Effects of Seed Treatment and Bio-inoculants on Baikiaea plurijuga DC. and Pterocarpus angolensis Harms Seed Germination Kamogelo Makgobota, Flora Pule-Meulenberg, Ayana Angassa, Melusi Rampart, Witness Mojeremane, et al. Indian Journal of Agricultural Research, 2026 Background: This study examined the effect of pre-sowing seed treatments and microbial inoculation on the germination of Pterocarpus angolensis and Baikiaea plurijuga at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Methods: This tree nursery study employed a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial, randomised experiment to test four pre-sowing treatments: mechanical scarification, soaking in rainwater and warm water (40°C) and untreated seeds- alongside two levels of microbial inoculation: with and without B. ripae. Result: Mechanical scarification slightly improved germination, leading to earlier and more uniform germination in both species, with P. angolensis exhibiting a mean germination time of 10.5 days and a germination velocity coefficient of 9.57. P. angolensis germination decreased from 80.83% to 66.7%, indicating an incompatibility with B. ripae. Conversely, B. plurijuga germination increased from 70.84% to 91.67%. The findings demonstrate that scarification enhances germination in both species and can be used to improve native seedling protocols for the regeneration of dryland forests.
Effects of season, parity and stage of lactation on yield, composition and microbial quality of milk from camels raised in Tsabong, Botswana Eyassu Seifu, Othusitse Ricky Madibela, Wame Shimane Boitumelo, Ayana Angassa, Kennedy Mpho, et al. Revue D Elevage Et De Medecine Veterinaire Des Pays Tropicaux France, 2026 Background: Introduced to Botswana in the early 20th century, dromedaries remain little exploited for milk production. In Tsabong, the herd is mainly used for tourism, and no study has yet assessed influencing factors on milk yield or composition. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the effects of season, parity, and stage of lactation on the yield, composition, and quality of camel milk at the Tsabong Ecotourism Camel Park. Methods: Twenty lactating camels, averaging eight years old and at various lactation stages (early, mid, and late) and parities (2–6), were studied. They browsed freely during the day and received 3 kg of a 1:1 saltbush–sorghum bran supplement at night, with unlimited access to water and salt. Milk yield was measured every three days over six weeks. A total of 560 records were collected during the dry season and 640 during the wet season. Milk samples for chemical and microbiological analysis were collected six times over a two-week period. Data were analysed using SAS for non-balanced data. Results: Milk yields were significantly higher during the wet season (1,340 ml/day) than during the dry season (781 ml/day). In the dry season, milk yield decreased as parity increased, while in the wet season, milk yield increased up to the fifth parity before declining. The stage of lactation significantly influenced fat, protein, solids-not-fat (SNF), and density in the dry season. Early lactation milk had higher protein, SNF, and density, while fat content peaked in mid lactation. In the wet season, only the protein content varied significantly across lactation stages. Parity significantly affected titratable acidity, protein, and lactose in the dry season, and protein, lactose, total solids, SNF, and pH in the wet season. The highest values were observed in camels at their second parity during the wet season. Fat and total solids were higher in the wet season overall. Coliform counts were generally higher in samples collected during the wet season. Salmonella was detected in 3.42% of dry season samples and 1.7% of wet season samples, highlighting public health concerns. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for improved hygiene during milking and the importance of heat treatment before consumption.
Camels as a Climate-Resilient Linchpin for Sustainable Development in Global Drylands Ayana Angassa, Minyahel Tilahun, Solomon G. Tesfamichael Sustainable Development, 2026 Camels represent a significant, yet underutilized, asset for advancing integrated sustainable development in the world's expanding drylands. Previous reviews have examined camels' physiology, milk composition, or pastoral systems in isolation; this review examines their potential as a climate‐resilient linchpin for food systems by synthesizing socio‐economic and environmental evidence, framed explicitly within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We conducted a comprehensive analysis integrating scientific literature with a quantitative assessment of global non‐feral dromedary camel population trends (FAOSTAT, 1961–2020). The findings demonstrate that camels contribute directly to multiple SDGs: providing economic security for pastoral livelihoods (SDG 1, no poverty), nutrient‐dense food (SDG 2, zero hunger), and a low‐input adaptation model that supports community resilience to climate change (SDG 13, climate action). However, this potential is constrained by convergent systemic barriers, including animal health challenges, waterfeed insecurity, underdeveloped value chains, and the policy marginalization of pastoralists, which hinder progress toward decent work (SDG 8) and sustainable production (SDG 12). The analysis concludes with a dual policy and investment strategy: (1) targeted research on camel‐climate interactions, and (2) integrated investments in health systems, market infrastructure, and inclusive pastoral policy. We also acknowledge that unmanaged expansion of camel production carries potential risks, including land degradation and competition for grazing resources. Mainstreaming camels into climate‐smart development planning offers an actionable pathway for achieving balanced and resilient development in vulnerable dryland regions, providing a scalable model for sustainable consumption, production, and community resilience.
Feta-type cheese developed from camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk: physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability Eyassu Seifu, Katso T. Ntshambiwa, Wame S. Boitumelo, Othusitse R. Madibela, Ayana Angassa, et al. Exploration of Foods and Foodomics, 2026 Aim: The study aimed to develop feta-type cheese from camel milk and evaluate its physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability. Methods: Milk samples were obtained from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) kept at the Tsabong Ecotourism Camel Park in Botswana. Feta-type cheese was developed using WhiteDaily 41 culture, which contains mesophilic and thermophilic lactic acid bacteria, and camel chymosin (CHY-MAX M1000). Standard procedures were used to assess physicochemical characteristics and sensory-based consumer acceptability. Cow-milk feta cheese produced using the same procedure served as the control. Mann–Whitney test was used to compare quality parameters of the camel- and cow-milk cheeses. Results: The results showed that producing feta-type cheese from camel milk was more difficult than from cow milk, and the yield from camel milk was slightly lower. Except for ash and fat content, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the two cheese types. Cow-milk feta had significantly higher ash and fat levels (p 0.05) between the two cheeses. Conclusions: The findings show that making feta-type cheese from camel milk is possible, provided that manufacturing protocols are modified and processing parameters optimized. It is essential to improve the organoleptic properties of camel-milk feta cheese. Future research should consider the use of natural additives such as spices or condiments to improve flavour, aroma, texture, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and shelf life of the cheese.
Phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. across diverse rangelands in northeastern Ethiopia Minyahel Tilahun, Ayana Angassa, Zinabu Bora, Shimelis Mengistu, Jianshuang Wu Ecological Processes, 2025 Introduction Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. substantially threatens dry rangelands due to its invasive attributes, exacerbated by climate change, land-use practices, and anthropogenic activities. Despite the urgent need to understand its ecological impacts, comprehensive studies examining the relationship between its functional traits and reproductive fitness across diverse habitats and land-use scenarios are lacking. This study investigated the functional traits and fitness of Prosopis juliflora in the Afar region of Ethiopia, focusing on three land-use types: dry-season grazing lands, wet-season grazing lands, and wildlife reserves. Methods Plant samples were collected from 192 plots to assess their adaptive potential and genetic variation, alongside relevant physiographic and climatic data. This approach aims to elucidate the contributions of these factors to the observed variation and plasticity of Prosopis juliflora across three rangeland types differing in land use intensity. Generalized linear mixed models and co-occurrence networks were employed to analyze the complex interaction. Results Our findings revealed significant variation in fruiting onset and duration, with wet-season grazing lands demonstrating a shorter duration compared to dry-season grazing lands and wildlife reserves. Genetic variation was significant for total seed mass and number, indicating robust adaptability. The relative growth rate was higher in wildlife reserves compared to dry-season grazing lands, highlighting adaptive advantages in nutrient-rich environments. Additionally, climatic and physiographic analysis identified soil type as a critical factor influencing trait performance. Conclusions This study underscores the urgent need for targeted management strategies to mitigate the ecological impacts of Prosopis juliflora, emphasizing the critical role of soil nutrients in reproductive fitness. Our findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of invasive species in dry ecosystems and inform conservation efforts.
Are climate change adaptation strategies interrelated? Evidence from Borana pastoral communities, southern Ethiopia Abraham Abera Feyissa, Ayana Angassa, Menfese Tadesse Frontiers in Climate, 2025 Climate change manifests itself in recurrent droughts and erratic rainfall, resulting in diminished local water and animal feed resources. This has led to the death of large numbers of livestock, which are the basis of pastoral livelihoods in the Borana Zone, southern Ethiopia. In response to climate change impacts, the Borana pastoral community adopted various adaptation strategies to sustain their livelihoods. The present study examined the factors that determine pastoralists’ adaptation strategies and the intensities of their adoption and identified barriers to their implementation. A multivariate probit (MVP) and an ordered probit model were employed to analyze the adoption decisions of 240 households and a problem confrontation index to identify barriers to the adoption of adaptation strategies. The results indicate that while there are various adaptation strategies, some have a very low adoption rate. The majority of households (90%) used at least two of these adaptation strategies, and only 1.67% used all of them. Most importantly, the majority of adaptation strategies were interdependent, which indicates that some strategies are complementary and others are substitutable. Promoting complementary strategies within a package may help boost adaptation strategies and enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change through their synergies. Education, the dependence ratio, farming activity, access to extension services, and market distance significantly affect adoption decisions and adoption intensity. Similarly, bush encroachment, regionalization policies, improper settlement patterns, and farmland expansion hinder the implementation of adaptations. Hence, interventions that facilitate the adoption of climate change adaptation strategies and address barriers to their implementation can improve pastoral and agro-pastoral resilience to climate change. It would also be crucial to develop land-use planning that encourages the coexistence of livestock grazing and crop cultivation in order to maintain ecological balance and minimize conflict.
Perceptions and attitudes of communities on socio-economic importance of camels and consumption of camel milk and camel milk products in Kgalagadi District, Botswana Journal of Camelid Science, 2021
Bush encroachment control demonstrations and management implications on herbaceous species in savannas of southern Ethiopia Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2012
Impact of Acacia drepanolobium (an invasive woody species) on Gum-resin resources and local livelihood in Borana, southern Ethiopia Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2011
Role of traditional enclosures on the diversity of herbaceous vegetation in a semi-arid rangeland, southern Ethiopia Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2010
Current range condition in southern Ethiopia in relation to traditional management strategies: The perceptions of Borana pastoralists Tropical Grasslands, 2003
The effect of clearing bushes and shrubs on range condition in Borana, Ethiopia Tropical Grasslands, 2002
Camels as a Climate-Resilient Linchpin for Sustainable Development in Global Drylands SGT Ayana Angassa, Minyahel Tilahun Sustainable Development,, 2026; 0:1–15 , 2026 2026
Feta-type cheese developed from camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk: physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability E Seifu, KT Ntshambiwa, WS Boitumelo, OR Madibela, A Angassa, ... Exploration of Foods and Foodomics 4, 1010135 , 2026 2026
Topographic modulation of drought propagation establishes low-elevation hotspots and mid-elevation climatic refugia in Southern Africa AA Minyahel Tilahun, Solomon G. Tesfamichael, Takehiro Sasaki Ecological Indicators 185 , 2026 2026
Effects of season, parity and stage of lactation on yield, composition and microbial quality of milk from camels raised in Tsabong, Botswana E Seifu, OR Madibela, WS Boitumelo, A Angassa, K Mpho, M Molapisi, ... Revue d’élevage et de médecine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux , 2026 2026
Effects of Seed Treatment and Bio-inoculants on Baikiaea plurijuga DC. and Pterocarpus angolensis Harms Seed Germination K Makgobota, F Pule-Meulenberg, A Angassa, M Rampart, ... Indian Journal of Agricultural Research 60 (3), 368-374 , 2026 2026
Food and nonfood applications of the African moringa plant (Moringa stenopetala) E Seifu, A Angassa Processing, Nutrition and Value Addition Principles of Neglected and … , 2026 2026
Landscape‑based traditional grazing management systems for the sustainability of southern Ethiopia’s Borana rangelands MT Zinabu Bora, Yongdong Wang, Ayana Angassa, Annah Lake Zhu,· Yuan You, Na ... Regional Environmental Change 26 , 2026 2026
The role of donkeys, their milk production and utilization in south-western Botswana WSB Seifu E, Angassa A. Animal Science 1 (, Issue 1), 162–180. , 2025 2025
ASSESSMENT OF CAMEL FEED RESOURCES: WOODY SPECIES STAND STRUCTURE, SPECIES RICHNESS AND DIVERSITY IN TSABONG ECOTOURISM CAMEL PARK, SOUTH-WESTERN BOTSWANA D Teketay, W Mojeremane, E Seifu, M Kennedy, K Makgobota, ... Journal of Camel Practice and Research, 281 , 2025 2025
Exploring the significance of camels in enhancing food security and adaptability in a changing climate: A review AA Abdeta RUFORUM Annual General Meenting - Pre-AGM event, 25 , 2025 2025
Evaluation of livestock feed supply and demand in districts surrounding Bale Mountain National Park, Ethiopia: A strategy for biodiversity con A Mohammed, F Fiona, A Ayana Range Management and Agroforestry 46 (1), 23-30 , 2025 2025
Effects of artificial waterpoints on woody species composition and structure in semi-arid communal rangelands, northern Namibia NN Johannes, N Jesaya, A Ayana African Journal of Range & Forage Science , 2025 2025
Drought and bush encroachment threaten dry rangeland sustainability in Northeastern Ethiopia M Tilahun, Z Liu, A Angassa, Z Wang, M Li, J Wu Global Ecology and Conservation 58, e03425 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. across diverse rangelands in northeastern Ethiopia M Tilahun, A Angassa, Z Bora, S Mengistu, J Wu Ecological Processes 14 (1), 10 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Environmental Change and Biodiversity Conservation in sub-Saharan Africa WL Hambira, AA Abdeta, DB Moalafhi, VK Muposhi, K Mosepele Springer , 2025 2025
Conclusion: Pathways for a Sustainable Future— Synthesis on Environmental Change and Biodiversity Conservation Efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa VK Muposhi, WL Hambira, DB Moalafhi, AA Abdeta, K Mosepele Environmental Change and Biodiversity Conservation in sub-Saharan Africa … , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Impacts of forest fires in Botswana: Implications for forest resources conservation and management K Sianga, W Mojeremane, AA Abdeta, K Makgobota, S Mabula Environmental Change and Biodiversity Conservation in sub-Saharan Africa … , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Sub-Saharan Africa’s Perspectives on Environmental Change and Biodiversity Conservation: An Introduction WL Hambira, VK Muposhi, DB Moalafhi, AA Abdeta, K Mosepele Environmental Change and Biodiversity Conservation in sub-Saharan Africa … , 2024 2024
Woody Plant Encroachment as a Process of Landscape Change in Arid Rangelands: Effective Control Methods and Enhancing Herbaceous Species Richness: A Review AA Abdeta, K Sianga, S Mabula, W Mojeremane Environmental Change and Biodiversity Conservation in sub-Saharan Africa … , 2024 2024
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Herder perceptions on impacts of range enclosures, crop farming, fire ban and bush encroachment on the rangelands of Borana, Southern Ethiopia A Angassa, G Oba Human ecology 36 (2), 201-215 , 2008 2008 Citations: 345
Change in dominance determines herbivore effects on plant biodiversity Nature Ecology and Evolution, 018-0696 , 2018 2018 Citations: 305
Effects of grazing intensity and bush encroachment on herbaceous species and rangeland condition in southern Ethiopia A Angassa Land Degradation & Development 25 (5), 438-451 , 2014 2014 Citations: 254
Effects of grazing pressure, age of enclosures and seasonality on bush cover dynamics and vegetation composition in southern Ethiopia A Angassa, G Oba Journal of arid environments 74 (1), 111-120 , 2010 2010 Citations: 237
Relating long-term rainfall variability to cattle population dynamics in communal rangelands and a government ranch in southern Ethiopia A Angassa, G Oba Agricultural systems 94 (3), 715-725 , 2007 2007 Citations: 218
The role of livestock diversification in ensuring household food security under a changing climate in Borana, Ethiopia. AVZ Bekele Megersa, André Markemann, Ayana Angassa Food Security 6 (1), 15-28 , 2014 2014 Citations: 192
The role of area enclosures and fallow age in the restoration of plant diversity in northern Ethiopia MH Abebe, G Oba, A Angassa, RB Weladji African journal of ecology 44 (4), 507-514 , 2006 2006 Citations: 117
Livestock Diversification: an Adaptive Strategy to Climate and Rangeland Ecosystem Changes in Southern Ethiopia AVZ Bekele Megersa, André Markemann, Ayana Angassa, Joseph O. Ogutu, Hans ... Human Ecology , 2014 2014 Citations: 114
Impacts of climate change and variability on cattle production in southern Ethiopia: Perceptions and empirical evidence B Megersa, A Markemann, A Angassa, JO Ogutu, HP Piepho, AV Zaráte Agricultural systems 130, 23-34 , 2014 2014 Citations: 112
Effects of enclosure management on carbon sequestration, soil properties and vegetation attributes in East African rangelands K Feyisa, S Beyene, A Angassa, MY Said, J De Leeuw, A Abebe, ... Catena 159, 9-19 , 2017 2017 Citations: 105
Current range condition in southern Ethiopia in relation to traditional management strategies: the perceptions of Borana pastoralists A Angassa, F Beyene Tropical Grasslands 37 (1), 53-59 , 2003 2003 Citations: 102
Conversion of savanna rangelands to bush dominated landscape in Borana, Southern Ethiopia T Abate, A Angassa Ecological processes 5 (1), 6 , 2016 2016 Citations: 101
Effects of management and time on mechanisms of bush encroachment in southern Ethiopia A Angassa, G Oba African Journal of Ecology 46 (2), 186-196 , 2008 2008 Citations: 101
The ecological impact of bush encroachment on the yield of grasses in Borana rangeland ecosystem A Angassa African Journal of Ecology 43 (1), 14-20 , 2005 2005 Citations: 96
Ecological condition of encroached and non‐encroached rangelands in Borana, Ethiopia A Angassa, RMT Baars African Journal of Ecology 38 (4), 321-328 , 2000 2000 Citations: 96
Camel management as an adaptive strategy to climate change by pastoralists in southern Ethiopia G Wako, M Tadesse, A Angassa Ecological Processes 6 (1), 1-12 , 2017 2017 Citations: 88
Nutritive value of grasses in semi-arid rangelands of Ethiopia: local experience based herbage preference evaluation versus laboratory analysis T Habtamu, M I Casper, A Ayana, A Hassen Asian Australian Journal of Animal Sciences , 2013 2013 Citations: 85
Long-term livestock exclosure did not affect soil carbon in southern Ethiopian rangelands E Aynekulu, W Mekuria, D Tsegaye, K Feyissa, A Angassa, J de Leeuw, ... Geoderma 307, 1-7 , 2017 2017 Citations: 79
Savanna land use and its effect on soil characteristics in southern Ethiopia A Angassa, B Sheleme, G Oba, AC Treydte, A Linstädter, J Sauerborn Journal of Arid Environments 81, 67-76 , 2012 2012 Citations: 64
Role of traditional enclosures on the diversity of herbaceous vegetation in a semi-arid rangeland, southern Ethiopia A Angassa, G Oba, AC Treydte, RB Weladji Livestock Research for Rural Development 22 (9), 163 , 2010 2010 Citations: 59