LIVES articles

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Maize–common bean intercropping to optimize maize-based crop production
(Journal Article, 2017-09) Alemayehu, A.; Tamado, T.; Nigussie, D.; Yigzaw, D.; Kinde, T.; Wortmann, Charles S.
Maize (Zea mays L.)–common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping is a recent practice in north-western Ethiopia and there is limited information on its productivity. A field experiment was conducted at South Achefer and Mecha in north-western Ethiopia during the 2012 and 2013 crop growing seasons to determine combinations of intercrop planting arrangement (IPA) with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) rates for optimizing maize–common bean intercrop productivity and profitability. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of two IPA (single row of common bean between maize rows and paired rows of common bean between paired rows of maize), two N rates (92 and 128 kg N/ha) and two P rates (20 and 40 kg P/ha). A sole crop maize with recommended fertilizer rate of 128/40 kg N/P/ha was used as a control treatment. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that land equivalent ratio was more than unity, and the intercrop system was 20% more productive relative to the sole crop. Maize equivalent yields were highest for most of the intercrop treatments relative to mono-crop maize with yield advantage of 14% from single row IPA with 128/20 kg N/P/ha. Single row IPA with 128/20 kg N/P/ha and paired row IPA with 92/20 kg N/P/ha increased financial returns by 16 and 8% relative to sole crop maize, respectively. Smallholder maize-based cropping of north-western Ethiopia could be nutritionally, agronomically and financially improved through maize–common bean intercropping of single row IPA with appropriate nutrient management.
Definition of smallholder Sheko cattle keepers’ breeding objectives through phenotypic ranking and choice experiments in Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2018-02-22) Bayou, E.; Haile, Aynalem; Gizaw, Solomon; Mekasha, Yoseph
This study aimed at identifying Sheko cattle keepers' preferences by way of phenotypic ranking and hypothetical choice experiment in their habitat in order to define the indigenous selection criteria. The ranking experiment report was based on 15 cows and 6 to 9 bulls. Three animals of the same sex were randomly assigned in one group that resulted into five groups for cows and two to three groups for bulls. Thirty cattle keepers belonging to another community were invited to rank the groups of experimental animals according to their own preferences and give the reasons why they had chosen the animals as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Then they were provided with life history of each cow, including age, milk yield, parity, calving interval and heart girth measurements; while for bulls, age, milk yield of dam, sire fertility and heart girth measurements were described to determine whether she/he would consider re-ranking them. The results of farmers’ preference for traits through both methods are not consistent. In phenotypic ranking, the results indicate that, milk yield, body conformation, body size and coat color were emphasized in the selection of cow while, body size, dairy character, draught character and coat color traits were important traits for selection of bull. Information on life history provided insight in the respondents’ ranking decisions. In choice experiments, the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters for cow selection were significant in both lowland and midland agro-ecological zones (AEZs), except for calving interval in midland. The trait mothering ability was the most preferred trait followed by milk yield in both AEZs. For bulls the estimates were significant with the exception of growth rate in midland. It was found out that by this method breeding bulls are chosen based on milk performance of mother and temperament in both AEZs.
A study on sheep farming practices in relation to future production strategies in Bensa district of southern Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2018-04) Kenfo, H.; Mekasha, Yoseph; Tadesse, Y.
The study was carried out in Bensa district of Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia. Agro-ecologically, the study sites were classified into highland and mid-altitude. The objective of the study was to identify sheep farming practices in relation to future production strategies in the study area. A total of 128 households from four kebeles (lower administrative structure) were selected purposively based on sheep population and production potential and accessibility. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informants. The result showed that most of the household heads were male (92.75%) and mixed crop-livestock system was the dominant production system. Among the livestock species, sheep accounted for the largest proportion across the two agro ecologies and the average sheep flock size/household was 4.6 ± 0.33 and 22 4.3 ± 0.213 in highland and in mid-altitude, respectively. The primary reason of keeping sheep was for cash income and saving across the two agro ecologies. The major feed resources for sheep during the wet and dry seasons were natural pasture and crop residues respectively across the two agro ecologies. Feed shortages, disease, parasite prevalence, and market were the major sheep production constraints in highland while feed shortage, genotype, disease, parasite prevalence, and market in mid-altitude. It can be concluded that for enhancing future production from sheep in the area, emphasis is to be given on feed availability, disease management, breeding policy, and marketing strategies.
Growth, reproductive, and productive performance of Begait cattle under different herd management systems in northern Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2018-08) Mezgebe, Gebretnsae; Gizaw, Solomon; Urge, Mengistu
The performance of indigenous Begait cattle (498 cows, 284 calves, and 48 heifers) in northern Ethiopia was studied. System of herd management significantly (P < 0.01) influenced all production traits. Calves in medium-input herds (MIHM) grew faster than those in low-input herds (LIHM), by 232 g/d from birth to 9 months (Gain1) and by 385 g/d from 9 to 12 months (Gain2). Cow’s dry period, calving interval (CI), and age at first calving (AFC) were 234, 222, and 343 days shorter for MIHM than for LIHM. Compared with LIHM, cows from MIHM had 74% higher daily milk yield (DMY) and 91% higher lactation milk yield (LMY). Calves born at wet season grew faster by 14 and 10% than those calves born in the dry season at Gain1 and Gain2. The subsequent CI of cows calved in the wet season had 77 days shorter, 0.45 kg DMY, and 93 kg LMY increment. The differences between production systems can be attributed to differences in management skills and access to better quality feeds. Technical intervention is needed to ensure provision of balanced rations to exploit the potential productivity of Begait cattle.
Bio-economic and operational feasibility of introducing oestrus synchronization and artificial insemination in simulated smallholder sheep breeding programmes
(Journal Article, 2018) Gizaw, Solomon; Tegegne, Azage
Low selection intensity due to few selection candidates available at any one time due to thinly spread year-round lambings in villages and prohibitively large nucleus requirements to provide sufficient improved rams to the production tier are the major challenges for designing effective village-based and central nucleus-based breeding programmes, respectively, for smallholder sheep farmers. To tackle these challenges, we used deterministic simulation to design three schemes in village-based programmes introducing hormonal oestrus synchronization (natural oestrus (VNE), single oestrus synchronization (VSE1) and double oestrus synchronization (VSE2)) and three schemes in central nucleus programme introducing artificial insemination (AI) (natural mating with nucleus sizes of 5% (CNM1) and 1% (CNM2) of the total ewe population and natural mating in breeding tier and AI in production tier (CAI)). The schemes were evaluated for their bio-economic and operational feasibility, taking Bonga sheep of Ethiopia as a case study. The selection intensities achieved in VNE, VSE1 and VSE2 were 2.0, 2.3 and 2.4, respectively, for selecting rams for the breeding tier and 0.0, 0.8 and 1.0, respectively, for the production tier. The profits per ewe per year from VNE, VSE1 and VSE2 were Birr 12.2, 21.7 and 24.5, but the profit from VNE for the production tier was zero. CAI generated more genetic gains in the breeding objective (Birr 4.8) than CNM1 (Birr 2.5) and CNM2 (Birr 0.0) in the production tier. However, CAI was less profitable than CNM1 and CNM2. In conclusion, hormonal oestrus synchronization was found to be a feasible technological aide to accelerate genetic progress in village-based programmes. CNM1 and CNM2 could not be recommended as CNM1 requires large nucleus of 10 325 ewes and CNM2 results in zero genetic gain in the production tier. CAI could overcome the challenge in central nucleus programmes, namely unaffordable large nucleus, but the scheme needs to be subsidized by the public sector to be economically feasible for farmers.
Genetic parameters for reproduction traits and correlation with pre weaning growth traits of Fogera cattle at Metekel ranch, north west Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2017) Bekele, A.; Wuletaw, Z.; Haile, Aynalem; Gizaw, Solomon; Mekuriaw, Getinet
The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of reproduction traits of pure Fogera cattle at Metekel Ranch. Metekel cattle Breeding and Improvement Ranch has so far been engaged in maintenance of Fogera cattle population outside their adapted environment (ex-situ conservation). The breeding program has two components: selection and crossbreeding. The establishment of the pure breed unit is meant for the improvement of the Fogera breed and for providing heifers to cross- breed to exotic dairy sires (by Artificial insemination). In cross breeding program; crossbred animals are produced through artificial insemination of Fogera cows with Friesian semen. Around three to six months of pregnancy, the F1 cross heifers are sold to farmers for milk production (Melaku et al., 2011a, b). Very recently the ranch started to distribute non pregnant F1 cross heifers. WOMBAT software was used to estimate genetic parameters. The variance components and heritability were estimated using a Uni-variate animal model using four models which fitted direct additive, dam genetic and permanent environmental effect as a random effect and the fixed effects (year, season, sex and parity). Parameter of age at first calving (AFC) were estimated using Model 1 (Y= Xb + Z1a + e), Model2 (Y= Xb + Z1a + Z3c + e), Model3 (Y= Xb + Z1a + Z2m + e (cova, m = 0), and Model4 (Y= Xb + Z1a + Z2m + Z3c + e (cova, m = 0) whereas parameters of reproductive traits including gestation length (GL), calving interval (CI) and days open (DO) were estimated using model 2 and 4 which fit permanent environmental effect due to repeated records per cow. Correlations (genetic and phenotypic) among the different traits were estimated from bi--variate analysis by using model 1 for growth traits and AFC and model 2 to estimate the correlation between CI, GL and DO and birth weight (BWT) and GL. Correlation between birth weight and gestation length were estimated by treating gestation length as a trait of calf. Due to record limitation correlation between AFC with other reproductive traits were not estimated. Estimates of direct heritability of reproductive performance traits from the best model were 0.003 ± 0.05 for AFC, 0.00 ± 0.03 for GL and CI and 0.013 ± 0.03 for DO. The phenotypic correlations between reproductive traits were 0.003 ± 0.034 for CI and GL, 0.37 ± 0.041 for CI and DO and 0.167 ± 0.036 for DO and GL and the genetic correlation between reproductive traits ranged from -0.94 ± 0.2 for DO and GL to 0.83 ± 0.579 for CI and DO. Genetic correlation between growth and AFC ranged from 0.77 ± 0.24 for BWT and AFC to 0.87 ± 0.03 for pre-weaning average daily gain (PADG) and AFC. The phenotypic and genetic correlations between BWT and GL were 0.03 ± 0.05 and -0.84 ± 0.013 respectively. The results of genetic correlation between considered traits was ranged from moderate to high and it indicates that selection for one trait would have a significant effect on the other traits not considered however selection must be done with caution. The heritability estimates confirmed the presence of high environmental effect among the study population and it masks the individual animal genetic difference. Given the low heritability estimates obtained, effective improvement in reproduction performance of Fogera cattle could be achieved by improving the production conditions and through crossbreeding.
Milk production performance of Begait goat under semi intensive and extensive management in Western Tigray, North Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2018-01-01) Hagos, A.; Gizaw, Solomon; Urge, Mengistu
The study was conducted in Kafta humera district of Ethiopia, (i) to investigate the milk yield of Begait goat under different management and (ii) to evaluate the effects of different non-genetic factors on lactation performance. Data were collected from 428 lactating does under two managements (semi intensive and extensive) during October 2014 and March 2016. Statistical analyses were carried out using the GLM procedure of SAS version of 9.2 software. The least squares means (with standard error) for daily milk yield, lactation milk yield and lactation length were observed to be 0.75±0.01 kg, 85.6±1.04 kg and 111±1.21 days under semi intensive management, respectively whereas under extensive management these were found as 0.55±0.01 kg, 56±1.43 kg and 101±1.57 days, respectively. The results of this study indicated that management system, parity number and season of birth affected all variables highly significantly.
Economic values of Begait cattle breeding-objective traits under low and medium input production systems in northern Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2018-01-01) Mezgebe, Gebretnsae; Gizaw, Solomon; Urge, Mengistu
The study was conducted to estimate the economic values (EV) of Begait cattle breeding-objective traits and their effects on the returns to investment in breeding programs using bio-economic model. Production systems were described according to their level of input and sale age, namely, low input herd management (LIHM) and medium input herd management (MIHM) based on fixed herd size for genetic improvement of multiple traits. Results showed that all considered traits have positive economic values across production systems except pre weaning daily body weight gain (PrDG). However, production systems had significant influence on the magnitude of EV of traits. The MIHM was superior by 100 to 9% to the LIHM system. Regardless of the two production systems, calving interval (CI) had the highest EV followed by dressing percentage (DP) and mature weight (MWT). Although, the overall change of beef trait EV influenced the marginal profit through price and production variable changes at constant MY, the more sensitive change was observed with the changes of MY EV. Traits of milk yield had 1 to 12% increment on profit with 1 to10% improvement in its EV by rising milk price, reduced weaning and reduced culling rates. However, beef traits only made 5.1×10-7 to 2.3×10 -6% raises on profits with 18 to 50% increment in its EV by beef price increment and reduced age at first calving. The higher increments of profit parallel to the EV of milk production trait and mostly simultaneous improvements on CI have a great indication to give priorities on milk yield traits than beef traits in any Begait cattle improvement program. Therefore, improving milk production traits and fecundity traits simultaneously with their market outlet is better to increase the profitability of farmers and sustains the valuable breed in their habitat.
Status and drivers of village poultry production and its efficiency in Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2017-12-01) Hailemichael, A.; Gebremedhin, Berhanu; Tegegne, Azage
In many developing countries like Ethiopia village poultry makes up a large part of the national poultry meat and egg production and plays important roles economically, nutritionally, and socio-culturally. Households in Ethiopia have not fully benefitted from the potential of village poultry as little attention is given to the sub-sector from research and development efforts. The little research and development efforts tend to explore improvements largely via technical approaches by overlooking the socio-economic and institutional context under which the producers operate. This study aims to identify the technical, household, infrastructural and institutional drivers or barriers that influence village poultry production and its productivity in Ethiopia. Across sectional survey of 5004 households was undertaken in the four highland regions of Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics and econometric tools such as probit and Heckman’s two stage models and their marginal effects were used to analyze the status and driving factors of village poultry production and productivity. Distance to all weather roads decreased flock size and the probability of poultry ownership. Contact with development agents and participation in training increased flock size and the probability of purchasing inputs and adopting commercial breeds. Flock size and ownership of commercial breeds raised households’ likelihood of purchasing poultry input. Our results indicate that research and development efforts have to improve not only production performance through better use of inputs and technologies but also have to equally emphasize increasing the benefits for smallholder producers by providing infrastructural and institutional support to proper target households.
A triple-hurdle model of small-ruminant production and marketing in the highlands of Ethiopia: Implications for commercial transformation
(Journal Article, 2017-09-15) Gebremedhin, Berhanu; Shiferaw, K.; Tegegne, Azage; Hoekstra, Dirk
This paper analyses factors that influence Ethiopian households’ decisions to produce and market small ruminants using a triple-hurdle econometric model. The model integrates production, market position and volume of sales, allowing us to make inferences relating to the study population. The results are based on a dataset collected from 5 000 households and 497 rural communities in the highlands of Ethiopia. Our results show that, among other things, younger household heads, maleheaded households, and households with relatively higher labour supply are more likely to engage in small-ruminant production. Flock size is an important determining factor of market participation and volume of sales. In addition, in areas where small-ruminant production is likely, market access stands out as an important determinant of household market position. Finally, our results show that the small-ruminant sub-sector is price nonresponsive, suggesting that households liquidate their animals in need of cash, not necessarily to maximise profit.
Factors affecting household decision to allocate credit for livestock production: Evidence from Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2017-11-06) Shiferaw, Kaleb; Gebremedhin, Berhanu; Legesse, D.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that affect farmer’s decision to allocate credit for livestock production. The results are expected to contribute to the understanding of what motivates smallholders to allocate credit to agricultural production in general and livestock production in particular. A better understanding of the farmers’ behavior in allocating credit for livestock would provide useful information for project implementers and financial institutions that work with small-scale livestock producers. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-section data set collected in 2014 from 5,000 households and 497 rural communities in the major highland regions of Ethiopia is examined. The authors developed a conceptual framework for credit allocation decision. Percentiles, means, and standard deviation as well as t, χ2 and Fisher’s exact tests for association and Cramer’s V measure for strength of association have been used to describe the status of farmer’s access to credit and analyze credit utilization, while a three-stage probit model with double sample selection is used to identify factors that affect household’s decision to allocate credit for livestock production. Findings – After controlling for potential selection biases, sex and literacy status of household head, land size, wealth and access to livestock centered extension service are found to have a statistically significant effect on farmers’ decision to allocate credit to livestock production. The results showed female-headed households, wealthy farmers, farmers with small plot of land and farmers that have access to livestock centered extension services are more likely to allocate the credit for livestock production. The results suggest that policies aimed at improving access to credit together with access to livestock focused extension service are more effective in increasing livestock production. Research limitations/implications – The study’s findings should be viewed with perspective and caution, as only households with excess demand for credit were the subject of the research. Originality/value – The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, it is one of a very few empirical studies that try to identify factors that affect households credit allocation to livestock in systematic way that removed confounding effects using three-stage probit models. Given the emphasis on financial constraints in livestock development, new empirical insights on household credit allocation are essential to better inform development interventions. Second, the analysis relies on a comprehensive data set that represents the major agricultural system of the country
Identifying highly informative genetic markers for quantification of ancestry proportions in crossbred sheep populations: Implications for choosing optimum levels of admixture
(Journal Article, 2017-12) Getachew, T.; Huson, Heather J.; Wurzinger, Maria; Burgstaller, J.; Gizaw, Solomon; Haile, Aynalem; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.; Brem, G.; Boison, S.A.; Mészáros, Gábor; Okeyo Mwai, Ally; Sölkner, Johann
Background Understanding the relationship between genetic admixture and performances is crucial for the success of crossbreeding programs. Use of small sets of ancestry informative markers (AIMs) is a cost effective option to estimate the levels of admixture in situations where pedigree recording is difficult. In this study we select AIMs from Ovine 50KSNP data (SNP – single nucleotide polymorphism) and validate their ability in estimating the contributions of parental breeds to get information about optimum admixture levels for smallholders. Results We estimated admixture levels using ADMIXTURE software based on 74 AIMs selected from Ovine 50KSNP data. Awassi x Ethiopian fat-tailed crossbred sheep populations kept in government farms and farmer villages in different districts were included in the study. Mean Awassi levels estimated based on the selected AIMs were close to the Awassi levels obtained from pedigree information. Estimates from the 74 SNPs were compared to subsets of 65, 55, 45, 35, 25 and 15 SNPs selected based on both top and bottom fixation index (FST) rank using Spearman’s rank correlation (r = 0.862–0.996). A t-test comparison revealed that all SNP subsets had produced similar (P > 0.05) estimates with the 74 SNPs, except for the bottom 15 SNPs (P < 0.05). However estimates based on 45 and above SNP subsets were relatively close to the fitted regression line (r = 0.969–0.996). Association of admixture levels with lamb growth showed that Awassi level affected (P < 0.05) eight months weight in both farmer locations, lambs with higher Awassi levels were heavier. Lambing interval of ewes was longer as Awassi level increased, but this drawback was outweighed by the increased productivity of ewes in terms of eight months lamb weight per year. Conclusions The results indicate that the Ovine 50KSNP array is a powerful tool to identify small sets of AIMs for admixture studies. The results of this study reveal about 45AIMs to accurately estimate admixture levels. If admixture estimation service with such low cost SNP chip would be available, farmers would have a clear market advantage without the need to rely on incomplete or possibly inaccurate pedigree records. Based on the results presented here, we were able to suggest optimum levels of breed composition for the two farmer environments investigated.
Ovarian follicular dynamics in purebred and crossbred Boran cows in Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2016-08-17) Degefa, T.; Lemma, Alemayehu; Jemal, J.; Mamo, G.; Tegegne, Azage; Youngs, C.
Boran is an endangered breed of cattle indigenous to Ethiopia and the relatively poor understanding of its reproductive physiology has impeded efforts to maximize reproductive performance of the breed. This study characterized ovarian follicular dynamics in 9 purebred Boran and 8 Boran×Holstein (B×H) crossbred cows. Ovaries of all 17 cows were examined once per day for 61 consecutive days (encompassing three periods of estrus) using transrectal ultrasonography. The mean (±standard error of mean) inter-ovulatory interval (IOI) was similar (P>0.05) in Boran (19.4 ± 0.2 days) and B×H cows (20.1 ± 0.4 days). Two (in 79% of estrous cycles) or three (in 21% of cycles) follicular waves per IOI were observed and IOI was shorter (P0.10) in both genotypes (15.8 ± 1.5 mm in Boran and 19.4 ± 2.9 mm in B×H). Boran cows possessed a greater (P<0.001) total number of ovarian follicles than BxH cows and both genotypes displayed more (P<0.05) activity on their right than left ovary. Results of our study have provided novel insights into the normal reproductive physiology of the Boran breed.
Assessment of fruit postharvest handling practices and losses in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2016-12-15) Dessalegn, Yigsaw; Assefa, H.; Derso, T.; Haileslassie, Amare
Demand for fresh fruit is steadily increasing in big cities of Northwestern Ethiopia. As a result, fruits are transported from nearby as well as long distance sources to urban centers such as Bahir Dar. The type of fruit crops available in the market and number of fruit retailers are increasing from time to time. However, the key challenge facing the sector is loss across the supply chain. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to analyze fruit marketing practices, document causes and extent of postharvest losses in Bahir Dar fruit market. The study was conducted in June 2016 sing semi structured questionnaire. Thirty-one fruit retailers were randomly selected and interviewed to obtain information on their socio-economic characteristics, fruit marketing practices and postharvest losses. Data analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results revealed that, 77.4% fruit retailers are less than 31 years old , 67.8% attended above primary school education, and 83.9% have less than six years fruit trading experience. Therefore, fruit retailers are young and educated but have very limited fruit trading experience. Of the seven fruit crops commonly sold in Bahir Dar market; mango, banana and avocado were the most prevalent. The average shelf life of fruits in retailers’ hand is only 3 to 4 days and about 20% of the fruits purchased by retailers lost before reaching to consumers mainly due to inappropriate handling and lack of proper storage facility. Therefore, multifaceted interventions such as capacity development, improved fruit production and harvesting practice, and proper storage and transportation facilities establishment are required to reduce postharvest loss and extend fruit shelf-life.
The impact of gender-blindness on social-ecological resilience: The case of a communal pasture in the highlands of Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2016-12) Aregu, Lemlem; Darnhofer, Ika; Tegegne, Azage; Hoekstra, Dirk; Wurzinger, Maria
We studied how the failure to take into account gendered roles in the management of a communal pasture can affect the resilience of this social-ecological system. Data were collected using qualitative methods, including focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and participant observations from one community in the highlands of Ethiopia. The results show that women are excluded from the informal institution that defines the access and use rules which guide the management of the communal pasture. Consequently, women’s knowledge, preferences, and needs are not taken into account. This negatively affects the resilience of the communal pasture in two ways. Firstly, the exclusion of women’s knowledge leads to future adaptation options being overlooked. Secondly, as a result of the failure to address women’s needs, they start to question the legitimacy of the informal institution. The case study thus shows how excluding women, i.e., side-lining their knowledge and needs, weakens social learning and the adaptiveness of the management rules. Being blind to gender-related issues may thus undermine the resilience of a social-ecological system.
Rainwater harvesting for supplemental irrigation of onions in the southern dry lands of Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2016-12) Assefa, S.; Biazin, B.; Muluneh, A.; Yimer, F.; Haileslassie, Amare
Agricultural water scarcity is a major limiting factor for crop production in dry land regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite notable efforts of developing macro-catchment rainwater harvesting (RWH) techniques, few studies have evaluated the performance of RWH for deficit supplemental irrigation of crops. We examine the agro-meteorological risks such as late onset, early cessation, overall low rainfall amounts and long dry spells during the growing season and evaluate the potential of macro-catchment RWH for supplemental irrigation of onion in the southern dry lands of Ethiopia. Field experiments were undertaken during 2012 and 2013 to evaluate the effects of 50% ETc, 75% ETc and 100% ETc irrigation levels on yield and water productivity of onion during dry and wet seasons. The harvestable yield and water productivity of onion under 75% ETc irrigation were not significantly lower than that under 100% ETc irrigation during both the dry and wet seasons. Thus, deficit supplemental irrigation of onion at 75% ETc can be implemented with macro-catchment RWH to reduce the risks of crop failure and significant yield declines in dryland areas.
E-book readers: Handy tools for agricultural extension workers in Ethiopia?
(Journal Article, 2016-03-22) Mekonnen, Fanos; Hoekstra, Dirk; Gebremedhin, Berhanu; Bogale, A.
Especially in remote rural areas, using information and communication tools in agricultural extension makes sense. The International Livestock Research Institute in Ethiopia has tested e-book readers with regard to their practicality.
Sources of technical inefficiency of smallholder farmers in milk production in Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2016-05-15) Adane, Z.; Shiferaw, K.; Gebremedhin, Berhanu
This paper estimates technical inefficiency in milk production of smallholder dairy farmers in the highlands of Ethiopia and identified factors associated with the observed inefficiency using a stochastic frontier production function approach. The analysis utilizes a cross-section data collected from 1,277 farm households. The result indicates a mean technical efficiency of 55%, suggesting a sizeable technical inefficiency in milk production. The result further shows that household wealth, education level and access to markets as well as institutions are the main drivers of technical efficiency in dairy production. Evidently, by improving smallholder access to market and institutions as well as investing on adult education can bring considerable gain in milk production.
Small holders managed manure nutrient losses and their implications on environment
(Journal Article, 2015) Alemayehu, N.; Masafu, M.M.; Ebro, A.; Tegegne, Azage
Animal manure is rich in absorbable plant nutrients and an appropriate addition of manure into the soil respond to high crop productivity than use of commercial fertilizer. But volatilization of ammonia due to high temperature and leaching of nitrate, phosphorous and potassium into the soil due to rainfall results in the loss of manure nutrients. The objective of this study was to assess manure nutrient loss and gaseous emissions due to inappropriate manure management. The study was conducted in central Ethiopian highland, east of the capital Addis Ababa. The study included laboratory analysis for manure nutrients contents from sampled units and the manure management type was captured through focus group discussions. Storage age has impacted on nutrient losses as a result the highest loss of N, P and K occurred in 2 to 3 years at the rate of 84%, 19% and 42% , respectively. The analysis of variance showed that at P<0.05, there was a significant difference in storage age for N and K, but there was no significant difference for P across different storage ages. Shade type and manure heap height has no significant impact on nutrient losses. The total carbon equivalent (CO2e) gas emitted per household per annum was estimated at 11, 276 kg CO2e (i.e. 8 200 kg CO2e came from methane directly released by livestock plus their manure, 2 694 CO2e came from N2O emissions from manure management and 381.48 kg CO2e came from CO2 released from manure burning) that is about 2 tons CO2e per capita per year, twice the value reported for Ethiopia emission in 2005. The largest emissions were from methane (72.6%), nitrous oxide (24%) and carbon (3.4%), this result appeal for a need to improve livestock and manure management systems under smallholders' agriculture in order to curb the challenges of global carbon release.
Impact of tillage type and soil texture to soil organic carbon storage: The case of Ethiopian smallholder farms
(Journal Article, 2016-03-30) Alemayehu, N.; Masafu, M.M.; Ebro, A.; Tegegne, Azage
Soil organic carbon is a fundamental soil resource base. However, there is limited information on soil organic carbon storage due to influence of tillage type and soil texture under smallholder production systems in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was therefore to quantify soil organic carbon in different soil textures and tillage types; and to the contribution of livestock in improving soil carbon, soil structure and soil fertility. Fifteen sample sites were selected for soil chemical analysis details on crops, soil and land management practices for each sample site was collected through household interviews, key informants discussion and literature review. The carbon storage per hectare for the four soil textures at 0 to 15 cm depth were 68.4, 63.7, 38.1 and 31.3 t/ha for sandy loam, silt loam, loam and clay loam; respectively. Sand and silt loams had nearly twice the organic carbon content than loam and clay loam soil. The soil organic carbon content for tillage type at 0 to 15 cm was 8.6, 10.6, 11.8 and 19.8 g kg-1for deep tillage, minimum tillage, shallow tillage, and zero tillage; respectively. Among tillage types soil organic carbon storage could be increased by using the minimum and shallow tillage. Carbon saved due to shallow cultivation as practiced by Ethiopian smallholders using oxen drawn plough contributed to carbon trade off of about 140 million ton per year. At current levels of carbon saving shallow tillage would generate $4.2 billion of revenue per year for Ethiopian smallholders.

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