Hawassa University

Smallholder farmers need to cope with small farm sizes, low soil fertility, and risks associated with rain‐fed agriculture, which resulted in low productivity. Crop diversification potentially improves yields and resource use efficiencies in these systems. Field experiments were conducted at two sites in southern Ethiopia to determine the effects of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping time and frequency on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), nutrient uptake, and soil properties. Treatments included monocrops of maize (M) and common bean (Bn), double common bean mono crop (Bn + Bn), simultaneous (M + Bn), relay (M + BnR), and sequential common bean intercropping with maize (M + Bn + Bn). BNF by common bean under these systems was estimated BNF using the ¹⁵N natural abundance method. Intercropping had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on BNF compared to common bean monoculture at both sites. However, there were significant differences in BNF among intercropping systems at site 1. Significantly higher BNF were obtained from M + Bn + Bn compared with M + Bn and M + BnR. Intercropping significantly (p < 0.05) increased the N and P uptakes compared to unfertilized maize monoculture at both sites, resulting in increased yields but no significant effect on nutrient use efficiencies. Significantly higher N and P uptakes were obtained from M + Bn + Bn compared to other intercropping, and significantly lower N and P uptakes were obtained from M + Bn and M + BnR. Intercropping had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on most soil properties possibly due to the short experimental duration. Therefore, nutrient management strategy is required in intercropping systems to counter the increased nutrient uptake which could cause soil depletion in the long term particularly if all biomass is removed from the field.

Introduction Food insecurity is one of the most serious issues, especially in developing countries, that harm many public health outcomes through increased under nutrition, mental health problem, and premature mortality. It is widespread socio-economic problem of Ethiopia, with unequal distribution among its regions, during COVID-19 and other shock event manifestations for the last three years. This study aimed to analyse country-wise and region-specific food insecurity prevalence; assess its variation among regions; and identify predictors that influenced households’ food insecurity in Ethiopia during COVID-19. Methods This study used longitudinal data from the World Bank's Ethiopia-High Frequency Phone Survey, which looked at 3,300 households' experiences of food insecurity over five rounds, yielding 13,517 observations throughout time. The non-parametric model, Kruskal–Wallis Test, was used to asses food insecurity differences across regions; while the parametric, Generalized Multilevel Binomial Regression Model, was used to identify significant predictors of households’ food insecurity experience. Results There are significant variations in food insecurity among regions of Ethiopia during COVID-19. Sumali was the region with highest food insecurity prevalence followed by Tigray, SNNP, Oromia, and Amhara where these regions were also facing another shocks, in addition to COVID-19, such a displacement and drought. Female-headed household and income loss are directly associated with likelihood of being food insecure. Dwelling in urban (coefficient = -0.3707, p = 0.0003), being employed (coefficient = -0.1869, p = 0.0161), benefiting assistance (coefficient = -0.3504, p = 0.0029), and operating non-farm business during COVID-19 (coefficient = -0.4074, p = 0.0000) were significant and negatively associated predictors of households’ food insecurity. Besides, household’s worry and financial threat due to the outbreak of pandemic were the two COVID-19 related predictors that had significant effect on household’s food insecurity. Income loss was the most determinant variable (coefficient = 0.8562, p = 0.0000) that had largest influence on household’s likelihood of being food insecure. As time went, the decline in food insecurity was attributed to either decreased outbreak of the pandemic and/or improved households’ resilience to shocks. Conclusions Even while food insecurity is a major issue in Ethiopia, not all its regions are at equal status. Household’s food insecurity is determined by his ability to handle the problem economically, and withstand shock events like COVID-19 that subtly disrupts social and economic networks. Intervention measures taken to insure food insecurity in the country should take in to account regions’ food insecurity inequalities and their vulnerability to shock event manifestations. During shocks, boosting households’ ability to cope up with unexpected risk event can save the exacerbation of food insecurity problem.

Background The global prevalence of vaginal candidiasis and group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization among pregnant women is significant and these pathogens are associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth, stillbirth, and neonatal infections. Objective This study aimed to determine the magnitude and risk factors for vaginal Candida and GBS in pregnant women who were attending antenatal care at Hawassa University Compressive Specialized Hospital from July October 2021. Method A Hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using microscopy, culture, germ tube, and biochemical tests on vaginal swab samples from 110 volunteer pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on perceived risk factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22, and an odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval with p < 0.05 was used to interpret the risk factors. Results Candida species was identified in 33 (30%) pregnant women, whereas, GBS colonization was not detected in any of them. Of the vaginal Candida species, 17 (51.52%) were Candida albicans and 16 (48.48%) were non-albicans Candida. Symptomatic vaginal candidiasis was diagnosed in only four women. The most important predictors of vaginal Candida colonization were parity of two and underwear replacement once a day. Conclusion Based on these findings, screening for vaginal candidiasis and prophylactic treatment should be considered for young, multiparous, pregnant women in their third trimester, if supported clinically.

This study aimed to assess the effect of coffee husk biochar application and Rhizobium inoculation on the agronomic traits and nutrient availability of various faba bean varieties. Four bean varieties (Local, Dosha, Gebelcho, and Numan), four inoculation levels (control, strains: FB‐EAR‐15, FB‐1035, and EAL‐110), and three biochar rates (0, 5, and 10 t ha⁻¹) were tested on acidic soils collected from the Gorche and Hagere Selam districts. The results revealed that the treatments applied significantly affected almost all yield‐related measurements. Inoculating seeds with the EAL‐110 strain and applying 10 t ha⁻¹ of biochar enhanced seed and biomass yields per plant by 7% and 8%, and 9% and 8%, respectively, compared to the control. Similarly, post‐harvest soil analysis revealed a substantial change in soil physicochemical parameters following the application of 10 t ha⁻¹ of biochar compared to the control. The soil's pH, available P, exchangeable Ca, and Mg levels increased by 0.81 mg kg⁻¹, 4.6 mg kg⁻¹, 32.1%, and 46.2%, respectively. Inoculation with strain EAL‐110 resulted in significant (p < 0.05) improvements in total N (16.7%) and organic carbon (3.1%). Conversely, the varieties did not significantly (p > 0.05) influence soil properties and nutrient availability. Hence, this research has identified biochar and Rhizobium inoculation as agricultural inputs with the potential to improve soil fertility, reduce soil acidity, and increase nutrient availability. Therefore, planting faba bean varieties Dosha and Numan with 10 t ha⁻¹ biochar and strain EAL‐110 outperformed other treatments and is recommended for future research under farmers’ field conditions.

Soil erosion and sedimentation are global issues threatening livelihoods and development, including in the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes Basin (RVLB). Despite several studies conducted at the watershed and subbasin levels in the basin, there is a lack of an organized review. This review synthesizes findings from 32 studies (2008–2023) to assess soil erosion and sedimentation rates, causes, and impacts in the RVLB. Key findings indicate that land use changes, such as converting vegetation and woodlands into cultivation and settlements, are the primary drivers of soil loss, with additional factors including steep slopes, poor conservation practices, and high rainfall. The mean annual soil loss rate in the basin is 28.44 t/ha/year, surpassing the national average of 16.5 t/ha/year and the RVLB average of 15.8 t/ha/year. Methodologies mainly rely on the Universal Soil Loss Equation and its revised version, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, alongside tools such as Soil and Water Assessment Tool, Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs—Sediment Delivery Ratio, object‐based image analysis, and field measurements. The impacts include severe effects on crop production, hydrological efficiency, and lake sedimentation. Research gaps highlight methodological inconsistencies, limited studies on direct economic impacts, underrepresented gully erosion dynamics, and a lack of high‐resolution data. Future research should focus on integrating high‐resolution datasets, employing advanced geographic information system and machine learning techniques, and conducting socioeconomic impact studies. Addressing these areas is crucial for developing sustainable soil and water conservation strategies in the RVLB.

Aims Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remains a major global health challenge, particularly due to increasing drug resistance. Beyond the well-characterized mutations, the mechanisms involved in driving resistance appear to be more complex. This study investigated the differential gene expression of Ethiopian drug-resistant Mtb sub-lineage 4.2.2.2 clinical isolates through an integrated approach combining phenotypic, transcriptomic, and genomic analyses. Method and Results RNA sequencing was performed by isolating RNA from six Mtb strains (three drug-sensitive and three drug-resistant) during mid-logarithmic phase growth. Drug resistance was assessed through whole-genome analysis and phenotypic testing using the BACTEC MGIT™ 960 system. RNA profiling revealed significantly reduced expression of six genes: Rv0096, Rv2780, Rv3136, Rv3136A, Rv3137, and Rv3230c in drug-resistant isolates. These genes are not associated with known drug targets nor resistance mechanisms. Additionally, a discrepancy was noted between phenotypic resistance profiles and whole genome-based predictions, with the latter suggesting broader resistance. For instance, the missense mutation in rpoB p.Ser450Leu and katG p.Ser315Thr were identified with no change in phenotypic drug sensitivity to rifampicin and isoniazid, respectively. Conclusion Identification of these differentially expressed genes and their networks could be useful in unraveling the complexities of Mtb drug resistance and in understanding the impact that drug resistance conferring mutations have on the physiology of drug-resistant Mtb.

Introduction Tramadol abuse is a current public health concern in Ethiopia. Drug abuse including that of tramadol is a significant public health issue that causes health, economic, and social problems to individual drug users, their families, the community, and the entire nation. Therefore this study delivers information regarding current tramadol abuse among students of an Ethiopian University. Objective The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of tramadol abuse and associated factors among Hawassa university students, February to June 2023. Methods and materials A cross-sectional study was performed among 402 randomly selected Hawassa university students. Data was collected from participant through self-administered researcher made questionnaire using kobo toolbox software applications. Data from kobo toolbox were directly exported to and analyzed by using SPSS version 26 software. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify the factors associated with tramadol abuse. In the final model, Adjusted Odds Ratio, and 95% CI was used to measure the strength of association and P-value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Result A total of 402 students were enrolled in this study of which 46 students (11.4%) [95% CI 8.5–14.7] had history of tramadol abuse once in their lifetime with 23.9% of them were active tramadol abuser with some dependence behaviors. The result of multivariate analysis shows that having a friend who use drugs [AOR = 1.691, 95% CI (0.718–3.980), p = 0.041], knowing about tramadol [AOR = 13.766, 95%CI (3.003–63.113), p = 0.001] and having the history of taking tramadol with physicians prescription in their life time [AOR = 7.960, 95%CI (3.603–17.587), P < 0.001] were the significant predictors of tramadol abuse. Conclusion The life time prevalence of tramadol abuse among university students is high and it demands attention of government and the general public.

Soil erosion, driven by climate and land cover changes, poses a significant challenge to watershed sustainability. This study assessed historical and projected soil erosion in Ethiopia's Gidabo Watershed using climate data from an ensemble of six GCMs and Landsat images (2003, 2011, and 2019), which were classified and predicted by integrating the Random Forest classifier and Google Earth Engine, and the InVEST‐SDR model to evaluate erosion potential. Historical and future land cover change projections revealed a trend of increasing agricultural and built‐up areas, while dense vegetation exhibited a declining trend. The average annual precipitation in the baseline scenario showed an insignificant decreasing trend, whereas future projections indicated an overall increase. Soil erosion was assessed for both baseline and future periods by integrating CMIP6 GCMs (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5) with land cover maps. The results indicated that the mean annual soil loss increased from 18.74 t ha ⁻¹ yr ⁻¹ during the baseline period to 22.75 t ha ⁻¹ yr ⁻¹ in the 2030s and 24.76 t ha ⁻¹ yr ⁻¹ in the 2050s under SSP2‐4.5. Under SSP5‐8.5, soil erosion rates reached 23.12 t ha ⁻¹ yr ⁻¹ in the 2030s and 25.42 t ha ⁻¹ yr ⁻¹ in the 2050s. This increase was driven by agricultural expansion, reduced vegetation cover, and high rainfall erosivity. High soil erosion rates were concentrated in the southwestern and northeastern sub‐watersheds, requiring immediate conservation interventions in severely eroded areas. Reforestation, terracing, and sustainable land management are essential to mitigate soil erosion and enhance watershed resilience, providing key insights for targeted conservation strategies and sustainable watershed management.

Background The burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) is increasing globally including in the African countries. Healthy nutrition plays a crucial role in the prevention and management of NCD. Therefore, this study aimed to assess NCD protect score as indicator of dietary quality of adults with NCD in Sidama National Regional State of Ethiopia. In addition, it identified predictors of good NCD protect score and highlighted salt usage practice. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 882 adults with diabetes and/or hypertension from February to April in 2023. Descriptive statistics was computed to satisfy univariate outcomes and logistics regression analysis was done to identify predictors of good NCD protect score. Results Less than one-thirds (29.5%) of the participants achieved good NCD protect score. Among salt users (n = 224), nearly half (47%) consume more than five grams of salt in a day. No formal education [AOR = 0.5 (95%CI: 0.29, 0.85), p = 0.011], being from no radio [AOR = 0.56 (95%CI:0.39, 0.82), p < 0.003] and no refrigerator [AOR = 0.22 (95%CI: 0.12, 0.46), p < 0.001] owning household decreased probability to achieve good NCD protect score as compared to the counterparts. In contrary, being widowed/divorced [AOR = 2.22 (95%CI: 1.17, 4.22), p = 0.015] and common out of home eating practice [AOR = 1.57 (95%CI:1.05, 2.34), p = 0.027] increased probability to achieve good NCD protect score. Conclusions Substantial proportion of adults with NCD did not achieve good NCD protect score. Moreover, both complete salt avoidance, and more than the recommended amount salt consumption practice among salt users are prevalent. Education, access to media and food preservation services predicted NCD protect score. Context specific nutrition interventions have to be designed and integrated with existing NCD medical care. Implementation researches would also benefit further understanding and intervention effect determination.

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently coexist, posing a significant challenge due to increased risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, have demonstrated potential for enhancing glucose control and reducing cardiovascular and renal risks. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were taken to compare semaglutide with placebo or standard care in adults with T2DM and CKD. Key outcomes assessed included cardiovascular mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), kidney-related adverse events, all-cause mortality, and hospitalization rates. Results Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 10,013 patients were included. Semaglutide demonstrated a 29% reduction in cardiovascular mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52–0.97; p = 0.03; I ² = 59%) and a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.71–0.91; p = 0.0007; I ² = 0%). A significant 20% decrease in kidney-related adverse events was observed (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.71–0.89; p<0.0001; I ² = 0%), and semaglutide also reduced the need for cardiovascular medications (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81–0.91; p<0.00001; I ² = 13%). Conclusion Semaglutide shows promise as a therapeutic option for T2DM patients with CKD, significantly improving cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Its integration into treatment regimens for high-risk patients may enhance clinical outcomes and reduce treatment complexity. However, more extensive and longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The aim of this study is to improve the safety and taste of cassava-based products, including injera, porridge, and cookies, currently consumed in Ethiopia. A full factorial design was used to evaluate the functional properties and hydrogen cyanide content of cassava powders from four cassava varieties (Chichu, Hawassa-4, Qulle, and Kello) preprocessed in four processing methods (anaerobic fermentation, blanching, submerged fermentation, and without preprocessing). A randomized block design was used to assess the sensory properties of products. The result showed that the Chichu cassava variety powder, prepared using submerged fermentation, had the lowest HCN content (2.5 ppm). Superior injera sensory qualities were demonstrated for injera produced from submerged fermentation as a preprocessing technique for Hawassa-4 and Chichu cassava varieties. For cookies, unprocessed cassava powder was preferred, while submerged fermentation was recommended for porridge preparation. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing both safety and sensory quality in cassava-based food products.

Traditional fermented foods and beverages have played a vital role in the diet, culture, and economy of Eastern African countries for centuries, contributing significantly to food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development. Despite their importance, comprehensive documentation of their production methods, nutritional benefits, and safety challenges remains limited. This review critically examines the most widely consumed fermented foods and beverages in the region, derived from both plant and dairy sources, with a focus on their processing technologies, microbial dynamics, nutritional profiles, and food safety issues. Data were gathered from a systematic review of published and unpublished scientific research between March and April 2023. These products are predominantly obtained through spontaneous fermentation, a sustainable bioprocessing method that enhances shelf life, nutritional value, and sensory attributes. A diverse range of products, including non‐alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, porridges, breads, and yogurt‐like dairy products, rely heavily on the activity of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. While these foods are rich in essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, the non‐standardized fermentation processes often result in inconsistent quality and pose risks related to foodborne pathogens and toxins. This review emphasizes the urgent need for developing standardized fermentation practices, including the isolation and application of starter cultures, to improve safety and product quality. Furthermore, scaling up traditional fermentation methods for commercialization offers significant opportunities to enhance regional nutrition and economic development while addressing the challenges of food safety and quality assurance.

Background Health professionals are burn out syndrome prone occupational group. In Ethiopia there are limited evidences about burnout syndrome and work related determinant factors resulting in Burnout syndrome. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and associated factors of burnout syndrome among health professionals working in university hospitals found in Sidama region and Southern Ethiopia 2023. Methods An institution based multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted on 362 health professionals working in three university hospital from February 15 to February 30, 2023. Study participants were recruited using Simple random sampling technique. A standard self-administered Maslach Burn out Inventory questionnaire were used to collect data. Data entered into Epi-info version 7.2.5.0 and exported to stata version 17 for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with burnout syndrome and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were used to describe factors associated significantly. Variables with a P value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result A total of 362 health professionals were enrolled in the study with a response rate of 100%. The prevalence of burnout syndrome among health professionals was found to be 198 (54.7%) with a 95% CI of 49.51–59.77%. Alcohol dependence (AOR = 6.41, 95% CI = 2.37- 17.29), Sleep problem (AOR = 3.88, 95% CI = 2.33–6.46), poor social support (AOR = 4.71, 95% CI = 2.21–10.01) and intermediate social support (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.07–5.42) were factors significantly associated with burnout syndrome. Conclusion This study revealed that a high proportion of health professionals working in university hospitals of sidama and southern part of Ethiopia suffer from burnout syndrome. Alcohol dependence, sleep problem, getting poor and intermediate social support were significantly associated predictor variable with burnout syndrome. Recommendation Higher officials of university hospitals and human resource department should design strategies to reduce alcohol dependence, promote healthy sleep habit and advocate strong social support among health professionals.

Background Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in low- income countries. Neonatal sepsis is classified as early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS). Etiologies responsible for EONS are mostly acquired vertically from the mother during or before birth with the possibility of prevention. The burden and etiology of neonatal sepsis is not uniform across the globe with huge disparities based on the income level of the countries. This study aimed to determine neonatal sepsis trends, prevalence, and etiologies at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialised Hospital (HUCSH). Methods A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among newborns aged 0 to 90 days who were admitted to the HUCSH from January 2019 to July 2023. Patient-related information and the culture results were obtained from HUCSH microbiology laboratory registration book. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 software. Results Out of 2364 newborns suspected of having sepsis, 56% (95% CI: 54−58%) had culture-confirmed sepsis. When excluding Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CONS), the prevalence of culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis was 36.9%. The highest numbers of culture-confirmed cases was observed in 2021. The predominant bacteria identified were Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CONS) (34.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.9%), and Enterococcus (10.6%). Among culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis, 59.9% and 40.1% of cases were EONS and LONS, respectively. Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus and Enterococcus were the major bacteria found in both EONS and LONS while. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the second most common bacteria among newborns with EONS following CONS. Conclusions The prevalence of culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis was relatively high in the study area. Early-onset neonatal sepsis was consistently more prevalent than LONS. The predominant etiologies of neonatal sepsis excluding CONS were K. pneumoniae, Enterococcus, Enterobacter agglomerans, Acinetobacter species, and Staphylococcus aureus. Among newborns with EONS, the predominant bacteria were K. pneumoniae, Enterococcus, Enterobacter agglomerans, and Acinetobacter species.

This study delves into the transmission dynamics of enteric fever caused by Salmonella bacteria, employing a comparative analysis of local and nonlocal boundary value problem (BVP) formulations. Local BVPs model disease dynamics within specific regions, incorporating boundary conditions that reflect interactions with neighboring areas. In contrast, nonlocal BVPs account for global influences, such as long-range bacterial dispersal and large-scale health interventions. We develop mathematical formulations for both approaches, elucidating their key differences. Our analysis identifies the stability of disease-free and endemic equilibrium and determines the critical reproductive number. Sensitivity analyses highlight the relative importance of model parameters in transmission and control efforts. Numerical simulations suggest that a strategic combination of environmental sanitation and treatment is most effective in eradicating enteric fever. This comparative framework enhances understanding of the interplay between regional and global factors, informing targeted control measures for this infectious disease.

Agricultural productivity is significantly influenced by climate-related factors. Understanding the impacts of climate change on agroclimatic conditions is critical for ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. This study investigates how key agroclimatic variables—temperature, moisture conditions, and length of the growing season (LGS)—influence wheat suitability in the Upper Blue Nile Basin (UBNB), Ethiopia. The Global Agroecological Zones (GAEZ) methodology was employed to assess agroclimatic suitability, integrating climate projections from Climate Models Intercomparison Project v6 (CMIP6) under shared socioeconomic pathway (ssp370 and ssp585) scenarios. The CMIP6 data provided downscaled projections for temperature and precipitation, while the GAEZ framework translated these climatic inputs into agroclimatic indicators, enabling spatially explicit analyses of land suitability. Projections indicate significant warming, with mean annual temperatures expected to rise between 1.13 °C and 4.85 °C by the end of the century. Precipitation levels are anticipated to increase overall, although spatial variability may challenge moisture availability in some regions. The LGS is projected to extend, particularly in the southern and southeastern UBNB, enhancing agricultural potential in these areas. However, wheat suitability faces considerable declines; under ssp585, the highly suitable area is expected to drop from 24.21% to 13.31% by the 2080s due to thermal and moisture stress. This study highlights the intricate relationship between agroclimatic variables and agricultural productivity. Integrating GAEZ and CMIP6 projections provides quantified insights into the impacts of climate change on wheat suitability. These findings offer a foundation for developing adaptive strategies to safeguard food security and optimize land use in vulnerable regions.

Introduction Nowadays, Injuries, disabilities, and deaths due to road traffic accidents pose a major threat to public health worldwide. There was no meta-analysis study conducted in this area in Africa, hence the need for the study. Objectives This review aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and associated factors of road traffic accidents among public transportation in Africa. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted in Africa according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Using Boolean logic operators and targeted keywords, we searched for publications on several electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Science Direct). The degree of heterogeneity among the included studies, the 95% confidence interval, and the pooled prevalence were estimated using a random effects model. Results This review included 45 studies with 15,968 participants. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of road traffic accident among public transportation in Africa was found to be 38.83% (95% CI: 33.54, 44.12). Meta-regression analysis indicated that sample size, publication year, country, study design, and sub-region had no significant impact on RTA prevalence. Based on a sub-group analysis by countries where the studies were conducted, the higher pooled prevalence of road traffic accidents was found in Congo at 67.90% (95% CI: 59.99, 75.81), while the lower pooled prevalence of road traffic accidents was in Libya at 15.80% (95% CI: 10.99, 20.61). Driving experience (AOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.70, 3.34), chewing Khat while driving (AOR = 4.69, CI: 2.80, 7.85), alcohol use (AOR = 2.72, CI: 1.49, 4.97), and receiving mobile phone calls while driving (AOR = 2.37, CI: 1.42, 3.95) were factors significantly associated with road traffic accidents. Conclusion In conclusion, the pooled prevalence of road traffic accidents in Africa was found to be high. Therefore, we recommend that drivers have to strictly adhere to traffic regulations Moreover, It is recommended that policymakers and administrators ought to gain awareness of road traffic accidents and its risk factors to put existing road traffic accidents preventive and control measures into action.