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Research Article
Sustainable Management and Socio-Ecological Impacts of Acacia decurrens Plantations in Northwestern Ethiopia: A Systematic Review
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
69-77
Received:
30 September 2025
Accepted:
13 October 2025
Published:
31 October 2025
Abstract: Acacia decurrens, commonly known as green wattle, has emerged as a rapidly expanding plantation species in the highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia. Originally introduced for soil conservation and fuelwood production, its adoption by smallholder farmers has intensified due to economic incentives, policy support, and suitability for degraded lands. Despite numerous studies addressing its socio-economic and environmental impacts, the research remains fragmented, with limited integration across disciplines, locations, and management contexts. This systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence from over 25 studies conducted between 2015 and 2025, examining the socio-economic, environmental, and governance dimensions of A. decurrens plantations in Northwestern Ethiopia. A systematic review was conducted by searching peer-reviewed articles, theses, and reports from 2015-2025 across multiple databases, followed by data extraction and narrative synthesis to integrate socio-economic, environmental, and governance. Findings indicate that the species contributes significantly to rural livelihoods by generating income, employment, and resilience against agricultural shocks, particularly through charcoal production. Environmentally, well-managed plantations enhance soil organic carbon, rehabilitate degraded landscapes, and provide opportunities for climate change mitigation, although intensive monoculture and unsustainable harvesting practices may threaten biodiversity, soil fertility, and land use sustainability. Governance, policy frameworks, and institutional support play critical roles in shaping adoption, management, and equitable benefit-sharing, with gendered disparities noted in access to resources and decision-making. Despite the growing body of literature, knowledge gaps remain regarding long-term ecosystem effects, integration into agroforestry systems, spatially explicit monitoring, and inclusive socio-economic outcomes. The review highlights best practices, including optimized planting density, agroforestry integration, and improved charcoal production, as pathways to balance ecological and socio-economic benefits. These insights inform sustainable management strategies and evidence-based policy interventions, aiming to maximize the long-term socio-ecological contributions of Acacia decurrens plantations in Northwestern Ethiopia.
Abstract: Acacia decurrens, commonly known as green wattle, has emerged as a rapidly expanding plantation species in the highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia. Originally introduced for soil conservation and fuelwood production, its adoption by smallholder farmers has intensified due to economic incentives, policy support, and suitability for degraded lands. De...
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Research Article
The Virtue of Saying, “I Don’t Know”: When Uncertainty Is a Reasonable Alternative to Belief
Mohammed Zeinu Hassen*
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
78-84
Received:
21 September 2025
Accepted:
29 September 2025
Published:
12 November 2025
Abstract: To say “I don’t know” appears at first as absence, yet this phrase contains within it a disciplined stance that resists premature conviction. Human discourse often leans toward certainty, but certainty offered without ground can corrupt inquiry and spread error. The practice of hesitation deserves close study, for it is not silence but a particular form of speech that refuses to disguise ignorance. If belief is written as Bp and knowledge as Kp, then the admission “I don’t know” can be expressed as -Bp ˄-Kp, which reveals its logical form as suspension rather than negation of truth. This article examines the virtue of uncertainty in philosophy, logic, and science, showing how hesitation can serve as a method of clarity rather than as deficiency. Socratic dialogue begins with acknowledged ignorance, modern logic admits undecidability, and probability theory advises suspension when P(p) < t, with t as the threshold for rational acceptance. To embrace uncertainty under such conditions is not to abandon truth but to keep the space open for truth to arrive. This article draws from classical and modern sources, examines with logical symbols that clarify the structure of belief, and reflects on the ethical weight of honest hesitation in domains such as science, ethics, and public reasoning. The conclusion offered is that uncertainty is a reasonable alternative to belief, a posture that, far from weakness, affirms the responsibility of thought and shields inquiry from the hazards of unwarranted assertion.
Abstract: To say “I don’t know” appears at first as absence, yet this phrase contains within it a disciplined stance that resists premature conviction. Human discourse often leans toward certainty, but certainty offered without ground can corrupt inquiry and spread error. The practice of hesitation deserves close study, for it is not silence but a particular...
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Research Article
Pre-extension Demonstration of Under-limed Improved Food Barley Variety in Burka Jiren Community Watershed of Buno Bedele Zone, Southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia
Dechasa Mengistu*,
Suleiman Aman
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
85-90
Received:
6 October 2025
Accepted:
16 October 2025
Published:
26 November 2025
Abstract: The pre-extension demonstration trial was conducted during the 2024 main rainy season in Burka Jiren Community Watershed of Gechi District, BunoBedele Zone. The objectives were to evaluate grain yield, economic profitability and collect farmers’ feedback. The study evaluated lime treated against untreated Adoshe variety across three demonstration sites (at upper, middle and lower watershed). Data were collected on yield, cost incurred, profit gained, and farmers’ feedback. The analysis involved descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and benefit-cost ratio. The descriptive analysis result revealed that, the mean grain yield of 26.7 and 13.6 qt ha-1 were obtained from lime treated and untreated Adoshe variety respectively. There was statistically significant mean grain yield difference at (P<.01) between the treated and untreated Adoshe yield with 96% yield advantage over the untreated one. The lime treated Adoshe variety was also preferred by the farmer research group members due to high number of productive tillers per plant, spike length, number of seeds per spike, big seed size and grain yield. Likewise, higher net benefit of 97,062 ETB ha-1 was obtained from lime treated Adoshe variety with benefit-cost ratio 2.5 compared to untreated one. This implies, farmers can recover all the incurred costs and gain an additional 2.5 ETB for every 1 ETB they invest when using lime treated food barley variety. The overall result showed that lime treated food barley variety had a significant yield advantage, net benefit, and were preferred by farmer research group members, leading to the recommendation for scaling up this technology in similar agro-ecologies.
Abstract: The pre-extension demonstration trial was conducted during the 2024 main rainy season in Burka Jiren Community Watershed of Gechi District, BunoBedele Zone. The objectives were to evaluate grain yield, economic profitability and collect farmers’ feedback. The study evaluated lime treated against untreated Adoshe variety across three demonstration s...
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Research Article
Adaptation and Performance Evaluation of Manual Operated Fertilizer Applicator
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
91-96
Received:
14 October 2025
Accepted:
25 October 2025
Published:
11 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.rd.20250604.14
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Abstract: Efficient fertilizer application is critical for sustaining crop productivity on nutrient-depleted soils. Improving the effectiveness of chemical fertilizers can be achieved through the development and adoption of advanced, sustainable fertilizer discharge devices. Such innovations offer a more uniform distribution compared to conventional methods, enhancing nutrient use efficiency and contributing to higher crop yields. The fertilizer applicator has an overall height of 1.50m and a total weight of 2.2kg. Its hopper has a volumetric capacity of 18.4m³, allowing for efficient storage and distribution of fertilizer. The fertilizer tube was constructed from PVC pipe, the implement was evaluated field capacity, field efficiency and uniformity of fertilizer at proper location. The application rate and hole diameter were determined to investigate performance parameter indicators of the implement. the maximum application rate and time was recorded 311.96 kg/ha and 1.55 ha/hr. respectively. the minimum and maximum application field capacity was recorded when operated by men at 5 cm hole diameter was 46 kg/ha and 1.29 ha/hr. and also the minimum and maximum application rate was recorded 178.53, 294. when operated by women at 3 and 5 cm hole diameter respectively the technology was saved time with 5 diameter sizes but it causes out of recommendation applied per hectare, The 3-diameter hole was saves fertilizer and shows advantage over the both diameter in low application rate the implement was very simple and can produced from locally available materials easy to operate it was low cost and affordable to small scale farmers.
Abstract: Efficient fertilizer application is critical for sustaining crop productivity on nutrient-depleted soils. Improving the effectiveness of chemical fertilizers can be achieved through the development and adoption of advanced, sustainable fertilizer discharge devices. Such innovations offer a more uniform distribution compared to conventional methods,...
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Research Article
The Role of Hot Spring for Domestic Tourism Development: The Case of Wondo Genet Hot Spring, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia
Mengist Abera*,
Kalo Edao
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
97-116
Received:
19 September 2025
Accepted:
20 October 2025
Published:
19 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.rd.20250604.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Nowadays, the use of natural hot spring is one of the fastest growing sectors of world tourism. Tourism to hot springs led to economic development in many countries, the industry was affected by the emergence of other tourism destinations. Hence, this study aimed to fill this gap by to investigate the role of hot springs for domestic tourism development in Wondo Genet hot spring, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia as study context. The study employed exploratory research design and qualitative research approach. Both secondary and primary data were obtained through field observation, semi-structured in-depth interview, and focus group discussions. Key informants were selected purposively from government experts, local community representatives and Wondo Genet Local Ecotourism Tour Guide Association. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 key informants and 2 FGDs were held with local communities and experts. Qualitative data gathered through semi structured interview and FGD were analyzed thematically. The results of the study demonstrate that, the current state of the hot spring tourism practice is very low. Moreover, the study revealed that hot spring tourism has economic, socio-cultural, environmental, tourism and health contributions. Similarly, the results of the study identified the drivers of hot spring tourism such as; natural resources, cultural resources, health, safety and security and special attractions. The major barriers in related with the hot spring tourism development were infrastructural development, stakeholder coordination, and lack of budget, lack of marketing, poor government commitment and lack of awareness were identified as barriers to domestic tourism development in Wondo Genet hot spring. Hence, there is a need to develop the required infrastructure, improve service delivery systems, strength stakeholder integration, undertaking promotional and awareness creation activities. These findings assured that the responsible bodies should be integrated to use the contributions of the hot spring for domestic tourism development by enhancing the management and conservation issues.
Abstract: Nowadays, the use of natural hot spring is one of the fastest growing sectors of world tourism. Tourism to hot springs led to economic development in many countries, the industry was affected by the emergence of other tourism destinations. Hence, this study aimed to fill this gap by to investigate the role of hot springs for domestic tourism develo...
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