|
Addis Ababa University Libraries Electronic Thesis and Dissertations: AAU-ETD! >
Faculty of Science >
Thesis - Environmental Sciences >
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2023
|
| Title: | The distributions of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L. Asteraceae) and some of its socio-economic and ecological impacts in the Central Rift Valley, Adami Tulu-Jido Kombolcha Woreda; Ethiopia |
| Authors: | Adane, Kebede Gebeyehu |
| Advisors: | Dr. Mekuria Argaw
Dr. Mulugeta Lemenih f |
| Keywords: | Parthenium hysterophorus L. Asteraceae |
| Copyright: | Jan-2008 |
| Date Added: | 30-Apr-2012 |
| Publisher: | AAU |
| Abstract: | Biological invasion by alien invasive species is now recognized as one of the major threats
to native species and ecosystems. P. hysterophorus is believed to have been introduced to
Ethiopia during the1970s along with the grain aid during the prolonged drought and/or
during the Ethio-Somalian war and by movement of construction materials. The aim of this
study was to generate knowledge for a better understanding of the distribution, socio-
economic & environmental impacts of P. hysterophorus in the Adami Tulu-Jido Woreda.
The biophysical data were collected by using systematic grid method, which is appropriate
for distribution mapping using geostatistics. The biodiversity impacts of P. hysterophorus
were investigated by assessing other plant species growing in association with P.
hysterophorus. The socio-economic impacts were studied by interviewing farmers. The
results show that P. hysterophorus was found to be the most frequent and dominant species
in road sides, grazing land and crop fields with IVs of 102%, 77.5% & 74.5% respectively.
It also has the highest frequency (19.2%). The weed is widely distributed in north-eastern
parts of the Woreda. Results also showed that from all the sample species P. hysterophorus
was found to be the most abundant in road sides (49.1%). Field survey results showed that
all the interviewed farmers were aware of P. hysterophorus, its ways of introduction into
their locality, the agents facilitating its dissemination and places where P. hysterophorus is
densely populated. Farmers are generally aware of the impacts of P. hysterophorus. The
impacts are on crop production (44%), livestock (30.6%), on human health (18.8%) and
has no any benefits attached to environment. This study revealed that P. hysterophorus has
become a major pest plant of the wasteland, road sides, wet lands, vacant sites and crop
fields and it has the potential to spread all over the Woreda. Hence it has a significant
effect on the economic development of the study area. Integration of different control
methods are therefore needed to prevent and control the danger of P. hysterophorus.
Key words: alien invasive weed species, Parthenium hysterophorus, geostatistics, Adami
Tulu-Jido, Central Rift Valley.
xii |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2023 |
| Appears in: | Thesis - Environmental Sciences
|
Items in the AAUL Digital Library are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.
|
