Ethiopian Journal of Science and Sustainable Development

Effects of Soil Fertility Management Practices on Phosphorus Adsorption–Desorption Dynamics of Acidic Soil, the Case of Gimbo District, Southwest Ethiopia

Anbessa Bagonji Teshale, Lemma Wogi, Achalu Chimdi, Geremew Taye — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:45:03 +0000

This study examined the effects of various soil fertility management practices on the adsorption-desorption behavior of different phosphate fertilizers in acidic soils, which are known for their high phosphorus (P) fixation. Top surface soil samples (0-20 cm) from farmer fields were collected and incubated for 40 days, for batch type adsorption-desorption experiments. Adsorption data were obtained by equilibrating the respective soil samples for 24 h at room temperature with 30 ml of 0.01 M CaCl₂, containing 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 mg kg^-1 of applied external P as KH₂PO₄, NPSB (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur and Boron blended fertilizer) and DAP (Diammonium Phosphate). The combined application of lime and compost significantly increased soil organic carbon, available P, and total P. Phosphorus adsorption varied by soil and fertilizer types, with the total mean performance ranked as NPSB > DAP > KH₂PO₄, except for the last two treatments in Michit soil. The combined application of lime and compost notably reduced external P requirements. In contrast, there was an increase in phosphorus desorption. Soil pH and organic carbon showed strong positive correlations with higher P desorption. Phosphorus adsorption and desorption capacities were influenced by combined application of different fertilizers and they varied across soils types and fertilizer sources. Desorbed amounts of phosphorus were increased following application of DAP, NPSB, and KH₂PO₄ fertilizers. It is suggested to conduct field experiments with the external phosphorus requirement (EPR) to validate the effectiveness of each fertilizers amount under real-world conditions.

Experimental Investigation of Opuntia ficus-indica Mucilage as a Concrete Admixture for Sustainable Construction

Besrat Berhanu, Zenagebriel Gebremedhn Khshen — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:45:50 +0000

The key properties of concrete are often controlled using synthetic admixtures, despite their possible adverse environmental effects. This study tested the potential of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) liquid mucilage as a natural and sustainable concrete admixture, assessing its effects on setting time, workability, consistency, and compressive strength of conventional concrete. The research applied an experimental approach, incorporating both direct addition (0.5-5%) and partial replacement of mixing water (0.5-30%), with performance comparisons against the commercial admixtures Sika and Darma. The results indicated that adding OFI mucilage significantly improves workability, enhances moisture retention, and extends setting time, making it a viable alternative for hot-climate construction. Optimal dosages of 1 - 1.5 % increased the 28-day compressive strength by up to 9%, outperforming the conventional admixtures. However, excessive dosages (>2%) negatively affect the strength. Partial cement replacement with mucilage also improved early and long-term strength while reducing permeability. As a natural and locally available admixture, the findings highlight the potential of OFI to reduce reliance on imported chemicals and to lower carbon dioxide emissions. In conclusion, OFI mucilage is a multifunctional concrete admixture, excelling in setting time modification, workability enhancement, and strength optimization, while offering economic and environmental advantages for sustainable construction practices, making it cost-efficient and resource-conscious infrastructure development.

Poverty Redefined: Why Multidimensionality Matters? - Literature Review

Temeche Dibisa Tefera, Bezabih Emana, Getachew Magnar — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:46:37 +0000

This critical review highlights the evolution of poverty measurement from income-based traditional measures to multidimensional ones using extensive literature search. Through comparative analysis, the study identified the limitations of unidimensional measures, such as oversimplification and excluding systemic disparities and how multidimensional measures provide a holistic picture of poverty. Empirical evidence suggests significant divergence between income-based and multidimensional measurements, the latter capturing higher rates of deprivation, specifically 44% versus 23% in Ethiopia. Literatures also indicate gaps in multidimensional measures, that is, insufficiency of proper measuring indicators of education, health and standard of living and exclusive emphasis on newly emerging issues, like social protection, digital disparities, climate risks, and gender disparities, proposing context-specific dimensions and indicators for enhancing the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). By bridging between the theoretical frameworks and realities, the current research reiterates the need for applying multi-dimension frameworks towards developing robust, reliable and contextually appropriate poverty measures to aid anti-poverty programs elsewhere. Policy responses should aim at holistic planned interventions to go hand in hand towards promoting inclusive development.

Challenges in Policy Implementation of Inclusive Quality Education and Sustainable Development Goal #4 in Ethiopian District Primary Schools

Mengistu Debele Gerbi — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:47:14 +0000

Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of United Nations, Goal #4 calls for ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. However, students with disabilities continue to face exclusionary pressures, especially in developing countries. Achieving SDGs through inclusive education requires more than just declarations of intents; it demands strong commitment to action, ensuring that policies and strategies outlined in national and international frameworks are effectively put into practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges to achieving inclusive quality education and realizing sustainable development goal #4. Quantitative research design was used, with data collected through questionnaire administered to 219 teachers across six primary schools selected by random sampling. The study examined implementation of inclusive education policy, inclusive leadership, inclusive teaching supports, and availability of educational assistive technologies. The findings revealed that the overall implementation of inclusive education policy (M = 2.56, SD = 1.06), inclusive leadership (M = 2.69, SD = 1.11), availability of assistive technology (M = 2.5, SD = 1.2), and inclusive teaching support (M = 2.80, SD = 1.24) are all low. Moreover, one-way ANOVA revealed that there is no statistically significant differences among schools regarding practice of inclusive education (F (5, 213) = 0.427, p > 0.05). In conclusion, effective implementation of policies and collaboration among all the educational stakeholders is mandatory for inclusive education and to realize SDG #4.

The Role of Place Attachment in Place Making: Sub-Concepts, Importance and Methods of Investigation

EDWIN OLUOCH K'OYOO — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:47:49 +0000

Place attachment (PA) has been investigated at different scales through different methods across various disciplines. This review seeks a nuanced understanding of its components, methods of investigation and importance through content analysis. Different researches consider diverse sub-concepts as the components of PA and there is lack of coherence in methods of investigation used. Studies in the area commonly use questions from earlier studies, with modifications, to investigate PA. Most PA studies were done at neighborhood levels and within public spaces. PA is important in place making through memories, meanings, in conservation and place keeping. Currently, few PA studies are in African context. There is need for PA studies in underexplored areas of brownfields and other industrial legacies. Virtual places are also gaining ground in PA studies. Lack of clarity on what constitutes PA may affect policy formulations and implementations negatively. The review is important in identifying the importance, components, areas of study, common questions among selected authors used in PA investigations. For coherence and clarity, it is recommended to adapt place identity and place dependence as the sub-dimensions of PA, with inclusion of other factors under them, according to the proposed conceptual framework. The findings reiterate the need for built environment professionals, and policy makers to integrate PA aspects in place making during new developments and urban renewals that greatly impact the urban and rural landscapes.

Host-Parasite-Environment Interactions on the Infestation of Argulus africanus Thiele, 1900 on Nile tilapia in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia

Endalkachew Daniel Achamo, Natarajan Pavanasam — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:48:22 +0000

Argulus is one of the economically important ectoparasite of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L. 1758); however, it poses a serious problem both in culture and capture fisheries globally. This investigation was done, from May 2022 to January 2023, to evaluate the infestations and effects of Argulus africanus on Oreochromis niloticus, in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia. A total of 270 Nile tilapia were taken from the fish landing site of the lake. Distinctive body shape and morphological features were used to identify A. africanus. To evaluate the parasite effects, prevalence, mean intensity, mean abundance and infestation index were determined. The infestation was highest and lowest in January and August, with a prevalence of 56.67 and 26.67% and an abundance of 1.0 and 0.3, respectively. However, the intensity was highest and lowest in July and September, with values of 1.82 and 1.08, respectively. Higher prevalence of Argulus was found in dry season than the wet season. Considering the part of the body infected, just over half of A. africanus was detected from gills. The size of O. niloticus and the presence of A. africanus were positively correlated. The water quality parameters showed statistically significant differences in temperature and nitrite among the study months; however, ammonia and nitrate showed insignificant difference. In conclusion, A. africanus infestations significantly impact O. niloticus depending on body size, season and physicochemical parameters. It is suggested to monitor the discharges of any organic and inorganic wastes into the lake.

Policy Brief - Unlocking Potential: Addressing Challenges and Harnessing the Role of Cottage Industries, Insight from Oromia Region of Ethiopia

Birku Reta Entele, Yadeta Chimdessa, Mogos Tufa, Hailu Beyecha, Milkessa Seyoum — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:49:07 +0000

Executive Summary

Cottage industries play an important role in enhancing economic growth and development in developing countries due to their low investment requirement and dependence on indigenous knowledge. They also have considerable role in laying the foundation for future industrial expansion as they offer excellent opportunities for entrepreneurial and managerial talent to mature. However, the contribution of cottage industries to the overall economic development goals of the country has not received appropriate attention by policy makers and, these industries have not been encompassed in the national and Oromia Regional State strategic development plan. Thus, the aim of this policy brief is to reveal the status of the cottage industry in Oromia Regional State, identify its technology and skill gaps, and formulate intervention strategies for the development of the industry. It attempted to explore spatial distribution of the dominant cottage industries in the region, the gender dimension involved, the contribution to the regional economy, and the level of productivity of cottage industry, and the potential competitiveness of the industry practitioners in Oromia Region. This policy brief document is derived from a policy working document study conducted at Oromia regional state level exhaustively, collecting data from cottage business firms (n=859) and customers of cottage industry products (n=100) from 81 selected districts and 19 urban centers in 16 zones (East Shewa, Arsi, West Arsi, Guji, Bale, East Bale, West Hararge, East Hararge, West Shewa, East Wollega, South West Shewa, Jimma, Buno Bedele, Ilu Aba Bora, North Shewa, and Sheger city) of Oromia Regional State using self-administered questionnaires and interview. The contribution of cottage industries to the regional economy was measured by the income generated from the sector and the number of employment creation. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to arrive at the results.

The dominant cottage industries practiced in the study area were weaving and knitting, pottery, carpet and basketry, carpentry and wood handcraft, food and beverage processing, metal handcraft, tannery and leather handcrafts, cultural artifacts, and others which include traditional medicine and treatment, hair dressing, local soap production, and gypsum handcrafts. The findings also reveal that there is a gender-based division of labor participation. The average monthly income earned by the owner of the cottage industry is estimated to be 9,071.93 birr, whereas the average wage of a laborer who works in the cottage industry sector was estimated to be 3,477.50 birr per month. This shows that working in the cottage industry sector contributes significantly to household income. With regard to the number of employment creation, a given cottage business creates a job for two people, on average. At last but not least, this study shows that existing cottage industry demands less initial/investment capital, traditional tools and equipment mostly bought from the local market, majority have no formal schooling, their productivity is much less than 50% of their capacity. Overall, the major challenges of cottage industries include lack of finance, access to raw materials, incentives and administrative support, and access to appropriate technology and markets, inconvenient working and selling places, and inflation.

Optimization of Performance and Emissions of RCCI Engine at Various Speed Conditions Using Response Surface Methodology Technique

Negasa Tesfaye Tefera, Ramesh Babu Nallamothu, Getachew Alemayehu — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:49:42 +0000

The demand for reduction of greenhouse gases and the implementation of stringent emission regulations have compelled researchers and engine makers to look for alternative approaches of increasing efficiency from the internal combustion engine. This study investigated the optimization of performance and emission characteristics of a reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) engine. A dual-fuel strategy was introduced by employing gasoline/n-butanol blends (G25n-b75, G50n-b50, and G75n-b25) as low reactivity fuels and a biodiesel blend (B20) as a high reactivity fuel. Experiments were carried out on a single-cylinder, water-cooled compression ignition engine under varying engine speeds (2400, 2600, and 2800 rpm). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effects of engine speed and fuel blend ratio on brake torque (BT), brake power (BP), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO). The optimal operating condition was found at engine speed of 2557 rpm with a 47% n-butanol blend ratio, resulting in improved performance and reduced emissions, with BT, BP, BSFC, NOx, HC, CO₂ and CO values of 14.86 Nm, 4.04 kW, 0.379 kg/kWh, 102 ppm, 32 ppm, 4.63%, and 0.87%, respectively. Analysis of Variance confirmed the statistical significance of the model with high R² values: BT (97.98%), BP (98.39%), BSFC (98.62%), CO₂(94.72%), CO (98.89%), NOx (99.66%), and HC (97.14%). The findings demonstrated the synergistic potential of gasoline/n-butanol and biodiesel dual-fuel RCCI mode to enhance combustion efficiency and to reduce emissions, offering a viable alternative for sustainable engine operation.

Innovation, Human Capital and Economic Growth in Ethiopia: a Systematic Review and an Empirical Study

Sisay Tola Yadete, Birku Reta Entele, Junseok Hwang — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:50:14 +0000

In today’s world, national innovation system (NIS) is one way of fostering economic growth, especially in developing countries. Human capital, research and development (R&D) and other innovation activities are the fundamental pillars of NIS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contribution of human capital, innovation (patent as a proxy) and R&D on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate through systematic review and empirical analysis. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model was used to analyze the data extracted from the World Bank database and world innovation patent office data set from year 1990 to 2023. From the systematic review result, the roles of human capital and R&D expenditure have shown a positive influence on GDP growth rate of Ethiopia. The estimated model re-enforced the systematic review result as both human capital and R&D have shown statistically significant effect on GDP growth rate. In addition, gross capital formation and utility patent have also positive effect on real GDP growth. Recognizing the crucial role of human capital and R&D, this study suggests to the Ethiopian government to bolster these areas to drive effective economic growth. Fostering strong collaboration among NIS actors, and developing policies that strategically expand the pool of skilled and educated individuals in various sectors are recommended.