Geography and Environmental Studies
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Item The Contribution of Bamboo forest in enhancing livelihood and ecological resilience: The case of Bambasi Woreda, Beneshangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-09-01) Mengistu Terefe; Asnake Mekuriaw (PhD)The thesis explores the multifaceted role of bamboo forests in improving local livelihoods and promoting ecological resilience. Bamboo, a fast-growing and versatile plant, offers economic benefits through sustainable harvesting and various uses in construction, crafts, and food products. This study employs qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the socioeconomic impacts of bamboo forests on communities and their contributions to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Findings indicate that bamboo forests significantly enhance community resilience by providing employment opportunities, improving food security, and fostering sustainable land management practices. Its over-exploitation affects the environment, wildlife habitat, native vegetation, and even the bamboo ecosystem. Regarding the economy of peoples, the study estimated the Contribution of Bamboo forest in enhancing livelihood and ecological resilience: with the general objective of assessing the role of bamboo forests in the regeneration of indigenous vegetation in Bambasi Woreda, Beneshangul Gumuz Regional State. Thet arget-specific aim of the study includes: analyzing the economic use of bamboo trees, examining the role of bamboo trees in the regeneration of indigenous vegetation, analyze the challenges of opportunities for bamboo trees in the study area. A sample of 124 respondents was randomly selected from three villages surrounding the known bamboo tree area (Anbesa Chaka) to analyze the significance of regeneration for Indigenous trees. The data were collected through structured questionnaires field observations, interviews, and focused group discussion. The study concluded that consideration of regenerative benefits to indigenous vegetation and economic characteristics living around the bamboo tree is essential in bamboo forestry conservation and rehabilitation. Therefore, the government associated with the community should emphasize on awareness of keeping and conserving the resources in Beneshangul Gumuz Regional State in general and enhance the rehabilitation program in Bambasi Woreda in particular. Besides this resource consumption trends should be improved to reduce wastage. Keywords: Contribution, Bamboo enhancing, ecological Benishangul Gumuz, BambasiItem Land Use Land Cover Change Detection of Urban Green Areas In Addis Ababa By Using Geospatial Technique: the Case of Nifas Silk Lafto Sub-City(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Meryem Hussein; Solomon Mulugeta (Prof)The purpose of this study, titled “land use land cover change detection of urban green areas in Addis Ababa by Using Geospatial Technique: The Case of Nifas Silk Lafto Sub-City,” is to Evaluate from 2004 to 2024, the distribution and dynamics of urban green spaces, assess the impact of urban expansion on these spaces, and provide recommendations for sustainable urban planning. The research focuses on Nifas Silk lafto Sub-city, a densely populated area facing significant challenges to its green spaces due to rapid urban growth. Using Landsat and sentinel Imagery, and employing object-based classification with eCognition software and NDVI calculations, the study analyzes land use changes over a 20-years period and compares them with the city‟s master plan. Key findings reveal an increase in urban green spaces and forests, although open spaces have declined due to urban expansion and regulatory challenges. The NDVI results shows increase followed by decrease, due to a significantly reduction in urban agriculture in the study area, the structural plan indicates and increase in urban green spaces. The study identifies an even distribution of green spaces and emphasizes the need for sustainable urban planning, community engagement, enhanced reforestation, and effective policy measures to balance development with environmental sustainability. Initiative like the Addis Ababa Riverside Development Project and the Green Legacy Program are essential for ecological sustainability the livability and environmental quality of NSL and Addis Ababa as a whole. Key words: UGS – urban green space, GI – green Infrastructure, LULC – land use land cover changesItem Livelihood Diversification Strategies of Farming Households in the Amhara Region: a Case Study From Simada Wereda, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Nigusie Tilahun; Tebarek Lika (PhD)The study was conducted up in Simada Wereda Ethiopia's. The research examined the variety of economic activities engaged in by agricultural communities, along with the customs they accepted in the process of obtaining foreign assistance. Findings revealed that a number of explanatory variables were involved in determining whether families engaged in different activities. In the cross-sectional study, significant relationships were found between financial capital, agricultural land size, access to credit, monthly income, dependence on foreign aid and daily working hours. The resolution also called for increasing resources to ensure easy credit, education and understanding of multiple income sources, and for promoting non-governmental organizations and the private sector as specific areas of employment. In the study area, households farm only through production activities such as traditional agriculture, and the population increases significantly with small businesses. Therefore, measures should be taken to engage in various profitable activities to improve their livelihood. In light of the many useful information obtained from this study, the problem of different livelihood strategies in the study area has not been fully resolved. Therefore, the study partners were asked to promote climate change agriculture in the study area and assist households in engaging farmers in implementing various social strategies to create a fast-paced economy. Keywords: Livelihood Diversification Strategies, Farming House Holds, NGOs.Item Challenges and Opportunities of Cottage Industry in Banja Woreda, Awi Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-07-01) Solomon Workneh; Tefere Mekonnen (PhD)The country's economic development greatly benefits from the cottage industry. These days, there are more and more cottage industries operating in this field. Therefore, the primary goal of this research is to investigate the opportunities and challenges associated with the cottage business in two rural kebeles and one town in Awi Zone, Banja Worda. The potential and difficulties faced by the cottage industry were examined using both quantitative and qualitative methods. In a cross-sectional design, data was challenges clollected from 208 respondents. since there was no requirement for a sample. In the light of the findings, it is recommended that financial institutions, such as banks and microfinance institutions should create alternative collateral systems that include the financial needs of their businesses as well as the economic situation of the cottage industry. The government has the authority to manage the external elements, such as infrastructure and market access that are stated as dimensions influencing the performance of cottage industry businesses. As such, the government should take the lead infrastructure provision, facilitating financial access, creating market linkages and fostering education to bolstering the cottage industries and enhancing the livelihoods of those involved in the sector. Keywords: Cottage industry, financial access, market linkage, infrastructure, Awi ZoneItem Causes and Consequence of Rural-Urban Migration: the Case of Injibara Town,Awi Zone Amhara Regional Staet Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-09-01) Tizazu Limenh; Teferi Mokonnen(Dr.)Humn migration is the term used to describe the movement of people or groups, motivated by a variety of circumstances, from one geographical location to another. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reasons behind migration from rural to injibaratown, its effects, and the difficulties that migrants encounter when they get urban. In May 2023, 196 migrant from three purposively chosen kebeles in Injibara town participated in a cross-sectional research. Both primary and secondary sources of data were employed in the investigation. Methods of descriptive regression were used to analyze the data. The study area's rural-urban migration patterns and the demographic makeup of migrants were examined through the use of descriptive analysis. While the Probit model estimation regression results were used, they showed that the following factors were significantly pull factors in the study area: marital status (being single), expected income in the urban setting, short distance, education level, and relatives who resided in the receiving area; whereas family size, gender (being male), age, unemployment, education status, land ownership, and inadequate income are significant push factors. The study also showed that the town's primary effects were increasing urban unemployment, driving up living expenses, straining social services and housing, and uncontrolled urban growth. Policies that try to lower the number of people moving from rural to urban areas should concentrate on providing social services, infrastructure, and jobs in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. Hence, provision of facilities and amenities, job creation and proper urban managements are needed in the town. Keywords: Cause; Consequence, Injibara, .Probit regression model, Push and pull factors, Rural-Urban MigrationItem Analysis of Drivers and Implications of Land Use Land Cover Dynamics Using Remote Sensing and Gis Techniques in the Lagatafo Lagadadi Town and Its Surrounding Area(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Weyesa Merga; Mohammed Assen (Prof)In many parts of Ethiopia, changes in land cover and use are a frequent occurrence. Understanding the dynamics of land use/land cover change, it’s driving factors and impact helps the policy makers to understand the situation and put forward sustainable land uses. This study's objective was to examine changes in LU/LC, their causes, and the socioeconomic effects they have in and around Lagatafo Lagadadi Town. The study was conducted using a combination of GIS, remote sensing, and socioeconomic data. Satellite images of different dates (1983, 1996, 2006, 2016 and 2023) were used to quantify land cover changes using maximum likelihood algorithm of supervised classification. The study’s finding demonstrated that built-up area shows increasing trend through the study periods; 1983 to 2023. In 1983, the built-up area was account for 1.58%; nevertheless, it was 2.55% in 1996, 9.78% in 2006, 45.5 % in 2016 and 53.14%. In general built up area was increased mainly at the expense of Cropland. Cropland shows an increment during 1983 to 1996 from 87.42% to 94.13% and starts to continuously decline during 2006, 2016 and 2023 to 74.2%, 43.83% and 35.37% respectively. Vegetation shows decline between “1983 to 1996” from 2.15% to1.43% and starts to rise during 2006 to 10.6%. And finally it shows 2.85%, and 4.94 in 2016 and 2023respectively. Shrub land shows decreasing trend between 1983 and 1996 (7.51% in 1983, 0.84% in 1996) and then increased to 4.35% between 1996 and 2006. Water bodies showed continuous declining from 1.34% in 1983, to1.21% in 203. Urban expansion due to population growth and immigration was identified as the most drivers of change. These changes resulted in loss of cropland as well as decrease in household income. Based on this, it was determined that there have been notable changes in land use and cover as a result of different socioeconomic causes, which have led to diverse socioeconomic repercussions. To establish management choices, a sustainable land use plan is recommended. Key Words: Drivers, GIS and remote sensing, Implications, LULC dynamicsItem Challenges and Potentials of Urban WateSupply In Gemjabet Town, Awi Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-07-01) Aderaw Mengist; Tebarek Lika (PhD)Water scarcity and low quality have become major worldwide problems, especially impacting developing country towns and cities. The issue is made worse in many areas by rapid urbanization since the infrastructure cannot keep up with the rush of additional residents. The goal of this study is to evaluate Gimjabet Town's pure water supply's potentials and obstacles. The purpose of the study is to determine the characteristics of the water supply, the main obstacles, and the effects of the current setup. Through the use of questionnaires and interviews, the study gathers and analyzes cross-sectional data from 184 sampled households utilizing a descriptive research design and qualitative research methods. To pick the sample households, systematic random sampling was used. While secondary data were obtained from published journals, papers, and other publications, primary data were gathered from households, community elders, religious leaders, institutions, and organizations. A descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data. The results emphasize the negative effects of insufficient water supply on the economy and health, especially for women and children. Because most locals rely on tainted traditional water sources including hand-dug wells, springs, rivers, and rainfall, they run a serious danger of contracting waterborne diseases. Based on the findings, reliable/sustainable water distribution network is hindered by high costs, frequent outages, and inadequate infrastructure. Children and women who frequently go great distances to fetch water are disproportionately affected economically and health-wise. In addition, problems with the water supply are made worse by ineffective manuicipal management and a shortage of skilled labor. In order to enhance the water supply system, the community, government, and non-governmental organizations must work together in concert, as the report emphasizes. Accurate population forecasting techniques should be used, distribution networks should be regularly maintained, public awareness of water conservation should be raised, and stakeholder collaboration should be strengthened. Resolving Gimjabet Town's issues requires ensuring sustainable water management techniques. Keywords: Gimjabe, manuicipal, management, sustainable, infrastructureItem Management Practices on Gimara Small Scale Irrigation Scheme: the Case of Ayehu Guagsa Woreda, Awi Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-08-01) Alemu Yenew; Muluneh Woldetsediq (PhD)Agriculture in Ethiopia is primary rain fed and depends on erratic rainfall, characterized by frequent failures of production. The survey gap was to fill the management problem in the study area the challenges that hinder the managements of irrigation practice and the major determinant factors that affect farmers to practice irrigation. The study employed mixed research approach. The required data for the study was collected from both primary and secondary sources Simple random sampling method was used to select three sampled villages from the total of six villages in the irrigation area. From a total of 540 households 130 respondents were selected as sample households by using Kothari formula. Chi-square test was employed to examine the relationship between categorical variables. Binary logistic regression model was mainly employed to identify factors affecting small scale irrigation practices. The study clearly revealed that scarcity of irrigation water and increasing number of irrigation users from time to time were the major challenges which hindered effective irrigation management practices. The binary logistics regression result indicated that, access to extension services; experience, sex, credit and training were found to be statically significant factors to determine irrigation practices. Water user’s association committee and other concerned bodies should control illegal water users in the upper course of irrigation area who are the major sources of water scarcity for downstream communities and they should distribute irrigation water adequately, timely and fairly for irrigation users. Key words: Small scale irrigation, irrigation practice, Gimara Irrigation SchemeItem The Spatio Temporal Relationship Between Land Use Land Cover Change and land Surface Temperature Change the Case of Hawassa area, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Aliy Yimer; Mola Maru (PhD)The Hawassa area in Ethiopia is a crucial region for controlling the local climate, but it is also environmentally sensitive and vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Over the past few decades, rapid social and economic growth has led to significant changes in land use and land cover in this area. However, the current impact of these changes on the variability of the local climate, particularly in light of climate change, is still largely unknown. Land cover analysis was performed using the multispectral bands from Landsat 5 TM, 7ETM+ and Sentinel-2A MSI.The normalized difference vegetation index was calculated from the near-infrared and red spectral bands. The normalized difference built up index was calculated from the short-wave infrared and near infrared spectral bands. Zonal and correlation statistics were calculated for the normalized difference vegetation index, normalized difference built up index andland surface temperature data. To investigate,land surface temperature, data from thermal bands of Landsat 5, 7, and 8 for the years 1988, 2008, and 2023 respectively. The findings clearly demonstrate that different types of surfaces have a significant impact on land surface temperature. There is a considerable variation in land surface temperature among various land useland cover types. Cropland, settlement (built-up land), and grassland all exhibit higher land surface temperature, while forested areas, water bodies, and agroforestry show lower land surface temperature. Water bodies and vegetation cover play a crucial role in regulating land surface temperature and mitigating the heat effects on the earth. The study also reveals a strong negative correlation between normalized difference vegetation index and land surface temperature (coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.9332 in 1988, 0.9288 in 2008, and 0.9431 in 2023). On the other hand, the coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.9908 in 1988, 0.995 in 2008, and 0.9771 in 2023clearly show a strong positive relationship between the Normalized Difference Built-up Index and Land Surface Temperature. Land cover change has become a vital aspect of current resource management and environmental change monitoring strategies. As a result, it is crucial for governmental and non-governmental agencies to prioritize both proper land use management and the ecological impact of each land cover. This is supported by the thesis results for example the trained of water bodies continuously decrease the all over the study year Keywords: NDVI, LST, Hawassa area, NDB, and LU/LCItem The Contribution of Small Scale Irrigation to Increase Agricultural Production In Banja District with Particular Reference to Kessa Chewsa Kebele, Awi Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-08-01) Amsalu Chekol; Muluneh Woldetsadick (PhD)Assessing how small-scale irrigation affects agricultural productivity is the study's primary objective. In this survey, a mixed research technique used to utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods was employed. In addition, the study has utilized a descriptive research design in order to accomplish the aforementioned goal. Questionnaires were used to gather socioeconomic data from 286 randomly selected sample households in the sample kebele, including both irrigation users and non-users. Additional data also obtained from secondary sources, KII, FGD, and firsthand observations. Statistical methods for descriptive and inferential analysis were applied in order to arrange, examine, and present the dada. This study, which examined the effects of SSI production, produced some significant findings, including the fact that irrigation users and non-users differ significantly in terms of income, asset ownership, the security of food crop production, and living conditions. High rates of extension service delivery, non-farm income, and market and credit and training accessibilities, and farming technology availability have all been demonstrated to be critical elements of the area's irrigation farming determinants. The government also encouraged high productivity and SSI output. Permanent trees that have spread over a significant percentage of the area probably reduce the quantity of irrigable land that each household owns. The study found that irrigation farming is more important for agricultural expansion than family labor force, families clearly differ in their economic and food security position, and there is a lack of family labor force. According to the inquiry, the area currently covered in trees should be converted to irrigation farms in order to boost food crop output as well as household income, asset holding, and standard of living. In order to protect food crops' failure, revenue, and assets and to improve their quality of life overall, it is also imperative that actions be taken to change the way some families see and understand irrigation farming. A number of households ought to be granted credit to operate irrigation farming by lowering collateral requirements and devising efficient means of obtaining the loan. Keywords: Contribution, small scale irrigation, agricultural production, productivity, irrigation users, non-users, Banja districtItem The Role of Urban Agriculture in Improving the Livelihood of Urban Community in Addisababa(Addis Ababa University, 2024-09-01) Bayelign Birku; Tebarek Lika (PhD)The primary goal of this thesis, which was conducted in Addis Ababa, was to assessing the role of urban agriculture in improving the livelihood of urban community. It incorporated livestock rearing, horticulture and poultry farming. The study area was chosen using the purposeful sampling technique. A sample of 192 respondents were drawn from a total of 3266 populations using a systematic random sampling procedure. The researcher used descriptive mixed research method supported by both quantitative and qualitative data. The spatial-temporal trends of UA in the study area was decreased157 (81.8%) dramatically. The major reason as reported by 152(79.2%) respondents were urban expansion. It can be understood from the findings of the study that UA has spatial, vulnerability reduction, increase livelihood asset and livelihood improvement implications. According to research results UA improved the economic, physical, human, social and natural capitals of community in Addis Ababa. It implied that UA reduce vulnerability and improves the livelihood of urban community by increasing their livelihood assets. Although urban agriculture is playing a significant role by increasing the income of urban farmers, improving nourishment supply and improving livelihoods, it can be understood from the findings that it is a sector that has a combination of complex problems and good opportunities. Shortage of fodder and inputs particularly farmers who raise poultry and milk cows, constructing fences, shortage of water particularly for crop production, access to credit service, shortage of land, disease and pests, problems of affording initial capital were the major constraints to practice urban agriculture. According to the results, it is necessary to strengthen the favorable conditions for urban farmers to upgrade their quality of life. High availability of market and transport, skill training and assistance, access to special seed and fertilizers, treatment of crops and animals, appreciation and reward from the community and government body, government policy and input delivery were the major opportunities while practicing urban agriculture in the study area. Finally the researcher suggests micro finance institutions should work with urban agriculture farmers to provide special credit service. Key words: urban, urban agriculture, livelihood improvementItem Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations Strategies Among Smallholder Farmers: the Case of Chiro Woreda, West Harerghe, Oromia Region, East Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-08-01) Belay Gurmessa; Aklilu Amsalu(PhD)Small-scale farmers in poor countries, particularly in Africa, that depend on rain-fed crops for a living have been impacted by climate change. Climate change adaptation and mitigation are critical in this environment. This study was to assess the impact of climate change and adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in Chiro Woreda. The selection of the kebeles were done purposefully based on the agroecology. For the study, one group in each kebeles was formed composed of male and female to collect primary data. The main methods used to gather the data were interviews with kebeles administrators’, woreda managers’, and development team leaders’ peoples and local elders; questionnaires; focused group discussions (FGDs) with selected farmers; and reviewing secondary data from different unpublished sources. Descriptive ways of analysis methods was applied. Farmers had adopted various climate change adaptations; the respondents had income source diversification; early and late planting, shifting from cattle to small ruminants, practicing soil and water conservation, having planted drought-resistant crops, practicing decreased livestock, practicing forestation and reforestation, practicing mixed farming, practicing irrigation, and practicing daily labor. The study was focused on major problems of crop production. Farmers also sorted out their major challenges for their failures to adapt, which include lack of irrigation, inadequate of money to finance their adaptation strategies, inadequate of knowledge concerning appropriate adaptation strategies, unavailable of information about long-term climate change, lack of extension services, insufficient infrastructure, shortage of land, insecure property rights and land tenure issues, and lack of credit service. Key words:, climate change, adaptation strategy, adaptation, smallholder farmersItem A Semi-Automated Technique for Cadastral Boundary Extraction from UAV Images Using Deep-Learning and Geospatial Techniques(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Binyam Zeray; Asnake Mekuriaw (PhD)The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development acknowledges the crucial role of land in advancing and accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals across the globe. Nevertheless, a large portion of land rights worldwide are still unregistered in government-sanctioned systems. To address this issue, the Fit-for-Purpose (FFP) approach to land administration has been introduced. This approach aims to streamline cadastral mapping and minimize the expenses and time associated with conventional surveying methods. This study examines the progress and possibilities of using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery and Deep learning techniques, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), which are employed for the extraction of cadastral boundaries. CNNs have demonstrated their effectiveness in accurately and efficiently extracting boundaries, as they are capable of extracting high-level features without the need for human expertise in feature engineering. The study tested the BDCN and HED deep learning models for cadastral boundary extraction from UAV datasets. The BDCN model achieved an average precision of 0.68, a recall of 0.80, and an F-score of 0.73. It had an average precision of 0.88 and an overall IoU of 0.85. The HED model performed slightly better achieving an average precision of 0.66, a recall of 0.68, and an F-score of 0.67. It also demonstrated an average precision of 0.98 and an overall Intersection over Union (IoU) of 0.88. The results indicate that these deep learning models can effectively extract cadastral boundaries in vector polygon format, which can be directly used in mapping for rural cadaster with post-processing and field verification. The study highlights the potential of using UAV imagery and deep learning techniques to support more efficient and cost-effective cadastral boundary mapping, aligning with the goals of the Fit-for-Purpose land administration approach. Keywords: Land administration, Cadastral mapping, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Deep learning techniquesItem Analysis of Land Use/Cover Change and Its Correlation with Land Surface Temperature in Asella and its Surrounding Area, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Dawit Desalegn; Muluneh W/Tsadik (PhD)One of the primary environmental issues and challenges that have a significant impact on the growth of agriculture and urban areas is the change in land use and cover change (LU/LC). The world is currently dealing with an excessive rise in land surface temperature (LST) year to year. The present study has investigated the analysis of land use/cover change and its correlation with land surface temperature. The study was carried out in Asella and its surrounding area, located in the Oromia region, Eastern Ethiopia. LU/CC, NDVI, and LST were extracted from Landsat TM (1987), Landsat ETM + (2005), and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS (2023) using GIS and remote sensing tools. A split window algorithm was used to calculate the land surface temperature. Using geospatial techniques, changes in LU/LC that took place throughout the research area between 1987 and 2023 were assessed, examined, and validated by Google Earth. The result of LU/CC showed that farmland land covered more than 53% throughout the study times (1987–2023) Based on the analysis, the majority of regions with lower LST in 1987 and higher LST in 2023. This occurred due to an increase in various LU/LC changes, particularly the study area's declining plant cover. Through the use of zonal statistics as a table to link the LST and the LU/LC class parameters, it has been discovered that a negative association between LST and vegetation cover. The findings for land surface temperature indicated that the values ranged from 8.74ºC to 48.85ºC in the Southwestern, Ziway wetter bodies, and Southeastern along Chilalo Terara. The high NDVI number is what caused this to occur. In contrast, the LST values in the central, northeastern, northern, and west regions were high, reaching as high as 48.85ºC. Consequently, a visual comparison of 1987, 2005, and 2023 images demonstrated the significant influence that LU/LC type and NDVI status have on the variability of LST values. Reversing the LU/CC has proven to be challenging. Nonetheless, several actions need to be taken by environmental specialists and pertinent organizations to reduce their influence on the environment and LST. The efficiency of employing geospatial tools as time- and money-saving techniques for LST analysis and evaluation is demonstrated by this study. Keywords: Remote sensing, GIS, LU/LC, LU/CC, LST, NDVI, and Landsat imageItem Role of Urban Agriculture in Household Food Security in Peri-Urban Addis Ababa: a Case Study of Woreda 01 Nifas-Silk-Lafto Sub-City(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Elias Tefera; Solomon Mulugeta (Asso Prof)The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of urban agriculture in household food security in peri-urban Addis Ababa: a case study of the Woreda 01 Nifas-Silk-Lafto Sub-city. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the role of urban agriculture in household food security and, It also tries to see the types of assistance needed and suggests possible solutions to the problems. This study employed a cross-sectional survey design. On the other hand, the study were gathered using questionnaire survey of 212 households used multistage sampling techniques to select the target population. Additionally, the study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect the data. To obtain quantitative data the study used structured questionnaires whereas qualitative data was obtained through field observation, document review and semi-structured interview. Moreover, the study used both primary and secondary data sources. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Additionally inferential statistics correlation analysis and binary logistic regression were used. Inferential statistics used to assess the association or the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The results of the study showed that urban agriculture has played an immense role in changing the food security of urban society for the better. 68.86 percent of the respondents replied that urban agriculture has the potential to minimize food insecurity. The major challenges to urban agriculture in 01 Nifas-Silk-Lafto Sub-city include a lack of credit services, a lack of money, an absence of land, an increasing number of people in urban areas, and the absence of adequate transport systems. Furthermore, the main reasons for not ensuring food security in the city were the rapid growth of the population, the lack of appropriate institutions, weak land policies, and the lack of household training.. Furthermore, the majority of people do not have the more skills, and there is no educational preparation to work in urban agriculture. The researcher recommends that, in order for urban agriculture to grow, farmers should be given short training on agricultural practices by people who have knowledge about urban agriculture or agricultural experts, and they should be taught about agriculture. In addition, to develop urban agriculture, farmers should use modern farming tools such as improved seed, fertilizer and so on. Keywords: Urban agriculture, food security, peri-urban district 01 Nifas-Silk-Lafto Sub-cityItem Urban sprawl and its implications on Land use/Land cover Dynamics: The case Bahir Bar city, Amhara region, north central Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2022-11-01) Fentahun Abebe; Teferi Mekonen(PhD)Due to urban sprawl different land use /land cover change was registered, this change had its own impacts on the environment and lives of the population. The general objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of urban sprawl on land use/ land cover dynamics in Bahir Dar city. This research was mixed types of research, with concurrent research design. To achieve the objective, stratified and systematic random sampling techniques were used. The sample size of this study was 387 samples, from those samples 27 of them were interviewed, the remaining 360 respondents filled the questionnaires. The findings shows that, the majority of the respondents explained that rural to urban migration, absences of quality of urban planning, the existence of accessible areas, and demand for more living space were the causes of urban sprawl. Due to the above factors the expansion of Bahir Dar city occurred to the east (Gondar outlet), west (Airport and Hospital Street), and south (Merawi and Adet outlet) directions, whereas expansion to the north was limited by Lake Tana. From 1991 to 2021, there has been a persistent increase in built up area while some of the classes have had an inconsistent or irregular increase or decrease in their land cover. Water, for instance, increased in 2001 and 2011, but decreased in 2021. Vegetation somewhat increased starting from 2001, but Agricultural lands decreased throughout the years except in 2001. In addition due to urban sprawl the agricultural production was reduced, ecosystem, and lifestyle was disturbed, income status was declined, infrastructure supply was reduced , and land value was increased in the study area. To minimize this problem the government and concerned stakeholders shall manage the urban sprawl by decreasing informal settlement, and preparing smart growth to combat urban sprawl by developing in a way that does not endanger the land or community. Planners and architects who promote smart growth seek to develop a stronger sense of place through a more compact way of development, also known as mixed-use. Keywords: Urban sprawl, Land use/Land cover, built up area, GIS, Bahir Dar cityItem The Effect of Subterrannean Termite and Farmers Traditional Management Method In Manasibu District West Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-08-01) Gamachis Bekama; Assefa Abegaz(PhD)The study of the impacts of subterranean termite on agricultural production and farmers’ traditional management methods was carried out in two kebele of mana sibu district (woreda) from September 2022 to August 2024. The data were gathered from farmers, woreda agricultural office, agriculture development agents (ADAs) and kebele elders of the study area. A household survey questionnaire was collected from 150 households selected randomly. Additionally qualitative data/information was collected from 28 informants who were selected purposely for focus group discussion and in depth interviews. Relevant information was collected by using semi-structured interview, field observation, questionnaire and focus group discussion. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis were used for data analysis. Based on the gathered data, the impacts of subterranean termite have positive significant correlation with farmers’ indigenous management practices. After Traditional Termite Management was practiced in the study area, soil erosion and wall destruction were decreased whereas; crop production and availability of forage for animal were increased. Deforestation is the main causing factor for increased termite impacts on agricultural production system in the study area. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that the district agricultural office and all the concerned bodies should take local fitted measures. In doing so farmers should considered in the planning, management and control measures to halt termite infestation and it’s impact on agriculture, and households’ income particularly and environmental generally. Keywords: Subterranean termite effect, Farmers’ traditional termite management practiceItem Contribution of Sustainable Land Management Practices to soil organic carbon Sequestration in yesir water shed, Bure Zuria Woreda, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2023-08-01) Girma Kibret; Assefa Abegaz(PhD)The sustainable land management program (SLMP) of Ethiopia aims to improve livelihoods and create resilient communities and landscape to climate change. Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration is one of the key co-benefits of the SLMP. Thus, understanding a change in different land management measures and improved agronomic practices with its relation in Carbon stock change is crucial to understand the potential of different SLM practice i.e., soil bund, pastureland management, afforestation/reforestation, and area closures will create resilient landscape to climate change.The objective of the study was to assess the impact ofSLM practice on SOC in Yesir watershed, Bure zuria District, NW Ethiopia. A total of 98 soil samples werecollected in 2010and the same number of samples collected fromthesamelocation in 2018. The study followed both qualitative and quantitative method of analysis to assess the SOC change between the two years. The study conducted on three land use types, i.e., Cultivated land, Grassland and Shrub-land. In addition, two Agro-ecological zones, i.e., Highland (above 2300m asl and Mid-highland (between 1500-2300m) were considered in the study area. The resulthighlighted that when measuring the spatial SOC stbetween thetwo AEZ in thestudyarea, more SOC quantity was observed in the Highland as compared to the Mid-highland up to 0- 20cm depth. The differences were not statistically significant, however, as demonstrated by the test of 95% of confidence interval of one way ANOV that did not provide significant differences between the two AEZs. The observed higher SOC values in the highland than in the mid altitude might be due to two factors: i)SOC density may increase in the highlands with increased precipitationasincreasedrainfallenhancesabovegroundbiomassproductionandii)decreases with temperature along increases in altitude lead to occurrence of cold soil temperature which may reduce soil carbon losses via microbial decomposition of soil organic matter. Furthermore, statistical evidence for the paired observations between the baseline and post SLM in the farmland and Grassland highlighted that there was no significant difference observed from zero. This might be due to the fact that the specific SLM technologies (“bunds with vegetations”) implemented in the agricultural land were not supported by interventions that supplies different carbon input to the soil (crop residue input and other soil management practices). Under agricultural land, factorsuch as the quantityandqualityof organic matter input, decomposition rate, and land management practices would largely determine its C sequestration potential (Bayer et al., 2006; Cochran et al., 2010). On the other hand, the study showed that, there was significant differences in the shrub-land between the two years in SOC (P<0.005) upto 20cm depth. Similarly, statistically significant variation (P < 0.05) of SOC was observed between the two years at watershed level. The observed differences could be attributed to different factors i.e., the combination of physical and biological interventions (terraces + vegetations + area enclosure) that resulted in the highest SOC. The study identified that implementation of SLM interventions can bring significant difference in terms of change in soil Organic carbon. To increase SOC stock in the agricultural land, two possible measures can be suggested, these are integration of reducedtillage ,Soilfertility management combinedwith bio-physicalinterventionsthatincreasecarboninputintothesoil.secondly,increasequality of Soil and water conservation structures and regular maintenance in the farmland. Keywords:Watershed,Soilorganiccarbonstock, Soilorganiccarbonstock changeItem Assessment of Land Suitability Using a Gis-Based Multi-Criteria Analysis for Rice Cultivation in Fogera Woreda, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Melese Getinet; Demis Mengist (PhD)Land evaluation is a basis for sustainable land resource planning and management. In Ethiopia, national economic growth is highly dependent on agriculture and the land’s productivity is low due to mismanagement of the land, land degradation, and intensive cultivation; this condition is worse in Fogera plain. This study evaluates land suitability for rice cultivation in the Fogera Woreda. A GIS technique with a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) approach was applied to evaluate the land appropriateness for rice cultivation. Factors that were considered for the analysis of the land suitability for rice cultivation were rainfall, temperature, slope, land use land cover (LULC), soil type, soil texture, soil depth, and soil pH. The weight of influence of each factor was computed by pair-wise comparison technique which is one of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. The final rice suitability analysis map was created by combining all factors with their respective weights in the ArcGIS Pro overlay tool. The results of the suitability analysis revealed that 728.5km² (65.9%) was highly suitable, 235.9 km² (21.4%) was moderately suitable, 57.4 km² (5.2%) was less suitable, and 82.7 km² (7.5%) unsuitable for rice cultivation. The results of the research show that the study area has a huge potential area for rice cultivation. Keywords: AHP, MCE, rice cultivation, suitability analysis, weighted overlay analysisItem Garlic Value Chain Analysis in Mingar Shenkora Woreda: Amhara Region, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2022-11-01) Temesgen Bekele; Tebarek Lika (PhD)Growing garlic is becoming an important economic activity and one of development strategies in many countries. Both methods of production and the menses of marketing are improving; as a result there is production boost; but, in Ethiopia, the figure is lagging behind the global standards. In MingarShenkoraWoreda, where garlic is grown as one of the most important commercial vegetables; production is becoming an extraordinary economic activity. This study objectively identified: factors affecting production, value chain actors’, actors’ relationship and their respective role, marketing channels, and the opportunities and constraints; based on descriptive type of research; qualitative and quantitative methods; primary and secondary data; thus methodologically itdeployed mixed approach. The primary data were collected from 400 sample units from a population of 1,117 households using questionnaire method; and from different stakeholders based on individual and focus group interview. The secondary data were collected from statistical abstracts from Ethiopian Statistical Service, and annual reports from MinjarShenkoraWoredaOfficeof Agriculture, and MinjarShenkoraWoreda Administration Office. Datawasdescribed and analyzed under different statistical parameters such as: mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, percentage, and chi-square test both manually and using SPSS. Results of the study show, production is increasing, due to high demand from the market; but productivity is declining, because of traditional farming practices, and less focus and support from the government. Moreover, results of the study also show, total production has been increasing over time, not as a result of improving productivity; but, increasing the cropping land. Thus, this research work critically recommends; focuses to modernize and transform the agricultural sector through designing and implementing new appropriate policy interventions; that encourages and benefits smallholder farmers’ in one hand, and conducting more and more research works that could bring better productivity and smooth marketing environment; on the other hand.