Article
Environmental Sciences
Rahel Deribe Bekele, Alisher Mirzabaev, Dawit Mekonnen
Summary: This study conducted in Ethiopia explores the difference in farmers' adoption of sustainable land management practices between rainfed and irrigated plots. It also examines the impact of different types of irrigation water management systems and technologies on the adoption of SLM practices in irrigated plots. The findings suggest that access to irrigation plays a significant role in enhancing farmers' motivation to adopt more SLM practices, and that pump irrigation systems are more effective in promoting SLM practices.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Atnafu Degfe, Amsalu Tilahun, Yadeta Bekele, Bayu Dume, Obsu Hirko Diriba
Summary: In Ethiopia, a nationwide soil and water conservation (SWC) project has been ongoing since 2010/11, covering all agro-climatic zones and farming systems. This study assessed the effects of soil bunds on soil physicochemical properties and factors influencing farmers' decision on the adoption of SWC technologies in a sub-humid watershed in southwest Ethiopia. The results showed that soil bunds significantly improved soil physicochemical properties at different slope positions, and factors such as personal, socio-economic, institutional, and physical factors influenced farmers' adoption decisions. These findings highlight the importance of considering various factors in order to enhance adoption willingness and create awareness about the benefits of conservation practices.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kindiye Ebabu, Gebeyehu Taye, Atsushi Tsunekawa, Nigussie Haregeweyn, Enyew Adgo, Mitsuru Tsubo, Ayele Almaw Fenta, Derege Tsegaye Meshesha, Dagnenet Sultan, Dagnachew Aklog, Teshager Admasu, Bas Van Wesemael, Jean Poesen
Summary: This study examined the runoff and soil loss responses under different land management practices in three climatic regions of the Ethiopian highlands. The results showed significant variations in runoff and soil loss amounts, highlighting the importance of carefully designing and evaluating soil and water conservation measures specific to land use and climatic conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Huong Hoang-Thi, Shah Fahad, Ashfaq Ahmad Shah, Tung Nguyen-Huu-Minh, Tuan Nguyen-Anh, Song Nguyen-Van, Nguyen To-The, Huong Nguyen-Thi-Lan
Summary: This study aimed to assess the adoption behavior of water conservation among households in mountainous areas of Vietnam. The findings revealed positive correlations between intrinsic and extrinsic variables and five household water-use activities, with intrinsic factors having a positive effect and extrinsic factors having a detrimental impact on water conservation measures. Awareness of the effects of climate change was found to contribute to the adoption of water preservation strategies.
Article
Agronomy
Asghar Bagheri, Ali Teymouri
Summary: Human activities play a decisive role in the type and extent of soil erosion, while socio-psychological factors also play an important role in farmers' decision-making. Farmers adopted low-cost practices in SWC, but did not adopt technical and costly practices.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Endale Bekele Jiru, Habtamu Temesgen Wegari
Summary: This study reviews the effects of soil and water conservation practices on soil physicochemical properties and crop yield. The results show that integrated physical and biological measures can improve soil quality and crop yield. Furthermore, the government's attention to land resources management in Ethiopia requires further scientific support.
ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Gideon Danso-Abbeam
Summary: The study found that most farmers adopted a combination of SWC practices, and factors like non-farm economic activities and farm size influenced the adoption of SWC practices. Farmers who accessed agricultural extension services were more likely to adopt most SWC practices, highlighting the importance of enhancing extension services to reduce adoption gaps and lower farmers' exposure to climate-related agricultural risks.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Sisay A. A. Belay, Tewodros T. T. Assefa, Abdu Y. Y. Yimam, Pagadala V. V. Prasad, Manuel R. R. Reyes
Summary: This paper discusses the application of conservation agriculture technology in the farming systems of Ethiopia. The research shows that different versions of conservation agriculture may be adopted based on the diverse agro-hydro-ecological and socio-economic conditions. Adopting conservation agriculture technology is not only about benefits but also involves integrating it into the social and human elements as well as agricultural and production systems.
Article
Agronomy
Babu Mideksa, Gezahegn Muluken, Ndemo Eric
Summary: Severe erosion in major agricultural sectors and areas of concentrated intense rainfall highlights the need for a more environmentally friendly agricultural model. This research evaluates the impact of soil and water conservation practices on food consumption and intake at the household level. The results show that the adoption of these practices can significantly increase the food consumption score and calorie intake at the household level.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Mideksa Babu, Muluken Gezahegn, Eric Ndemo
Summary: Soil erosion leads to a loss of soil fertility and reduced crop yield, resulting in food insecurity. Efforts have been made at global, regional, and national levels to address soil erosion, but the factors influencing the adoption of soil and water conservation practices vary. This study focuses on identifying the factors that determine the adoption of such practices in the West Hararghe zone, Eastern Ethiopia. The findings highlight the significant influence of demographic, socioeconomic, institutional, physical, and other factors on the adoption of soil and water conservation practices.
COGENT FOOD & AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teshome Yirgu
Summary: This study aimed to assess the annual soil loss and factors affecting the adoption of soil and water conservation technologies in the Domba watershed in Ethiopia. The results showed that the watershed had significant soil erosion, with the Sule and Gana Kare-Woyza ridges contributing the majority of soil loss. Additionally, the study found that plot area, plot distance to residence, and perception of erosion problem were important factors influencing the adoption of improved soil and water conservation practices in the area.
Article
Soil Science
Kebede Wolka, Birhanu Biazin, Vegard Martinsen, Jan Mulder
Summary: A study on the soil properties and crop performance in the upper and lower sections of terraces in southwest Ethiopia found that the lower section had significantly higher concentrations of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and exchangeable potassium compared to the upper section. Additionally, the grain yield and biomass of maize, teff, broad bean, and sorghum were significantly greater in the lower section.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Martin H. Entz, April Stainsby, Marla Riekman, Theresa Rempel Mulaire, John Kimathi Kirima, Frew Beriso, Deogratias Ngotio, Michael Salomons, Jess Nicksy, Mueni Mutinda, Katherine Stanley
Summary: The challenges of soil degradation and low crop yield in East Africa are being addressed through the use of soil health-promoting farming systems, including Conservation Agriculture (CA). This study evaluated the effect of CA as practiced by farmers and compared their descriptions of soil health with scientific measures. The results showed that CA practices improved qualitative soil characteristics perceived by the farmers, and quantitative measurements validated their assessments. The response to CA varied depending on the soil type.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Hyacinthe Nyirahabimana, Alice Turinawe, Jakob Lederer, Jeninah Karungi, Mathew Herrnegger
Summary: This study examines the factors influencing adoption lag for Soil and Water Conservation Practices among smallholder farmers in the Sio-Malaba Malakisi River Basin border region of Kenya and Uganda. Results show that the average adoption lag of SWCPs in the study area was about 10 years. Factors such as household size, number of accessible markets, access to credit, age of the household head, farm size owned, and tropical livestock units are associated with reduction in adoption lag. Access to off-farm income and household location in Uganda are associated with increased adoption lag of SWCPs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sinehiwot Leykun, Achenafi Teklay, Kassaye Gurebiyaw, Yihun T. Dile, Haimanote K. Bayabil, Masresha Ashenafi
Summary: Soil erosion has a significant impact on agricultural production. Although Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) measures have been implemented to reduce soil loss, their effects on soil physicochemical properties have been rarely studied in most parts of Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SWC measures on selected soil physicochemical properties in the Jibgedel watershed, West Gojjam zone, Ethiopia, and assess the farmers' perception of the benefits and impacts of these measures. The results showed that employing SWC measures significantly improved the physicochemical properties of the soil compared to farmland without SWC measures. Additionally, most farmers perceived that the implemented SWC measures improved soil fertility and crop yield.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Hugo De Groote, Simon C. Kimenju, Bernard Munyua, Sebastian Palmas, Menale Kassie, Anani Bruce
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shaphan Y. Chia, John Macharia, Gracious M. Diiro, Menale Kassie, Sunday Ekesi, Joop J. A. van Loon, Marcel Dicke, Chrysantus M. Tanga
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Menale Kassie, Zewdu Abro, Tesfamicheal Wossen, Samuel T. Ledermann, Gracious Diiro, Shifa Ballo, Lulseged Belayhun
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zewdu Abro, Menale Kassie, Chrysantus Tanga, Dennis Beesigamukama, Gracious Diiro
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emily Kimathi, Henri E. Z. Tonnang, Sevgan Subramanian, Keith Cressman, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Mehari Tesfayohannes, Saliou Niassy, Baldwyn Torto, Thomas Dubois, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Menale Kassie, Sunday Ekesi, David Mwangi, Segenet Kelemu
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Menale Kassie, Monica Fisher, Geoffrey Muricho, Gracious Diiro
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gracious M. Diiro, Menale Kassie, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Nancy G. Gathogo, Michael Kidoido, Rose Marubu, John Bwire Ochola, Clifford Maina Mutero
Article
Food Science & Technology
M. Huss, M. Brander, M. Kassie, U. Ehlert, T. Bernauer
Summary: Millions of smallholder farmers in low-income countries are highly vulnerable to food-supply shocks, with climatic changes exacerbating this vulnerability. Restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 caused severe supply-side shocks in rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, increasing food insecurity. A large-scale field experiment showed that improved on-farm storage technology can help reduce household food insecurity during COVID-19 restrictions.
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Gracious M. Diiro, Monica Fisher, Menale Kassie, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Geoffrey Muricho
Summary: Research shows that the adoption of push pull technology increases household labor allocation for harvesting while reducing labor for other tasks, with men experiencing a slightly greater workload reduction than women. Additionally, the technology's uptake leads to increased household expenditures on children's education and consumption goods commonly associated with female preferences. This study supports wider adoption of push pull technology for social and economic benefits for both male and female farmers, with implications discussed for policy and practice.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zewdu Abro, Menale Kassie, Beatrice Muriithi, Michael Okal, Daniel Masiga, Gift Wanda, Ouedraogo Gisele, Abah Samuel, Etienne Nguertoum, Rock Aime Nina, Philemon Mansinsa, Yahaya Adam, Mamadou Camara, Pamela Olet, Diarra Boucader, Susana Jamal, Abdoul Razak Issa Garba, Joseph Joachim Ajakaiye, Jean Felix Kinani, Mohamed Adam Hassan, Hezron Nonga, Joyce Daffa, Ambrose Gidudu, Kalinga Chilongo
Summary: The research estimates the potential economic gains from adopting Waterbuck Repellent Blend (WRB) on meat and milk production, showing that the technology could generate an economic surplus of US$ 78-869 million per year for 18 African countries, with a benefit-cost ratio of 9:1, justifying further investment.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paul Nyamweya Nyangau, Jonathan Makau Nzuma, Patrick Irungu, Menale Kassie
Summary: The study evaluated the factors influencing livestock farmers’ knowledge, beliefs, and management of arboviral diseases in Kenya’s hotspot counties and found that access to information, income, education, and religion significantly influenced the intensity of farmers’ KBM. Initiatives aimed at improving access to information through massive awareness campaigns are necessary to mitigate behavioral barriers in ADs management among rural communities. Despite the economic and social impact of diseases caused by arboviral infection, there is still little known in terms of community knowledge, beliefs, and management practices.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abebe Asale, Zewdu Abro, Bayu Enchalew, Alayu Teshager, Aklilu Belay, Menale Kassie, Clifford Maina Mutero
Summary: Malaria knowledge is high, but delayed health-seeking behavior remains a key challenge in malaria control. Despite achieving universal coverage in terms of LLINs access, utilization of vector control interventions in the area remained low.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zewdu Abro, Emily Kimathi, Hugo De Groote, Tadele Tefera, Subramanian Sevgan, Saliou Niassy, Menale Kassie
Summary: Fall armyworm has posed a threat to sub-Saharan Africa's fragile food systems and economic performance since 2016. The pest causes a significant average annual loss in maize production, resulting in economic losses of around US$ 200 million. Insecticides used to control FAW have more significant toxic effects on the environment than on humans.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Saliou Niassy, Mawufe Komi Agbodzavu, Bester Tawona Mudereri, Donwell Kamalongo, Ivy Ligowe, Girma Hailu, Emily Kimathi, Zwide Jere, Nathan Ochatum, Jimmy Pittchar, Menale Kassie, Zeyaur Khan
Summary: Push-pull technology is a cost-effective agroecological practice that reduces the impact of insect pests and parasitic weeds in croplands. This study evaluated the performance of the technology in different agroecological zones in Malawi and found significant improvements in grain yields, pest management, and plant growth. Farmers reported high levels of satisfaction with the technology, although challenges such as labor costs and plant selection remain. The study highlights the importance of soil properties and suggests the adoption of suitable plant species for the technology's success.
Article
Agronomy
Andrew Agrey Abiya, David Mfuti Kupesa, Dennis Beesigamukama, Menale Kassie, Dennis Mureithi, Daniel Thairu, John Wesonga, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Saliou Niassy
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different irrigation regimes and fertilizers on the growth, yield, and pest infestation of kale and Swiss chard. The results showed that daily irrigation and the application of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) significantly improved the plant height, number of leaves, fresh shoot weight, and leaf dry matter of the crops, while reducing pest infestation. BSFFF was effective in maintaining leaf dry matter during water stress.