Coffee Shade trees Current Status Phenology Management Practices and Threats in Kochere Woreda Gedeo Zone SNNPR Ethiopia
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Date
2021-09-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study was conducted in Kochere woreda,Gedeo Zone,SNNPR, Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to identify the most common and important shade tree species,current status, phenology and threats and to document farmer’s perspectives on the environmental and socio economic benefits of the shade trees on coffee production systems. The data were collected through structured and semi structured interview,questionnaire,and field observations. Data were analyzed using preference ranking following (Martin,1995),direct matrix ranking following (Cotton,1996) and appropriate percentage were used. Wherever descriptive statistics were also computed so as to summarize the essence of the data. Six most common coffee shade tree species were selected in the study area. Farmers preferred these shade tree species in their coffee plantation due to their shade providing and soil fertility improvement and also based on their multipurpose values. Coffees under shade increase the yield and size of coffee beans however under sun growing,cup quality and coffee bean size decrease. Agroforestry practice was takes place deliberately the production of woody and non woody crops in the same field of land. Removing of weed,inter cropping,protecting natural regeneration plants,looping of side branches as well as pollarding and debarking were constitute the major management practices. People highly exploited in the natural environment as the source of their lively hoods,it promote negative effects on plant distribution. Regarding to threats of coffee shade tree informants clearly put their worries about the future prospective of these shade trees under the existing dynamics .This research identifies that the rapid population growth in the study area as a potential threat to the sustainability of coffee shade tree.
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Millettia Ferruginea, Albizia Schimperiana, Acacia Abyssinica, Crothon Macrosthys, Cordia Africana, Ficus Vasta and Agroforestry