Ethiopian Journal of Science and Sustainable Development

Characterization of Flaxseed Mucilage–Based Composite Biofilms Incorporating an Elastin/Collagen Matrix and Croton macrostachyus Leaf Extract for Active Food Packaging

Genet Tewelde Hailu, Melakuu Tesfaye Alemea, Fekadu Lemessa — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The growing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging has stimulated interest in biodegradable films with enhanced functional properties. In this study, active biofilms based on flaxseed mucilage (FSM) and elastin/collagen (ELN/COL), incorporated with Croton macrostachyus leaf extract (CMLE), were developed using the solvent evaporation method. Then, the physico-mechanical, optical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties of the resulting biofilms were systematically evaluated. FTIR analysis revealed the appearance of new peaks and peak shifts, indicating interactions between CMLE and the biofilm matrix. Incorporation of CMLE significantly reduced light transmittance while enhancing UV-barrier properties due to the presence of natural pigments. Water content and solubility decreased from 24.35 to 18.55% and from 84.21 to 72.59%, respectively, upon CMLE addition. Tensile strength increased from 4.90 to 7.28 MPa with 5% CMLE, whereas elongation at break decreased by 47.17% compared with the control biofilm. Differential scanning calorimetry showed an increase in melting temperature, suggesting improved compatibility among biofilm components. Thermal stability and antimicrobial activity were enhanced proportionally with increasing CMLE content. The CMLE-containing biofilms met the minimum requirements for tensile strength (0.39 MPa) and elongation at break (70%) for edible films. Notably, the elongation at break values were comparable to those of commercial Low-Density Polyethylene films (LDPE) films (68.70%). Overall, the results demonstrate that Croton macrostachyus leaf extract effectively improves the mechanical, functional, and bioactive properties of FSM-ELN/COL biofilms, highlighting their potential for sustainable packaging applications.

Post-Occupancy Assessment of the Operational Performance of Low-Cost Housing in Ethiopia: A Case Study of Bishoftu City

Lemma Beressa Gudeta, Zerihun Mamo Asamenew, Olana Tesfaye Hunde — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:18:39 +0000

Ethiopia faces a critical housing shortage, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities such as Bishoftu, where population growth and expansion have increased demand for affordable housing. Despite various low-cost housing schemes, the operational performance of these units, including functional efficiency, maintenance, and user satisfaction, remains underexplored. Evidence on the factors influencing performance, barriers, and their impacts is limited. To address this, the study investigates operational efficiency using three parameters derived from literature: 32 performance factors, 23 key barriers, and 15 impacts. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed. Primary data were collected from 93 households using structured questionnaires. Additional data obtained from semi-structured interviews with purposively selected community leaders, contractors, and design consultants. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean scores and the Relative Importance Index (RII), while qualitative findings provided contextual interpretation. Results indicate that maintenance factors, particularly internal air quality and maintenance cost (mean = 3.81), were the most influential, followed by construction factors such as leakage (3.72) and dampness (3.71), and design suitability, especially compatibility with occupants’ lifestyles (4.03). Critical barriers included poor aesthetic design (RII = 0.797), inadequate room sizes (0.789), and moisture and mold (0.786). These barriers led to major impacts, including high maintenance costs (mean = 3.90), reduced thermal comfort (3.76), poor indoor air quality (3.69), and reduced sustainability (3.67). Based findings, the study proposes an integrated framework linking performance factors, barriers, and impacts, providing actionable guidance for policymakers, housing authorities, and urban planners to enhance sustainable design, construction quality, and proactive maintenance in low-cost housing.

Integrating Sustainable Development Goals in Ethiopia’s Industrial Parks: Progress, Gaps, and Policy Priorities

Fetene Bogale Hunegnaw, Mesay Mesfin — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:20:29 +0000

Executive Summary

The main objective of this policy brief is to assess the extent and challenges of integrating sustainable development goals (SDGs) into the operations of firms within industrial parks (IPs). Specifically, the brief aims to evaluate progress, identify gaps, and prioritize policy actions. The policy brief focused on gender, decent work, the linkage between IP firms and the host economy, and combating climate change or environmental sustainability. To address these objectives, this study employed a cross-sectional research design utilizing both primary and secondary data sources to gather necessary information. The study revealed several significant issues regarding the integration of SDGs at the national level and within firms operating in IPs: (1) Ethiopia’s previous national development plan (Growth and Transformation Plan II) achieved an overall alignment score of 78.4. (2) Despite many firms recognizing the importance of setting SDG targets and beginning to align their operations accordingly, and many companies making significant efforts to promote gender equality and strengthen links with the local economy, most industrial parks still show significant gaps in the integration of SDGs into their daily business operations: (i) many firms are lagging particularly in Decent Work and Climate Action, with issues such as unfair pay, weak worker protections, and poor environmental practices. (ii) Only about 48% of firms have initiated operations toward SDG targets, and most lack clear goals. Additionally, approximately 71% of employees report as they never received SDG-related training. (3) The study also identified key barriers, including lack of leadership commitment, unclear regulations regarding SDG targets, low awareness of SDGs among firms, and ambiguous policies. (4) Finally based on our evidence, this policy brief suggests efforts to be made to enhance leadership commitment, setting clear regulations and policies, work on capacity building, strengthening local economy linkages, and implementing environmental and climate action measures.

Evaluating the Effect of Urban Anthropogenic Activities on Water Physicochemical Characteristics Along Morogoro River and the Potential Risks to the Ecosystem

Leopod Sibomana leonard, Jonas Gervase Balengayabo, Adolf N Mbwanji — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:21:44 +0000

This study evaluated the physical chemical characteristics of surface water along the Morogoro River in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, to assess the effects of urban activities on water quality. Five sampling sites were selected across the river’s urban stretch, with samples analyzed for in-situ parameters, nutrients and heavy metals. Results showed elevated concentrations of some parameters at sampled points, i.e. Nitrate (NO₃^-) levels ranged from 4.22 ± 2.094 to 17.467 ± 7.003 mg L^-1, sulphate (SO₄^2-) levels ranged from 13.43 ± 0.205 to 28.77 ± 1.633 mg L^-1, and ammonia (NH₃) ranged from 0.234 ± 0.008 to 0.737 ± 0.053 mg L^-1. Heavy metals including copper (Cu), ranged from 0.221 ± 0.008 mg L^-1to 0.802 ± 0.0105 mg L^-1, zinc (Zn) ranged from 0.41 ± 0.255 mg L^-1to 2.63 ± 0.50 mg L^-1exceeding the EAS and WHO guidelines in several cases. The values of lead (Pb), ranged from 0.39 ± 0.019 to 14.53 ± 0.735 mg L^-1, exceeded the EAS and WHO limit of 0.01 mg L^-1at all sampled points. The results indicate the river water pollution from domestic wastewater, agricultural runoff, and car wash sites. Statistical analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, revealed strong spatial correlations (Pearson coefficients of 0.92-0.99) and a dominant anthropogenic source of contamination explaining 96.9% of the variance. Given the potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure, the study recommends the establishment of designated and regulated car wash bays equipped with wastewater treatment systems. This, alongside routine water quality monitoring and stricter enforcement of waste management guidelines, is critical for protecting public health and preserving the ecological integrity of urban rivers in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap: The Need for Implementing Hybrid Curriculum to Yield Quality Education in Ethiopian Higher Institutions: Systematic Review

Yonas Tamiru Gebre — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:23:09 +0000

Higher institutions are expected to produce graduates with the 21^st-century’s skills, like critical thinking and digital literacy, needed for the modern workforce by combining competency-based curriculum, which focuses on demonstrable mastery, with outcome-based curriculum, which focuses on what students know at the end. Using a hybrid-curriculum could be one way to improve the quality and relevance of education. Higher Education Proclamation No. 1152/2019 and the Higher Education Reform Agenda (2021-2030) mandate that institutions ensure graduates' employability and academic relevance. The ability of the hybrid method to align theory and practice may be advantageous for higher education institutions. By switching from "content presented" to "knowledge applied" paradigms, the hybrid-curriculum prioritizes the application of information over rote memorization. The hybrid-curriculum is one practical way to address the employability gap. The discrepancy between degree holders and the skills needed for the workforce is a national concern. Competency-based curriculum delivers the practical depth required for a modern economy, while outcome-based curriculum supplies the necessary high-level framework.

Fixed-Bed Column Cr(VI) Removal by Acid-Modified Cordia africana Sawdust from Synthetic and Industrial Wastewater

Aster Woldu Gebrearegay, Melakuu Tesfaye, Alemu Gizaw — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:25:03 +0000

The removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from industrial wastewater remains a significant environmental challenge. This study evaluates the dynamic performance and reusability of acid-modified Cordia africana sawdust in a fixed-bed column system. Continuous-flow experiments were conducted with varying bed depths (6-12 cm) and flow rates (5-10 mL min⁻¹) at pH 3 and 47 mg L⁻¹ Cr(VI). The optimal configuration (12 cm, 5 mL min⁻¹) achieved an exhaustion time of 1045 min (17.4 h) and uptake capacity of 1.94 mg·g⁻¹ for synthetic Cr(VI) solution (47 mg L⁻¹). Three adsorption-desorption cycles using 0.1 M NaOH demonstrated 75% capacity retention after three cycles. When validated with real tannery wastewater (35 mg L⁻¹ Cr(VI), pH 8.55), the column achieved breakthrough at 180 min (3 h) and exhaustion at 760 min (12.7 h), with 0.99 mg g⁻¹ capacity (64% of synthetic). The adsorbent remained mechanically stable throughout. Acid-modified Cordia africana sawdust is a locally available, low-cost (USD 0.10-0.30/kg), reusable (75% after 3 cycles), and effective biosorbent for continuous Cr(VI) removal, representing an appropriate technology suitable for low-resource settings.

Curcumin Derivatives and Its Analogues: A Comprehensive Review of Synthetic Advances, Structural Modifications and Biological Activities

Mlis Belete, Yadessa Melaku Ayana — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:27:11 +0000

Curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, has attracted sustained scientific interest owing to its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, the clinical translation of native curcumin is severely limited by its poor chemical stability, low aqueous solubility, rapid metabolism, and weak bioavailability. To overcome these drawbacks, extensive efforts have been devoted to structural modification of the curcumin scaffold. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the synthesis and design of curcumin derivatives and analogues, with particular emphasis on structural modification of the β-diketone moiety-especially the development of monocarbonyl curcumin analogues, as well as hybrid molecular structures. The review is structured using green and modern synthetic methodologies, including microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, solvent-free, and ionic-liquid-mediated approaches. In addition, rational structural modification strategies, such as replacement of the β-diketone moiety, heterocyclic incorporation, and pharmacophore hybridization, are systematically analyzed. Reported studies demonstrate that these structural modifications significantly enhance stability and biological activities, with several derivatives exhibiting improved antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and antioxidant properties compared to native curcumin.

The The Vertical-Horizontal Paradox: PLUS-Based Simulation of Four Decades of Urban Intensification and Three Future Scenarios in Hawassa, Ethiopia

Safisa Abishu Neme, Dejene Tesema Bulti, Gebrechristos Nuriye Dolebo — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:29:21 +0000

Rapid urbanization across sub‑Saharan Africa challenges statutory planning instruments. Using a PLUS model, we examine the “Vertical‑Horizontal Paradox” the decoupling of designated vertical intensification zones from observed urban expansion in Hawassa, Ethiopia (1984-2024). Population density dominated early growth (0.328-0.343); after 2004, precipitation (0.129-0.183) and accessibility (0.118) gained prominence. The building height proxy vertical intensification potential from the 2019 Structure Plan exhibited negligible statistical association with 2014-2024 expansion. Model validation was robust (accuracy 82.5-85.2%; FoM 0.159-0.369). Projections to 2054 reveal stark trade‑offs: Ecological Protection curtails urban area by 25% (-1,190 ha) relative to Business‑as‑Usual. Urban expansion aligns more strongly with precipitation, accessibility, and demographic momentum than with zoning a “paper intensification” underscoring the need for planning instruments grounded in actual drivers of change. This study offers a reproducible template for testing planning efficacy and introduces regulatory zoning as a quantifiable driver within machine learning‑cellular automata frameworks.

Exploring the Role of Community Participation in Enhancing Students Academic Achievement in Zone 4, Afar Regional State, Yallo Woreda, Ethiopia

Abdela Mussa Belete — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:30:57 +0000

The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of community participation to students’ academic achievement in Zone 4, Afar Regional State, and Yallo Woreda. It also aimed to identify alternative solutions by exploring the ways and advantages of community participation. To achieve these objective, procedural steps such as gathering background information from relevant sources, selecting methods for respondent identification, and conducting data analysis were employed. A cross-sectional survey method was used, assuming it would facilitate the collection of a wide range of data related to the problem under study. The sample schools were selected from the entire school population. For this study, Mohammed Hanfere Secondary School was selected using simple random sampling techniques. Various stakeholders of the school were also selected as participants. Purposive sampling was used to select 18 teachers, while 96 parents and 126 students were selected through simple random sampling for the questionnaires. In total, 126 students, 18 teachers, and 96 parents participated in the study. The study focused on key questions to facilitate understanding of the issue. Regarding the main constraints to community participation, 10 (62.5%) teachers, 58 (60%) parents, and 90 (71%) students identified economic problems, Lack of Awareness, and Absence of Community-School Meetings, were the main obstacles to community participation.

Spatial Analysis of Road Network Characteristics Along Urban Corridors: A Case Study of Addis Ababa and Sheger, Ethiopia

Tesfaye Asefa Mekonen, Ranavijai Bahadur Singh, Mulugeta Girma — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:32:32 +0000

In this study, the spatial differences in road network characteristics between Addis Ababa and Sheger City are analyzed, and their effects on mass transit service performance and metropolitan mobility along important inter-urban and peri-urban corridors are evaluated. Road width, length, hierarchy, connection, and traffic flow were the main topics of a quantitative spatial analytic technique that was implemented utilizing Geographic Information Systems. Significant differences in the availability of infrastructure are revealed by the road-level assessment. Addis Ababa's status as the regional mobility core is confirmed by its broader roadways, better connections, and noticeably higher traffic volumes. On the other hand, even though Sheger City makes up a sizable portion of the total road length, it exhibits uniformly tiny roads, a simplified road hierarchy, and restricted network capacity. Increased congestion and deteriorating network efficiency are indicated by high traffic volumes on the routes that connect the cities. The results demonstrate that these disparities are fundamental, pointing to fragmented transportation planning, quick city growth, and irregular road investment. Thus, efficient traffic allocation and mass transport performance are challenged by Addis Ababa's overuse of the current infrastructure and Sheger City's lack of it. In order to encourage sustainable and equitable urban mobility throughout the Addis Ababa-Sheger metropolitan cities, the study suggests bolstering integrated cities transport planning, giving priority to targeted road optimization and hierarchy differentiation in both Sheger Cities, increasing the capacity of Addis Ababa's current road system, and putting coordinated congestion management and mass transit enhancement strategies into practice.