1,730,157 research outputs found
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 Secondary data were obtained from relevant published and unpublished materials.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  
Sheep breeding practices and reproductive performances in Arba Minch Zuria district of Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia
No full textThe study was carried to characterize sheep breeding practices and reproductive performances in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda of Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia. The district was selected based on its potential for sheep production and distribution of different sheep breeds in the most of villages of the district. It was stratified in to three distinctive agro-ecologies; highland, midland and lowland. A total of 138 households were interviewed using structured questionnaire and probability proportional to size sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were analyzed using statistical procedures for social science version 20. The overall purpose of sheep rearing across all AEZs was source of income, saving, meat production, sharing the risk and manure production which were ranked first to fifth in the given order. Observed sheep breeding system was generally uncontrolled and no planned selection of breeding stock is practicing. Rams are herding together with ewes. Body size, coat color and long and fatty tail type (from Bonga/Dawuro and Doyagana/Wolaita) were the most frequently reported traits in selecting breeding rams; whereas size, color, tail size and twining rate were mentioned as traits given due emphasis in choosing future breeding ewes. The overall age at first lambing was 12.81±0.14 months, lambing interval was 7.52±.08 months and litter size were 1.50±.08 lamb per sheep (P<0.05). A high lambing month was extended from April to May. As per the current findings, the reproductive performance the sheep of the study area could be categorized as medium level of productivity. Therefore; further confirmatory study is recommended to identify and select the superior breeding animals based on well documented information for economically important traits.
Keywords: Arba Minch Zuria district, Breeding practice, Reproductive performance, Shee
Roadside PM2.5 concentrations measured with low-cost sensors and student science in Arba Minch, Ethiopia
No full textExposure to PM2.5 poses one of the biggest health threats, with traffic and biomass burning as dominant sources in urban areas of low-income countries. In Ethiopia, the combination of these two sources suggests a high roadside exposure. Because of a lack of resources for data collection, only few studies were conducted on roadside exposure in Ethiopia. Using low-cost sensors and student science could partially remedy this lack of resources. Students collected PM2.5 data in Arba Minch at four stationary locations and inside two public transport tricycles during a period of six weeks with self-made low-cost sensors. Data was analyzed to gain insight into concentration levels, temporal variation, spatial variation, and difference between next to the road and on-road concentrations. Average concentrations ranged from 13-36 µg/m3. Concentrations were highest during morning hours (42 ± 12 for hours 6:00-10:00, versus 20 ± 1 and 32 ± 4 for 10:00-17:00 and 17:00-21:00, respectively), and concentrations were highest at the local bus station (36.2 µg/m3). On-road concentrations showed the highest variation and were on average higher than concentrations next to the road (33 ± 25 and 30 ± 22 µg/m3 versus 23.3 ± 18 and 22.6 ± 18 µg/m3). On a daily average level, concentrations at different locations showed a high correlation (R2 0.8-0.95) amongst each other. This suggests the possibility to interpolate concentrations from one location to other locations. Moreover, the PM2.5 concentrations exceeded air quality guidelines. In Ethiopia, more than ten cities have higher populations and traffic flows than Arba Minch. In those cities, similar or higher exceedances are expected. With this study as an example, other universities could likewise conduct research with low-cost sensors and student science in their cities. Cooperation across course instructors and universities in applying these methods will increase the insight in PM2.5 exposure in Ethiopian cities.
Keywords: ambient air pollution; traffic; Sensirion SPS30; student measurements; Particulate Matte
Factors Affecting Rural Households’ Participation in Small - Scale Irrigation Scheme: The case of Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia
No full textThe development of the agricultural sector in Ethiopia in general and in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia in particular, is thought to depend on agricultural intensification. To this end, several governmental and non-governmental organizations initiated small-scale irrigation projects all over the nation, including in Southern Ethiopia. Despite these efforts, it is found that smallholder farmers in the study area are reticent to participate in small-scale irrigation schemes. Therefore, the present study is aimed at investigating factors affecting rural households’ participation in a small-scale irrigation scheme in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia. Accordingly, the study employed a multi-stage sampling technique to collect primary data from 379 sample households. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The study identified the major problems associated with small-scale irrigation in thestudy area. Among others, lack of sufficient irrigation water, lack of effective marketing system, lack of input supply and irrigation facilities, presence of pests and diseases, and lack of awareness about irrigation are mentionable for low participation in the scheme in the study area. The econometric model result revealed that the age of the household head and dependency ration has a statistically significant negative effect on rural households’ participation in small-scale irrigation while education, adult equivalence, livestock holding, and land size have a positive and statistically significant effect on the variable of interest. Therefore, providing education services for rural households, arranging field training services and experience sharing to farmers is advisable to alleviate these problems and improve small-scale irrigation utilization in the study area. Keywords: Small-Scale Irrigation; Smallholder farmer; Binary logit mode
Letter from William Arba Ellis to Thomas Clarkson, 3 January 1910
No full textTyped copy of a letter from William Arba Ellis (historian) at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, to Thomas Clarkson in Portland, Connecticut; writes on 1 January 1910 about obtaining biographical information for Clarkson's deceased son, Leonard J. Clarkson (Class of 1908), and other Norwich University alumni for the history of Norwich University that he is compiling.Leonard Clarkson died as a result of injuries sustained during a football game between Norwich University and Dartmouth College in 1907
A Custom Integrated Knowledge Management System Framework over the Cloud for Arba Minch University Staff
No full textEffective knowledge management is crucial for universities like Arba Minch University (AMU) to maintain a competitive edge. However, the efficient management and dissemination of knowledge within university communities pose significant challenges. As one of Ethiopia's eight research universities, AMU must establish robust knowledge management (KM) conditions to facilitate staff knowledge-sharing practices, making existing knowledge accessible, and generating new knowledge. AMU lacks adequate mechanisms for staff to share knowledge and collaborate on various tasks virtually. In response to this, our research introduces a custom integrated KM system deployed over the cloud to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing among AMU staff. Utilizing a design science approach and a mixed research methodology, we investigated collaboration and knowledge sharing among AMU staff. The analysis revealed that 81% of respondents were dissatisfied with the current environment regarding the accessibility of knowledge sharing, indicating that knowledge within the institution is not easily accessible at any time and from any location. Additionally, 73% of respondents acknowledged the importance of Knowledge Management Systems. Based on these findings and the needs of the staff, we developed a cloud-based integrative KM framework designed to capture, represent, and share knowledge among AMU staff. The study concludes that the implementation of the developed KM framework in the institution can significantly improve the accessibility, sharing, and preservation of knowledge among AMU staff, ultimately enhancing the university's competitiveness and knowledge-sharing capabilities.
Keywords: Cloud-based, Collaboration, Explicit Knowledge, Integrative Knowledge Management System, Knowledge Sharing, Tacit knowledg
STUDENTS’ INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: ARBA MINCH AND HAWASSA UNIVERSITIES IN FOCUS
No full textThis study aimed at investigating major challenges of students’ interpersonal communications and its impact on students’ academic performance at higher education institutions focusing on Arba Minch and Hawassa Universities. It identified major challenges of students’ interpersonal relationships, its impact over students’ academic life and ways of managing disputes among students at higher education institutions. Data were collected using questionnaire and in-depth interview from the target groups selected by random sampling method. The analyzed data illustrated that students understood and valued interpersonal communication in their life. Ethno-centrism, language, culture and religious differences were identified as serious challenges for students’ interpersonal relationships. Moreover, students’ attitude about university life and family’s orientation were also causes of tensions among students. Students’ interpersonal relationships also had impact over their academic life at university. In order to alleviate the challenges, orienting students about the unique and diversified university life was indispensable. Furthermore, creating and widening opportunities for students to share their cultures and experiences was also essential. In addition, promoting multilingualism also assists students’ interaction. Keywords: Interpersonal Communication, higher education, students, interpersonal relationship, academic performance, challenges, attitud
Enhancing Accuracy of Fault Detection System and Reducing Outage Time with GIS: A Case Study of Arba Minch Electrical Distribution System
No full textFault detection and location in electrical distribution systems are critical for maintaining a reliable electric power supply and minimizing outage time. The Arba Minch District distribution department of Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) currently employs a manual trial-and-error approach for fault detection and location of the faults, is not only inefficient, time-consuming, and ineffective in the current state of the arts but crucial for resolving faults. This study evaluates the current approach and proposes an enhanced system utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to improve fault detection and location in the Arba Minch distribution system, specifically at the Shecha feeder. The implementation of GIS-based fault detection and location aims to address the limitations of the manual method and mitigate economic losses associated with feeder faults. By synchronization of the ETAP circuit and ETAP GIS network, the location of the fault visualized in the ETAP-GIS system. The GIS system achieved a 99.11% reduction in fault detection and location time relative to the conventional method. In this research by optimizing fault detection and locating time, the System’s Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) for the feeder significantly reduced from 216.36 to 1.93 hours/customer per fault. Consequently, the GIS system also eliminated economic losses associated with energy unsupplied (24,784.58 kWh and 13,625.41 kVArh) and non-collected revenue (42,000 ETB for 1 hour, 78,288 ETB for 1.864 hours, and 231,000 ETB for 5.5 hours). The results demonstrate the potential of GIS technology in enhancing fault detection and location, ultimately improving the reliability and efficiency of the distribution system.
Keywords: Distribution systems, ETAP, Fault Detection, Fault Location, GIS, SAIDI
 
The Effect of Professional Development Training on EFL Teachers’ Perception of Research Practice at Selected Schools in Arba Minch: An Expirimental Study
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of need-based professional development (PD) training on primary school EFL teachers’ perception of research practices in Gamo Zone, Ethiopia. Employing an experimental research design, pre-test and post-test measures were analyzed using a t-test statistical procedure. The data gathered through a questionnaire was subjected to quantitative analysis. 59, randomly selected EFL teachers filled the pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The result showed that there was a statistically significant difference before intervention (M=64.00, SD=13.612) and after intervention [M= 80.52, SD=15.512, t (51) =-6.554, p<0.05]. Based on the findings, the study concluded that need-based PD practice could have great value in improving primary school EFL teachers’ perception of research practices in Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Key terms: Perception, Research Practices, Need-based, Professional development, English language, Experimental research design 
Postharvest Handling Practices and Marketing of Honey at Arba Minch Zuria District of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
No full textThis study was conducted at Arba Minch Zuria District of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia to assess postharvest handling practices and marketing systems of honey. The district was selected purposively based on its beekeeping potential and stratified into three agro-ecological zones. Seven representative Kebeles from the District were selected proportional to their agro-ecological variations. A total of 156 beekeepers was selected using systematic random sampling technique. A cross-sectional study was conducted to generate data via an official survey. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 24 software. The result revealed that most (96.8%) of the beekeepers practiced traditional beekeeping system. Only 29.7% of the bee keepers strained their honey using sieve (68.4%), hand (21.1%) and a piece of cloth (10.5%). Plastic buckets (64.7%), tin and gallon (32.7%) and plastic sack (2.6%) were major honey handling materials. Most (90.4%) of the bee keeperssell honey to generate income and only 9.6% used honey for both sale and home consumption. Producers, consumers, retailers, tej houses and collectors were main actors involved in the honey value chain. Agro-ecology significantly influenced the market price of both crude and strained honey. The price of crude and strained honey in lowland location was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than highland and midland locations
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