Journal of Science and Inclusive Development (JSID)
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The role of strategic innovation in achieving sustainable competitive advantage in Ethiopian hotels: mediating effects of human capital
Get PDFIn the context of Ethiopian hotels, this study investigates the effect of strategic innovation on sustainable competitive advantage, with the mediating role of human capital. The investigators employed both primary and secondary data along with a quantitative research approach. Both descriptive and explanatory research designs were used to examine causal association among the variables. The target population of the present investigation comprised hotels. Non-probability sampling, particularly convenience sampling, was employed. Structural equation modeling, along with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, was employed to analyze data. The finding of the study indicated that understanding how these factors interact is essential for enhancing operational effectiveness as well as sustainability as the tourism industry is expanding. With a direct effect of 0.309 and an indirect effect mediated by human capital of 0.230, the results revealed strategic innovation has a significant impact on sustained competitive advantage, with a total effect of 0.540. This suggests that hotels that implement cutting-edge procedures not only set themselves out in a crowded market but also enhance the abilities and involvement of their staff members. Moreover, human capital partially mediates the association between strategic innovation and sustainable competitive advantage. The study highlights how vital it is to fund staff training and development to promote a sustainable culture, which in turn boosts customer happiness and effectiveness of operation. To achieve long-term sustainability as well as competitiveness, hotels should prioritize strategic innovation and human capital development
Farmers' perceptions of climate change and variability and determinants of adaptation strategies and coping mechanism in Ethiopia
Get PDFClimate change and variability are significantly affecting the Ethiopian agricultural sector, which serves as the backbone of the country's economy. The implementation of adaptation strategies and coping mechanisms is influenced by various factors, which are site-specific. Thus, this study aimed to explore farmers' perceptions of climate change and variability and the determinants of adaptation strategies and coping mechanisms in Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 133 farming households. The results revealed that farmers' perceptions of local indicators, such as temperature changes and rainfall patterns, underscore the diverse and impactful nature of climate variations on their experiences. The multivariate probit model output showed that the determinants of farmers' responses to climate variability, such as age, family size, educational status, sources of income, types of farming, farming experience, farm size, access to extension services, and availability of seasonal information, were significantly affected (p < 0.01). The impact of education, family size, farming experience, and income sources varies across various facets of agricultural practices, emphasizing the nuanced dynamics of coping mechanisms. Policymakers and agricultural practitioners seeking to develop effective strategies need to consider diverse needs and challenges faced by farmers in adapting to climate variability. Promoting education and improving access to extension services are critical components of successful adaptation strategies and coping mechanisms. 
Hand washing practices at critical times and their associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFOne of the most crucial preventive measures against the spread of infectious diseases is hand washing, a process of hand cleansing that dramatically lowers bacteria in the hands. There is no comprehensive study on hand-washing practices in Ethiopia. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of hand washing practice at a critical time and identifying associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia. Published articles from various electronic databases, such as Medline, Hinari, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science, were accessed. The search period was from November 1, 2022, to January 10,2023. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023427409. All observational studies conducted among mothers in the English language were included in the review. Two reviewers independently assessed the articles before inclusion in the final review using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument for critical appraisal. The I-squared test was used to assess heterogeneity. Since the included studies exhibited high heterogeneity, a random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of hand washing practice at critical time movements. We found 3,546 studies in our search. Finally, 158 full-text studies were reviewed, and 18 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. A total of 6,956 study respondents from 18 studies were included in the study. The results of our study revealed that the pooled prevalence of handwashing practice among mothers was 47.83%, with a 95% confidence interval of 37.27- 58.38. From the pooled estimation, there was a significant association between hand washing practice and educational level, knowledge, availability of water, and attitude of mothers. The pooled prevalence of hand washing practice at critical times among Ethiopian mothers was relatively low, and improving maternal literacy, the availability of water sources in the backyard, and the positive attitude of mothers are needed to maintain and enhance the practice
Teachers’ level of understanding geometry concepts vis-à-vis van Hiele’s geometric thinking model
Get PDFUnderstanding geometry has an impact on both the subsequent academic track and the real-life application of the learners. However, students’ performance and attitude in mathematics are declining. Thus, this study examined secondary school mathematics teachers’ levels of understanding of geometry based on van Hieles’ geometric thinking model. The van Hiele geometry test (VHGT) result was administered to 72 teachers who joined Wolaita Sodo University in Ethiopia for the PGDT program in the summer season. The test has used 25 multiple-choice items; five items for each level of the model were adopted. A content analysis of the Ethiopian mathematics syllabus was made to check the alignment of the material with the study context. It was proven that all the concepts covered by the test items are available in the syllabus. The study revealed that teachers lack the level of understanding that is relevant to teaching geometric concepts incorporated into the secondary school curriculum. In particular, participants’ mean score is 10.51 and STDEV 1.92. While the maximum score is 15, the minimum is 6, with a range of 9. While 2.8% of participant performance is below the levels, 97.2%, 59.7%, and 13.9% are able to attain the first, second, and third levels, respectively. No respondent was able to reach the fourth and fifth levels. Thus, intervention to enhance teachers’ level of understanding of geometry needs immediate attention. The problem needs special attention to break the vicious circle that today’s students are tomorrow’s teachers, who lack the skills to scaffold their students to benefit from the education system
Mapping the essential soil nutrients status of smallholder farmers fields in the Wolaita area, southern Ethiopia
Get PDFSoil properties can vary significantly within farmland or across landscapes due to a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes. It is essential to understand this spatial variation to effectively manage soil nutrients and enhance crop yield sustainably. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial variability of essential plant nutrients in agricultural lands in Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia. A total of 789 soil samples were collected and analysed for macro- and micronutrients. Soil samples were analysed to determine the content of macronutrients [total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorous (P), sulphur (S), and calcium (Ca)] and micronutrients [boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn)]. The measured data were first subjected to descriptive statistics, and the digital soil map (DSM) that shows spatial variability was generated after geostatistical analysis. The result showed that there was low [S, Mn], moderate [TN], and high [P] variability in the nutrient concentrations among fields. The nutrient concentration varied between 0.02-0.47% (TN), 0.78-26.22 mg kg-1 (P), 6.45-17.50 mg kg-1 (S), 0.05-1.83 mg kg-1 (B), and 0.05-2.64 mg kg-1 (Cu). The contents of TN, P, S, B, and Cu were low. The DSM further exhibited the wide-ranging spatial variability structures in which, from the total area, 64.8% (TN), 100% (P), 100% (S), and 98% (both B and Cu) have indicated low status. In addition, Mg-induced K deficiency on 68% of studied area was suspected. Based on these findings, it is recommended that site-specific nutrient management practices be implemented on smallholder farms, and the nutrient requirements of major crops should be calibrated accordingly
Homestead coffee production in Southern Ethiopia: A promising approach to enhance household asset building
Get PDFEthiopia is one of the largest coffee producers, and the status of coffee production and people's resource endowment are inextricably linked. However, coffee production and its impact on family assets have yet to be fully studied. This study explores the relationship between households' livelihood asset building and their coffee production status in southern Ethiopia, Wolaita zone. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 250 households. Employing the data produced from surveys, a composite household livelihood asset index incorporating three components (household ownership, access to agricultural resource endowments, and the empowerment of human capital) was developed. And then, the effect of asset dimensions on coffee production status on household asset building was calculated using step-wise regression. The multivariate analysis showed a significant role of home garden coffeeproduction on household livelihood asset building in the context of the mixed farming systems of the study area. The two (access to agricultural resource endowments and the empowerment of human capital) out of the three assets latent dimensions were found to be significantly predicted by the farm’s coffee production status. It was recommended that enhancing the asset capital status of rural farm households merits special attention, including their human capital, independent ownership rights over land and other resources, and participation in social processes
Equine husbandry, reproduction performance and welfare practices in Gozamin District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia
Get PDFEquines have made significant contributions to economic development worldwide, including Ethiopia. However, people often underestimate their socioeconomic importance, and they confront various challenges that threaten their welfare and health. This study aimed to assess existing equine husbandry, reproductive performance, and welfare practices in Gozamin District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 230 smallholder farmers. The results indicated that owners primarily kept their equines for packing (39.1%), followed by ploughing and packing (22.2%) and riding and threshing (10%). Across allagroecologies, the primary feed and water sources for equines were natural pasture (53.9%) and surface water (65.5%). Equines were typically reared in separate, barren shelters (68.7%). The average age of sexual maturity for horses and donkeys was 2.29 ± 0.05 years and 2.16 ± 0.03 years, respectively. The average mating interval for both donkeys and horses after delivery was 34.43 ± 0.53 days. The major welfare problems were poor accessibility of forage (47.8%) and water (30.1%), physical health problems (29.7%), and regular physical contact (61.6%). The study indicated a significant variation (p<0.05) in the purpose of equine milk across different agroecologies, except for the utilisation of milk. There is significant difference (p < 0.05) in feed and water availability, housing, harnessing, disease-related concerns, and most of reproduction factors across agroecologies. This study demonstrated only a significant variation (p < 0.05) in the comfort/housing of equines across different agroecologies through various welfare variablesstudied. The overall husbandry of equines, including their feed and feeding practices, was found to be inadequate. To improve equine production and welfare, it is crucial to enhance owners’ knowledge through consistent and organised training programs. Therefore, governmental and non-governmental organisations should prioritise addressing the needs of neglected equines to alleviate these issues
Predicting Ethiopian gross domestic product using machine learning model
Get PDFThe Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an extensive indicator that reflects all of a country's economic activity over a certain time period. It calculates the total monetary value of all commodities and services produced within the country's borders. We employed a variety of algorithms and models to forecast Ethiopia's GDP using machine learning, including linear regression, Lasso regression, ridge regression, decision tree regression, random forest regression, gradient boosting regression, support vector machine regression, and neural network regression. Three phases comprise our investigation. First, we collect a dataset consisting of several economic statistics from the National Bank of Ethiopia. The gathered dataset is then preprocessed to ensure machine learning models can use it. Ultimately, we partition the dataset, designating 80% of it for model training and the remaining 20% for performance assessment. We employ a 5-fold cross-validation approach and consider evaluation metrics, including R-squared, mean absolute error, root mean square error, and mean squared error, to assess the efficacy of the model. Among all the models, Ridge Regression performs the best, achieving the lowest root mean squared error of 27,231,241,464.13, the highest R-squared value of 0.9950, a mean squared error of 1.06e+20, and a mean absolute error of 21,552,080,423.90. These results indicate that the model captures 99.5% of the variability in the data. Consequently, using the test dataset, the Ridge Regression model accurately forecasts Ethiopia's GDP. 
A short-term treatment outcome and its associated factors of transvesical prostatectomy among patients admitted with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Get PDFBenign prostatic hyperplasia is the commonest cause of urinary problems in elderly males, affecting their quality of life. Modalities of treatment include watchful waiting, medical treatment, surgical treatment like transurethral resection, and open prostatectomy. But the outcome and associated factors of prostatectomy among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital were not studied. To assess the short-term treatment outcomes and associated factors of transvesical prostatectomy (TVP) among patients admitted with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1, 2022, to October 30, 2022, among 316 patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The data were collected by reviewing medical records, entered intoEpiData version 3.1, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data. A bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the outcome of transvesical prostatectomy. Adjusted odd ratio (AOR) (with a 95% confidence interval) was used to report association, and significance was declared at a P-value <0.05. Ninety-six percent (96.2%) of patients presented with severe symptoms, and 83.9% had pre-operation catheterization. The overall complication rate was 42.4%, and surgical site infection was 38.3%. Duration of symptoms [AOR = 9.05, 95% CI (2.16-37.88)] and type of skin incision [AOR = 18.98, 95% CI: 1.67–208.45] were significantly associated with complications of TVP. The complications seen in this study are higher than in other studies in Ethiopia and some other African countries. Duration of symptoms and type of skin incision were factors significantly associated with outcome. Improving community awareness about the nature of the disease and the importance of follow-up both before and after surgery is needed to minimize complications
The effect of Genos emotional intelligence on project leader outcomes: A case of non-governmental organization project leadership in Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia
Get PDFIn this study, the impact of Genos Emotional Intelligence dimensions on leadership outcomes was investigated in non-governmental organizations, Wolaita zone. Structured MLQ questionnaires for project leader outcome and Genos Inventory Concise scales for emotional intelligence were used to gather data from 167 project leaders at all levels from a randomly chosen samples in order to evaluate the model. With a statistically significant correlation between the Non-Governmental Organization leadership practices, genos emotional intelligence, and leadership outcome, this study supports a direct and indirect impact of the Genos emotional intelligence scales on the financial performance of organizations (p < 0.05). The findings of the regression analysis for seven subscales revealed a significant link (p < 0.05) between the NGO leadership aspects of extra effort, effectiveness, staff satisfaction, and emotionally intelligent behavior. Genos emotional subscales explained 16.4% of the variance in overall leadership outcome: 6.1%, 17.7%, and 19.1% of the variance in extra effort, the effectiveness of leadership, and employee satisfaction, respectively. The research suggested that as Genos emotional intelligence practices at all levels of leadership improve in the direction of more effective and transformational leadership, as explained by the spectrum of emotionally intelligent scales, there is an opportunity for positive change in leadership outcomes