Tree Species Diversity Structure and Management Practices on Smallholder Farmers Landscapes in Elfeta District West Shoa Zone Oromia Regional State Ethiopia

Chawaka, Taressa

Tree Species Diversity Structure and Management Practices on Smallholder Farmers Landscapes in Elfeta District West Shoa Zone Oromia Regional State Ethiopia

Files

Taressa Chawaka 2021.pdf (2.31 MB)

Date

2021-09-03

Authors

Chawaka, Taressa

Publisher

Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The study was conducted in the smallholder farmer’s landscape of Elfeta District, West Shoa Zone, and Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the tree species composition, structure, diversity, management practices and their socioeconomic importances. Three kebeles representing three different elevations highland, midland and lowland agro-ecology were selected. A total of 21 households were randomly selected to collect socioeconomic data and other information. Data on tree species diversity in crop fields was collected by categorizing households as rich, medium and poor. Tree species inventory was carried out on 21 plots (each, 50mx100m) in the smallholder’s farmer’s landscape. For tree species ≥ 5cm DBH, measurements of DBH and tree height were taken. A total of 78 tree species belonging to 48 families were recorded in the farmlands of the study area. 322 individuals tree species were identified in the three study areas, of which 165 were found at lowland (Etisakoye kebele), 103 species in midland (Ambelta Godeti kebele) and 54 species in highland (Harotufticha kebele) farmers landscape. The study indicated that the tree species diversity indices and species richness were higher at lowland than midland and highland agro-ecological zones. On the other hand, farmers at the study site also have developed experiences of tree species preferences for different purposes. According to the respondents, the main purposes of preference or retaining tree species on their farmland were for soil fertility, firewood, timber production, fencing, animal fodder, fruit, income generation, house construction, charcoal production and other purposes. Even if the diversity of tree species is better in the study, they need a series of management to save and sustain for the future generations to overcome the socio-economic and environmental problems.