Mekelle University Institutional Repository
Discover scholarly works, research outputs, and institutional publications.
The Mekelle University Institutional Repository is a digital collection of scholarly and research outputs created by the university's faculty, students, and researchers. This repository provides open access to a wide range of materials, including articles, theses, dissertations, conference papers, books, and more."
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- Increase the visibility and impact of research conducted at Mekelle University.
- Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration within the academic community.
- Preserve and disseminate valuable scholarly works for future generations
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- A central archive for Mekelle University’s institutional abstract books from academic and research conferences.
Recent Submissions
ANALYSIS OF TRENDS, OPPORTUNITIES, and CHALLENGES OF TIGRAY SESAME EXPORT MARKET (THE CASE OF -TAHTAY-ADYABO WEREDA)
(Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Kidu Tafere Asgedom
This study aimed to analyze the trends, opportunities, and challenges of the Tigray sesame export market in Tahtay-Adiyabo wereda by employing a mixed-methods approach and a cross-sectional survey design, using a census of the entire target population of 24 sesame market actors—including local traders, exporters, Tekeze Union, and the temporary market center—supplemented with focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Findings reveal that sesame marketing in Tigray is highly seasonal, with peak trading in September and complete inactivity from February to August; smallholder farmers supply about 95% of traded sesame, indicating heavy reliance on fragmented production systems. The study further shows that the war severely disrupted the sesame export market through the destruction of roads, warehouses, and stored commodities, causing total cessation of export activities between 2020/21 and 2023/24 and leading to a sharp decline in foreign exchange earnings. Despite this, the sector retains substantial opportunities stemming from high global demand, favorable agro-ecology, the premium quality of Humera-type sesame, and proximity to international markets; however, its performance remains constrained by conflict-related damage, limited finance, weak institutional coordination, transport shortages during peak months, price volatility, inadequate storage infrastructure, and lack of timely market information. Based on these findings, the study recommends first strengthening post-war institutional coordination, infrastructure rehabilitation, and financial support systems to restore export functionality and, second, improving market information flow and storage/transport systems to stabilize prices and enhance the competitiveness of Tigray’s sesame in international markets
Assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices: The Case of Mesebo Cement Factory, Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia
(Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Rigbe Abrha Desta
At present, corporate social responsibility is growing in importance in business practices. It is a business model that encourages businesses to operate in ways that enhance society and the environment while still being accountable to their stakeholders and the public. As a consequence of fast-growing socio-economic and political development and awareness, communities increasingly demand corporate accountability. The search for answers to these questions led to the development of the concept of corporate social responsibility. Corporate social responsibility can be defined as a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis. This study assessed the extent and dimensions of CSR practices at Mesebo Cement Factory and their alignment with Carroll’s CSR framework. Corporate social responsibility contains four components/domains that were developed by Carroll in the form of pyramid these include: legal, ethical, economic, and philanthropic domains. The study used corporate social responsibility model adopted after detailed review of theories and empirical studies. The research design is mainly descriptive survey. Data for each of the major four domains were collected through sets of questions asked to respondents to rank their perception. To enhance the credibility of the data collected triangulation method of research approach is applied. The Sample survey was conducted with 200 respondents applying probability sampling design and simple random technique from both internal (122 employee respondents) and external (78 respondents) from nearby community members. The survey was also accompanied by an interview with key informants and in-depth interview as well as document analysis. Finally, the data gathered through a questionnaire from the survey were analyzed through mean scores, frequencies, percentages, and ranking using SPSS software version 20. The descriptive statistics results were presented in the form of Tables and figures. The finding of the study shows that the company mainly works on good employees handling, the economic domain of corporate social responsibility and from the philanthropic aspect it participates in sport and it supports in education buildings, indicating that the company works within the legal framework. However, majority of the results indicate that the company is not working on environmental protection, health care, infrastructure, and ethical aspects of corporate social responsibility. The results imply that the management of Mesobo Cement Factory need to comply with and further implement Corporate Social Responsibility strategy alignment, stakeholder communication and activities that ensure corporate sustainability. From the findings, the study gives a general remark that corporate social responsibility is not well practiced by the Company. Therefore, the major findings suggest that such organizations need to understand and consider the advantages of engaging in corporate social responsibility for their growth on sustainable basis.
Assessment of Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction: A Case Study of Ethiopian customs Commission, Mekelle Branch office
(Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Tewodros Huluf Tesfay
This study investigates the assessment of service quality and its impact on customer satisfaction at the Ethiopian Customs Commission, Mekelle Branch office. Using the widely recognized SERVQUAL model, the research evaluates five service quality dimensions— tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy—and their relationship to customers' satisfaction levels. Employing a quantitative descriptive research design, data were collected through structured self-administered questionnaires from 78 customers including importers, exporters, and customs agents. The analysis incorporated descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression to test the hypotheses concerning the effects of service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction. Results indicate notable gaps in service quality particularly in tangibility and responsiveness, which affect overall customer satisfaction. The study highlights the necessity for the branch office to enhance physical facilities, staff competence, and customer-centric responsiveness to improve satisfaction levels. Findings contribute valuable insights for public service improvement in customs operations and provide a foundation for future research on service quality enhancement in similar public sectors. The study recommends improving physical facilities, staff competence, and responsiveness to enhance customer satisfaction, contributing insights for public service improvements in customs operations.
DETERMINANT FACTORS OF SUCCESS OF SAVING AND CREDIT COOPERATIVES IN TIGRAY
(Mekelle University, 2025-11-25) TESFAHUNEGN GUESH ABAY
Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) are key to promoting financial inclusion and socio-economic growth, particularly in regions with low exposure to formal banking. While SACCOs are registered in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, most of them fail to achieve sustainable success. This study assesses the determinants of the success of SACCOs in Tigray, with a specific emphasis on governance, technological adoption, and financial management practices. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, and quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 257 officers, managers, and board members of selected urban SACCOs. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyze data and determine factors that were significantly linked with SACCO success as measured by loan repayment rates, membership growth, and savings mobilization. The findings indicate that SACCOs in Tigray are staffed by a highly educated workforce, implying high human capital potential. The regression model identified four statistically significant determinants of success: Work experience (AOR = 00.211, p<0.030), Governance Effectiveness (AOR = 0.115, p < 0.001), the Impact of Technology Adoption (p = 0.002), and Dividend Payment (AOR = 5.430, p = 0.022). SACCOs with very strong governance, experienced employees, and those that paid dividends were significantly more likely to be successful, while a moderate (as opposed to high) technological impact was negatively associated with success. Operationally, speedy loan processing was the principal membership growth driver, overshadowing traditional drivers like low-interest rates. A fundamental "governance paradox" was observed, whereby formal arrangements like regular board meetings exist alongside a grave deficiency in board member training. The study concludes that SACCO success in Tigray is multifaceted, premised on the effective alignment of robust governance, deep (not moderate) technological integration, and strategic financial practices like dividend distribution. It recommends that SACCOs invest in board capacity through continuous training, in core banking and mobile technologies, and formalize financial strategies. Policy recommendations are that policymakers establish a tiered regulatory framework and facilitate technology adoption. This research provides valuable empirical lessons for enhancing SACCO performance and sustainability in Tigray and similar settings.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF SAVING MOBILIZATION IN MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS (A CASE OF DEDEBIT CREDIT AND SAVING INSTITUTION, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA)
(Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Teklay Gebremedhin Gebretsadikan
Savings mobilization is a critical function for the sustainability and outreach of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in developing economies, and this study aims to assess the major challenges and opportunities in this area, using Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution (DECSI) in Tigray, Ethiopia, as a case study. Employing a descriptive research design, primary data were collected from a sample of DECSI employees using structured questionnaires, supplemented by secondary data. The analysis identified significant internal operational weaknesses, with the absence of remarkable remuneration identified as a "very strong" barrier; other strong internal operational weaknesses included manual financial systems, time-consuming procedures, lack of modern advertisement, and absence of overtime fees. Externally, peace and political instability posed a "very strong" challenge, alongside competition from other financial institutions, poor saving culture, and underdeveloped infrastructure. While staff commitment and the potential for quality service delivery were identified positively as opportunities, factors such as staff incentives, stakeholder cooperation, and product diversification were found to be underutilized. The study concludes that DECSI's savings mobilization efforts are hindered by a combination of critical internal operational weaknesses and external environmental factors. Consequently, it is recommended that DECSI invest in a modern Management Information System (MIS), introduce technology-driven channels (e.g., mobile banking), improve working conditions and remuneration to retain skilled staff, and develop more diversified savings products.