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Understanding Flood and Drought Extremes Under a Changing Cimate in the Blue Nile Basin: A Review
Journal Article
Demelash Ademe Malede a,b,c,*, Vetrimurugan Elumalai b,c, Tesfa Gebrie Andualem d,e, Yilkal Gebeyehu Mekonnen a, Mesenbet Yibeltal f, Girum Getachew Demeke g,h,i, Tena Alamirew j, Shimelash Molla Kassaye k, Yonas Gebreslasie Hagos l, Anmut Enawgaw Kassie a, Mulatu Kassa m, Gizachew Sewagegn Berihun a, Ram L. Ray •
Submitted: Feb 15, 2025
DMU Burie Campus
Natural Resource Management
Abstract Preview:
Extreme flood and drought events arise from temporal and spatial variations in the Earth’s water cycle, signif-icantly affecting water resources and the environment. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of climatevariabilities on extreme flood and drought events within the Blue Nile Basin. A systematic literature review andcontent analysis were conducted to understand the hydrological dynamics of floods and droughts. A Scopusdatabase was used to find relevant literature review articles related to flood and drought extreme events usingsearch terms queries. The findings suggest that rising temperatures and fluctuating precipitation patterns areleading to more frequent and severe floods and droughts. Future projections also suggest increased droughtseverity in most basin areas, coupled with more frequent floods. Fluctuations between dry and wet conditionshave intensified these extremes. While insufficient rainfall triggers droughts, excessive and concentrated rainfallcontributes to floods. The wet projection shows more frequent floods, while the dry projection indicates severedroughts throughout most of the basin. This review provides a valuable starting point for further action towards amore climate-resilient and water-secure for sustainable environmental development and management over thebasin.
Keywords: BNB, Climate variability, Hydrological extremes, Water resource
Full Abstract:
Extreme flood and drought events arise from temporal and spatial variations in the Earth’s water cycle, signif-icantly affecting water resources and the environment. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of climatevariabilities on extreme flood and drought events within the Blue Nile Basin. A systematic literature review andcontent analysis were conducted to understand the hydrological dynamics of floods and droughts. A Scopusdatabase was used to find relevant literature review articles related to flood and drought extreme events usingsearch terms queries. The findings suggest that rising temperatures and fluctuating precipitation patterns areleading to more frequent and severe floods and droughts. Future projections also suggest increased droughtseverity in most basin areas, coupled with more frequent floods. Fluctuations between dry and wet conditionshave intensified these extremes. While insufficient rainfall triggers droughts, excessive and concentrated rainfallcontributes to floods. The wet projection shows more frequent floods, while the dry projection indicates severedroughts throughout most of the basin. This review provides a valuable starting point for further action towards amore climate-resilient and water-secure for sustainable environmental development and management over thebasin.
Keywords: BNB, Climate variability, Hydrological extremes, Water resource
Understanding the dynamics of post-surgical recovery and its predictors in resource-limited settings: a prospective cohort study
Journal Article
Awoke Fetahi Woudneh1* •
Submitted: Jan 07, 2025
Natural & Computational Sciences
Statistics
Abstract Preview:
Introduction Post-surgical recovery time is influenced by various factors, including patient demographics, surgicaldetails, pre-existing conditions, post-operative care, and socioeconomic status. Understanding these dynamics iscrucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aims to identify significant predictors of post-surgical recoverytime in a resource-limited Ethiopian hospital setting and to evaluate the variability attributable to individual patientdifferences and surgical team variations.Methods A linear mixed model was employed to analyze data from 490 patients who underwent various surgicalprocedures. The analysis considered multiple predictors, including age, gender, BMI, type and duration of surgery,comorbidities (diabetes and hypertension), ASA scores, postoperative complications, pain management strategies,physiotherapy, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and socioeconomic status. Random effects were included toaccount for variability at the patient and surgical team levels.Results Significant predictors of prolonged recovery time included higher BMI, longer surgery duration, thepresence of diabetes and hypertension, higher ASA scores, and major post-operative complications. Opioid painmanagement was associated with increased recovery time, while inpatient physiotherapy reduced recovery duration.Socioeconomic status also significantly influenced recovery time. The model fit statistics indicated a robust model,with the unstructured covariance structure providing the best fit.Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of individualized patient care and the effective management ofmodifiable factors such as BMI, surgery duration, and postoperative complications. Socioeconomic status emerged asa novel factor warranting further investigation. This study underscores the value of considering patient and surgicalteam variability in post-surgical recovery analysis, and calls for future research to explore additional predictors andalternative modeling techniques to enhance our understanding of the recovery process.Keywords Postsurgical recovery, Linear mixed model, BMI, Surgery duration, Comorbidities, ASA scores,Postoperative complications, Pain management, Physiotherapy, And socioeconomic status
Full Abstract:
Introduction Post-surgical recovery time is influenced by various factors, including patient demographics, surgicaldetails, pre-existing conditions, post-operative care, and socioeconomic status. Understanding these dynamics iscrucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aims to identify significant predictors of post-surgical recoverytime in a resource-limited Ethiopian hospital setting and to evaluate the variability attributable to individual patientdifferences and surgical team variations.Methods A linear mixed model was employed to analyze data from 490 patients who underwent various surgicalprocedures. The analysis considered multiple predictors, including age, gender, BMI, type and duration of surgery,comorbidities (diabetes and hypertension), ASA scores, postoperative complications, pain management strategies,physiotherapy, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and socioeconomic status. Random effects were included toaccount for variability at the patient and surgical team levels.Results Significant predictors of prolonged recovery time included higher BMI, longer surgery duration, thepresence of diabetes and hypertension, higher ASA scores, and major post-operative complications. Opioid painmanagement was associated with increased recovery time, while inpatient physiotherapy reduced recovery duration.Socioeconomic status also significantly influenced recovery time. The model fit statistics indicated a robust model,with the unstructured covariance structure providing the best fit.Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of individualized patient care and the effective management ofmodifiable factors such as BMI, surgery duration, and postoperative complications. Socioeconomic status emerged asa novel factor warranting further investigation. This study underscores the value of considering patient and surgicalteam variability in post-surgical recovery analysis, and calls for future research to explore additional predictors andalternative modeling techniques to enhance our understanding of the recovery process.Keywords Postsurgical recovery, Linear mixed model, BMI, Surgery duration, Comorbidities, ASA scores,Postoperative complications, Pain management, Physiotherapy, And socioeconomic status
Urban violence: history and Ethiopians dilettante to learn from it, 1916–1991
Journal Article
Yalemzewd Dessie •
Submitted: May 03, 2024
Social Science and Humanities
History and Heritage Managment
Abstract Preview:
in ethiopia, urbanization and urban violence are recent phenomena dating back to thebeginning of the twentieth century. in the country’s long history, politics and urbanviolence have been bedfellows and reliable means of change, devolution, and reform.Since 1916, ethiopia has essentially experienced more violence in its urban’s than in itsrural areas due to recurrent episodes of political instability at the national level.ironically, ethiopian leaders were amateurs who were unable to draw lessons from theirpast deeds. Nevertheless, ethiopian historiography has devoted little attention to themagnitude of political issues-related urban violence in ethiopia. As a result, the paperattempted to analyse two goals. First, it tries to analyse the historical events of ethiopianurban violence from 1916–1991, and secondly, it tries to explain the tradition ofethiopian leaders to learn from past deeds. to document this extraordinary theme, thepaper grey on both primary sources and published secondary literature that have beenavailable to the writer to date. the collected data was systematically verified, analyzed,and interpreted through qualitative data analysis.
KEYWORDS: history; urban violence; ethiopia; dilettante
Full Abstract:
in ethiopia, urbanization and urban violence are recent phenomena dating back to thebeginning of the twentieth century. in the country’s long history, politics and urbanviolence have been bedfellows and reliable means of change, devolution, and reform.Since 1916, ethiopia has essentially experienced more violence in its urban’s than in itsrural areas due to recurrent episodes of political instability at the national level.ironically, ethiopian leaders were amateurs who were unable to draw lessons from theirpast deeds. Nevertheless, ethiopian historiography has devoted little attention to themagnitude of political issues-related urban violence in ethiopia. As a result, the paperattempted to analyse two goals. First, it tries to analyse the historical events of ethiopianurban violence from 1916–1991, and secondly, it tries to explain the tradition ofethiopian leaders to learn from past deeds. to document this extraordinary theme, thepaper grey on both primary sources and published secondary literature that have beenavailable to the writer to date. the collected data was systematically verified, analyzed,and interpreted through qualitative data analysis.
KEYWORDS: history; urban violence; ethiopia; dilettante
Utilization of personal protective equipment and its key factors among WA oil factory workers in Debre Markos town, Ethiopia
Journal Article
Abraham Teym1* and Tirsit Ketsela Zeleke2 •
Submitted: May 30, 2025
College of Health Science
Environmental Health
Abstract Preview:
Background: Edible oil manufacturing is a labor-intensive sector with significanttechnological demands, where employees face various occupational hazards.The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is not only a legal obligationbut also a key measure for safeguarding workers against job-related injuriesand health risks. Despite these challenges, this industry often remainsunder-researched and overlooked.Objective: To assess utilization of personal protective equipment and its keyfactors among workers in the WA edible oil factory in Debre Markos town,Ethiopia, in 2024.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among employees of theWA Edible Oil Factory in Debre Markos. Using a simple random samplingmethod, 387 workers were selected to participate. Data were collectedthrough an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, focusing on theuse of protective equipment, as well as socio-demographic, work-related,environmental, and organizational characteristics. The data were analyzed usingSPSS version 26. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factorsinfluencing the use of protective equipment, with the strength of associationsexpressed as odds ratios at a 95% confidence level.Results: Out of the total workforce, 214 individuals (55.3%) reportedusing personal protective equipment while on duty. The study identifiedseveral significant factors influencing personal protective equipment utilization,including receiving safety training, having access to protective equipment,regular occupational health and safety inspections, the presence of workplacesafety protocols, having three or more years of work experience, and abstainingfrom alcohol consumption and smoking.Conclusion: The utilization level of personal protective equipment amongworkers at the WA edible oil factory was found to be moderate when comparedto findings from other developing countries. Key factors influencing personalprotective equipment usage included access to safety training, availability ofprotective gear, workplace supervision, the presence of safety protocols, workexperience, and lifestyle behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco use. To improvepersonal protective equipment utilization, it is recommended to strengthenworkplace supervision, offer comprehensive safety training, and ensure theconsistent availability of safety guidelines.KEYWORDSutilization, personal protective equipment, edible oil factory, factory worker, Ethiopia
Full Abstract:
Background: Edible oil manufacturing is a labor-intensive sector with significanttechnological demands, where employees face various occupational hazards.The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is not only a legal obligationbut also a key measure for safeguarding workers against job-related injuriesand health risks. Despite these challenges, this industry often remainsunder-researched and overlooked.Objective: To assess utilization of personal protective equipment and its keyfactors among workers in the WA edible oil factory in Debre Markos town,Ethiopia, in 2024.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among employees of theWA Edible Oil Factory in Debre Markos. Using a simple random samplingmethod, 387 workers were selected to participate. Data were collectedthrough an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, focusing on theuse of protective equipment, as well as socio-demographic, work-related,environmental, and organizational characteristics. The data were analyzed usingSPSS version 26. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factorsinfluencing the use of protective equipment, with the strength of associationsexpressed as odds ratios at a 95% confidence level.Results: Out of the total workforce, 214 individuals (55.3%) reportedusing personal protective equipment while on duty. The study identifiedseveral significant factors influencing personal protective equipment utilization,including receiving safety training, having access to protective equipment,regular occupational health and safety inspections, the presence of workplacesafety protocols, having three or more years of work experience, and abstainingfrom alcohol consumption and smoking.Conclusion: The utilization level of personal protective equipment amongworkers at the WA edible oil factory was found to be moderate when comparedto findings from other developing countries. Key factors influencing personalprotective equipment usage included access to safety training, availability ofprotective gear, workplace supervision, the presence of safety protocols, workexperience, and lifestyle behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco use. To improvepersonal protective equipment utilization, it is recommended to strengthenworkplace supervision, offer comprehensive safety training, and ensure theconsistent availability of safety guidelines.KEYWORDSutilization, personal protective equipment, edible oil factory, factory worker, Ethiopia
Improving maternal and perinatal outcomes can be achieved by identifying factors affecting successful vaginal delivery following induction of labor, particularly in developing countries with low rates of induction. Besides this, evidence regarding the magnitude of successful vaginal delivery following induction and associated factors is limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of vaginal delivery following induction and associated factors among laboring women at South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals of Ethiopia, 2023. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 from April 1 to June 15, 2023. A systematic random sampling method was used to select each participant. A pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and checklist were used to collect data. Epi-Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 26 software were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to identify significant variables. Model fitness was checked using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test. The study reported that 75.6% of participants gave vaginal delivery following induction with a 95% CI (71.00-79.80). Mid-upper arm circumstance 23-28 cm (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.19-5.47), multiparty (AOR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.430-6.33), favorable bishop (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.74-8.26), oxytocin with cervical ripening method (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI: 1.99-7.04), and birth weight less than 4000gram (AOR = 5.40, 95% CI: 1.54-18.91) were factors significantly associated with successful vaginal delivery following induction. Therefore, obstetric caregivers should consider pre-induction assessments such as bishop score of the cervix and fetal weight estimation and improving the nutritional status of pregnant women.
Full Abstract:
Improving maternal and perinatal outcomes can be achieved by identifying factors affecting successful vaginal delivery following induction of labor, particularly in developing countries with low rates of induction. Besides this, evidence regarding the magnitude of successful vaginal delivery following induction and associated factors is limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of vaginal delivery following induction and associated factors among laboring women at South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals of Ethiopia, 2023. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 from April 1 to June 15, 2023. A systematic random sampling method was used to select each participant. A pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and checklist were used to collect data. Epi-Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 26 software were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to identify significant variables. Model fitness was checked using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test. The study reported that 75.6% of participants gave vaginal delivery following induction with a 95% CI (71.00-79.80). Mid-upper arm circumstance 23-28 cm (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.19-5.47), multiparty (AOR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.430-6.33), favorable bishop (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.74-8.26), oxytocin with cervical ripening method (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI: 1.99-7.04), and birth weight less than 4000gram (AOR = 5.40, 95% CI: 1.54-18.91) were factors significantly associated with successful vaginal delivery following induction. Therefore, obstetric caregivers should consider pre-induction assessments such as bishop score of the cervix and fetal weight estimation and improving the nutritional status of pregnant women.
Keywords: Associated factors; Ethiopia; Induction of labor; Vaginal delivery.
Voting Behaviors in Ethiopia: Challenges and Prospects: in the Case of Amhara National Regional State of West Gojjam and Awi Zone
Research Paper
Bezie Belay Tadesse Ayal Molla Alemneh •
Submitted: Oct 30, 2025
DMU Burie Campus
Peace and Development Studies
Abstract Preview:
Abstract The general objective of the study was to assess voting behaviour in Ethiopia, challenges and prospects, Amhara Regional State. The data for this study was obtained through mixed approach with sequential exploratory research design. Thematic approach has followed to analyze the data collected using key informant interview and focus groups discussions for qualitative data and descriptive analysis for quantitative date by using SPSS. The study explored the status of voting behaviour in the study area. Accordingly, the major challenges which affected voting behaviour of citizens are undemocratic legacy, oppressed government systems, weak democratic institutions, constraints of awareness about political participation and lack of trust on electoral election process and result. Finally, if all stakeholders have striving in collaboration, we could build strong democratic government and electoral process. Hence, researchers recommended that, each section of the society attained adult suffrage should be responsible for democratization process, free and fair election and to positively encourage the behaviour of citizens towards voting. Key words: Voting, voting behavior, unfair electoral system
Full Abstract:
Abstract The general objective of the study was to assess voting behaviour in Ethiopia, challenges and prospects, Amhara Regional State. The data for this study was obtained through mixed approach with sequential exploratory research design. Thematic approach has followed to analyze the data collected using key informant interview and focus groups discussions for qualitative data and descriptive analysis for quantitative date by using SPSS. The study explored the status of voting behaviour in the study area. Accordingly, the major challenges which affected voting behaviour of citizens are undemocratic legacy, oppressed government systems, weak democratic institutions, constraints of awareness about political participation and lack of trust on electoral election process and result. Finally, if all stakeholders have striving in collaboration, we could build strong democratic government and electoral process. Hence, researchers recommended that, each section of the society attained adult suffrage should be responsible for democratization process, free and fair election and to positively encourage the behaviour of citizens towards voting. Key words: Voting, voting behavior, unfair electoral system
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Weather information reliability and constraints for adaptation: Insights from farmers’ perspectives in East Gojjam zone, Ethiopia
Social Science and Humanities
Geography and Environmental Studies(GeES)
Abstract Preview:
Weather information (WI) related reliability problems and constraints are commonly reported factors forfarmers’ adaptation decisions to climate-induced impacts in Ethiopia. However, the level of reliability of theWI, kinds of the WI constraints, and how these constraints impede farmers’ adaptation decisions have notsystematically been studied. The present study investigated the reliability and constraints of WI from farmers’perspective in East Gojjam Zone. Three hundred fifty-eight farm households were selected from three woredasthrough random sampling. Interview surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews wereapplied to generate quantitative and qualitative datasets. Frequency, mean score, and correlation wereemployed to analyze the quantitative dataset, while descriptive-interpretative method was used to analyzethe qualitative ones. The findings disclosed that farmers in the study area have diverse WI sources thoughonly farmers’ own experiences and development agents were perceived to be reliable sources for them.The correlation coefficient results confirmed that the number of WI sources had significant positive relationswith family size, and farmland size, while it had a non-significant negative correlation with the farm experiencesof the household heads. The study also identified a range of socioeconomic, demographic and institutional factors, and programming mechanisms and information contents of which the four top that negatively affect farmers’ adaptation decisions were spatial ambiguity, lack of trust, lack of information about the seasonal onset, itsend, and its distribution within the season. To guide farmers’ effective adaptation decisions, these constraints inthe information contents of the WI have to be resolved.KeywordsWeather information, reliability, constraints, East Gojjam, Ethiopia
Full Abstract:
Weather information (WI) related reliability problems and constraints are commonly reported factors forfarmers’ adaptation decisions to climate-induced impacts in Ethiopia. However, the level of reliability of theWI, kinds of the WI constraints, and how these constraints impede farmers’ adaptation decisions have notsystematically been studied. The present study investigated the reliability and constraints of WI from farmers’perspective in East Gojjam Zone. Three hundred fifty-eight farm households were selected from three woredasthrough random sampling. Interview surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews wereapplied to generate quantitative and qualitative datasets. Frequency, mean score, and correlation wereemployed to analyze the quantitative dataset, while descriptive-interpretative method was used to analyzethe qualitative ones. The findings disclosed that farmers in the study area have diverse WI sources thoughonly farmers’ own experiences and development agents were perceived to be reliable sources for them.The correlation coefficient results confirmed that the number of WI sources had significant positive relationswith family size, and farmland size, while it had a non-significant negative correlation with the farm experiencesof the household heads. The study also identified a range of socioeconomic, demographic and institutional factors, and programming mechanisms and information contents of which the four top that negatively affect farmers’ adaptation decisions were spatial ambiguity, lack of trust, lack of information about the seasonal onset, itsend, and its distribution within the season. To guide farmers’ effective adaptation decisions, these constraints inthe information contents of the WI have to be resolved.KeywordsWeather information, reliability, constraints, East Gojjam, Ethiopia
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Willingness to use remote patient monitoring among cardiovascular patients in a resource-limited setting: a cross-sectional study
Introduction: Currently, mortality by non-communicable diseases is increasing alarmingly. They account for approximately 35 million deaths each year, of which 14% are due to cardiovascular disease and 9.2% occur in Africa. Patients do not have access to healthcare services outside the healthcare setting, resulting in missed follow-ups and appointments and adverse outcomes. This study aimed to assess the willingness to use remote monitoring among cardiovascular patients in a resource-limited setting in Ethiopia.
Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2021 among cardiovascular patients at referral hospitals in Ethiopia. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect the data. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 397 study participants. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed and a 95% confidence level with a p-value
Full Abstract:
Introduction: Currently, mortality by non-communicable diseases is increasing alarmingly. They account for approximately 35 million deaths each year, of which 14% are due to cardiovascular disease and 9.2% occur in Africa. Patients do not have access to healthcare services outside the healthcare setting, resulting in missed follow-ups and appointments and adverse outcomes. This study aimed to assess the willingness to use remote monitoring among cardiovascular patients in a resource-limited setting in Ethiopia.
Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2021 among cardiovascular patients at referral hospitals in Ethiopia. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect the data. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 397 study participants. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed and a 95% confidence level with a p-value
Dry evergreen Afromontane forests are severely threatened due to the expansion of agriculture and overgrazing by livestock. The objective of this study was to investigate the composition of woody species, structure, regeneration status and plant communities in Seqela forest, as well as the relationship between plant community types and environmental variables. Systematic sampling was used to collect vegetation and environmental data from 52 (20 m x 20 m) (400 m2) plots. Density, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), basal area, frequency, and importance value index (IVI) of woody species were computed to characterize the vegetation structure of the forest. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) with R software were used to identify plant communities and analyse the relationship between plant community types and environmental variables, respectively. A total of 68 woody plant species belonging to 63 genera and 44 families were identified. The Shannon diversity index and evenness values of the study area were 2.12 and 0.92, respectively. The total basal area and density of woody species were 27.4 m2 ha-1 and 1079.3 individual ha-1, respectively. The most frequent woody species in the Seqela forest included Albizia gummifera (51.92%), Croton macrostachyus (44.23%), Olinia rochetiana and Teclea nobilis (36.54%). Additionally, the most dominant species, as indicated by their importance value index (IVI), were Erythrina brucei (IVI = 11.24), Prunus africana (IVI=8.68), and Croton macrostachyus (IVI=7.38). Four plant community types were identified: Albizia gummifera - Ekebergia capensis, Prunus africana - Croton macrostachyus, Vachellia abyssinica - Dombeya torrida and Schefflera abyssinica - Teclea nobilis. The CCA results showed that the variation of species distribution and plant community formation were significantly (P < 0.05) related to altitude, organic matter, aspect, slope and soil available phosphorus. The regeneration status assessment of the forest revealed a good regeneration status, which was linked to diverse and abundant seed bank in the soil can ensure a continuous supply of seeds for regeneration; therefore, it is recommended to implement periodic soil seed bank assessments to monitor seed diversity and abundance and inform targeted conservation actions.
Full Abstract:
Dry evergreen Afromontane forests are severely threatened due to the expansion of agriculture and overgrazing by livestock. The objective of this study was to investigate the composition of woody species, structure, regeneration status and plant communities in Seqela forest, as well as the relationship between plant community types and environmental variables. Systematic sampling was used to collect vegetation and environmental data from 52 (20 m x 20 m) (400 m2) plots. Density, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), basal area, frequency, and importance value index (IVI) of woody species were computed to characterize the vegetation structure of the forest. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) with R software were used to identify plant communities and analyse the relationship between plant community types and environmental variables, respectively. A total of 68 woody plant species belonging to 63 genera and 44 families were identified. The Shannon diversity index and evenness values of the study area were 2.12 and 0.92, respectively. The total basal area and density of woody species were 27.4 m2 ha-1 and 1079.3 individual ha-1, respectively. The most frequent woody species in the Seqela forest included Albizia gummifera (51.92%), Croton macrostachyus (44.23%), Olinia rochetiana and Teclea nobilis (36.54%). Additionally, the most dominant species, as indicated by their importance value index (IVI), were Erythrina brucei (IVI = 11.24), Prunus africana (IVI=8.68), and Croton macrostachyus (IVI=7.38). Four plant community types were identified: Albizia gummifera - Ekebergia capensis, Prunus africana - Croton macrostachyus, Vachellia abyssinica - Dombeya torrida and Schefflera abyssinica - Teclea nobilis. The CCA results showed that the variation of species distribution and plant community formation were significantly (P < 0.05) related to altitude, organic matter, aspect, slope and soil available phosphorus. The regeneration status assessment of the forest revealed a good regeneration status, which was linked to diverse and abundant seed bank in the soil can ensure a continuous supply of seeds for regeneration; therefore, it is recommended to implement periodic soil seed bank assessments to monitor seed diversity and abundance and inform targeted conservation actions.
Smallholders cultivated sugarcane for household consumption, immediate cash, and feedinglivestock in Ethiopia. However, its production and productivity are constrained by a lack ofimproved varieties. Sugarcane germplasm was collected from Districts of West Gojjam,Ethiopia, to evaluate yield and its contributing characters and quantify the phenotypic diversityat Mankusa, Jabitehnan, Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted using a randomised completeblock design with three replications for two crop cycles, from April 2020 to March 2023. Datawere recorded for the number of tillers, internode length, sellable stalks, plant height, stalkdiameter, cane yield and biomass yield from twelve genotypes collected. The data recorded weresubjected to analysis of variance, and means were separated using the Duncan Multiple RangeTest at a 5% significance level. Variance and multivariate analysis indicated the existence ofhigh phenotypic diversity between genotypes in all quantitative traits studied. Acc 7/20 and Acc5/20 genotypes produced the highest number of tillers and longest internodes, while Acc 6/20produced the highest number of sellable stalks. The genotype Acc 4/20 was the longest, and thethickest genotype, which could be elite donors for it respected quality traits through crossing.The highest cane yield was recorded from Acc 4/20 (178.04 t/ha), Acc 7/20 (151.41 t/ha), Acc8/20 (134.1 t/ha) and Acc 12/20 (132 t/ha), producing 58, 34, 19 and 17% advantageous fromthe overall genotypes mean, respectively. Cluster analysis grouped the twelve sugarcanegenotypes into four clusters, indicating the possibility of broadening the genetic basis bycrossing genotypes in the different clusters. It also indicated that a cross between cluster II andIII genotypes could create the thickest canes with many sellable stalks. Therefore, genotypes Acc04/20, Acc 07/20, Acc 8/20 and Acc 12/20 have been recommended and must be evaluated in other sugarcane growing areas to exploit their potential.Keywords: Cluster Analysis, PCA, Sugarcane, Variability, Yield
Full Abstract:
Smallholders cultivated sugarcane for household consumption, immediate cash, and feedinglivestock in Ethiopia. However, its production and productivity are constrained by a lack ofimproved varieties. Sugarcane germplasm was collected from Districts of West Gojjam,Ethiopia, to evaluate yield and its contributing characters and quantify the phenotypic diversityat Mankusa, Jabitehnan, Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted using a randomised completeblock design with three replications for two crop cycles, from April 2020 to March 2023. Datawere recorded for the number of tillers, internode length, sellable stalks, plant height, stalkdiameter, cane yield and biomass yield from twelve genotypes collected. The data recorded weresubjected to analysis of variance, and means were separated using the Duncan Multiple RangeTest at a 5% significance level. Variance and multivariate analysis indicated the existence ofhigh phenotypic diversity between genotypes in all quantitative traits studied. Acc 7/20 and Acc5/20 genotypes produced the highest number of tillers and longest internodes, while Acc 6/20produced the highest number of sellable stalks. The genotype Acc 4/20 was the longest, and thethickest genotype, which could be elite donors for it respected quality traits through crossing.The highest cane yield was recorded from Acc 4/20 (178.04 t/ha), Acc 7/20 (151.41 t/ha), Acc8/20 (134.1 t/ha) and Acc 12/20 (132 t/ha), producing 58, 34, 19 and 17% advantageous fromthe overall genotypes mean, respectively. Cluster analysis grouped the twelve sugarcanegenotypes into four clusters, indicating the possibility of broadening the genetic basis bycrossing genotypes in the different clusters. It also indicated that a cross between cluster II andIII genotypes could create the thickest canes with many sellable stalks. Therefore, genotypes Acc04/20, Acc 07/20, Acc 8/20 and Acc 12/20 have been recommended and must be evaluated in other sugarcane growing areas to exploit their potential.Keywords: Cluster Analysis, PCA, Sugarcane, Variability, Yield