopia because of its high economic proftability.However, the expansion of woodlot plantations has led to a decline in crop growth and yield, which negatively afects foodsecurity. To address this issue, this study aimed to examine the efects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodlot expansion on cropproduction and food security in South Achefer. Data were collected from 180 respondents using a three-stage sampling techniquefor the four kebeles in the district. Te survey data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and a binary logitregression model using SPSS software version 24. Tis study found that most households (87%) perceived a rapid increase inEucalyptus woodlot expansion. Te allocation of more land for Eucalyptus woodlot expansion was positively and signifcantlyafected by family size, landholding size, total annual income, and availability of unproductive land. Additionally, the studyrevealed that Eucalyptus woodlots highly compete with nearly all grown crops for nutrients and moisture. Tis causes a reductionin yield from one to four quintals compared to the normal crop grown far from the Eucalyptus tree. Approximately three-fourths(71%) of the sampled farmers did not obtain stable food annually and were considered food insecure. To alleviate food insecurity,this study suggests that stakeholders should focus on improving livelihood alternatives rather than expanding Eucalyptuswoodlots.Keywords: access; availability; binary logistic regression; stability; utilization; woodlot

Abstract Mycotoxin contamination in stored sorghum grains poses significant threats to food safety, human health, and agricultural economies in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia where poor post-harvest practices exacerbate fungal proliferation. This study, conducted in Dejen District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia, aimed to assess mycotoxin contamination levels, farmers' knowledge and management practices, isolate and characterize mycotoxigenic fungi, and evaluate the efficacy of microbial antagonists and botanicals as eco-friendly control measures. A cross-sectional survey of 212 farmers revealed low awareness (29% good knowledge) and practices (40.57% effective management), with significant associations to age, education, and village location (p < 0.05, logistic regression). Mycological analysis of 120 stored sorghum samples from underground pits identified diverse fungi, dominated by Aspergillus flavus (25%) and Fusarium spp. (20%), with low mycotoxin levels (aflatoxin B1 at 1.05 µg/kg, below EU limits). Six fungal antagonists; four Trichoderma (DMUA13, DMUA14) and two Penicillium isolates were isolated and screened via dual-culture assays, achieving 44.53–75.00% inhibition of radial growth against Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. (p < 0.05). Ethanol extracts of Clematis simensis and Laggera tomentosa leaves demonstrated dose-dependent antifungal activity against A. niger, reducing spore germination by up to 68.58% and 68.32% at 100 µg/mL, respectively, comparable to ketoconazole. These findings underscore knowledge gaps among farmers and highlight the potential of native Trichoderma/Penicillium isolates and plant extracts as sustainable biocontrol agents. Targeted education, improved storage, and integration of biological controls are recommended to mitigate mycotoxin risks, enhancing food security in resource-limited settings. This research provides baseline data for policy interventions and further field validation.

Abstract Mycotoxin contamination in stored sorghum grains poses significant threats to food safety, human health, and agricultural economies in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia where poor post-harvest practices exacerbate fungal proliferation. This study, conducted in Dejen District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia, aimed to assess mycotoxin contamination levels, farmers' knowledge and management practices, isolate and characterize mycotoxigenic fungi, and evaluate the efficacy of microbial antagonists and botanicals as eco-friendly control measures. A cross-sectional survey of 212 farmers revealed low awareness (29% good knowledge) and practices (40.57% effective management), with significant associations to age, education, and village location (p < 0.05, logistic regression). Mycological analysis of 120 stored sorghum samples from underground pits identified diverse fungi, dominated by Aspergillus flavus (25%) and Fusarium spp. (20%), with low mycotoxin levels (aflatoxin B1 at 1.05 µg/kg, below EU limits). Six fungal antagonists; four Trichoderma (DMUA13, DMUA14) and two Penicillium isolates were isolated and screened via dual-culture assays, achieving 44.53–75.00% inhibition of radial growth against Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. (p < 0.05). Ethanol extracts of Clematis simensis and Laggera tomentosa leaves demonstrated dose-dependent antifungal activity against A. niger, reducing spore germination by up to 68.58% and 68.32% at 100 µg/mL, respectively, comparable to ketoconazole. These findings underscore knowledge gaps among farmers and highlight the potential of native Trichoderma/Penicillium isolates and plant extracts as sustainable biocontrol agents. Targeted education, improved storage, and integration of biological controls are recommended to mitigate mycotoxin risks, enhancing food security in resource-limited settings. This research provides baseline data for policy interventions and further field validation.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly infectious and poses significant global health challenges. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are particularly at risk of HBV infection due to occupational exposure through contact with infected blood or body fluids. To mitigate this risk, hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all healthcare workers and is administered in three doses at 0, 1, and 6 months, aiming to reduce exposure and provide immunity against the virus. However, the effectiveness of the HBV vaccine remains uncertain in the study area.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate hepatitis B vaccine efficacy and factors affecting vaccine effectiveness among healthcare workers in all Hospitals of East Gojjam Zone Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia
Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 healthcare workers from March 25, 2024, to November 30, 2024. Simple random sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. Total sample size was allocated proportionally to each hospital. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Moreover, venous blood samples (4–5 ml) were collected from the study participants, and serum samples were analyzed to measure and detect the concentrations of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Logistic regression model with 95% CI was used to show the statistical association. P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: The overall sero-prevalence of HBsAg among all study participants was 23/422 (5.5%) (95% CI: 3.0-8.0). In multivariable logistic regression, blood transfusion (AOR: 16.5, 95% CI: 1.53, 29.24) (P<0.011) and dental extraction (AOR: 13.5, 95% CI: 3.99, 45.57) (P<0.000) were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. In addition, the overall sero-reactivity of anti-HBc was 30/422 (7.1%) (95% CI: 5.0-10.0). Injectable medication (AOR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.73, 10.72) (P<0.002) was significant determinant for anti-HBc sero-positivity. Furthermore, of fully vaccinated healthcare workers, 346/422 (82.0%) (95% CI: 78.0- 86.0 %) of them were sero-protected (had anti-HBs titer ≥ 10 mIU/ml). The paradoxical sero-positivity of HBsAg and anti-HBs among fully vaccinated healthcare workers was 16(4.6%). Moreover, among HBsAg-positive individuals, HBV DNA was detected in 17 (73.9%) of them.
Conclusions and recommendations: The study identified intermediate HBV seroprevalence among vaccinated healthcare workers, indicating suboptimal vaccine efficacy. These findings emphasize the necessity of monitoring post-vaccination anti-HBs antibody levels to address gaps in protection.
Keywords: Hepatitis B vaccine effectiveness, Healthcare workers, Hospitals

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to identify best hot pepper varieties & planting method for yield and resistance to F. oxysporium in West Gojjam, Ethiopia under field and greenhouse condition. The green house experiment was conducted at Burie Campus by using plastic house prepared with 3.5 m height and an area of 4m by 3 m. The experiment was conducted by transplanting of 6 hot pepper varieties with 2 months seedlings. Inoculation was performed following the standard cut-root dip inoculation technique. Hot-pepper varieties were grouped in to: immune, resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible. Oda Gibe was the best variety that showed 9.7 % wilt incidence followed by Oda Haro that showed moderately resistant with a reaction of 26.3 % wilt incidence. On the other hand, the field experiment was conducted at Mankus kebele, Jabi Tehinan Districts with a total of 12 treatment combination (6 hot pepper varieties: Bako local, Marko Fana, Melka Awaze, Melka Zala, Oda Gibe and Oda Haro with 2 planting methods: Ridge and flat plant bed).The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Two months old Seedlings were transplanted on plots having an area of 4 m x 3 m (12 m2). Observations of naturally occurring fusarium wilt development was inspected at 7 days interval three times. Growth parameters of hot pepper were affected by the main effects of variety and planting method but insignificantly by their interactions. Besides the varietal effect, the longer plants and more number of primary and secondary branches were recorded from raised bed that has showed less disease incidence than flat planting. On the other hand, all yield related parameters were significantly different by the interaction effect of variety with planting method. The highest mean marketable as well as mean dry total pod weight was obtained from ridge planting of Oda Gibe variety which has showed least susceptibility to fusarium wilt. Oda Gibe and Oda Haro variety integrated with Raised bed significantly reduced Fusarium wilt incidence as compared to the area production system of Marko Fana with flat planting method. However, the experiment was conducted at a single location, so that it would be better if it is repeated over season and location to provide comprehensive recommendations. Key words; - Planting method, Fusarium wilt, hot pepper, Incidence

Introduction Vaccination is a critical public health intervention that significantly reduces morbidity and mortalityamong children. Despite its importance, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal in many regions, including EastGojam, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. This study investigated the sociodemographic, economic, and cultural determinantsof vaccination status among pediatric populations in East Gojam.Methods Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 1,900 respondents, categorizing vaccinationstatus as not vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or fully vaccinated. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyzethe impact of predictors such as child age, gender, parental education level, household income, geographic location,access to healthcare, trust in healthcare providers, sources of vaccination information, cultural beliefs, and perceivedgovernment support for vaccination.Results The results revealed that higher parental education levels and urban residence positively influence vac-cination status. Older children were less likely to be fully vaccinated, indicating a need for targeted outreach. Accessto healthcare services and trust in healthcare providers significantly promoted vaccination, whereas negative culturalbeliefs and misinformation adversely affected vaccination status. Perceived government support for vaccinationwas also a significant predictor.Conclusion This study concludes that addressing these multifaceted determinants through educational programs,improved healthcare access, trust-building initiatives, accurate information dissemination, stronger governmentalsupport, targeted outreach for older children, community engagement, and multisectoral collaboration can enhancevaccination coverage and improve public health outcomes in East Gojam and similar settings.Keywords Vaccination, Pediatric populations, Ethiopia, Sociodemographic factors, Health services accessibility,Cultural beliefs, Trust in healthcare providers, Parental education, Multinomial logistic regression

This study aims at exploring the potentials and drawbacks of utilizing social media to promote tourism industry in East Gojjam Zone. The study will be geographically limited to East Gojjam Zone and will not include media platforms other than social media. The research will bring significance to the culture and tourism offices, agencies that work on tourism industry and an input for the government organizations in policy formulation as well as for future researchers. Qualitative research approach with descriptive design will be employed. The population of this study is social media pages of Culture and Tourism Offices of all the woredas found in East Gojjam Zone and of the Zones’ Culture and Tourism Department. The sample will be purposive sampling of all social media pages of the woredas and the zone. Focus group discussion and indepth interview will be conducted in eight selected woredas and zonal culture and tourism office. East Gojjam Zone has 19 woredas including Debre Markos town. The data will be gathered using content analysis of the social media posts, focus group discussion and in-depth interview. In addition, data will also be collected from reports, and publications like newsletters and articles.To collect the data official support letter will be submitted to the Culture and Tourism Department of East Gojjam Zone. The authenticity of social media pages of the woreda tourism offices will be confirmed with the concerned bodies at the zonal level. The collected data using online content, in-depth interview and focus group discussion will be triangulated for data analysis. The researchers expect to find out social media usage patterns and preferences in tourism promotion, social media promotion strategies and implementation, social media regulation and governance in tourism promotion. Atotal budget of 201, 722 ETB will be allocated to conduct the whole study from April to September, 2024.

Abstract: Food insecurity in peri-urban areas is exacerbated by high living costs, limited access tohealthy food, and economic inequality. Despite its growing prevalence due to factors like land lossfrom urban expansion, food insecurity has received limited attention. In Ethiopia, drastic urbanizationcreates competition for land between agriculture and urban development, which is becoming extremein peri-urban areas., This study aims to assess the impact of urban expansion on food security amongexpropriated peri-urban households in Ethiopia. Using a calorie intake-based food security line, wecategorize respondents as food-secure or -insecure. The research analyzed data from 350 expropriatedperi-urban households through a structured questionnaire, employing descriptive statistics andbinary logistic regression. About 67% of the respondents were classified as food-insecure. The binarylogit model identified several significant determinants of food security, including compensationamount and type, household head demographics, agricultural land rent participation, irrigationand credit access, off-farm income, and organic fertilizer use. To address food insecurity amongexpropriated households, policymakers must prioritize these factors. Government attention andpolicy consideration are crucial to ensure the well-being of these vulnerable populations.Keywords: urban expansion; food insecurity; calorie intake; expropriation; Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Background: Blood donation is vital for saving lives, yet Ethiopia faces chronic shortages. Bridging the gap between willingness and actual donation is essential for sustaining blood supplies. This study examined socio-demographic, psychological, and contextual factors influencing blood donation intention and practice in East Gojjam Zone. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey of 1,332 urban adults who met inclusion criteria was conducted using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected via a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized donation patterns, while binary logistic and Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial regressions identified predictors of donation intention and frequency, respectively. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) examined associations among socio-demographic characteristics, psychological factors, donation intention, practice, and behavior. Results: Although 74.8% (95% CI: 72.5–77.1) expressed willingness to donate, only 28.8% (95% CI: 26.4–31.2) had ever donated, and 20.7% (95% CI: 18.5–22.9) had donated in the past two years. Male gender, younger age, higher education, and employment in health or education sectors positively predicted intention and practice. Psychological factors—including self-efficacy (β = 0.53), positive attitudes (β = 0.46), knowledge (β = 0.38), altruism, and social influence (β = 0.28)—were strongly associated with donation. SEM confirmed that intention strongly predicted actual donation (β = 0.62). Barriers included fear of needles, health concerns, and limited awareness. Conclusions: Despite high willingness, actual donation remains low. Multi-sectoral, culturally sensitive strategies—addressing fears, improving knowledge, leveraging social influence, and enhancing accessibility—are critical, especially for women, older adults, and less-educated individuals, to build a resilient, community-driven blood supply. Keywords: Blood donation, intention, practice, socio-demographic factors, psychological determinants, Ethiopia, Structural Equation Modeling