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THE ROLE OF MICRO CREDIT UTILIZATION ON ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF SELF-EMPLOYED WOMEN; THE CASE OF ADI HAKI SUB CITY OF MEKELLE CITY
No full textMicrofinance empowers women by putting capital in their hands and allowing them to earn an independent income and contribute financially to their households and communities. Despite this micro credit utilization have major challenges and its role is questionable. Descriptive research design with mixed approaches was employed. The study used primary data collected through questionnaires distributed to self-employed women of Adi haki sub city. The descriptive analysis reveals that credit adequacy, interest rate, rigidity of repayment schedule and post credit service were important challenges of micro credit utilization by self-employed women. Also, the study find plays a greatest role in empowering self-employed women by increasing their income level, saving habit, right over assets and decision-making involvement. Therefore, this study recommends for enhancing micro credit utilization, micro finance institutions should introduce scalable loan products with progressive increases based on repayment history and business growth and should adopt flexible repayment plans aligned with cash flows borrowers as rigidity of repayment schedule is a major challenge of micro credit utilization by self-employed women. The study also recommends post credit service including skills training, market linkages, and financial literacy should be provided by micro finance institutions, other non-governmental organizations and the government bodies timely and properly
Assessment of Customer Satisfaction in Star Hotels in Mekelle: A Case Study of Northern Star and Aksum Hotels
No full textCOPROLOGICAL STUDY OF TREMATODE INFECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN CATTLE AND SHEEP AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF FRESHWATER SNAIL IN SOUTH AND SOUTHEASTERN ZONE OF TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA
No full textTrematode infections are a significant cause of disease and economic losses worldwide. However, limited research has been conducted in the South and Southeastern zones of Tigray, Ethiopia, regarding the local epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and management strategies. To address this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to December 2024 to investigate the prevalence of trematode infections in cattle and sheep and the spatial distribution of freshwater snails in these areas. Simple random sampling was used to select study animals, and descriptive statistics were computed using STATA version 16. In total, 1536 fecal samples (768 from cattle and 768 from sheep) were examined, alongside snail collection. Additionally, 13 laboratory-bred mice were exposed en masse to Schistosoma cercariae for confirmation of transmission. The study revealed that the majority (60.29%, 463/768) of cattle and 53.5% (411/768) of sheep had either single or multiple trematode infections. Among cattle, 19.01% were testing positive for fasciolosis, while 20.7% exhibited mixed infections of Fasciola and Paramphistomum species. In sheep, 21.74% were positive for fasciolosis and 18.23% for mixed infections. The South zone had the highest prevalence in both cattle and sheep. Furthermore, most of the positive rates were exhibited in adult cattle with poor body condition scores while in adult sheep with medium body condition scores. Logistic regression showed a significant association between zone and bovine fasciolosis (OR = 1.76; P = 0.000), but no significant association for ovine fasciolosis. A total of 1269 snails were collected, identified as Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus truncatus, and Lymnaea natalensis. Intermediate hosts for schistosomiasis collected during the survey were found to be shedding Schistosoma cercariae. Furthermore, en masse cercariae-exposed laboratory-bred mice confirm the active transmission of schistosomiasis in the study area. The study highlights the trematode infections and the heterogeneous distribution of snails in the study area are a significant health concern for cattle and sheep, underlining the need for targeted control measures to mitigate the public health and economic impacts in the regio
Optimization of Supply Chain Management on Financial Performance through Simulation Modeling (A Case Study in Moha Soft Drink Industry, Mekelle)
No full textNowadays, industries are trying to maintain their competitiveness in the market by optimizations of SCM on the financial performance industry using simulation model tools. One of the simulation model tools that help in visualizing the processes required to create a product and deliver it to the final customer. The research purpose was to optimize Supply Chain Management on the financial performance in the Soft drinks industry, Mekelle. This study used a descriptive analysis; it relied on testing the average of four financial metrics for performance: Return on Asset machine, Return on Investment inventory, Return on Equity capital and gross profit Margin sales and the simulation modeling between them prior running the SCM and its validation optimization.
The simulation modeling were made between their ten years average values of the system, and optimizations, hybrid analysis used with a quantitative and qualitative approach method secondary data collection instrument of financial ratio from audited financial statements was used. Simple random sampling existing SCM financial performances have been used to optimize the financial. Ten years data (2014-2024) consist of the existing SCM period. A paired t-test hypothesis test was performed on the calculated means at a 95% confidence interval level with the tool Arena version 14 Simulation to determine whether there was a significant the means of the ten periods for each ratio. Means for each recorded ratio was calculated to obtain the existing and optimizations.
The study reveals best fit manufacturing 65.27%, which is 8.27% higher than the starting point of 57% of the existing supply chain management that respective each other the existed and significantly optimization of SCM on financial performance. Therefore, the study concluded that SCM was simulation modeling significant with optimizations on financial performance in the MOHA industry. SCM on Financial indicator replication average 60, half width (corresponding p-value) 1.5,minimum average 60.13%, maximum average 69.14%,minimuim value 0.0013,maxium value added 662.88, resource and queue zero there is no delay, utilization value added (VA)6% chi square p-value 0.05 and ks test 0.15 contributing to enhanced financial performance. Overall financial performance optimization using simulation models based on the findings the study recommended that other manufacturing companies can also initiate to use optimization SCM as a sample study area by taking the success of financial performance optimization in MOHA soft drink industry
ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF DAIRY FARM OWNERS TOWARDS FEED BORNE AFLATOXIN IN SELECTED ZONES OF TIGRAY REGION, ETHIOPIA
No full textAflatoxin contamination in dairy value chains poses a critical public health and economic challenge in Ethiopia and Tigray region, where dairy farming is a vital livelihood. Despite the region’s vulnerability to food safety threats, information about aflatoxin there is insufficient documentation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of dairy farm owners towards aflatoxin. A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected sites; Adigrat, Mekelle, Maychew, from November, 2024 to June 2025. Quantitative Data were collected from 362 dairy farm owners through face-toface interviews using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Moreover, four FGDs and 42 KIIs were performed to collect qualitative data. The current study revealed that the respondents had an overall poor knowledge, with 81.2% demonstrating inadequate understanding of aflatoxins. Only 34.3% of participants were aware that toxins produced in moldy animal feed can be transmitted to humans through milk consumption. Additionally, 47.8% recognized that moldy feed can affect the health of their animals. Regarding attitude, majority of respondents (82.3%) exhibited an overall unfavorable attitude towards aflatoxin, with 69.9% believed that aflatoxins present in moldy feed cannot be transferred to milk consumers. In terms of practice, higher proportion (90.3%) of the respondents showed poor practices, as only 28.5% stored their animal feed (both concentrate and roughage) in barns or sheds that are protected from excessive humidity and sunlight. Respondents from Mekelle city were 8.5 times (AOR=8.5; 95% CI: 2.830, 25.854) more likely to have good knowledge about aflatoxin compared to respondents from Maychew town and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P45 years old were 13.3 times (AOR = 13.3; 95% CI: 1.423,125.942) more likely to have good knowledge towards aflatoxin compared to respondents with the age group between 18-29 years old and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Generally, the dairy farm owners of the study area had an overall poor knowledge, attitude and practice towards aflatoxin. Therefore, targeted education and strengthened extension services are urgently needed to improve dairy farm owners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards aflatoxin
UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES DUE TO GEOMAGNETIC STORM OF MOTHERS DAY 2024
No full textWe studied ionospheric responses due to geomagnetic storms of mothers day 2024,on global scale to find the sources that triggered the ionospheric variations. In particular, we analyze the total electron content(TEC), averaged electric field (Ey) , solar wind velocity Vsw, Plasma Density (ρ),Plasma temperature (T),interplanetary magnetic field along z-axis (IMF- Bz), geomagnetic disturbance storm time index (Dst), and solar flux F10.7 index. A geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere that occurs when there exists an exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding Earth. The largest storms that result from these conditions are associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The effects of all these all have an outcome of Magetospheric compression. That is , the sudden increase in solar wind speed and southward IMF Bz compressed the ionosphere, reducing the standoff distance of the magneto-pause. Magnetic reconnection allowed solar wind energy transfer efficiently into the magnetosphere, driving geomagnetic currents and accelerating charged particles. The sharp drop in Dst reflects a strengthened ring current, which forms as energetic particles circulate around earth. Enhanced electric currents flowing through the ionosphere caused joule heating, leading to the thermal expansion of the upper atmosphere. This can alter ionospheric density and composition, affecting satellite drag and radio wave propagation. Secondly, at mid latitudes, ionospheric storm Enhanced Densities (SEDs) are likely to have formed due to electric field -driven plasma transport from lower to higher latitudes. Thirdly, Southward IMF conditions and enhanced electric fields can generate ionospheric irregularities, such as plasma bubbles, which degrade GNSS navigation signals and radio communications. Lastly but not the least, increased particle precipitation due to magnetospheric disturbances enhanced auroral emissions in polar auroral regions, indicating energy deposition from the magnetosphere into the ionosphere
Investigation the Causes of Delay and its Impact on Urban Road Projects in Shire Town –Tigray
No full textIn construction, the word "delay" refers to something that happens later than expected, according to schedule, specified in the contract or beyond the date agreed by the parties to deliver the project and one of the most common issues considered during implementation of construction projects. Construction delays have an impact on more than just construction industry, but also an Influence on the overall economy of a country like Ethiopia. Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis was used to test the agreement between different groups of respondents participated in the questionnaire survey, and to rank the most causative factor of delay in urban road projects in case of shire town. This project identified thirty nine (39) causes of delay. There were forty (40) valid Questionnaires which received back from Contractors, Consultants, and employer.
The objective of the project is to investigate the causes of delay and their impacts in construction of urban road projects in case of shire town. The causes of delay were grouped in to seven (7) as client related delays, consultant related delay, contractor related delay, material related delay, equipment related delay, Labor related delay and external related factors or outside the Control of Either Party to the Contract. The project study identified and ranked the top or most causative factor for delay in urban road construction projects are: Lack of construction materials with relative important index (RII) of (0.85). Escalation of materials prices with relative important index (RII) of (0.845). Force majeure with relative important index (RII) of (0.84). Material market instability with relative important index (RII) of (0.825). Poor communication and coordination with other parties with relative important index (RII) of (0.805). Inaccurate time estimate with relative important index (RII) of (0.77). Inaccurate site investigation with relative important index (RII) of (0.77). Lack of construction machinery with relative important index (RII) of (0.76). Poor quality of construction materials with relative important index (RII) of (0.74). Improper project feasibility study with relative important index (RII) of (0.715). Poor Communication and coordination with other parties with relative important index (RII) of (0.705). Conflicts between contractors and firm members with relative important index (RII) of (0.70). Economic, financial and environmental impacts have been found the most impacts of delay with relative important index (RII) of 0.93, 0.925 and 0.845 respectively
The Impact of Access to Microfinance Credit on Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Reduction Among Female-Headed Households in Wukro Town, Eastern Zone, Tigray Region, Ethiopia
No full textThis study examines the impact of access to microfinance credit on multidimensional poverty (MPI) among female-headed households in Wukro Town, Tigray Region, Ethiopia. Employing a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative household surveys with qualitative interviews, the research investigates how microfinance influences income, education, health, and overall living standards. The findings indicate that microfinance significantly reduces multidimensional poverty by enabling women to start or expand small businesses, support children’s education, and access basic healthcare and food. However, microfinance alone does not fully address the deeper challenges in post-conflict settings; many households continue to face psychosocial stress, limited social inclusion, and unstable income due to market fluctuations. These results align with the multidimensional poverty frameworks of (Sen, 1999) and (Alkire, 2015), emphasizing the need to integrate financial services with social, psychological, and community support. The study concludes that while microfinance is a critical tool for economic empowerment, its long-term effectiveness in reducing MPI in conflict-affected areas requires complementary interventions such as mental health support, gender-sensitive programming, and broader post-conflict rehabilitation
Socio--economic effects of urban expansion on peri- urban communities: case study of Nebelet Town and its peri-urban areas, Central Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia
No full textRapid urban expansion has become one of the defining socio-economic and spatial transformations in Ethiopia, bringing both opportunities and challenges for peri-urban communities. In Nebelet town, this expansion has intensified in recent years, driven by population growth, infrastructure development, and increasing demand for residential and commercial land. While such transformations can enhance urban services and create new livelihood opportunities, they often disrupt traditional farming systems and expose vulnerable groups to land dispossession and economic insecurity. Against this backdrop, the central problem addressed in this study is how the urban expansion of Nebelet town has affected the socio-economic well-being of surrounding peri-urban households.
The overall objective of the research was to assess the socio-economic impacts of urban expansion on peri-urban communities in Nebelet town, with particular attention to land-use change, livelihood transformation, and equity in the distribution of benefits and costs. A mixed-methods research design was employed. Data were collected through household surveys, key-informant interviews, focus group discussions, and GIS-based land-use analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models, while qualitative evidence was examined through thematic analysis.
Findings indicate that rapid conversion of farmland and communal areas into residential plots, roads, and business establishments has reshaped the local economy and livelihoods. On the positive side, some households benefited from improved access to services, increased land values, and new income opportunities in trade and construction. On the negative side, many farmers experienced reduced farmland, tenure insecurity, rising living costs, and social disputes. The effects were unevenly distributed: wealthier and well-connected households gained more, whereas smallholders and female-headed households faced significant losses. Factors such as land tenure security, access to serviced land, education, and proximity to infrastructure were decisive in determining household outcomes. The study concludes that without inclusive and participatory planning, urban expansion in Nebelet risks undermining peri-urban livelihoods and widening social inequality. It recommends strengthening land administration systems, ensuring fair and timely compensation, safeguarding productive agricultural areas, and promoting livelihood diversification through skills training and enterprise development. Participatory governance and effective grievance-redress mechanisms are essential for making Nebelet’s growth more inclusive and sustainable
EXAMINE CHALLENGES OF REINTEGRATION TO WOMEN RETURNEE FROM SAUDI ARABIA: THE CASE OF HIRNA TOWN IN WESTERN HARARGHE ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE
No full textReturn migration is a dynamic and complex phenomenon which involves different participants with various backgrounds and experiences. The reintegration of women returnees into their communities and reunification with their families has become a major challenge especially in a society where the rate of women migration and returnees is high.The overall objective of this study is to examining the challenges of reintegration to women returnee migrants from Saudi Arabia in the case of Hirna town. To meet the objectives of the study, a qualitative research approach with descriptive design was employed to revealing the challenges of reintegration to women returnees. The study area and participants are selected using purposive sampling techniques. To collect primary data in-depth interview, observation and focus group discussion were employed. The study participants of this research are 10 women migrant returnees from Saudi Arabia in Hirna town.The qualitative data was analyzed through detailed description, narration and discussion to get in depth insight into the subject matter.The finding of the study implies that female returnees have faced socio-economic and psychological challenges of reintegration soon after their arrival to home country. Absence of employment opportunities and lack of regular incomes are among the economic challenges. Declining family care and support for the returnees, direct and indirect family pressure to remigration are the social challenges they have faced. The study also shows that, the reintegration process for female returnees was disorganized, not regular and did not help them to effectively reintegrate to the community. Based on the findings of the study it is conclude that female returnee migrants from Saudi Arabia had experienced different challenges with limited opportunities