3 research outputs found
Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to NPSB Fertilizer Rate and Inter Row Spacing at Buno Bedele Zone
No full textPotato is a key tuber crop in Ethiopia, contributing significantly to food security and rural livelihoods. However, its productivity remains low due to factors such as improper fertilizer application and unsuitable inter-row spacing. This study was conducted during the 2022–2023 cropping season to evaluate the effects of NPSB fertilizer rates and inter-row spacing on potato yield and yield components. Four NPSB levels (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha⁻¹) and three inter-row spacings (65, 75, and 85 cm) were tested, along with a control, using a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant effects of both NPSB rate and spacing on all measured parameters, though their interaction was not significant. The highest marketable tuber yield (51.36 t ha⁻¹) was obtained with 200 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB, while the widest spacing (85 cm) produced 45.16 t ha⁻¹. Agronomic efficiency was greatest (152.4 kg kg⁻¹) at the lowest NPSB rate (50 kg ha⁻¹). Marketable tuber yield showed strong positive correlations with total tuber yield (r = 0.99***), average tuber weight (r = 0.92***), and large tuber size (r = 0.92***). Partial budget analysis indicated the highest net benefits of 1,231,355 birr ha⁻¹ (3823.92% MRR) for NPSB and 2,120,240 birr ha⁻¹ (11,444.83% MRR) for 85 cm spacing. Therefore, applying 150 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB fertilizer with 85 cm inter-row spacing is the most productive and economically viable practice for potato cultivation in the study area
Regulating hate speech in Ethiopia: a human rights perspective
No full textThis paper assesses Ethiopian legal framework applicable to regulate hate speech, identify its gaps and explores the way to strengthen it through human rights perspective. With this end in mind, the author identifies the place of hate speech within freedom of expression as recognized by human rights instruments and Ethiopian legislations. It also assesses how these instruments help Ethiopia to regulate hate speech. Obviously, freedom of expression is a fundamental human right guaranteed in many international, regional human rights instruments and Ethiopian legislations. It is also restricted based on condition called ‘three part test principle’ and there is also totally prohibited grounds of expression. Therefore, the author analyzes the place of hate speech within these grounds of limitation. Hate speech is a contested concept and there is also no common approach on the regulation of it. Some states and scholars try to justify hate speech as part of freedom of expression while others argue for the legal limitation of it. In this study, the author justifies the regulation of hate speech since it is not supported by theoretical justifications of freedom of expression, and harm it brings to rights of the victim. Hate speech regulation in Ethiopia is not clear and comprehensive. In fact, there are many scattered pieces of legislations such as the 1995 FDRE Constitution, Broadcasting Proclamation, Freedom of the Mass Media and Access to Information Proclamation, the Procedure of Peaceful Demonstration and Public Political Meeting Proclamation, Advertisement Proclamation, the FDRE Criminal Code, Computer Proclamation and Telecom Fraud Offense Proclamation which are pertinent and tried to regulate it to some extent. However, the author finds that, though the country is vulnerable to the harms of hate speech, its regulation is still underdeveloped. Therefore, the author argues for the regulation of it with clear and comprehensive law because of the following reasons. First, hate speech is not supported by the justifications given for the protection of the right to freedom of expression. Second, Ethiopia has the obligation to protect its citizens from the harms of hate speech that result in violations of numerous rights such as the right to equality and non discrimination, the right to human dignity, the right to life, and other human rights. Finally, the country also has the obligation to enforce human rights instruments ratified such as Article 20 of ICCPR and Article 4 of the ICERD
Antimicrobial resistance status of selected bacteria isolated from animal source foods and feed in Ethiopia
No full textAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) of major food-borne pathogens has become an increasing public health problem worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2019 to July 2021 in high-potential meat and dairy products and commercial animal feed supply chain areas of Ethiopia. The objectives of the study was assessing AMR profile of target bacterial pathogens isolated from animal sources foods (ASFs) and feed. A total of 642 ASFs and feed samples collected from selected sampling sites were examined at the microbiology laboratory of animal products, veterinary drugs, and feed quality assessment center. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) were conducted using an automated Vitek 2 XL compact system. Out of 642 investigated samples, 24 different genera and 59 species of bacteria were identified. A total of 185 samples were positive for target bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Species. The AST results showed AMR of target bacteria isolates against some of the tested antimicrobials. Of these, 83%, 55%, and 92% isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Species, showed high level of AMR to Benzylpenicillin, Tetracycline, and Cefalexin/Gentamicin, respectively. The target bacteria isolated from ASFs and feed demonstrated multidrug resistance against some of the tested antimicrobials having public and veterinary importance. This reflects that ASFs and feed could serve as one of the sources for the spread and transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogens. Hence, there is a need for improving hygiene and sanitation practices along the ASFs and feed supply chains. Besides raising community awareness about the risks of AMR, emphasis on the rational use of antimicrobials in animal health practice and further investigations on AMR are recommended
