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TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION AND PRACTICES IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN MEKELLE PRIMARY SCHOOLS
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Impact of Climate Change and Variability on Surface Water Availability and Crop Water Requirement in Eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Implications for Dryland Water Management and Adaptation
No full textClimate change and variability pose significant threats to agricultural productivity and water resources, particularly in vulnerable areas like Eastern Tigray. This situation underscores the urgent need for adaptive, integrated water management strategies to address the challenges climate change exerts on agriculture and water resources. Consequently, this study aims to analyze the impacts of climate change and variability on water availability and crop water requirement, as well as to identify adaptation strategies.
This study employed various models and analytical tools to evaluate the impacts of climate change and variability on water availability, crop growing season characteristics, and crop water requirements. The research involved analyzing historical climate data and examining temperature and precipitation patterns to establish a baseline scenario. Future projections were developed using selected General Circulation Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, which were downscaled to accurately represent local conditions. Building on this data, the study assessed spatio-temporal patterns in crop water requirement and surface water availability across the research area. The hydrological simulations generated by the HEC-HMS model, along with irrigation demand estimates and additional inputs from various sectors, were integrated into the WEAP model. This comprehensive framework facilitated scenario-based analyses of water supply and demand within the watershed, providing a robust foundation for effective water resource management strategies. By synthesizing insights from climate models, hydrological simulations, and water management tools, this study presents a thorough examination of historical trends and projected climate shifts, focusing on their implications for agriculture and water resources
management. The analysis of historical data revealed non-significant upward trends in rainfall, while temperature trends showed significant increases. There was high variability in Kiremt season rainfall (21–31%) and in the duration of dry spells (25–43%) during the observed period. The length of the growing period (LGP) ranged from 68 to 90 days, indicating a limited time frame for crops to mature. Furthermore, projected climate change scenarios suggest a shift towards wetter conditions. Despite such conditions, the combined impact of rainfall variability and warming is projected to reduce the LGP by 5.5% to 19%, restricting crop growth and maturation and posing challenges for agricultural productivity in the future. As temperatures rise, reference evapotranspiration rates are projected to increase across mid- and end-century periods under all scenarios and stations. Mean monthly crop water requirement is also expected to rise, with shifts ranging from modest changes to as much as 19.4% by the end of the century. Seasonal crop water requirements are projected to increase as well, varying between 6% and 13% depending on the period. Simulations from the HEC-HMS model further indicate that, under the SSP2-4.5 scenario, surface runoff may decrease substantially during most months in both the mid-term (2040–2069) and end-term (2070–2099) periods, with reductions ranging from 0.56% to nearly 25.8%. Under the extreme SSP5-8.5 scenario, surface runoff is anticipated to decline during the mid-term but could increase during several months in the end-term. Forecasts of future water demand produced by the WEAP model cover a range of "what if" scenarios and go through 2055. The findings show that population growth alone could increase water demand by 81%, even without the influence of climate change. If irrigation expansion is included, increasing from 10% to 30%, water demand could rise further, ranging from 86.6% to 98.3%. Moreover, water availability may drop by 12% under the mid-term SSP245 scenario, and unmet demand may double by 2055 due to both rising demand and falling supply. The findings highlight the growing complexities of water demand, influenced by population growth, economic development, and intensified irrigation practices, all of which exacerbate the risks of water scarcity in the context of climate change. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns become more erratic, the region encounters additional challenges, including increased heat stress, variable crop water requirements, and potential flooding under extreme scenarios such as SSP585. Mitigating these risks will necessitate sustainable water storage solutions, enhanced irrigation efficiency, and integrated cross sectoral water management. These strategies, underpinned by flexible policies, are essential for achieving long-term resilience in water security and agricultural productivity throughout Eastern Tigray
ASSESSMENT OF EMPLOYEES’ PERCEPTION TOWARDS HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED IN EDUCATION OFFICE IN ABERGELE YECHILA WEREDA CENTRAL ZONE REGION TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA
No full textThe aim of this study was to determine how Abergele Yechila Wereda Central Zone employees felt about HRM practices. When implementing these internal standards, the sector encountered issues with formal follow-up following training, unjust promotions and salaries, and restrictions on employee participation in decision making. Data was collected from operational staff members and team leaders. Using a cross-sectional survey method, the researcher employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. To make the sample more typical of the population, the researcher utilized stratified sampling to choose a sample from each stratum using a sample size determination table. To analyze the data collected utilizing various data collection methods, the researcher employed both descriptive and inferential statistics. To gather primary data, five Point Likert-Scale questionnaires were used. 90 completed replies were sent back. To evaluate the empirical data gathered from the closed-ended questionnaire, SPSS 20 was utilized. The dependent variable is employee performance, while the independent variables include hiring and selection, training and development, pay, employee relationships, and performance reviews. The dependent and independent variables' mean, frequency, and percentile were calculated and analyzed. The correlation result showed that all of the independent variables, with the exception of the compensation variable, had a positive relationship with the dependent variable, meaning that any change in the independent variable would result in a corresponding change in the performance of employees. It also showed that the independent variables had a 70% influence on the dependent variable, with the remaining 29.2% being influenced by factors not included in this study. Researchers should also use the results of this study to further empirical research in the field of human resources
Evaluation of Potato (Solanum tubersum L.) Varieties for Growth and Yield under Different Planting Dates in the Lowlands of Raya Azaebo, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.
No full textPotato plays a crucial role in food security, poverty alleviation, and income generation in Tigray, particularly in the lowland areas of Raya-Azebo. However, its productivity remains low mainly due to the lack of suitable varieties and inappropriate planting dates. This study aimed to identify the optimal planting date and variety for improving potato yield and yield components in the lowland areas of Raya Azebo, Tigray. The experiment was conducted using three planting dates - October 17, November 2, and November 17- and three potato varieties (Belete, Gudane, and Jaleni), arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications . Data on phenological, yield and yield related parameters were collected and analyzed using GenStat version 18. The results showed that planting date had a significant effect (P<0.001) on days to emergence, flowering, maturity, number of tubers per plant, average tuber weight, tuber diameter, total tuber yield, marketable and unmarketable tuber yields. Variety also significantly affected numbers of tubers per plant, average tuber weight, marketable yield and total tuber yield. Moreover, the interaction between planting date and variety significantly influenced days to emergence, number of tubers per plant, average tuber weight, tuber diameter, total tuber yield, and marketable tuber yield. Potato varieties planted on October 17th matured early. The Belete variety, planted on 2nd November, produced the highest marketable tuber yield (290.4 q ha-1) while the Jalenne variety, planted on November 17, had the lowest yield (156 q ha-1). Marketable tuber yield was negatively correlated with phenological traits, but showed a strong positive association with growth parameters, and yield components. Generally, planting potatoes during the first three weeks of October resulted in the highest marketable and total tuber yields, with November 2nd being the optimal planting date. It is recommended that smallholder farmers and the private sector adopt this planting date for improved potato production in lowland areas of Raya Azeb
The Extent of contribution by Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture on Employment creation and Income generation in Mekelle Hadnet Sub-city, Tigray region, Ethiopia
No full textUrban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) involves the production of food and non-food items within or near urban areas for household consumption or market sale. In developing countries, rapid urbanization and rural-urban migration intensify unemployment and income scarcity. This study explores the socio-economic characteristics, determining factors, and impacts of UPA on income generation and employment in Mekelle Hadnet sub-city, Tigray region, Ethiopia. Using a multistage sampling technique, data were collected from 305 urban and peri-urban farmers through survey questionnaires, focus group discussions and personal observation during the year 2024. Descriptive statistics and econometric models were employed for analysis. A multinomial logit model (MNL) identified key determinants of participation in UPA, while logit regression estimated propensity scores. A propensity score matching (PSM) model evaluated the impact of UPA on employment and income. Descriptive statistics showed significant differences between higher-participant and lower-participant households. The MNL model identified factors such as age, family size, farm distance, animal feed use, employment status, farm income, costs, and experience as significant in influencing participation. Logit regression further highlighted the significance of age, use of agricultural inputs, and livestock holdings. PSM results demonstrated that participation in UPA positively impacted farm income and employment at a 5% significance level. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) was an income increase of Birr 13,103 and one additional employed person compared to untreated groups. The findings suggest that UPA contributes significantly to reducing unemployment and increasing income in urban settings. Therefore, coordinated efforts by local administration, municipal authorities, researchers, and policymakers are essential to support and enhance UPA practices
SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS A WEAPON OF WAR; THE CASE OF BORA WOREDA IN THE SOUTHERN ZONE OF TIGRAY REGION
No full textThis study explores the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in Bora woreda, located in the southern zone of Ethiopia’s Tigray Region. Since the onset of the armed conflict in November 2020, women and girls in Bora have suffered extreme and organized sexual violence, primarily committed by Ethiopian and Eritrean defense forces. The thesis investigates the magnitude, impact, and underlying causes of these atrocities, revealing that wartime sexual violence was not incidental but a deliberate and systematic attack aimed at terrorizing communities and breaking the social fabric of Tigrayan women. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observations. The findings expose widespread acts of gang rape, sexual slavery, and physical mutilation, leaving survivors with deep physical injuries, psychological trauma, social stigma, and economic loss. Moreover, their voices reveal a crisis that extends far beyond personal suffering, also shaking the foundations of community identity and resilience. Critically, the research reflects on three underlying factors contributing to the continuation of sexual violence in armed conflict. First, the failure of international humanitarian law to prevent such violations has emboldened perpetrators. Second, sexual violence remains deeply rooted in patriarchal structures that normalize control over women’s bodies. Third, political narratives promoted by Ethiopian high ranking officials have either denied or downplayed the sexual atrocities. By amplifying the lived experiences of Tigrayan women in Bora, this study contributes vital insight to the broader understanding of conflict-related sexual violence and recommends urgent survivor centered policies, psychosocial support mechanisms, community based campaigns aimed at challenging patriarchal norms, and justice focused interventions to address the needs of victims and prevent recurrence
MAGNITUDE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AMONG NEWBORNS DELIVERED IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS OF TIGRAY DURING CONFLICT TIME.
No full textBackground: Birth weight is a critical determinant of perinatal survival and significantly influences infant morbidity and mortality. Low birth weight remains a serious global health issue, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia, where research on low birth weight and its determinants is limited. This lack of data hampers efforts to address the underlying factors contributing to low birth weight and improve maternal and child health outcomes. The war in Tigray has disrupted healthcare services, potentially exacerbating the challenges associated with maternal health that leads low birth weights. Understanding the factors contributing to LBW will help to identify the impact of conflict on maternal and infant health and ensure that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support. Thus, the objective of this study aimed at identifying the magnitude and associated factors of LBW among newborns delivered at public health facilities in Tigray, Ethiopia
Method: A Hospital based cross-sectional study design was applied from November 2024 – December 2024. A total of 540 newborn birth records were selected using systematic random sampling technique, and data was collected using data kobo tool. Six BSc degree holders were employed for data collection and the data collection period was entirely supervised by one masters’ degree holder and myself. Data was entered into Epi info 7, then exported to SPSS version 23. Binary logistic regression model was used to assess the associated factors of low birth weight. The results are presented as crude odds ratios (P<0.25) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) (P<0.05) together with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals.
Results: A total of 540 maternal cards were reviewed during the study period, with 95.8% rate of complete cards. In logistic regression model, significant association was found with Unplanned Pregnancy (AOR=10.4, 95% CI 5.10 - 21.26), No Antenatal care follow up (AOR=3.6, 95% CI 1.35 – 9.837), Gestational age <37 weeks (AOR=6.5, 95% CI 3.32 – 12.67), Obstetric complication (AOR=2.5, 95% CI 1.24 – 4.97), Medical complication (AOR=2.9, 95% CI 1.02 – 8.32), Maternal Anemia (AOR=3.3, 95% CI 2.37 – 46.49.26) and Acute malnutrition (AOR=2.8, 95% CI 1.31 – 9.94).
Conclusion: The study finding indicated that a significant number of newborns measured low birthweight. The study identified factors such as pregnancy plan, ANC follow up, Obstetric and Medical condition during pregnancy, maternal acute malnutrition, Maternal Anemia and Gestational Age had significant association. Based on study findings, I recommend Tigray government and regional health bureau to make sure accessible health care system and advocating to nongovernmental organizations to support in recovering health care system which is destructed, Health care providers to counsel and provide comprehensive health care, particularly during pregnancy and before pregnancy
Practice and Challenges of Early Childhood Care and Education Program in Mekelle City
No full textThis study examined the practices and challenges of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programs in government preschools within Mekelle City, Tigray Regional State. Employing a mixedmethods approach that integrates quantitative descriptive analysis (percentage and mean score) and a phenomenological qualitative design, the study assesses the implementation of ECCE program components, the strengths and weaknesses of preschool curriculum implementation, and the availability of resources supporting ECCE programs. Convenient sampling used to select teachers, coordinators, and school directors. Data were collected from sixty preschool teachers, nine school directors, and seven preschool coordinators using questionnaire, structured observations, document analysis, and interviews. Findings reveal that while teachers demonstrate strong commitment to child-centered pedagogical approaches, practical implementation remains inconsistent due to resource constraints, large class sizes, and limited training. Authentic assessment practices, though recognized in principle, are underutilized due to inadequate professional development and structural barriers. The misalignment between curriculum goals and classroom execution further may impede holistic child development. Addressing these challenges requires enhanced teacher training, improved resource allocation, policy coherence, and greater parental engagement to strengthen the quality and accessibility of ECCE programs
ASSESSING THE STATUS OF INTERNAL EFFICIENCY IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF CENTRAL ZONE OF TIGRAY, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA
No full textThe purpose of this study was to assess the status of internal efficiency in public secondary schools of Central zone, Tigray regional state. A descriptive survey method was employed and both primary and secondary data sources were used. As primary sources data were collected from 128 sample students, 64 sample teachers, 5 principals, and 5 PTSA of sample schools. In addition, document reviewed including records that show the enrolment, repetition and promotion of students at different years, at each sample schools were also used as secondary sources. With regard to the sample and method of sampling, available, purposive, strata and simple random sampling methods were also used. In order to collect data, four data collection instruments were used: questionnaire, interview, document analysis and observation checklists. To analyze data, mixed approaches were used. Quantitative data collected through questionnaire was analyzed by using mean scores, frequency, percentage and independent t-test analysis were used to compare the significance difference of students’ and teachers’ responses from SPSS version 20. The study found by reconstructed cohort analysis showed that 69.93 coefficient of efficiency and average promotion rate was 94.25%, repetition rate was 3.81%, and dropout rate was 1.94 at fluctuating trend which is not persistent or consistent. Zonal trends of secondary education in relation to educational wastage of school have indicated that oscillating from years to years. Repetition trend of females in the sampled woredas were higher than male counterpart as of the zonal trend. But in some years, females’ dropout rates in all of the given grades were partially equivalent to boys. The researcher concluded that the trend of dropout rate at zone, woredas and sampled secondary schools were highly characterized by ups and downs that could be major problem to zonal. Based on the research findings the researcher identified many causes and factors for repetition rate and dropout rates, such as school related factors, parental related factors, principals related factors, teachers related factors, student related factors, and teachinglearning related factors were the main problems of dropouts and repetitions rates respectively. School based factors began with the school mapping process. When the schools were established, all school sites were selected by local leaders rather than experts. Regarding the principals practice of roles; usually focus on urgent meeting and ordering, gathering data, evaluating and reporting by themselves. Principals should reevaluate how education wastage is managed and deployed to make sound influence over subordinates to tackle students’ dropout and repetition. To solve the problems, the researcher recommends, actions to enhance parents’ literacy and parents’ awareness program and enhance school resources and facilities. Besides, school administrators have to be committed to work hard, with families of the students, teachers and communities to provide persistent follow up, creating conducive school environment, providing guidance and counseling services and play roles to increase enrollments, and promotion and decrease repetitions and dropouts respectively. Finally, the Ministry of Education, Regional Educational Bureau, Woreda Education Offices, donors and schools in collaboration with responsible leaders at different levels of authorities have to work in collaboration and provide close follow up and support to secure a consistent increasing trend toward school efficiency
PREVALENCE AND FACTORS OF SUICIDAL IDEATION IN ADULTS WITH EPILEPSY ATTENDING NEUROLOGY CLINICS IN AYDER COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL AND MEKELLE GENERAL HOSPITAL, MEKELLE, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 2024.
No full textBackground: Suicidal ideation is a major concern for adults with epilepsy, who are more vulnerable to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. While research on this issue exists globally, there is a significant lack of data from Ethiopia, particularly from Mekelle and Tigray. This gap in local research highlights the need for studies in these regions to inform targeted interventions and address the unique factors contributing to suicidal ideation in this population.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors of suicidal ideation in adults with epilepsy attending neurology clinics at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Mekelle General Hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2024.
Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Mekelle General Hospital from April to January 2024. A sample of 325 adults with epilepsy was selected. Data were collected through in-person interviews. SPSS version 27 was used for data analysis, with logistic regression identifying factors related to suicidal ideation. A pvalue of less than 0.05 was considered significant, and results were reported with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
Results: The study revealed that 29.5% of adults with epilepsy experienced suicidal ideation (95% CI: 24.3%–34.4%). Key factors significantly associated with suicidal thoughts included being single (AOR 3.8, 95% CI: 1.26–11.47), the use of multiple antiepileptic medications (AOR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.83–11.09), inadequate social support (AOR 4.9, 95% CI: 1.47–16.29), depression (AOR 5.6, 95% CI: 2.54–12.13), anxiety (AOR 2.96, 95% CI: 1.4–6.27), a family history of mental (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.40 to 13.09), and chronic medical conditions (AOR 6.8, 95% CI: 1.63–28.63). All these factors were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) and strongly correlated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation.
Conclusion: The study revealed that 29.5% of adults with epilepsy experience suicidal thoughts. Key risk factors include being unmarried, taking several antiepileptic drugs, limited social support, depression, anxiety, history of mental illness in the family, and chronic medical issues. These findings emphasize the need for specialized mental health interventions for this group in the region