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Article History

Received: 14 May 2025

Accepted: 18 September 2025

First Online: 17 October 2025

Declarations

:

: The proposal for this study was initially reviewed and approved by the Academic Commission (AC) of the Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension during the 2023 academic year, before the implementation of Bahir Dar University's standard operating procedure for ethical review. Subsequently, the authors obtained retrospective ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the same department. The IRB reviewed the study proposal, research instruments, and informed consent procedures for participants. Based on this review, the University determined that the study met the required ethical standards and issued an IRB approval certificate dated April 3, 2023.

: All methods and procedures employed in this study were carried out in accordance with relevant institutional guidelines and regulations. Informed consent was obtained from all respondents before the interview. The respondents were informed that the purpose of the study was purely academic, that their participation was voluntary, and that all information provided would be kept strictly confidential. Additionally, participants were approached in a respectful and friendly manner throughout the data collection period and were assured of their right to withdraw from the study at any time if they felt uncomfortable.

: Not applicable.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.