Rural Development and Agricultural extension

Six new non-cannabinoid constituents were isolated from a high potency Cannabis sativa L. variety, namely 5-acetoxy-6-geranyl-3-n-pentyl-1,4-benzoquinone (1), 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3,6-trimethoxy-9,10dihydrophenanthrene (2), 4-hydroxy-2,3,6,7-tetramethoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (3), 4,7-dimethoxy-1,2,5-trihydroxyphenanthrene (4), cannflavin C (5) and b-sitosteryl-3-O-b-D-glucopyranoside-2 0 -O-palmitate (6). In addition, five known compounds, a-cannabispiranol (7), chrysoeriol (8), 6-prenylapigenin (9), cannflavin A (10) and b-acetyl cannabispiranol (11) were identified, with 8 and 9 being reported for the first time from cannabis. Some isolates displayed weak to strong antimicrobial, antileishmanial, antimalarial and anti-oxidant activities. Compounds 2-4 were inactive as analgesics. . Tel.: +1 662 915 1031; fax: +1 662 915 7989 (S.A. Ross), tel.: +1 662 915 5928; fax: +1 662 915 5587 (M.A. ElSohly).

Eleven new cannabinoid esters, together with three known cannabinoid acids and ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (∆ 9 -THC), were isolated from a high-potency variety of Cannabis satiVa. The structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses to be -fenchyl ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinolate (1), epi-bornyl ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinolate (2), R-terpenyl ∆ 9tetrahydrocannabinolate (3), 4-terpenyl ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinolate (4), R-cadinyl ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinolate (5), γ-eudesmyl ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinolate (6), γ-eudesmyl cannabigerolate , 4-terpenyl cannabinolate (8), bornyl ∆ 9tetrahydrocannabinolate (9), R-fenchyl ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinolate (10), R-cadinyl cannabigerolate (11), ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (∆ 9 -THC), ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (∆ 9 -THCA), cannabinolic acid A (CBNA), and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Compound 8 showed moderate antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans ATCC 90028 with an IC 50 value of 8.5 µg/mL. CB-1 receptor assay indicated that the esters, as well as the parent acids, are not active.

This paper presents a speech-based speaker identification system and an efficient approach for selection of acoustic parameters closely related to the vocal track shape of the speaker. Speech endpoint detection algorithm is developed in order to discard the room noise and non-speech signal to achieve high accuracy of the system. Windowing and fast Fourier transform (FFT) are used to determine the spectrum of the speech signal and PCA has been used to extract feature of speech of individual speaker. Eigenface algorithm has been used here as a classification and recognition tool. Eigenspace of individual speaker is generated by the feature of the speech signal. The experimental results show the noticeable performance of the proposed system.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and trends in hepatitis B infection among blood donors attending the Transfusion Medicine Unit at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia. A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing the results of HBsAg among blood donors for the years 2000 to 2004. During this period, 44,658 blood donors were studied. We noted that there was a significant difference in the prevalence of hepatitis B infection between regular and first time donors. There was also a decreasing trend noticed in both study groups. The mean prevalence was significantly different between first time (1.83%) and regular donors (0.45%) (p<0.005). There is a need to improve public awareness programs to lower the incidence of hepatitis B infection in the general population and consequently first time blood donors. Future studies are also required to determine the trends and outcomes of these programs.

Beekeeping delivers the rural people with sources of income, dietary use, pollination service and social benefit. In spite of the benefits obtained from beekeeping, farmer’s resistivity to adopt the recommended modern beekeeping technological components (packages) is among the major problem. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to examine the intensity of adoption of beekeeping technology package, and identify factors influencing adoption and intensity of adoption of beekeeping technology package in Sheko district. Stratified sampling procedure was used to select sample households. A total of 200 household heads were selected randomly from adopters and non-adopters categories of four potential beekeeping localities. Date was collected by using household survey and key informant interview and analyzed by using censured Tobit model. From sampled households 68% of respondents who have bee hive; the majority of them fall under medium adopters’ category. Variations in intensity o...

Majority of Ethiopian farmers have been using traditional way of agricultural practices which persist to low productivity. To solve these problems, governmental and non-governmental organizations have made efforts to bring about change through Agricultural extension strategy. But these efforts notwithstanding, the rural population still practices subsistence. The agricultural extension service is one of the institutional support services that has a central role to play in the transformation process, but facing new extension challenge. There were many studies conducted to identify role and challenges of extension service in Ethiopia in different regions, but there is limitation of summarization of current state of understanding. However; governments of developing countries are confronting new extension challenges: on the one hand, there is a need to increase production to provide food for all citizens, raising the income of the rural population and reducing poverty; on the other, han...

Background: The capacity of the recombinant Vaccinia virus GLV-1h68 as a single agent to efficiently treat different human or canine cancers has been shown in several preclinical studies. Currently, its human safety and efficacy are investigated in phase I/II clinical trials. In this study we set out to evaluate the oncolytic activity of GLV-1h68 in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line PC14PE6-RFP in cell cultures and analyzed the antitumor potency of a combined treatment strategy consisting of GLV-1h68 and cyclophosphamide (CPA) in a mouse model of PC14PE6-RFP lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: PC14PE6-RFP cells were treated in cell culture with GLV-1h68. Viral replication and cell survival were determined by plaque assays and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, respectively. Subcutaneously implanted PC14PE6-RFP xenografts were treated by systemic injection of GLV-1h68, CPA or a combination of both. Tumor growth and viral biodistribution were monitored and immune-related antigen profiling of tumor lysates was performed. Results: GLV-1h68 efficiently infected, replicated in and lysed human PC14PE6-RFP cells in cell cultures. PC14PE6-RFP tumors were efficiently colonized by GLV-1h68 leading to much delayed tumor growth in PC14PE6-RFP tumor-bearing nude mice. Combination treatment with GLV-1h68 and CPA significantly improved the antitumor efficacy of GLV-1h68 and led to an increased viral distribution within the tumors. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were distinctly elevated in tumors of GLV-1h68-treated mice. Factors expressed by endothelial cells or present in the blood were decreased after combination treatment. A complete loss in the hemorrhagic phenotype of the PC14PE6-RFP tumors and a decrease in the number of blood vessels after combination treatment could be observed. Conclusions: CPA and GLV-1h68 have synergistic antitumor effects on PC14PE6-RFP xenografts. We strongly suppose that in the PC14PE6-RFP model the enhanced tumor growth inhibition achieved by combining GLV-1h68 with CPA is due to an effect on the vasculature rather than an immunosuppressive action of CPA. These results provide evidence to support further preclinical studies of combining GLV-1h68 and CPA in other highly angiogenic tumor models. Moreover, data presented here demonstrate that CPA can be combined successfully with GLV-1h68 based oncolytic virus therapy and therefore might be promising as combination therapy in human clinical trials.

Rice is an important crop introduced recently in Tselemti district. This study identified the production and associated constraints of upland rice in Tselemti district of Northern Ethiopia. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. A total of 150 randomly selected respondents from the potential rice producing kebles were included in the study. There was an increasing trend of rice production and the area in the past seven years. On the other hand, there were technological, biological, physical, socioeconomic and institutional constraints specified by farmers in rice production and utilization. Therefore, solving the prioritized constraints in rice production and utilization is important to adopt rice technology in a sustainable manner. Keywords : constraints, upland rice, Tselemti district

Moringa is a highly valued plant that is mostly grown in arid and semi-arid areas which used for food, medication and industrial purposes. This study investigates the factors affecting Moringa plant cultivation among farmers in Northern Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to collect data from 54 farmers using questionnaire. Data were analysed using the descriptive statistics. The study identified the socioeconomic characteristics of the sampled respondents. Literate farmers were better in cultivation of Moringa plant than the illiterate one. It also reveals that land size were not the limiting factor for Moringa cultivation in the study area. This study shows that though farmers utilize Moringa, but still there is lack of knowledge on production, utilization, nutritional and economic importance of the plant. Of the total sampled 46.3% of the respondents used Moringa for human consumption. While compared to the proportion who cultivates Moringa it is relatively lo...

Frontline demonstration of herbicide was conducted in four districts of Tigray Region with objective of improving productivity of unit area and enhancing the income of farming community. Technology demonstration followed by perception assessment survey was conducted on the direct beneficiaries of the technology. A total of 40 farmers were selected purposively. The herbicide and improved bread wheat was offered. Yield, production cost and perception data were collected. To measure the attitude of farmers towards the improved technology, a five-point Likert scale were used. The data was analyzed using t-test and statistical analytical techniques such as descriptive, frequency, percentage and partial budget analysis. The result of this activity shows that in the four districts, an average of 2236, 2050, 3025 and 2712 kg ha-1 of grain yield were harvested from Pyroxsulam application, whereas, an average of 1689, 1356, 2127 and 1832 kg ha-1 grain yield were harvested from hand weeding, respectively. This can show us that farmers from the districts had an increment of yield by 32.39, 51.18, 42.22 and 48.03% in Hintalo-Wajirat, Enderta, Saesie Tsaeda-Emba and Glomahda districts, respectively. The t-test result also showed that there is statistically significant mean difference between the two groups at less than 5%. The average marginal rate of return of the four districts was 259% and shows greater than the minimum acceptable rate of return (100%). Hence, further scale up need to be made concerning rural institutions.

Due to its erratic nature of rainfall and anthropogenic factors, water is becoming a scarce resource in the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia. Optimum crop yield is not achievable because of excessive moisture stress. As a method for efficient use of the available water resources, the low-cost family drip irrigation has been introduced throughout Tigray at household level. A study on the adoption status of the family drip irrigation and its challenges and determinant factors for adoption of family drip irrigation were conducted in selected locations in Tigray. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 135 households, adopters (47%) and non-adopters (53%), and key informants. Various continuous and discrete variables were analyzed by descriptive statistics, inferential (t test and Chi-square test) and binary logit regression model. The goodness of fit measures was employed to check and validate that the model fits the data well. The overall prediction of the logistic regression model is described as x 2 = 75. 57% at p = 0.001, described as highly significant, indicating that the independent variables significantly explained the dependent variable. The binary regression model prediction is also described by a strong association between the perception of farmers on drip irrigation adoption and the explanatory variables by the coefficient of determination (R 2) of 79.3%. Among the explanatory variables, education level, lack of technical knowledge, higher demand of labor requirements, extension services and sources of irrigation water were significantly important determinant factors for farmers' adoption of drip irrigation. It is thus suggested that clear technical backups and increasing farmers' awareness on the value of water would be essential for the efficient and sustainable use of the available water resources.

The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing the intensity of use of improved bread wheat package adoption in the study area. Two kebeles was selected randomly among the potentially wheat producing kebeles in each selected districts and a total of 120 randomly selected households were interviewed for this study. Tobit model was used to elucidate factors affecting adoption of technology packages. Result of the econometric model indicated, male headship (sex), TLU and multiple production objective orientation were important variables which had positively and significantly influenced adoption and intensity of adoption of improved bread wheat production package. Whereas, age of the household, increased annual off-non farm income, increased areas of own farm land, being far apart from the farmer training center and residences had shown negative relationship with adoption and intensity of adoption. The overall finding of the study underlined the high importance of institutional support such as extension; credit and market to enhance adoption of improved wheat production package. Therefore, policy and development interventions should give emphasis to improvement of such institutional support system so as to achieve wider adoption, increased productivity and income to small scale farmers.

To determine the growth and productivity of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at north western zone of Tigray during the 2006 & 2007 cropping season under irrigation conditions, a field experiment was done which consisted of 3 released hot pepper varieties (Mareko Fana, Melka Awaze and Melka Shote) and one local arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. In 2006 cropping season, days to 50 Flowering, days to 50% maturity, plant height, pod length, pod diameter, number of pods/plant and marketable yield were significantly influenced by varietal effect. Similarly, in 2007 significance difference were observed on days to 50 Flowering, days to 50% maturity, plant height, pod length, pod diameter, number of pods/plant and marketable yield. The highest mean marketable yield of the two seasons (90 q ha-1) was gained using Mareko Fana variety in comparison to the lower marketable yield (72.6 q ha-1) that was yielded using Melka Shote. Therefore, it can be recommended to use Mareko Fana variety for production by growers in the study area.

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is a cereal crop resilient to adverse climatic conditions. Tef is the most important crop that serves as human food and has a great contribution to food security in Ethiopia, but grain yields are low. Towards enhancing the production and productivity of the tef, the government and non-governmental bodies is therefore promoting the adoption of improved varieties, fertilizers and improved practices. This study was conducted with the aim of enhancing tef production through popularizing the improved Quncho tef variety. The study was executed at three tef growing districts of northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia. A total of 222 farming households who are the safety net program beneficiaries were included in the study. An average grain yield of 1.43 and 1.05 ton/ha was obtained from Quncho and local tef varieties, respectively. This indicates Quncho tef gave 36/% yield advantage over the local tef variety. This will have a significant contribution to the effo...

This paper examines the factors affecting in adoption of improved agricultural technologies in sorghum production in Tigray region, Ethiopia. A total of 284 farm households drawn from three districts of the region were included in the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structural questionnaires in 2019. A multivariate probit model and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data. This study analyzes the factors that affect the adoption of improved agricultural technologies in sorghum production including, seeds of improved variety, inorganic fertilizer application, row planting, insecticide and pesticide chemicals and moisture conservation. The result indicates the probability to adopt the improved agricultural technologies in sorghum production were significantly influenced by factors such as; family size education status, participating in off-farm income, farm size, extension service, and distance to farmers training center. Though the smallholder farmers had better adoption indices, the technology wouldn't disseminate in large number of beneficiaries and areas. As a result, the adoption is foreseen to be low. Therefore, to improve the adoption of improved agricultural technologies in sorghum production giving more emphasize would be important to be offered the extension services like training, field days, experience sharing, technical support, and information on markets and pests & diseases control to the farmers.

This paper examines the factors affecting in adoption of improved agricultural technologies in sorghum production in Tigray region, Ethiopia. A total of 284 farm households drawn from three districts of the region were included in the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structural questionnaires in 2019. A multivariate probit model and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data. This study analyzes the factors that affect the adoption of improved agricultural technologies in sorghum production including, seeds of improved variety, inorganic fertilizer application, row planting, insecticide and pesticide chemicals and moisture conservation. The result indicates the probability to adopt the improved agricultural technologies in sorghum production were significantly influenced by factors such as; family size education status, participating in off-farm income, farm size, extension service, and distance to farmers training center. Though the smallholder farmers had better adoption indices, the technology wouldn't disseminate in large number of beneficiaries and areas. As a result, the adoption is foreseen to be low. Therefore, to improve the adoption of improved agricultural technologies in sorghum production giving more emphasize would be important to be offered the extension services like training, field days, experience sharing, technical support, and information on markets and pests & diseases control to the farmers.

There is limited information on the perception of the performance of farmers’ saved seed (FSS) despite enormous effort to address the farmers with improved and quality seed. The paper therefore presents perception of farmers, researchers, agricultural experts on the performance of farmers’ saved seed and its underlying factors. The perceived performance of farmers' saved seed was assessed based on the survey made in East Shewa zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia using two questionnaires responded by 65 relevant agricultural experts (Development Agents, Subject Matter Specialists, Agricultural Researchers) and 92 randomly selected farmers. The study found that of the total respondents, 52% perceived that FSS perform poor for all crops and the rest 48% perceived that the poor performance is for some crops. Similarly, perceptions about the poor performance of FSS were not statistically different between farmers and experts. In terms of the perception of the poor performance of FSS for the different crops, however, statistically significant differences were observed between farmers and experts except for teff. Concerning the estimated reduction due to the use of FSS, based on the response of those farmers who perceived the performance poorly, the estimated yield reductions are considerably high ranging from close to 6 quintals/ha for teff (26.1%) and haricot beans (27.3%) to close to 9 quintals/ha for chickpea (25.7%), 10 quintals/ha (21.3%) for wheat, and about 14 quintals/ha for maize (47.8%). The overall statistical analysis found that there is not statistically significant difference in reduction of yields due to use of FSS between the farmers and experts’ estimates for all crops. Majority of the respondents perceived that the poor performances of the FSS are associated with the variety deterioration, poor post-harvest management, and pest and disease damages. The other perceived reasons are related with poor quality due to open pollination and high contamination. The perceptions about the stated reasons between farmers and experts are found to be not significantly different. Key words: Perception of farmers and experts, farmers’ saved seed.