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Research Article
Groundwater Potential Assessment Using Geospatial Analysis for Chagni Town, Ethiopia
Engdaw Gulbet Tebege*
,
Mohammed Ali,
Mesfin Anteneh
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
92-113
Received:
24 November 2025
Accepted:
16 December 2025
Published:
20 January 2026
Abstract: One of the most vital natural resources for a nation's growth and development is groundwater, which is stored in the void spaces of the geological strata beneath the Earth's surface. However, due to the nature of groundwater, determining the groundwater potential zone remains a challenging task. The objective of this study is to identify groundwater potential zones in Chagni using timely and economical Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. For groundwater potential zonation, nine thematic layers derived from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with 12.5m spatial resolution, Sentinel-2A satellite images of the year 2022, and other secondary sources were utilized in this research. Using the MCDA of the AHP method, all of the thematic layers (slope, rainfall, drainage density, lineament density, geomorphology, lithology, soil, land use/land cover, and groundwater depth) were reclassified, and a weight for each factor was assigned based on their relative contribution to groundwater with the help of experts’ knowledge. The resulting map of groundwater potential zones was identified by using weighted linear combination (WLC) in ArcGIS and shows 16% and 30% of the area have very high and high potential, respectively, while 10% of the area has very low potential. In general, the assessment of groundwater potential requires further geotechnical and hydrological analyses to ensure the suitability with the required standards for design and implementation.
Abstract: One of the most vital natural resources for a nation's growth and development is groundwater, which is stored in the void spaces of the geological strata beneath the Earth's surface. However, due to the nature of groundwater, determining the groundwater potential zone remains a challenging task. The objective of this study is to identify groundwate...
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Research Article
The Effects of Climate Change in Ethiopia: A Review
Tesfaye Ketema Defar*,
Ketema Negesse Tola
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
114-119
Received:
4 December 2025
Accepted:
22 December 2025
Published:
20 January 2026
Abstract: Ethiopia’s strong dependence on climate-sensitive sectors, combined with limited adaptive capacity, makes climate change one of the most significant threats to the country’s socioeconomic development. This review synthesizes current knowledge on observed climate trends, future climate projections, and the diverse impacts of climate change across Ethiopia’s regions and key sectors. Evidence consistently indicates rising temperatures, increasing rainfall variability, and a growing frequency and intensity of extreme events such as droughts and floods. These changes profoundly affect agriculture and food security, water resources and hydropower generation, pastoral livelihoods, human health, ecosystems, and rapidly expanding urban systems. Marked regional differences are evident: highland areas face soil degradation, shifting agroecological zones, and declining crop productivity, while lowland and pastoral regions experience increasing aridity, rangeland degradation, and livelihood insecurity. The review further examines cross-cutting issues, including gendered vulnerability, technological innovation, economic impacts, migration, and climate finance, highlighting the interconnected nature of climate risks. National policy frameworks, governance mechanisms, and documented case studies illustrate pathways for enhancing resilience, while also revealing persistent implementation and capacity gaps. Key research priorities include the need for high-resolution climate projections, long-term monitoring of climate impacts, and improved understanding of urban climate risks. Strengthening institutional capacity, scaling up climate-smart practices, and enhancing international cooperation are essential to support Ethiopia’s transition toward climate-resilient and sustainable development.
Abstract: Ethiopia’s strong dependence on climate-sensitive sectors, combined with limited adaptive capacity, makes climate change one of the most significant threats to the country’s socioeconomic development. This review synthesizes current knowledge on observed climate trends, future climate projections, and the diverse impacts of climate change across Et...
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Research Article
Unlocking Africa's Regional Trade Potential: Evaluating PIDA and NEPAD Infrastructure Investments on Intra-African Trade Efficiency and Cross-Border Links
Victor Akinleye*
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
120-128
Received:
25 July 2025
Accepted:
29 December 2025
Published:
23 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ri.20260202.13
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Abstract: Africa’s infrastructure shortage, which is estimated to be between $130 and 170 billion per annum, is a major setback to regional trade integration and attainment of Agenda 2063 goals. In this paper, the researcher examines the impacts of the infrastructure investments made under the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD) and the Programme to Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) on intra-African trade performance in terms of enhancing the performance of cross-border connectivity, corridor efficiency, and trade facilitation mechanisms. Using a qualitative study of institutional reports, implementation statistics of the PIDA Priority Action Plan (PAP) and secondary trade statistics, this research evaluates particular dimensions, such as the relationship between infrastructure and trade costs, performance of the corridors, efficiency of its borders, the influence of ICT digitalization, and impact of energy infrastructure on the competitiveness of manufacturing. Results on ICT infrastructure show significant improvements, having achieved 150 percent of the target, and on transport connectivity, which is 16,066km of roads and 120 One Stop Border Posts. However, there are persistent challenges in terms of transforming infrastructure investments into trade deliverables. The critical gaps are established in limited participation by the private sector (3% in PAP 1), low project bankability (only 25% attaining feasibility), and lack of institutional coordination to facilitate policy harmonization. In spite of the increase in physical connectivity, trade costs and intra-African trade flows are still limited by non-tariff barriers, poor logistics performance, and fragmented regulations, despite showing clear causal links between policy tools and trade outcomes via infrastructure mechanisms. Policy suggestions include improving the NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (IPPF), performance monitoring systems in the corridors, increasing the pace of digital trade facilitation platforms, and creating performance-based incentives towards harmonization of policies between the regions to maximize the trade dividends as a result of infrastructure investments.
Abstract: Africa’s infrastructure shortage, which is estimated to be between $130 and 170 billion per annum, is a major setback to regional trade integration and attainment of Agenda 2063 goals. In this paper, the researcher examines the impacts of the infrastructure investments made under the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD) and the Programme ...
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Methodology Article
Mixed Methods Design for the Evaluation of Development Projects Across Baseline, Midline, and Endline
Peshal Kumar Puri*
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
129-143
Received:
30 December 2025
Accepted:
9 January 2026
Published:
23 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ri.20260202.14
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Abstract: The evaluation of national and international development projects faces increasing pressure to provide robust evidence of impact while simultaneously offering rich, contextualized explanations of how and why change occurs. Traditional mono-method approaches, whether purely quantitative or qualitative, often fall short of meeting this dual mandate, particularly in complex social interventions. This article aims to address this gap by providing a scholarly yet practical guide for evaluators on the systematic application of mixed methods research (MMR) designs across the entire evaluation lifecycle of the project, i.e., baseline, midline, and endline. We define the conceptual foundations of MMR in development contexts, detail a typology of designs (convergent, sequential, embedded, longitudinal), and offer a stage-specific framework for their application. Emphasis is placed on the critical process of integration from data collection to analysis, using techniques such as joint displays and narrative causal explanations. Furthermore, we provide in-depth guidance on tool development, sampling strategies, and the integrated reporting of findings. This study discusses the challenges of conducting longitudinal Mixed Methods Evaluations and the ethical issues surrounding these evaluations. We will also look at some of the implications that this type of evaluation has for donors, evaluators, and future research in methodology. This study is designed to provide practical applications and examples to help improve the quality, relevance, and usefulness of those who evaluate development work.
Abstract: The evaluation of national and international development projects faces increasing pressure to provide robust evidence of impact while simultaneously offering rich, contextualized explanations of how and why change occurs. Traditional mono-method approaches, whether purely quantitative or qualitative, often fall short of meeting this dual mandate, ...
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