Research
Opportunities and Challenges of Investment Activities: The Case of Selected Areas in Jimma Zone
The purpose of this paper is to explicitly identify the major opportunities and challenges of investment activities in selected areas of Jimma zone (Seka Waterfall, Asendabo Hydro-Electric power, Yebu Beekeeping and Jimma Museum) in order to make the line open for further advanced research. Furthermore, indicating some of the investment opportunities for investors, and providing possible solutions to the challenges observed were investigated. Information has been gathered from both primary and secondary sources of data. The pre-prepared written questionnaires and structured observation were primary one whereas document analysis belonged to secondary sources of data. In addition to this, structured interview was also employed for triangulation of research findings reality. Simple random sampling method has been used for collection of data processing, and analyzing was performed accordingly. Jimma Zone has investment opportunities with a potential to accommodate various types of agro-industries that could make agricultural resources produced in the areas of its row material’s production. Some of the inputs for this sub-sector(agro industry) include cereals, oil-seeds, fruits ,vegetables, coffee, tea, spices, cotton, honey, animal and animal products , milk and milk products, processing enterprises, such as tannery, meat canning, honey processing, fruit and vegetable processing could be established in the zone particularly in the stated urban areas. Lack of resources and political factors were the major factors contributing to the limited level of investment activity, followed by social factors and lack of awareness. Climatic condition of the areas and others such as corruption was some challenges which limit investment activity in the zone. To overcome these and other problems that contribute to low investment activities in the zone, developing infrastructure facilities, matching the activities with the climate of the area, conducting panel discussions as well as me
The Role of Higher Diploma Program in Improving Trained Teachersa Classroom Teaching Methods: Focused on Selected CTE of Oromia
The purpose of this study is to identify the Role of Higher Diploma Program in Improving Trained Teachers’ Classroom Teaching Methods and to examine how Higher Diploma Program Training changes HDP Trained Teachers’ Classroom Teaching Methods so as to bring changes in college students’ learning. The method employed in this study is descriptive one because it helps to reveal the current major implementation problems after the training of higher diploma. Among 10 CTE in Oromia, three colleges namely, Nekemte, Jimma and Asela were chosen using purposive sampling. The reason for using purposive sampling technique in determining the sample were to examine the certain improvements and changes of HDP experienced beginners since they trained more teacher educators up to the present time.The sample sizes are fifty- Seven students from each college making up a total of one hundred and seventy –one students out of 5,700 and Sixteen HDP trained teachers from each college making up a total of 48 teachers out of 210 were included using probability sampling since the populations were relatively large. Instruments used for data gathering were questionnaires composed of both open and close ended items were set and administered. To cross-check the validation of information gathered, the researcher used semi-structured interview questions beside with personal observation which was used to compare the opinion of respondents with relevant issues of pre-set questionnaires of students and teachers. The major findings denote that HDP trained teachers were able to talk knowledgeably about the key components of the HDP: active learning methods, students centered learning, continuous assessment, lesson planning, classroom management and time management. The researcher recommends that there were an obligatory program of continuous Professional Development for CTE instructors to include annual workshops to remind them of the latest teaching method, as well as lesson observations by a CPD
Introduction to Cultural Ecology
Introduction to Cultural Ecology. Sutton and Anderson.North America:ALTAMIRA PRESS, 2004. PP.Xiii +384,1st Floor,Angel Court. 81 St Clements Street.ISBN 1 84520 056 X (Cloth) 1 84520 057 8 (Paper). Reviews of Book by Abdissa Ayana Biftu. into ten chapters. Chapter one deals with a very introduction of the concept anthropology, ecology, cultures and humans using some scientific inquiry. The second chapter provides the general conceptual frameworks and terms used in Ecology, Human Biological Ecology is explained in chapter three becoming to be considered as background to understanding and distinguishing cultural adaptations. Chapter four talk about cultural ecology in which knowledge is observed to be adaptive to cultural elements. Beside to this, chapter five deals with hunting and gathering with consideration of these terms as foraging. Generally, hunter-gatherers do not make intensive effort at environmental manipulation. The origin of food production is depicted in chapter six in dealing with the significant impact of agriculture on both the natural and cultural environment. In chapter seven, the issue of horticulture is dealt by giving a sort of emphasis to their utilization of wild resources. Chapter eight on the other hand, refers to pastoralism indicating the other aspects of agriculture for domestication of animals.
