13 research outputs found
Urban ecology in the context of urban heat island vulnerability potential zone mapping: the case of Mekelle city, Ethiopia
No full textWhile urban heat islands (UHIs) have been thoroughly studied in cities worldwide, the specific risks and vulnerabilities related to urban heat in Ethiopia and Africa as a whole has given less attention. Urbanization often replaces green spaces with impervious surfaces, which diminishes natural cooling, precipitation, and water infiltration. This change can significantly affect land surface temperatures (LST) and contribute to UHI formation and its impacts. This study aimed to identify and assess the risk factors linked to UHIs, focusing on pinpointing the most vulnerable areas within cities using principal components explanatory factor analysis (HV-PC-EFA) and the urban heat vulnerability index (UHVI) model. The analysis utilized 19 composite indicators under well-established categories such as exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to assess potential risk zones. The results from the two models were compared, and their variations were examined. In the HV-PC-EFA model, indicators like urban density and roof type, along with adaptive factors such as vegetation cover, urban thermal field variances, and relative humidity, were not distinctly separated as individual components. This may cause discrepancies in the final outcomes, impacting the spatial distribution and extent of vulnerability. Despite observing some spatial variations in identifying risk areas, the study provides a broad perspective essential for developing evidence-based policies and strategies to enhance cities’ resilience to high temperatures and promote sustainable environments. Given the challenges in modifying existing infrastructure, it is practical to regularly implement adaptive measures, such as preserving and restoring urban water bodies, planting trees, creating green public spaces, and raising public awareness about these risks
Effects of landslide hazards on the livelihood strategies of rural households in Gamo Highlands, Southern Ethiopia
No full textAbstract Landslides are among the current prominent natural hazards affecting rural households’ livelihood strategies in most districts of the Gamo Highlands. This study investigates the effect of landslide hazards on rural household-level livelihood strategies in the Gacho Baba district, Gamo Highlands, southern Ethiopia. The concurrent embedded mixed-methods research design was employed to collect and analyze data from a statistically determined sample of 289 households, community leaders, and disaster experts. At the same time, survey questionnaires, interviews, and field observations became data collection tools. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select the study area and sample population. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the study outcomes. The survey showed that farmers in the study area were practicing four livelihood strategies: on-farm only, on-farm plus off-farm, on-farm plus non-farm, and on-farm plus off-farm plus non-farm. 56% of the sampled households were engaged in on-farm activity only. As to the ANOVA (F-test) result, there is no mean difference between sample villages in livelihood strategies diversification. The result of multinomial logistic regression indicated that total livestock size, age of household head, family size, educational status of household head, agricultural land size, market distance, total income, access to credit, and saving are the identified determinants of diversifying the livelihood strategies. The households living in landslide-hazard-prone areas have acknowledged 24% place identity, 25% place dependency, 25% place attachment, and 26% the economic reasons for their exposure to the hazard. Besides, all the respondents agreed that the landslide-hazard-caused disaster is a real threat to livelihoods across the areas. Hence, the findings call for the commitment of various stakeholders and policymakers to tackle the adverse effects of landslide hazards on livelihoods and the resultant disasters in the face of changing climates
The level of food insecurity among urban households in southern Ethiopia: A multi-index-based assessment
No full textFood insecurity is a growing concern worldwide, particularly in urban areas of developing countries. However, it is a problem that is less discussed in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study has aimed to assess the level of food insecurity among urban households that benefit from the urban productive safety net program. The study included 310 household heads selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. A survey questionnaire, focus group discussions, field observation, and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the collected data. The multi-index approach was used to assess the level of food insecurity among households. The results showed that nearly 89% had varying levels of food insecurity. The study also revealed that the majority of households consumed vegetation (79.7%), roots (76.5%), cereals (74.8%), fruits (68.4%), and pulses (53.5%). On the other hand, a lower proportion of households consumed fish (2.3%) and meat (14.8%). The chi-square result shows that cereals, pulses, fruits, and meat were significant at P < 0.01, respectively. Milk and milk products, oil or butter, sugar or honey, and coffee or tea were statistically significant at P < 0.00. This indicates that there are meaningful associations between the consumption patterns of different food groups and the variables being investigated in the study. We recommend categorizing households based on the severity of food insecurity. This will enable policymakers and organizations to tailor their support mechanisms to address the specific needs of each category more sustainably, enabling the victimized households to be self-sufficient
GIS-based Land Suitability Analysis for Mung Bean Production in Arba Minch Zuria District, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: Land Suitability Analysis
No full textLand suitability analysis is of vital importance to maximize crop productivity of farming households. This study has aimed to investigate land suitability for mung bean production using the Analytical Hierarchic Process model. Four main criteria (soil, climate, land use land cover and topography), and 8 sub-criteria (slope, soil texture, soil depth, soil pH, soil cation exchange capacity, temperature, rainfall, and soil drainage) were selected to analyze land suitability. The sub-criteria were reclassified into 5 suitability levels: high, moderate, marginal, not suitable, and permanently not suitable. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), was used to determine the perceived weights that each criterion and sub-criteria carry. The land suitability for mung bean production during the October-November-December (OND) season showed by the final map was 32% (high), 26% (moderate), and 42% (marginal). 14%, 62%, and 24%, respectively were the suitability levels designated as high, moderate, and marginal during the January-February-March (JFM) season. Due to the prevalence of the climatic conditions, topography, spatially low lands, and fertile soil, the production of mung bean during the OND season was high. The major factors that impede higher land suitability during the JFM season include rainfall, soil, poor drainage, and slope. The production of mung bean is important in the agricultural sector for many benefits like human nutrition, local market, animal feed, export commodities, and soil fertility maintenance. So, stakeholders such as the district agricultural office, and governmental, and non-governmental actors should encourage farmers to produce more in conducive seasons and relieve food security shortfalls and livelihood problems in the entirety.
Keywords: Land suitability; Geographic Information System; Analytical Hierarchic Process; Mung bean  
Determinants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity in southern Ethiopia
No full textAbstract Food insecurity is a global problem in both urban and rural areas. However, urban food security in Ethiopia has received little attention. Therefore, this study aims to identify the determinants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity in selected towns in Southern Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed research design, incorporating a household survey, key informant interviews, and focus-group discussions. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 310 survey households. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. The household vulnerability to food insecurity indicator was used to assess the level of vulnerability to food insecurity. An ordered logit model was used to identify the determinants of vulnerability to food insecurity in the urban setup. The results showed 41.3% of households in the study to be highly vulnerable to food insecurity, 48.3% moderately vulnerable, and 10.6% not vulnerable. Among the 16 variables, household ownership of houses, health status, urban agriculture, socio-cultural practices, asset ownership, age, and average monthly income were found to be significant in determining the vulnerability to food insecurity. The study recommended that food security interventions demand due attention, particularly for low-income urban households benefit from the urban productive safety net program. Policymakers and development professionals should implement a multiple approach to address urban food insecurity in Ethiopia. This should include targeted interventions beyond urban productive safety net program for highly vulnerable households
Patterns and probabilities of dry spells and rainfall for improved rain-fed farming in Northwestern Ethiopia
No full textAbstract Dry spells and rainfall variability significantly impact rain-fed agriculture in Ethiopia, necessitating targeted adaptation strategies. This study used rainfall data from Ethiopia's Meteorological Institute (1992–2021) to evaluate the likelihood of rainfall and dry spells lasting more than 7, 10, 15, and 20 days in northwestern Ethiopia. Markov chain modeling assessed the probabilities of these events, while Modified Mann–Kendall tests examined trends in dry days at a significance level of P < 0.05. The area has a Kiremt-dominated monomodal rain, with 80–100% rainfall probability following dry days in July–August. June (40–67%) and September (37–60%) experienced high dry days with moderate to high variability (CV: 26–45%), underscoring the need for monitoring dry day risks during planting and crop maturation. In contrast, July (10–19%) and August (10–29%) had lower frequencies of dry days. The Belg (77–89%) and Bega (79–95%) seasons showed high dry day frequencies with low variability, indicating that rain-fed agriculture is impractical during these times. Trend analysis revealed significant increases in dry days at Ebenat and decreases at Simada, with most stations showing rising dry day patterns. Dry spell analysis found minimal (0–10%) likelihood during Kiremt, but a 100% risk from late September to February. Spatial analysis revealed a high risk of extended dry spells: 20–40% in August, 40–60% in July, 100% in October, and 75–100% in September-June. May has a 60–80% chance of a 7-day dry spell, likely delaying the growing season to June and reducing yields for rain-fed crops, suggesting targeted interventions, like using drought-tolerant crops or mitigation strategies
Analysis of lowland smallholders’ vulnerability to climate change in the rift valley areas of Arba Minch Zuria district, southern Ethiopia
No full textThe study assessed smallholders’ vulnerability to climate change and variability, which challenges development in rural-lowland kebeles of Arba Minch Zuriya District, Southern Ethiopia. 360-questionnaire survey households were the main sources from which primary data was gathered. Both purposive (non-probability) and systematic random probability sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. Secondary data were obtained from relevant published and unpublished materials. The livelihood vulnerability index (LVI), the LVI-IPCC on Climate Variability, and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the extent of smallholders’ vulnerability to climate variability. The results revealed a significant increment in the average annual temperature, no clear pattern in annual rainfall, and higher rainfall variability. Adaptive capacity (0.5139), sensitivity (0.683), and exposure (0.5043) were the three contributing factors weighted while quantifying the smallholders’ vulnerability extent. Technically, 3 dimensions of livelihood vulnerability categorized into 5 major components with their index values for demographic profile (0.5375), livelihood strategies (0.448), infrastructure and social networks (0.5564), health (0.3252), and food and water (0.4242) were used to calculate smallholders’ vulnerability to climate change and variability. The result of the LVI-IPCC was found to be (0.056). Resilience-building and adaptation methods are critical for minimizing the vulnerability of smallholder farmers. It is suggested that agriculture specialists and other concerned stakeholders should work together to develop lowland-appropriate rural livelihood vulnerability reduction measures.
Keywords: Adaptive capacity; Arba Minch Zuriya; Climate change; LVI; Smallholders  
The influence of household size on socioeconomic conditions of rural farm households in Damot Woyde District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
No full textThere is little debate about the relationship between rising fertility and declining income. Rapid population growth can have serious implications for people’s standard of living—their incomes, savings, health, education, and general well-being. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the impacts of household sizes on rural farm households’ savings, consumption spending, and financial capacity to cover the expenses of children’s education and the health of household members. 346 rural farm household heads took part in the study, which used a multistage sample technique. Along with the survey results, six focus group discussions, 27 key informant interviews, and personal observations were done. The outcomes showed that the savings-to-income ratios of rural households decreased with increasing household size, whereas consumption-to-income ratios increased due to a portion of the income that was not saved being spent on supporting the consumption demands of the additional household member. The MANOVA post hoc analysis also revealed that the large household size group’s average yearly savings were significantly lower than the small household size group, whereas consumption expenses grew with increasing household size. Furthermore, ordinal logistic regressions show that increasing household size without increasing income diminishes rural farm households’ existing financial capacity to afford the expenditures of their children’s education and healthcare for household members. Thus, it is preferable to advocate that rural households have access to quality reproductive health-care services, like safe and effective family planning alternatives, and that households strive to diversify their income sources to promote savings
Contributions of urban productive safety net program to enhancing food security and livelihood diversification: an in-depth analysis of household-Level perceptions among urban populations in Ethiopia
No full textAbstract The Urban Productive Safety Net Program is one of Africa’s most ambitious social protection initiatives, and it has achieved measurable successes. However, existing literature focusing on the role of programs in improving people’s lives, especially in ensuring food security and income diversification, gives more focus to rural areas and depends on data from individuals beyond those directly targeted by the program. Hence, this study examines beneficiaries’ perceptions of the program’s contribution to food security and livelihood diversification in the South Ethiopia Regional State. The study used a mixed research approach that included a questionnaire, interviews, observation, and focus group discussions. To select 310 survey household heads, a multistage sampling procedure was employed. We analyzed the quantitative data using SPSS version 27, while the qualitative data was analyzed through narration and summarization. The findings indicate that the selection process for beneficiaries, activities performed by public work groups, and beneficiaries graduating with reliable sources of income are generally positive, whereas negative assumptions exist regarding the adequacy and timeliness of cash transfers and the overall living status of residents. Therefore, the program managers and zonal-level team leaders should collaborate closely to directly engage with beneficiaries, monitor the support system, and raise awareness
Rural farm households’ food security and the role of livelihood diversification in enhancing food security in Damot Woyde District, Southern Ethiopia
No full textAbstractFood insecurity becomes severe in areas where agriculture is households’ sole income source. Accordingly, this study looked into food security and the role of livelihood diversification in the Damot Woyde district in Southern Ethiopia. Data were gathered using a structured survey questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informants interview and field observation. The household food balance model (HFBM) and HFIAS (household food insecurity access scale) methods were employed to assess food security (availability and access respectively). The data was analyzed using Simpson’s index of diversity, binary logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and the independent sample t-test. The findings revealed that 69% of Woina Dega and 77% of Kolla (HFBM) households were food insecure. HFIAS also showed that only 22.2% of Woina Dega and 11.5% of Kolla households have been food secure. But in other, households, 26.6% of Woina Dega and 36% of Kolla were severely food insecure. Both the binary logistic and linear regression results indicated that livelihood diversification has a positive and important influence on food security in the study area. Hence, we posit that livelihood income diversification lessens the threats of food shortages in rural farm households
