scholarly journals Estimating Land Expectation Value of Smallholder Farmers’ Eucalyptus Woodlot Products in Wogera District, Northern Ethiopia

Author(s):  
yordanos sete deresse ◽  
Getahun Abreham Assefa

Abstract Background: The area of Eucalyptus plantations has expanded greatly and the species dominates many rural and urban landscapes as it suits the limited resources of smallholder farmers, yields higher income than other tree crops and increasing demand for woodlot products. The study conducted in Wogera District within three purposively selected kebele administrations. Smallholder farmers at the study area are converting their crop land to Eucalyptus plantation. Therefore there should need to deal the pushing factors for the allocation of Eucalyptus. This study aims at identifying the factors influencing decision of land allocation for eucalyptus woodlot production, and estimating the land expectation value. Method: Cross sectional data was collected through semi-structured interview schedule. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and Faustman formula. Results: The results of the household survey revealed that land degradation and neighbor influence are the main factors for smallholders’ land allocation decision for Eucalyptus plantation. Therefore, as per the results, most of the crop land has been converted to Eucalyptus plantation. However, this a rapid land conversion issue made a threat on most farmers in related to losing of indigenous crops so as it leads them to be food insecured. Conclusion: Farmers in the study area are rational in their land allocation for production of either annual or perennial crops including Eucalyptus woodlots. Finally the study recommends government intervention in the separate land management issue is mandatory to make balance in production of both Eucalyptus and crops.

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph P. Musara ◽  
Lovemore Musemwa ◽  
Munyaradzi Mutenje ◽  
Abbyssinia Mushunje ◽  
Charles Pfukwa

Sorghum is important for sustainability of smallholder farmers’ subsistence, social and economic livelihoods in semi-arid and arid environments of Southern Africa. However, production of the crop has been on the decline in the smallholder communities of semi-arid Zimbabwe. The study examines factors affecting smallholder farmers’ inclination towards producing sorghum and allocating differential land proportions towards the crop. The paper uses a double hurdle estimation approach with cross-sectional survey data from 380 small holder sorghum farmers in the Mid Zambezi region. Frequency of contact with relatives, duration of receiving subsidies and the number of groups to which household members belonged had a robust influence (p<0.01) on the adoption decision. Market frequency, availability of storage facilities and the number of buyers in the market significantly (p<0.01) influenced the land allocation decision. Variables influencing the two decisions are not necessarily the same showing independence in the decisions. However, information flow from networks and conditions of market platforms remain important variables in the two decisions. It is important to decentralise sorghum markets, strengthen local networks of kinships and increase the scope of inclusive and responsive formal extension delivery systems. Storage facilities can also be developed in partnership with private players to allow for sales during market windows which generates higher returns for the small holder sorghum farmers.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mesfin Wudu Kassaw ◽  
Ayele Mamo Abebe ◽  
Kirubel Dagnaw Tegegne ◽  
Mikiyas Amare Getu ◽  
Woldemichael Tadesse Bihonegn

Abstract Background፡ Trachoma is a neglected eye problem and primary cause of preventable corneal blindness. In endemic areas, initial infection occurs in early childhood, and recurrent infection progress to scarring and blindness. In the past four decades, GET2020 initiative eliminated Trachoma from developed countries through enhancements of hygiene and sanitation but still a problem of developing countries. Studies and reports also indicated the presence of high prevalence of Trachoma in Ethiopia and in the study area. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of active trachoma among rural preschool children in Wadla district, Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study design was considered to gather data from 583 children using sample size determination, but 596 children were screened for signs of active trachoma because of the sampling procedure nature, cluster sampling technique. Wadla district has 150 rural villages, which are similar in topography and socio-demographic status. Based on rule of thumb 30 villages (clusters) were included for the data collection. An interview on socio-demographic data were collected by health informatics professionals using structured interview questioners, which were prepared through reviewing previous literatures and pretested in Meket Woreda. Eye examination was performed by Integrated Eye Care Workers who trained for one month for the purpose of trachoma screening by Carter center-Ethiopia. Results - The prevalence of active trachoma among rural pre-school children in Wadla district was 130 (21.8%). Regarding risk factors, poor economic status (AOR (95% CI), (3.8 (1.3-11.4), being 37- 48 months old (AOR (95% CI), (4.2 (1.5-12.0), thatched house roof (AOR (95%CI), (4.4 (1.4-13.6), presence of fly in nearby home (AOR (95% CI), 4.6 (2.1-9.9), once weekly face washing frequency (AOR (95% CI), 8.6 (2.5-29.3), unwashed face for longer than a week (AOR (95% CI), 10.6 (2.9-37.7), not using soap (AOR (95% CI), 4.5 (1.8-11.3), and absence of latrine (AOR (95% CI), 5.1 (2.0-12.9) have association with active trachoma. Conclusion: Environmental factors weigh other factors and this could capture the intention of policy makers to emphasize on the environmental components like sanitation including face cleanness to decrease the prevalence of trachoma


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mesfin Wudu Kassaw ◽  
Ayele Mamo Abebe ◽  
Kirubel Dagnaw Tegegne ◽  
Mikiyas Amare Getu ◽  
Woldemichael Tadesse Bihonegn

Abstract Background፡ Trachoma is a neglected eye problem and primary cause of preventable corneal blindness. In endemic areas, initial infection occurs in early childhood, and recurrent infection progress to scarring and blindness. In the past four decades, GET2020 initiative eliminated Trachoma from developed countries through enhancements of hygiene and sanitation but still a problem of developing countries. Studies and reports also indicated the presence of high prevalence of Trachoma in Ethiopia and in the study area. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of active trachoma among rural preschool children in Wadla district, Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study design was considered to gather data from 583 children using sample size determination, but 596 children were screened for signs of active trachoma because of the sampling procedure nature, cluster sampling technique. Wadla district has 150 rural villages, which are similar in topography and socio-demographic status. Based on rule of thumb 30 villages (clusters) were included for the data collection. An interview on socio-demographic data were collected by health informatics professionals using structured interview questioners, which were prepared through reviewing previous literatures and pretested in Meket Woreda. Eye examination was performed by Integrated Eye Care Workers who trained for one month for the purpose of trachoma screening by Carter center-Ethiopia. Results - The prevalence of active trachoma among rural pre-school children in Wadla district was 130 (21.8%). Regarding risk factors, poor economic status (AOR (95% CI), (3.8 (1.3-11.4), being 37- 48 months old (AOR (95% CI), (4.2 (1.5-12.0), thatched house roof (AOR (95%CI), (4.4 (1.4-13.6), presence of fly in nearby home (AOR (95% CI), 4.6 (2.1-9.9), once weekly face washing frequency (AOR (95% CI), 8.6 (2.5-29.3), unwashed face for longer than a week (AOR (95% CI), 10.6 (2.9-37.7), not using soap (AOR (95% CI), 4.5 (1.8-11.3), and absence of latrine (AOR (95% CI), 5.1 (2.0-12.9) have association with active trachoma. Conclusion: Environmental factors weigh other factors and this could capture the intention of policy makers to emphasize on the environmental components like sanitation including face cleanness to decrease the prevalence of trachoma


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-77
Author(s):  
Nita Sharma ◽  
Pratima Sharma ◽  
Tulashi Adhikari Mishra

Introduction: Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is a problem with structure and function of the heart that is present at birth.  Children with CHD require special care, treatment and follow up for a number of common conditions which may be quite straining to the care givers. The objective of the study was to find out the burden of care among mothers having children with CHD. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a cardiac centre of Nepal. A total of 95 mothers having children with CHD attending outpatient department of our institute were selected as the sample for the study using non-probability purposive sampling technique. A semi structured interview questionnaire consisting of the Modified Caregiver Strain Index was used to assess the burden of care among mothers having children with CHD. Frequency and percent were used to describe the variables and chi- square test at 0.05 significance level was used to analyse associations. Results: Most (77.9%) of the mothers were regularly strained to find that their children’s health condition was deteriorating due to CHD. Nearly half (44.2%) of the mothers always had financial constrain while giving care to the child, nearly half (40%) of the mothers had done emotional adjustments to take care of their children with CHD, another two-fifths (28.4%) of the mothers sometimes had disturbed sleep and almost half (46.3%) of the mothers were always upset due to some behaviour of their child with CHD. Half (50.5%) of the mothers had high level of burden of care. Statistically significant association were found between age of the mother and level of burden of care (p value = 0.05). Similarly, the type of family (p value = 0.005), age of the children (p value = 0.000) and type of CHD (p value = 0.002) were significantly associated with the level of burden of care among the mothers. Conclusion: The study concluded that mothers tend to feel less burden of care as the child grows older, mothers having children with cyanotic heart disease tend to experience more burden of care. Mothers of less than thirty years of age and living in a joint family also experience more burden of care.  


1970 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-58
Author(s):  
Fellipe Afonso de Azevedo ◽  
Noé D’jalma Araújo ◽  
Néliton Célio de Novais ◽  
José Vítor da Silva ◽  
Renato Augusto Passos

RESUMOObjetivo: o presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar os significados de morte emergentes das equipes de enfermagem que atuam nas unidades de Pronto Socorro e Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) em uma entidade de médio porte situada no Sul de Minas Gerais. Materiais e métodos: estudo de abordagem qualitativa, do tipo descritivo, de campo e transversal. A amostra estudada foi composta de oito enfermeiros, 22 técnicos e quatro auxiliares de enfermagem, totalizando 34 profissionais, sendo utilizado o instrumento de caracterização pessoal e profissional da equipe de enfermagem e o roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada. A amostragem foi proposital. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de entrevista semiestruturada, gravada e transcrita. As diretrizes metodológicas do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo foram utilizadas para a seleção das ideias centrais e expressões-chave correspondentes, a partir das quais foram extraídos os discursos dos sujeitos, no cenário da instituição hospitalar. Resultados e Discussão: ao analisar o tema “significados de morte”, obtiveram-se as seguintes ideias centrais: “passagem”, “diversos significados”, “fim da vida” e “fim e começo de outra vida”. Conclusão: As concepções acerca do tema morte para os profissionais participantes deste trabalho reforça a necessidade de estudos sobre o tema durante a formação acadêmica. Certos de que irão vivenciar este tipo de situação no dia-a-dia profissional, é preciso prepará-los psicologicamente para isso.Palavras-chave: Morte, Equipe de enfermagem, Assistência ao paciente.ABSTRACTObjective: This study aimed to identify the meanings of emerging death of the nursing staff working in the Emergency Units and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a medium-sized entity located in southern Minas Gerais. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional qualitative field research. The sample was composed of 8 nurses, 22 technicians and 4 nursing assistants, totaling 34 professionals. It was used a tool of personal and professional characterization of the nursing team and a semi-structured interview. Sampling was intentional. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, that were recorded and transcribed. The methodological guidelines of the Collective Subject Speech were used for the selection of the central ideas and corresponding key expressions, from which the speeches of the subjects were taken, in the hospital setting. Results and discussion: to examine the topic "death meanings" yielded the following core ideas: "pass", "different meanings", "end of life" and "end and beginning of another life." Conclusion: The conceptions about the death theme for the professional participants of this study reinforces the need for studies on the subject during their academic training. It is certain that they will experience this type of situation on their daily professional routine, therefore there is a need to prepare them psychologically for this.Keywords: Death, Nursing staff, Patient care.


Author(s):  
Zeinab E. Afifi ◽  
Rania I. Shehata ◽  
Asmaa F. El Sayed ◽  
El Sayed M. Hammad ◽  
Marwa R. Salem

Abstract Background Nutrition was claimed to be a factor in MS causation, course, complications, and management. Several studies were conducted to assess the nutritional status of MS patients; however, few studies were conducted to assess this problem in Egypt. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to assess the nutritional status of a sample of MS patients. Methods The researchers conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study among 76 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients attending Kasr Alainy Multiple Sclerosis Unit (KAMSU) from October 2018 to January 2019 to assess the nutritional status of a sample of MS patients. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire including an inquiry about the socioeconomic status, and nutritional status using anthropometric measurements, patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (SQFFQ), and hemoglobin level measurement. Assessment of fatigue was done using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale 5-items version. Results The mean age of the study participants was 30 ± 6 years. The disease duration ranged from 2 to 264 months. Malnutrition was prevalent among 67.1% (27.6 % overweight, 36.8% obese, and 2.6% underweight). Half of the investigated patients were anemic. According to the PG-SGA, more than half of the studied patients (53.9%) were classified as moderately or suspected malnourished. The unhealthy dietary habits such as taking only a few meals, junk food intake and skipping breakfast were observed in considerable proportions of the group. The SQFFQ revealed overconsumption of energy and fat, and less than acceptable consumption of dietary fibers by most of the studied patients. Conclusions Overweight, obesity, anemia, and unhealthy dietary habits were prevalent among the RRMS patients attending the KAMSU. Nutrition care service is extremely needed for this group of patients.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e037913
Author(s):  
Mala George ◽  
Geert-Jan Dinant ◽  
Efrem Kentiba ◽  
Teklu Teshome ◽  
Abinet Teshome ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo evaluate the performance of the predictors in estimating the probability of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) when all versus only significant variables are combined into a decision model (1) among all clinical suspects and (2) among smear-negative cases based on the results of culture tests.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingTwo public referral hospitals in Tigray, Ethiopia.ParticipantsA total of 426 consecutive adult patients admitted to the hospitals with clinical suspicion of PTB were screened by sputum smear microscopy and chest radiograph (chest X-ray (CXR)) in accordance with the Ethiopian guidelines of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program. Discontinuation of antituberculosis therapy in the past 3 months, unproductive cough, HIV positivity and unwillingness to give written informed consent were the basis of exclusion from the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresA total of 354 patients were included in the final analysis, while 72 patients were excluded because culture tests were not done.ResultsThe strongest predictive variables of culture-positive PTB among patients with clinical suspicion were a positive smear test (OR 172; 95% CI 23.23 to 1273.54) and having CXR lesions compatible with PTB (OR 10.401; 95% CI 5.862 to 18.454). The regression model had a good predictive performance for identifying culture-positive PTB among patients with clinical suspicion (area under the curve (AUC) 0.84), but it was rather poor in patients with a negative smear result (AUC 0.64). Combining all the predictors in the model compared with only the independent significant variables did not really improve its performance to identify culture-positive (AUC 0.84–0.87) and culture-negative (AUC 0.64–0.69) PTB.ConclusionsOur finding suggests that predictive models based on clinical variables will not be useful to discriminate patients with culture-negative PTB from patients with culture-positive PTB among patients with smear-negative cases.


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