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 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

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  Agricultural financing plays a critical role in enhancing crop productivity and fostering rural development, particularly in agrarian economies. This study aims to empirically investigate the impact of agricultural financing on the crop productivity of smallholder farmers and assess its implications on income inequality. To achieve this objective, a mixed research approach was adopted, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. An explanatory research design was employed to explore the causal relationship between access to agricultural financing and crop output. Primary data were collected from a sample of 800 crop-producing households using structured questionnaires, interview schedules, and focus group discussions, selected through simple random sampling. Secondary data were obtained through document reviews from relevant institutional sources. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and econometric modelling techniques, specifically Propensity Score Matching (PSM), to estimate the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT). A binary logit model was used to identify the determinants of access to agricultural financing. The results revealed that age, seed cost, labor cost, tractor access (as a proxy for infrastructure), education level, and farming experience significantly influenced whether a household received agricultural financing. Conversely, variables such as plant protection, fertilizer use, and landholding size were found to have an insignificant effect. The covariate balancing indicators and balance plots confirmed that the matching algorithms were successful in reducing selection bias, with mean standardized bias decreasing by up to 77.5% and pseudo R² values dropping significantly post-matching. The common support condition was also satisfied, ensuring the reliability of the PSM estimates. The PSM results confirmed that agricultural financing had a statistically significant and positive impact on crop productivity. On average, farmers with access to financing produced ETB 3,942.53 to ETB 6,251.01 more per season compared to those without access, depending on the matching algorithm used (NNM-1, NNM-5, and KBM). The study concludes that agricultural financing significantly enhances crop productivity but may unintentionally exacerbate income inequality. It recommends targeted financial inclusion strategies to ensure equitable access to credit. Furthermore, it advocates for practical, hands-on training programs tailored to farmers‘ realworld needs, rather than theoretical lectures. Such capacity-building initiatives should focus on improving technical expertise, efficient input utilization, and financial literacy, thereby maximizing the benefits of agricultural financing for sustainable rural development. Keywords: Agricultural Financing, Crop Productivity, Propensity Score Matching, Logit, Gini

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 

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 

ABSTRACT Food security remains a critical global challenge, with millions of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Agricultural Multi-Purpose Cooperatives (AMPCs) are intended to improve food security by enhancing access to inputs, markets, and services. This study examines the impact of AMPCs on rural household food security in West Gojjam using ordinal logistic regression. Out of a total sample size of 1,122 rural households, 1,068 were included in the analysis. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. The findings revealed that, out of the 1,068 households surveyed, 45.3% were food secure, 22.6% were mildly food insecure and 32.1% were food insecure. Overall, 54.7% experienced some level of food insecurity, highlighting the need for improved food access and support interventions. The multiple ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that factors such as female-headed households, large household size, smaller landholdings, lack of livestock ownership, absence of non-farm income, limited irrigation access, lack of credit, lack of Market Access, and  no use of agricultural inputs significantly increase the likelihood of rural household food insecurity. Based on the results, it is recommended to focus on supporting female-headed households, reducing household size through family planning, improving land access, increasing livestock ownership, promoting non-farm income opportunities, enhancing irrigation access, providing credit, strengthening market linkages, and ensuring the widespread use of agricultural inputs to improve food security. Keywords: Agricultural cooperatives, food security, rural households, West Gojjam, Ethiopia, ordinal logistic regression. 

ABSTRACT Food security remains a critical global challenge, with millions of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Agricultural Multi-Purpose Cooperatives (AMPCs) are intended to improve food security by enhancing access to inputs, markets, and services. This study examines the impact of AMPCs on rural household food security in West Gojjam using ordinal logistic regression. Out of a total sample size of 1,122 rural households, 1,068 were included in the analysis. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. The findings revealed that, out of the 1,068 households surveyed, 45.3% were food secure, 22.6% were mildly food insecure and 32.1% were food insecure. Overall, 54.7% experienced some level of food insecurity, highlighting the need for improved food access and support interventions. The multiple ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that factors such as female-headed households, large household size, smaller landholdings, lack of livestock ownership, absence of non-farm income, limited irrigation access, lack of credit, lack of Market Access, and  no use of agricultural inputs significantly increase the likelihood of rural household food insecurity. Based on the results, it is recommended to focus on supporting female-headed households, reducing household size through family planning, improving land access, increasing livestock ownership, promoting non-farm income opportunities, enhancing irrigation access, providing credit, strengthening market linkages, and ensuring the widespread use of agricultural inputs to improve food security. Keywords: Agricultural cooperatives, food security, rural households, West Gojjam, Ethiopia, ordinal logistic regression. 

ABSTRACT While it is dependent on erratic rainfall and subject to drought and low productivity, agriculture is still the dominant economic activity in Ethiopia. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technology adoption enhances productivity, resilience, and climate mitigation, yet its adoption by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia’s West Gojjam Zone remains limited despite government promotion. However, research on the factors behind the determinants of the low adoption rate is limited in the study area. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of five CSA-aligned practices: crop diversification, livestock diversification, irrigation, agroforestry, and the application of chemical fertilizers across selected woredas. Data were generated using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus groups from a total of 236 households selected using a multistage sampling technique. The analysis made by a multivariate probit model revealed that significant determinants included the gender of the household head, education, farm size, income, irrigation access, credit availability, extension services, and farming experience. Findings suggest that enhancing crop and livestock diversification requires expanding irrigation access, strengthening extension services, and integrating climate-smart advisory programs to equip farmers with essential skills and resources. Additionally, improving credit access, providing climate information through mobile phone SMS for free, and promoting farmer training can boost irrigation adoption, while targeted awareness campaigns can encourage experienced farmers to adopt modern irrigation technologies. Keywords: Adoption; Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices; Multivariate probit, West Gojjam

ABSTRACT This study investigates the disparities of urban and rural land rights cadastral registration in Ethiopia, by using the Amhara region as a case study. Althoug h⁠ the country has made promising progress, especially through first and second-leve⁠l  rural land registration and certification programs, urban land  cadastral registratio n re mai⁠ns underdeveloped, characterized by incomplete coverage, institutional fragmentation, and widespread informal landholding. The study use d a mixed research method by c ollecting both quantitative and qualitative data. For the quantitative  data, about 385 respon⁠dents were surveyed across  six ru ral and urban sites, whereas the qualitative data we⁠r⁠e collected using ke y i⁠nformant interviews and focus group di⁠scussions. The research was conducted under university sponsorship during a period of restricted field acc⁠ess due to conflict-related⁠ limitations. The co llected d ata were analysed using both descriptive and thematic approaches to compare the⁠ urban and rural areas. The findings show deep stru⁠ctural disparities between urb an and rural a reas. Rura⁠l areas have achieved broader certi fication cover⁠age and higher percei ved tenure  security due to co⁠nsist⁠ent⁠ program i mplementat⁠ion, yet still face  ser ious challenges, including poor da⁠ta systems, limited skilled⁠ personne⁠l, weak enforcement, and reliance on customary practices. Urba n areas, w⁠hi le more technologically equipped and instit utionally resourced, stru ggle⁠ with legal ambiguities, fragmented governance, high registr⁠ation costs, and informality in peri-urban  zone⁠s. The cadastral disparities contribute to unequal tenure security, land disputes, unequal access to land⁠based credit, and unbalanced development outcomes. The study  concludes that minimizing the gaps needs harmonized legal frameworks, integrated and coordinated institutions, an d targeted support for both urban and rural cadastral systems. Responding to these issues is important for securing land rights, promoting equitable la n⁠d governance, and bringing sustainable development in Ethiopia Keywords: Cadastre, Land Rights, Urban-Rural Disparities, Land Tenure Security, Ethiopia.