Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Optimizing sowing rates and methods for irrigated Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) (Trotter) production in North Western Ethiopia

Yayeh Bitew — 2025-07-30

Tef is considered the major crop in Ethiopia, serving as a staple food for the majority of the population and occupying the largest area under cultivation among cereal crops in the country. However, crop management for tef produced under irrigation is mainly based on its recommended rates for the respective tef production under rain-fed conditions. A field experiment was conducted at the Koga irrigation scheme during the 2020/2021 dry season to determine the effects of sowing methods and seeding rates on the yield of tef produced under irrigation conditions. The treatments consisted of two sowing methods (broadcast and drill row) and five seed rate levels (5, 10, 15, 25, and 30 kg ha^-1), which were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth, yield, and yield component parameters were collected. The data were analysed using SAS-JMP13 software. Results showed that the row and broadcast sowing methods at a seed rate of 5 kg ha^-1 and 15 kg ha^-1, respectively, gave the maximum plant height, panicle length, grain yield, and harvest index. Sowing tef in broadcasting with a seed rate of 15 kg ha^-1 is a profitable sowing method as compared to others. Thus, it could be concluded that sowing tef in broadcasting method with a seed rate of 15 kg ha^-1 gave both maximum grain yield and net benefit for irrigated tef production and recommended for the farmers in the study area. Further extensive research needs to be conducted in all agro-ecologies of the country as far as the irrigation water is available.

Selection criteria and breeding practices of farmers for indigenous goat populations in selected districts of Awi Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Wossenie Mebratie — 2025-07-30

The study was carried out in three agro-ecological zones, namely Ankesha (highland), Dangila (midland) and Jawi (lowland) districts of Awi Zone that were selected purposively based on goat production potential and agro-ecology. The objective of the study was to identify the selection criteria and breeding practices of farmers that keep indigenous goat populations in Awi Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. A total of 180 households were selected randomly for the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Different types of statistical analysis were employed depending on the nature of the data. Data collected through questionnaire were analyzed by descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and a T-test was applied when required to test the statistical significance. Indices were calculated to provide ranking of different variables. The result of the study showed that twining ability, appearance, age at sexual maturity and color were the main selection criteria for does whereas appearance and color were the main criteria for selection of breeding bucks. The mating practice was uncontrolled within the household’s flock and between neighbouring flocks. The rate of inbreeding (∆F) for goats in the Ankesha, Dangila and Jawi districts were 0.001, 0.0026 and 0.0030, respectively which is lower than the maximum acceptable level of 0.063 from literature. The result of this study highlighted the importance of designing breeding programs that take into account selection criteria and trait preferences of farmers for improving goat productivity in the study area.

Economic impact of dairy cooperative membership in Machakel District, North Western Ethiopia

Abateneh Molla — 2025-07-30

The emergence of agricultural cooperatives is widely seen as a crucial institutional structure that can help smallholder farmers in developing countries overcome the limitations that prevent them from fully benefiting from opportunities in agricultural production and marketing. However, there are limited studies in measuring the economic contribution of dairy cooperatives for member households. Thus, this study was done to examine the economic impact of dairy cooperative membership in Machakel District. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the sample households. Data were collected from 266 randomly selected households through an interview schedule. In addition, 4 focus group discussions and 10 key informant interviews were held to collect primary data. An endogenous switching regression model was applied to estimate the treatment effect by controlling selection bias and unobserved factors. The finding indicates, being a member of dairy cooperative increases household income by over 9% milk production by almost 70%, and milk productivity by over 21 percent. The study concluded that dairy cooperatives can be efficient in fostering the economic welfare of farmers with relatively higher income, milk production and milk productivity. Therefore, stakeholders should support dairy cooperatives to make them more attractive and sustainable for farmers.

Determinants of marketing outlet choices of irrigated onion (Allium cepa L.) producers in Northwest Ethiopia: A multivariate probit regression analysis approach

Endalkachew Ayenew — 2025-07-30

Vegetable farming plays a vital role in generating income for a significant portion of rural households in Ethiopia. However, facilitating access to markets and ensuring active market participation remains a key challenge for onion producers. Given the perishable nature of onions, selecting appropriate marketing outlets is essential. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing onion producers' choices of marketing outlets. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select kebeles and farm households, resulting in a sample of 155 respondents. Both primary and secondary data were collected to fulfil the study’s objectives. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit regression model. The analysis showed that 77.42% of households were sold to wholesalers, 25.51% to rural collectors, 67.74% to retailers, and 74.19% to consumers. Statistical results indicated that choices between wholesaler and rural collector, consumer and rural collector, and retailer and wholesaler outlets were negatively and significantly correlated, suggesting competitive relationships. In contrast, the choice between retailer and rural collector outlets exhibited a positive and significant correlation, indicating a complementary relationship. The results from the multivariate probit model revealed that decisions regarding market outlet selection were significantly influenced by several factors, including the quantity of onions produced, household head’s education level, family size, cooperative membership, past onion prices, market distance, frequency of extension service contact, and access to credit. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers and stakeholders prioritize the development of rural-urban infrastructure, improve access to agricultural credit, and enhance both formal and informal education to better support onion producers’ market participation.

Determinants of households’ membership in rural savings and credit cooperatives: An analysis of South Achefer district in Northwest Ethiopia

Girmachew Seraw Misganaw — 2025-07-30

Micro-level rural saving and credit cooperatives in Ethiopia's South Achefer District, Western Amhara region, have not received much attention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the variables that affect the likelihood of rural households in the South Achefer District participating in saving and credit cooperatives. Three Kebeles and 194 households were selected using simple random sample procedures and stratified sampling. Data were collected using focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and surveys. The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The socioeconomic, demographic and other relevant aspects impacting participation in these cooperatives were examined using a probit regression model. Sex, age, income, land size, tropical livestock unit, household distance from rural saving and credit cooperative, and household participation in local leadership all had a significant impact on savings and credit cooperative membership. This research finds that joining rural saving and credit cooperatives will gradually spread from RUSACCO members to non-members. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Cooperative Promotion Agency in Ethiopia can start introducing cooperative membership from households that have the household demographic, socioeconomic, and other characteristics of households that are more likely to be cooperative members. It is suggested that the Cooperative Promotion Agency in Ethiopia should start by focusing on and giving priority to households with the following household characteristics: women, young people, higher income levels, higher TLU, households that are involved with other financial institutions, households that have better participation in local leadership, and households that are close to RUSACCO.

Spatial analysis of the trade-offs between forest ecosystem services and disservices in the Bale Mountains eco-region, Southeast Ethiopia

Birhanu Ayana — 2025-07-30

Forests provide ecosystem services (ESs) and ecosystem disservices (EDs) to the local community living in and around the forest. This study examined the trade-offs between forest ESs and EDs among communities living at different proximities (<1 km and >3 km) to forest edges in the Bale Mountains Eco-Region of Southeast Ethiopia by assessing how local perceptions of ESs and EDs vary spatially and influence community engagement in forest management. Household surveys, focus group discussions, and field observations were conducted along six pair-wise transects across six selected villages, enabling systematic and comparative collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. Logistic regression was employed to identify socio-demographic and biophysical factors influencing farmers’ participation in forest/tree management. Results show that forests are vital to rural livelihoods, offering water (93.9%), firewood (89.4%), construction wood (89.4%), and shade for coffee production (87.9%). Perceived benefits were significantly higher among residents near forest edges (χ² = 37.22, df = 5, P < 0.05). About 59.1% of respondents reported engaging in forest/tree management, influenced significantly by education and family size. However, forests were also seen as sources of EDs, mainly crop-raiding by wild mammals like porcupines (86.4%), bush pigs (83.3%), and warthogs (72.7%), with maize being the most affected crop. These impacts were notably higher near forest edges (χ² = 45.06, df = 2, P < 0.05). Crop guarding (93.9%) was the most common mitigation strategy, alongside fencing and tree clearing. The study concludes that while forest ESs support rural livelihoods, associated EDs, particularly crop-raiding, pose serious challenges, leading to trade-offs that may drive deforestation and affect sustainability. Effective, community-driven forest and agricultural management strategies are essential to balance ESs and EDs. Future research should adopt comprehensive approaches to better understand community perceptions and support sustainable human–wildlife coexistence in forested landscapes.

Challenges, opportunities and strategies for the establishment of beekeeping inputs producing enterprises in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Asaminew Tassew — 2025-07-30

This study was conducted to investigate the challenges, opportunities and strategies for the establishment of beekeeping input-producing enterprises in Amhara region, Ethiopia. In this study, a total of 135 women beekeepers household surveys, 33 key informants, and 18 focus groups were addressed to collect primary data. Moreover, additional data was collected through researchers’ observation and secondary data. The survey data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package while qualitative data were analyzed by thematic analysis method. The study showed that women have come to own an average of 5.18, 2.04, and 2.38 honey bee colonies in traditional, transitional and modern hives respectively. Moreover, 15.2% of the respondent beekeepers have confirmed that they have started beekeeping with the support from Oxfam. The results showed that 47.04% of the respondents have evidenced that the beekeeping inputs in use are obtained from Oxfam followed by beekeepers themselves. Furthermore, 80%, 77.8% and 82.2% of Mecha, Dangila and Guangua respondents respectively have explained that the cost of most beekeeping inputs is expensive. On the other hand, 75.6%, 55.5% and 62.2% of Mecha, Dangila and Guangua, respective, women respondents have confirmed that there will not be a market problem if a beekeeping input-producing enterprise is established in their area. Lack of access, high cost and sometimes qualities of inputs have been identified as challenges that women beekeepers are facing in the areas. However, encouraging market demand, increasing the number of beekeepers, availability of raw materials used in input production, and important support from Oxfam are identified potential opportunities in the study areas. As healthy beekeeping is necessary for both improvements in the productivity and health of agricultural and natural ecosystems, everyone anywhere shall better consider the support from sustainable and demand-driven input- producing enterprises.

Reduction of genetic integrity of Tef [Eragrostis tef ((Zuccagni) Trotter)] landraces and its root causes in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Temesgen Bedassa Gudeta — 2025-07-30

Tef is one of the most multi-purpose cereal crops, grown by Ethiopian farmers for food and nutritional security and income generation. The study aimed to assess the reduction of genetic integrity for tef landraces and associated factors in East Gojjam Zone. The data were collected by a semi-structured questionnaire with a purposive selection of 267 farmers based on their age and farming experience. Out of 267 farmers 78% of them were more than 45 years old. Of the 22 identified total tef landraces, only 32% and 27.1% of the landraces were exclusively grown in Enemay and Shebel Berenta district, respectively. The rest 40.9% of them were cultivated in common in both districts. The estimated genetic erosion of tef landraces was found to be 65.5% in Enemay followed by that of Shebel Berenta 60%. Expanding and favouring the growing of improved tef varieties on much wider areas contributed to replacing the tef landraces. The major causes for shifting from landrace to the modern varieties were water lodging, susceptibility to diseases and pests, low productivity, market access and climate change. Only 8 landraces were under cultivation and the remaining 14 were eroded from the district(s) constituting the highest (63.64%) combined genetic erosion, suggesting loss of important agronomic traits and, thus, a major bottleneck for further improvement and conservation plans. Thus, attention should be given to tef conservation by the government and other concerned bodies in providing strategies that enable farmers to cultivate both landraces and improved varieties side by side.