Environmental and Development Studies

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A Study on Practice, Opportunities and Challenges of Stopover Tourism in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-12) Befkadu Kifle; Tamirat Tefera (PhD)
This thesis was conducted with the objective of an Assessment of stopover tourism practice, challenges and opportunities of stopover development in Addis Ababa as Stop Over. For achieving the objective of the study, both primary and secondary data source were generated by employing qualitative and quantitative methods. Purposive and stratified simple random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. As the research approach employed here are a mixed methods research approach, the researcher used key informant interviews. The quantitative data was analyzed using frequency and percentage when appropriate while qualitative data was used to triangulate and confirm the study. The study identified various challenges which affected stopover tourism development the major once are political instability, covid 19, lack of promotion tourist attractions and lack of skilled man power. Whereas there are also opportunities that helps the development of stopover tourism in Addis government support for the growth of the sector, well known(international hub) airlines, development of new tourist attractions, cooperation to work together between tourism Ethiopia and Ethiopian airlines. The researcher recommends gov‘t should pay special attention on stability of the city and build country image, gov‘t and other stakeholders should raise their promotional budget, continuous trainings and short courses for tour guides should be provided. At last hotel, transport services providers, tour and travel agencies should update and go in line with the current technological advancements.
Accessibility of Five Star Hotels and National Museum for Persons with Disabilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-06) Kassa, Iyerus; Tefera, Tamirat (PhD)
The issue of accessible tourism is an area which needs great focus from all sectors of tourism development, specifically in relation to persons with disabilities. We human incur some sort of disability in our lifetime, so we should think about making our tourist attraction areas and services very accessible for all segments of the people; because person with disability have the same desire and need to take part in leisure activities like others. This is why this exploratory study is very important in giving background information on the area, by assessing the accessibility of star hotels and museum for persons with disability found in Addis Ababa city. The sample was gathered through a snowballing technique from associations of disability. The study utilizes semi-structured interviews of 18 visitors with different impairment: 2 uses wheelchairs; 5 are crutches user; 5 are visual impaired 5 are hearing impaired and 1 has hand impairment and none disabled persons from services providers: Museum guide and director (2), front office supervisor (4), waiters (3) and receptionist (3). The data were subject to thematic content analysis and Interpreted by the social model of disability, the results suggest that none of the seven five star hotel was found fully accessible plus the aggregate result shows that the extent of accessibility is 51.1% and 27.9% of accessibility requirement has been found inaccessible at all and 15.6% were the requirement which are found in- partial condition and 5.4% of accessibility requirement has been found not applicable. Moreover accessibility is subjected to change of time, technology and people’s disability awareness. Contradictions were found between the service provider and users on the concept accessibility, all the respondents found the hotels inaccessible by appreciating the exiting inclusiveness however, the hotelier thought they have most accessible place for everyone. This study is limited to only five star hotels found in Addis Ababa and on Ethiopian National Museum. The paper recommended for hotel managers and for government bodies on ensuring the accessibility of specific physical, information and on policy and legal frame works. This study relays the genuine voice of people with disabilities. The findings have relevance to hospitality researchers, educators, executives, and hotel staff as background information. Keywords: Accessible Tourism, and Accessibility Audit, Five star Hotels, Museum
Adaptive Capacity of Woodland Dependent Households to Climate Change in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-05) Mesfin, Demamu; Simane, Belay (PhD)
Ethiopia stands among the most vulnerable and worst affected countries in the world to the impacts of climate change mainly because of its low adaptive capacity. The Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia is one of the most vulnerable areas in the country. However, studies to understand the perception and adaptive capacity of rural households to climate change in the semi-arid areas of the CRV are limited. This study examines the perception and adaptive capacity of rural households to climate change in the CRV. Mixed research methods approach was adopted to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Household survey, focus group discussion (FGD), key informant interview (KII), field observation, and remote sensing and GIS techniques were used to collect data. The study found out that a large majority of households perceived climate change and its impacts and adopted an array of adaptation practices. It was also found that the adaptive capacity (AC) of households in the CRV was generally low and varies among households living in different Kebeles. From five major components that contributed to adaptive capacity, institutions and entitlements, knowledge and information, and innovation were found to contribute better than decision making and governance, and asset-base. Moreover, the composite indices for sub-components indicated that woodlands contributed to AC better than grazing land, farmland, and water resources, respectively. However, it was also found that woodlands are declining. Forty years ago, the study area was virtually covered with woodlands and forests (95%) and agriculture was just starting (1%). Now, it is reversed that agriculture covered nearly half of the study area (45%), while woodlands covered 42% and forests virtually disappeared. The socioeconomic and environmental impacts of these changes have also been perceived by households. Furthermore, seven proximate and ten underlying causes of woodland decline have been identified and ranked by households. It is concluded that adaptive capacity has broader dimensions and assessments and interventions need to be made in a holistic and integrated manner. Moreover, interventions need to acknowledge local differences and be tailored accordingly to suit local contexts. Key words: Climate change, perception, adaptive capacity, woodland, impacts, proximate causes and driving forces.
Adoption and Implementation of Waste Water Treatment Technologies: The Case of Textile Industries
(Addis Ababa University, 2019-06) Tegegne, Ameha; Senbeta, Dr. Feyera
Adoption and impact of environmental management technology: the case of waste water treatment technologies in textile industries Ameha Tegegne Addis Ababa University, 2019 Industrialization, although a promising tool to pool out many societies from poverty and enhances economic growth, is featured by different environmental consequences like pollution. Ethiopia’s commitment to boost industrialization in order to achieve the middle income status plan by 2025 prioritizing the textile sector has brought about fast growth of textile industries which are known for their high polluting nature. Besides the adoption of waste water treatment technologies in textile industries to prevent water pollution, implementation of these technologies is not done accordingly and the result is far below the national expectation, water pollution due to discharge of untreated waste water from textile industries is increasing with time. This study is therefore intended to explore the implementation status of adopted treatment technologies in Ethiopian textile industries and identify challenges related to their implementation. Qualitative approach was employed in this research and data was collected via interviews, site visit/observation, notes from informal discussions during visit and open-ended questions. Results of the analysis showed that lack of environmental awareness and technical support from pertinent institutions, lack of treatment chemicals and spare parts, poor enforcement of environmental laws and lack of commitment both from industries and environmental governing bodies to do accordingly are main causes for poor implementation status of adopted technologies. Accordingly, it is concluded that environmental issues are not properly addressed to all key players that there is lack of integration among them and due attention is not given to the problem at all levels. It is therefore recommended that all concerned bodies particularly governmental regulatory bodies to do their utmost efforts in enhancing implementation of adopted technologies through providing support to textile industries, facilitating local manufacture of treatment chemicals, formulate an environmental organ at national level who own and responsibly manage environmental issues accordingly.
Adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices: Determinants And Challenges in Gerar Jarso Woreda of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-06) Beyene, Tewodros; Assefa, Engdawork (PhD)
Ethiopia’s low level of economic development with its heavy dependence on rain- fed agriculture, which is the sector most vulnerable to climate change make the country susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. To counter this, several measures have been suggested in attempts to reduce the vulnerability of smallholder farmers who are the worst affected by changes in climate. One such intervention is climate smart agriculture (CSA), which is probably one of the most viable and sustainable option. It offers triple wins; Mitigation and adaptation measures to climate changes and sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and incomes. However, the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices is far below the expectation. Thus, this thesis answers why some farmers practice it while others not. To address this general question a study was conducted with objective to examine factors affecting adoption of climate smart agricultural practices in Gerar Jarso woreda of Oromia region. Mixed research method design was employed in order to conduct this study. Household questionnaire survey (N=201), focus group discussion, key informant interview and field observation were used to collect data. Logistic regression model was employed to identify key factors that influence adoption of climate smart agricultural practices. The result showed that sex of household heads, education level of household heads, off-farm income , livestock number , farmers’ field day participation, knowledge on environmental regulation , access to extension services and being member of organizations were positively correlated and significantly determine adoption of CSA practices. Therefore, the findings of the promising demographic , socio-economic, and institutional factors should be given to capitalize by the Woreda Agriculture and natural resource development office and other concerned bodies to enhance farmers’ adoption potentials of the study area. Moreover, before expanding CSA practices in other areas of Ethiopia, addressing the implementing obstacles by establishing enabling local environments through enhancing farmers’ implementing capacities and incentives to implement is crucial. Keywords: Adoption, Climate change, Climate smart agriculture, Determinants, Gerar Jarso
Agroecosystem Based Climate Variability & Change Vulnerability & Adaptation Analysis, And Erosion Hazard Assessment in Fincha’a Sub Basin, Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2019-06) Tessema, Israel; Simane PhD, Belay
Agroecosystem based Climate Variability and Change Vulnerability & Adaptation Analysis, and Erosion Hazard Assessment in Fincha’a sub basin, Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia Israel Tessema Lewte, Addis Ababa University, 2019 The objective of the study is to analyze the agroecosystems of Fincha’a sub basin and their climate variability and change vulnerability, and to examine how smallholder farmers of the sub basin have perceived and adapted to climate variability and change. The study is based on household and field-level primary data collected from 380 farm households in the Highland, Midland, Wetland (seasonally waterlogged), and Lowland agroecosystems of the Fincha’a subbasin. The LVI approach framed within IPCC is customized for the agro-ecosystem specific vulnerability analysis and the RUSLE model utilized to study the level of erosion hazard. Primarily, agro-ecosystem analysis conducted in collaboration with experts, development agents, and local communities; and four distinct agroecosystems (Highland, Midland, Wetland (seasonally waterlogged), and Lowland) identified. Then, the identified agroecosystems examined in light of their potential for agricultural production and the challenge presented by climate variability and change. Based on the vulnerability analysis, the study found that the lowland AES exhibited higher exposure, low adaptive capacity, and high vulnerability while the midland AES demonstrated lower exposure, higher adaptive capacity, and lower vulnerability. The wetland and highland AESs scored intermediate results. Investigation of the perception and adaptation strategy of smallholder farmers identified that majority of the community perceived there is climate variability and change. However, the adaptation measures implemented until now are not adequate to meet the impending challenges situate by climate variability and change. The result from the erosion hazard analysis revealed that the potential annual soil loss of the watershed ranges from 0.0 to 350.93 t ha-1 yr-1 and the average annual soil loss for the whole watershed anticipated at 37.54 t ha-1 yr-1 . Despite significant number of farmers’ perceived climate variability and change, the number of farmers adopted certain adaptation measures that minimizes their vulnerability are below average. These necessitate the need for planned interventions to identify and support effective adaptation measures. Furthermore, offfarm, non-farm, and watershed based appropriate soil and water conservation strategies should be enhanced by fostering the enforcement of scientific land use. Keywords: Agro-ecosystem, Climate changes, Vulnerability, Adaptation, Soil erosion hazard, Watershed
Airport Shopping: Practices and Motivations of Transit Passengers at Addis Ababa Bole International AirPort, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-07) Buzuwork, Ayenachew; Tefera, Tamirat PhD
The number of passengers carried by Ethiopian Airline has climbed to roughly 12 million, with 8 million or 70% of these being transit passengers. These promising numbers of travelers provide a huge opportunity for airport shopping tourism. However, it is neglected by researchers, hence; the purpose of this study was focused on the motivation, practice and the influence of socio-demographic characteristics of transit passengers on their shopping behaviors at Bole International Airport. A cross-sectional design and mixed method approach (both qualitative and quantitative) descriptive surveys were utilized in a research. Data was collected from 18 interviews and 387 questionnaires of transit passengers using convenience sampling. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and social practice theory framework and inferential statistics for analyzing quantitative data processed via using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).more specifically, quantitative data were analyzed via Kruskal Wallis Test, Independent sample Mann Whitney U-Test and Chi-square test of independence. The findings revealed that the practice of transit passenger shopping practice consists of three interconnected elements: material, competences, and meaning. The most frequently mentioned material aspects include the cosmetics, perfumes, duty-free liquors, chocolates, and souvenirs. Furthermore, the study also reveal that five shopping motive factors of transit passengers, such as “Airport associated motivation “and “Hedonic motivation”, accomplishment motivation, utilitarian motivation, and “social motivation” were identified using principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, socio-demographic factor such as age, gender and marital status have significant influence on shopping motivation at the airport. In conclusion, retailers and airport shopping area management should place a high priority on these characteristics in order to maximize their effectiveness of transit passenger shopping practice. Hence; airport management should plan renovations on shopping design, number of shops and variety.
An Integration of Agricultural Practice with Tourism in Ethiopia: The Case of Lasta Woreda and Lalibela Town Administration
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-10-03) Habtamu Mamo; Tamrat Tefera (PhD)
Agro-tourism constitutes part of alternative tourism which means that the practice of attracting visitors to an area used basically for agricultural purposes. Studies were done in Ethiopia without considering the symbiosis of agriculture and tourism to create marketing of farm products and services for provision of travel experiences to tourists. This study assessed the practices and way of integration for agro-tourism development in Lasta woreda and Lalibela town administration and its vicinity. In order to undertake the study descriptive research design and mixed research approaches were used. Primary and secondary data sources were used. From the 26 Lasta Kebele’s 5 kebele were selected purposively and 395 respondents from the sampling Kebele’s were taken. The internal consistency was analysed by Cronbach’s alpha and p>0.65 in all dimension. The major findings of the study revealed that lack of infrastructure, rare community awareness, lack of commitment of expert and farmer, less product diversification, financial constraints and lack of entrepreneurial behaviour were some of the limitations for agro-tourism development. From agro-tourism practice, educational and entertainment experiences have large correlations r=.548 and statistically significant. No relations between entertainment and outdoor recreation and is not statistically significant. Entertainment and hospitality service practices were statistically correlated (r=.321, p <.001). The practices of agro-tourism were very low and differ from kebele to kebele. From the outdoor recreation except horse-riding, hunting and wildlife activities were statistically significant differences in kebeles (p <0.05). Entertainment practices were also statistically significant difference within kebeles. The integration of agriculture and tourism were very low due to low commitment of farmers and expert, low promotion by concerned bodies, low motivation. The challenge of agro-tourism has statistically significant effect on the educational practice of agro tourism (p <0.05 p=0.012). Creating awareness, adopting alternative income generation mechanisms, commitment of experts and farmers, avoiding financial constraints, increasing product diversification and expanding infrastructure were some of the suggestions.
Analysis of changes in land use and land cover transition, climate extremes, and vegetation productivity: Drivers and agricultural risks in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-12-20) Addisu Damtew; Ermias Teferi (PhD), Victor Ongoma (PhD)
Exploring vegetation responses to human and climate-induced change and its feedback is crucial for understanding the terrestrial ecosystem dynamics and sustainable development. The study's main objective is to quantify the relative contribution of climate and human-induced Net Primary Productivity (NPP) and its implications on agriculture in the Awash Basin. Seasonal and annual trends and correlation between total rainfall (TRF) and NPP data (1982-2018) were used to disentangle climate from human-induced change. The Rain Use Efficiency (RUE) and Residual Trend Analysis (RESTREND) were also computed to support the analysis. The study revealed that the spatial heterogeneity of TRF in the basin influenced the NPP, RUE, and RESTREND results. The study shows that climate change decreased about 39.9% of NPP area, while human activities increased about 14.9 % of NPP area. Human activities that caused the increase in the NPP area are mainly found in areas where large-scale and small-scale irrigation activities are practiced. Human activities in land use and land cover transition, including expansion of bareland areas, rainfed agricultural lands, and vegetation losses, resulted in NPP reduction. The result of the study also indicated that the seasonal variation in NPP and TRF in the basin threatens farmers whose livelihood depends on rainfed agriculture. Generally, the declining rate of NPP in the Basin suggests that land degradation is increasing, resulting in reduced ecosystem service. Therefore, addressing the local conditions and factors driving the change is important when managing the basin's vegetation productivity.
Analysis of Drought with Respect to Water Resources Availability and Water Quality: The case of Nyangatom Woreda, Southern Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-06) Tigistu, Tamiru; Teferi PhD, Ermias
Drought expressed in terms of failure and shortage of rainfall is the major hazard that affects the livelihood of the Nyangatom people. The objective of this study was exploring the occurrence of droughts and their impacts on water resources availability and Water Quality at Nyangatom Woreda. Based on the result of the SPEI-3 month values was used represented in ( Annex4),there are a severe drought on the study area from June 1999 and November, December 2010 this implies that the soil moisture, SPEI-6 month values SPEI value may also begin to be associated with anomalous stream flow and reservoir conditions deficit occurred from March 1997 ,SPEI12 to 24 month value , month duration were recorded in grid cells in one periods, namely in the years 1999-2003 this implies that the deficit surface water and ground water. In addition to result of the study indicated in SPEI –index, the SPEI value is less than or equal to −1 observed that the occurrence of months in which drought was detected in all severity classes within the range 72-81 and corresponds to about 19-21% of the entire time under analysis and also SPEI time series -1, 3,6,12 and 24 calculation, drought severity, duration and intensity were analysis obtained maximum duration of grid point, SPEI-24 has shown in (Figure .8) ranges between 3-7 years in category short until long duration ,the highest severity recorded at the meteorological grid point occurred SPEI result at 1999-2003 which a peak of drought with index value range - 1.38 up to -6.20 (extremely dry) and Highest intensity that occurred in grid cell -1.09 in 2009 to 2012 the highest intensity for SPEI-24 was recorded in meteorology station. SPEI –index, statistically analysis used Non-parametric methods have been developed to detect trends in hydro meteorological time series. In the SPEI-3 monthly series, a drying trend occurred only in March statically significant and SPEI-6 and SPEI-24 monthly series, a drying trend occurred four month in February, March, April and June and the result is statistically significant in the representation .Therefore, the result of February up to June often drought occurrence in this month represented and time series representing longer time scales a decreasing trend. Based on this the researcher tried to recommend that carrying out capacity building training to the woreda water experts is essential to ensure the appropriate implementation of water management and biodiversity, the woreda administration should create awareness to the people to reduce or stop vegetation clearance using fire that affect the biodiversity of the area
Analysis of Surface Water Availability, Drought, and the Impact of Small-Scale Irrigation on Farmers' Livelihood in Upper Awash Sub-Basin, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-10-20) Husen Maru; Tesfaye Zeleke (PhD); Amare Haileslassie (PhD)
Irrigation is an important mechanism to mitigate risks associated with the variability in rainfall for the smallholder subsistence farming system. This study analyzed how practicing small-scale irrigation (SSI) impacts the key livelihood assets on farm households' human, physical, natural, financial, and social capitals in Ethiopia's upper Awash sub-basin. The household-level survey data collected from the 396 sample households were used for the current study. A Propensity Score Matching (PSM) analytical model was applied to match the SSI user and non-user groups. The difference between the five livelihood capital assets was estimated using the PSM's Nearest Neighbor, Radius, Kernel Mahalanobis, and Stratification matching criteria. The results indicated that farmers' participation in SSI has enhanced the capital assets of the farm households. Compared to the non-users, the irrigation users were better off in the number variety of food consumed (0.28±0.13 Standard Error [SE]), types of crops produced (0.60±0.17 SE), expenditures on land renting, and agricultural inputs (3118±877 SE) measured in Ethiopian Birr (ETB), as well as onfarm (9024±2267 SE ETB) and non-farm (3766±1466 SE ETB) incomes. Challenges such as the involvement of local brokers in the market value chain and the absence of farmers' marketing cooperatives have reduced the benefit of irrigated agriculture. Hence, the expansion of SSI schemes for non-user farmers should consider improving the water usage mechanism and productivity, establishing proper water allocation institutions between up and down streams, and limiting the role of brokers in the irrigation product marketing chain be future policy directions.
Analyzing Impact of Climate and Land Use Land Cover Changes on the Hydrologic Regime: The Case of Tekeze River Basin, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-06) Godana, Galma; Tedla Phd, Elias
Investigating the impacts of land-use and climate change on hydrologic regimes are essential in understanding the patterns and movement of hydrologic processes. The changes in land use land cover and climate change were experienced in the Upper Tekeze River basin in the last three decades (the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s) and climate changes is likely to occur under near future projections (2020-2040). The paper provides potential implications of land use/ land cover and climate change on streamflow, surface runoff, baseflow, evapotranspiration and water yield of Upper Tekeze River basin using soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model. The analysis of this study includes an investigation of changes in historical land-use patterns, individual and combined impacts of land use and climate change on hydrology and the factor playing a dominant role in modifying the hydrology of the area. The analysis of three land use/land cover reveals that the decline in forest and grassland and the increment in agricultural land where the predominant land use/land cover change over the past three decades. The hydrologic simulations indicate the influence of climate changes on the hydrologic regime was dominant than land-use change. The variation in evapotranspiration was more pronounced in land use/land cover change. However, the monthly variation in streamflow was mainly related to the seasonal changes in precipitation. The reduction in baseflow was mainly attributed to land-use change. The increment in surface runoff caused by climate change was enhanced by land-use change, while, the decline in evapotranspiration was enhanced by deforestation. Furthermore, the combined action of climate and land use follow the trends similar to the impact of climate change. Under future projection the result reveals that except evapotranspiration all other hydrological components (stream flow, surface runoff, base flow and water yield) show the decline under RCP8.5 while the increment under RCP4.5 except water yield which shows the decline. The finding from this thesis could provide information for local administration, and policymakers to better understand the changes in the hydrology of this region.
Apple Fruit Production as Climate Change Adaptation Option a Case Study in Sululta
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-10) Bulo, Kifle; Semie PhD, Negussie
The agricultural production of Ethiopia is challenged by the current changing climate. This research aims to assess and examine the contribution of farmer's apple fruit production as an option for climate change adaptation and diversification of household income. Data were collected from sampled individual apple producers, non - apple producer farmers, from focus group discussions and secondary data were thoroughly looked and analyzed. Data obtained from physical observations were also processed and analyzed. The findings of the processed data indicated that apple production in the sululta area had a wider contribution in strengthening the adaptation capacity of the urban and rural poor community against the current climate change effects happing in the area. The growth of apple trees provides additional income to the household beyond fresh and organic apple fruit supply to improve household nutrition. Apple tree largely contributing to conserving the soil and gives tremendous nutritional benefits to the urban dwellers and rural communities beyond its contribution to moderate the microenvironment. Even though tree growing in the area have shown tremendous benefits and contribution, however, apple promotion is not supported by new research findings and technical expertise. Apple production needs technical backstopping and well-organized extension services for encouraging tree growth and good production for a household. Studies confirmed that collaboration efforts bring remarkable change at the community level through resource contribution and knowledge sharing. From the analysis of the study result, we can conclude that both the government, private companies and industries working in the area jointly with the grass-root communities need to give due consideration and attention to the promotion of apple production to bring paradigm shift from less productive crop production to diversified fruit production in the area. A deeper understanding of the interdependence between changing climatic conditions and apple production together with adaptation options are very crucial
Assesement of E-Marketing and Crisis Management Practices Of Star-Rated Hotels in Addis Ababa amid Covid-19 and Ongoing Internal Conflict
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-06) Biniyam Alemu; Shiferaw Muleta (PhD)
The emergence of digital technology mainly has shifted the business practice in the world; this recent development has been playing an increasing role in the hospitality and tourism industry as well. Among others, star-rated hotels often apply various marketing and crisis management activities. However, there is hardly any study conducted on assessment of Emarketing and practice of crisis management strategy among Addis Ababa star-rated hotels. The purpose of this study is to assess E-marketing and crisis management practices among star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa amid COVID 19 and on-going internal conflicts. The research employed through mixed approach. Data (n=125) are collected from purposely selected marketing managers of star-rated hotels. Both primary and secondary sources of information were used. The analysis is followed by using a descriptive analysis for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The empirical findings show that star-rated hotels practice E-product, E-price, E-promotion and E-place in their business since internet marketing plays a vital role in the business by providing access to global consumer markets as well as growing their market share during the current crisis. Based on the result, workforce reduction was a dominant component of crisis management, followed by cost control, organizational support, and customer-oriented market respectively. The emarketing practices among star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa are challenged by poor infrastructure, Shortage of ICTs facilities and skills, Limited financial resources, speed and intermittency of internet connection, monopoly of telecom service by the state and absence of adequate room for private telecommunication service providers. The study also recommended that star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa could adopt a hybrid of e-marketing and practice of crisis management activities in order to remain profitable and the concerned body should give top priority for factors that hinders practice of electronic marketing during the course of COVID 19 and ongoing internal conflicts.
Assesment of Farmers Percepion and Drivers of the Cheleleka Wetland Degradation in Adea Woreda East Shoa Zone Oromia Regional State
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-12) Seifu, Azenega; Teferi Phd, Ermias
Wetlands are one of the fundamental natural assets from which a country benefits a lot .They provide invaluable biodiversity resources, support in water quality improvement, support ground water recharge, moderate climate change, and flood control. Wetlands of Ethiopia are under continuous degradation due to human and natural factors. The study intended to assess the perception of farmers and drivers of Cheleleka wetland degradation in Adea woreda east Shoa zone Oromia region Ethiopia .The study employed data collected from 400houshold surveys of seven kebeles and 52 key informant interview, FGD and personal observation. From the logistic regression the probabilities of the cause of wetland degradation for farmers those reported that farm land expansion is not the cause for wetland and water body degradation in cheleleka are exp(-44.245) less likely to the probabilities of the cause of wetland degradation for farmers those reported that farm land expansion is the cause for wetland and water body degradation in cheleleka wetland and Majority of household (96.3%) responded that population growth is the drivers for Cheleleka wetland degradation. In conclusion majority of respondents (86%) confirmed that cheleleka wetland became shrinking during last two decades
Assess Quality of Website: The Case of Tour Operating Firms’ in Ethiopia.
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-10) Gela, Yoseph; Muleta PhD, Shiferaw
Websites of tour operating firms’ relating to quality need to be attractive and must carry their quality by WQI parameters. However, there is hardly any prior study that has investigated the website quality of tourism sector in Ethiopia. This study aims at evaluating the website quality of tour operating firms in particular. From the total of 480 tour operating firms accredited by MoCT, only 175 firms’ have active websites. Hence, the list of these 175 firms served as a sample framework and a census sampling method was used in this study due to its manageable size. The study evaluates websites with an inclusive set of criteria, based on Web Quality Index. The Modified WQI comprises a total of four aspects, 12 parameter subject areas, 60 items based on contributions from experts in each of the item to work, and measure the quality of websites. The website of these 175 firms was rated by three ICT experts at a six-point scale for the five items developed under each dimension. Then, the average rating score of the three experts was considered in the website assessment of the tour operating firms. Before data analyses, validity and reliability tests were conducted. The mean score of the valid and reliable items under each dimension was computed. The findings show that the website of tour operating firms scored high on the usability and accessibility dimension (3.8317 mean out of five), while the score is low on the language aspect (1.6510 mean out of five). The rating scores under each of the 12 dimensions is thoroughly presented and discussed. Overall quality of tour operating firms’ website included in the study has a generally below average which is sufficient quality (2.6485 means).This study concludes that the websites of tour operating firms should be updated and improved based on WQI. It is recommended that the tour operating firms should strive to make their websites more attractive and friendly use by adding features that support decision making at different stages of travel which would enhance website quality.
Assess Tourism Resources and Its Development Challenges in Sekela Wereda, West Gojjam, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2019-06) Ayalew, Mekuanent; Senishaw PhD, Getachew
This study is planned to assess tourism resources and its development opportunities and challenges in Sekela Wereda. To achieve objectives of the study, the researcher employed quantitative and qualitative research methods. Both primary and secondary data were used to assess the resources as well as development opportunities and challenges. To collect the primary data, observation and interview were employed for tourism experts and religious leaders in West Gojjam Culture and Tourism Office and Sekela Wereda Culture and Tourism Office as well as religious institutes. In addition, personal observation was also conducted. The analysis of the study exposed that Sekela Wereda has natural and cultural tourism resources. From the natural tourism resources are sources of Blue Nile, Caves and landscapes. There are also various cultural tourism resources such as holy water, building, and artifacts. The availability of tourism resources and the government attention are opportunities of the Wereda to develop tourism. Even though the Wereda has these tourism resources, they have not well developed and utilized due to various factors such as lack of infrastructure, lack of accommodations, lack of awareness about the tourism resources, are among the factors that hinder tourism resources development in Sekela Wereda. Therefore, it is recommended that to develop infrastructures such as roads and other tourist facilities to visit and stay tourist long time in the area. It is needed collaboration among different stakeholders such as government and private companies as well as religious institutions to develop and exploit tourism resources of the study area.
Assessing Employee On-Job Training Practices at Four Star Hotels in Addis Ababa City
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-07-20) Kedir Hussen; Desalegn Amsalu (PhD)
Employees are the mainstay of an organization. It is important for organizational leaders to recognize the significance of training for employee performance and productivity. Having well-trained and skilled human resources is also the foundation for the organization’s competitive advantage in today’s global market. On-job training is one of the mechanisms to enhance the capabilities, knowledge, and skills of the employees in a hotel. The main objective of this research was to assess the employee’s onjob training practice and challenges at four-star hotels in Addis Ababa. The researcher used a descriptive research design and both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Primary and secondary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and personal desk review. The research has answered overarching questions “What are the existing on-job training practices and challenges in four-star hotels in Addis Ababa?” In Addis Ababa currently, there are 26 four-star rated hotels off which 24 four star hotels are active while two of them were temporarily closed at the time of data collection. The sample size was 306 which is determined using purposive and quota sampling techniques from all four-star rated hotels. The survey data were organized and presented using tools like graphs and tables and finally, the data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics method in line with the qualitative data collected through interviews and desk reviews. The researcher used the thematic analysis method for qualitative data. Based on the analysis, in the four star hotels in Addis Ababa no serious attention to allocate sufficient budget and resource for on job training. Moreover, insufficient time allocated for training especially for on job training. The researcher recommended that the management should develop employee training policy, strategy and objectives by which hotels can improve employee motivation and efficiency. The concerning department (HRM and Other stake holders) should give special attention for allotment of resource, budget and time for employee training and development.
Assessing Environmental Programs and Advocacy in Ethiopian Political Parties’ Electoral Debates
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-11) Abiy Hailu; Tesfaye Zeleke (PhD)
Various studies reported that political parties play a critical role in promoting environmental causes and green development policies. In light of this, the major objective of this study was to assess Ethiopian political parties’ environmental programs. Hence, party programs during the 6 th General Elections were utilized as data. The findings revealed that Ethiopia’s political parties somehow exercised environmental policy integration (EPI) and advocacy in their programs. EPI was particularly witnessed in their discussion of alternative policies for the agriculture sector. The parties tended also to take stronger positions on the issues of environmental and natural resources conservation and pollution. One of the interesting findings of this research is Kaffa Green Party, which, as the first and only green party in Ethiopia, is found to be implementing EPI in most of its sectoral programs
Assessing the Effectiveness of Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Program Implementation in Ethiopia: The Case of Oromia Regional State
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-08) Isa, Samuel; Simane, Belay Professor
The research was conducted to identify policy and strategy gaps, stakeholders engagement in REDD+ implementation processes, institutional alignment challenges and financial resource utilization gaps related to REDD+ program implementation in Oromia Region. Because there was no research conducted specifically on the above-mentioned issues. In particular, the study deals with the status of REDD+ implementation effectiveness in the Oromia region, REDD+ policy objectives and policy instruments, financial resource management efficiency and transparency of the REDD+ implementation, and lastly state the stakeholder's engagement in REDD+ implementation. The study was conducted using a fully qualitative research design. The units of analysis of the study were from the Oromia REDD+ Implementation project the professionals, wereda officials from both technical and steering committees, and local communities from Nekemte and Chancho coordinating Centers. In doing so, Focused Group Discussion participants and key interview informants were selected through probability and nonprobability sampling (multi-stage sampling and purposive sampling respectively). The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, Focused Group Discussion, observation, and document analysis. Finally forwards possible recommendations are presented in the last chapter. The data was presented, interpreted, and analyzed qualitatively by narrative. The finding of the study showed that the status of the implementation is challenged by the absence of a legitimate and coherent strategy. Consequently, REDD+ implementation in Oromia as well as at national level is led by the Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy. There are also federal proclamations that directly contradict the goal of the REDD+ program. Therefore, the absence of legitimate and coherent national/regional strategy made the REDD+ project implementation source of contention. Regarding institutional arrangements, Federal Environment Forest and Climate Commission found it difficult with Commission level Capacity to lead institutions with ministerial portfolios. This institutional arrangement problem is a bit better at regional level as it is led by regional vice president office. Financially, REDD+ project implementation at wereda level ignored to do the external auditing to improve efficiency and transparency of the financial utilization of the project and only internal audit is constantly conducted at woreda level. The finding has showed that REDD+ implementation is not underway in a way that benefits the local communities. The local community are not allowed to use the forest as farmland, grazing land, the forests for construction material, even are not allowed to use the forest for firewood, or not given other means of livelihood even if there is immense demand for the above listed needs. Similarly there are national proclamations that are directly in contradiction with REDD+ implementation. These include the Forest Proclamation 456/2005 and Environmental Impact Assessment proclamation 299/2002. Institutional arrangement such as including Ministry of Foreign Affairs in national steering and technical committee, giving the leadership of the national and regional REDD+ implementation program to Prime Minister Office and President Office are critically important. Now the national Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission is leading the implementation of the program at Federal level so that the commission is expected to coordinate big ministries such as Ministry of Agriculture to implement the REDD+ program. Regionally it seems better as the vice president office is leading the program implementation. Regarding financial resource utilization, only 69% of the 2020 budget year finance were used and this was attributed to instability in Oromia region especially West wollaga and Guji zones. On the other hand, even if external and internal audits are mandatory at federal, regional and Woreda level, there is no external audit conducted at Woreda level. Ethiopian government, till to date, is contributing nothing financially for the better implementation of the REDD+ program. Generally speaking the REDD+ implementation in Oromia region is ineffective due to the above mentioned bottlenecks.

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