Tree Species Diversity Structure and Management Practices on Smallholder Farmers Landscapes in Elfeta District West Shoa Zone Oromia Regional State Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2021-09-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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.
Description
Keywords
Important Value Index, Shannon Diversity Index, Species Evenness, Species Richness, Tree Species Diversity