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Working animals have a crucial socio-economic role to play for many low-income communities. One such example is in Ethiopia where virtually all the draught power for agricultural production derives from working animals. However, despite this, the welfare status of working animals in this country remains poor. Hence, a clear understanding of the major welfare problems faced by working animals is key to helping improve their welfare status and to maximise their economic contribution. This systematic literature review encompasses 28 studies published between 2010–2024, that address the role of working animals and the factors impinging on their welfare. Suitability of papers for inclusion (and exclusion) involved use of a PRISMA flow diagram. In this review, we also sought to define the exact role of working animals with them found to be used not only for draught power but also as a direct source of food as well as income. A lack of medical care was also highlighted with animals afforded limited access to feed and water, subjected to regular physical abuse, and deprived of access to shelter. Insufficient assessment of welfare and improper methods of data analysis were also found to be an issue, factors that require to be addressed by future researchers to help improve the welfare of working animals in this region

Wheat is one of the cereal crops grown around the world, as well as in Ethiopia. However, female farmers are limited in their ability to achieve their estimated potential as a country in general and in the study area in particular. Even though Emba Alaje district is a potential area for bread wheat production in the Tigray region, so far studies have been scanty on female farmers’ adoption of improved bread wheat production. Thus, this study analyses the determinants of female farmers’ adoption of bread wheat production. This primary data was collected from 169 female farmers in Emba Alaje district using semi-structured interview schedules. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select representative samples. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and econometric analysis. A binary probit regression model was used to analyze factors influencing the adoption of improved bread wheat varieties by female farmers. According to the model results, educational level, family labour, oxen ownership, training access, membership in cooperatives, and credit access positively influenced, while the age of the female farmers negatively influenced the adoption of bread wheat production by female farmers. Therefore, policymakers and other stakeholders should consider these factors to support female farmers in bread wheat production and to accelerate overall agricultural development.