Environmental and Socioeconomic Importance of Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica) Species in Gulomekeda District, Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia
| dc.contributor.advisor | Gemedo Dalle | |
| dc.contributor.author | Tsegaye Giday | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-05T22:38:02Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-09-05T22:38:02Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023-12 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The extent of food insecurity and lack of alternative livelihoods have resulted in large-scale environmental degradation and destruction of vegetation cover in Gulomekeda District in Eastern Tigray. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of cactus on species diversity and its socioeconomic contribution to household income. Vegetation data was collected from 60 sample plots of 100 m2 plots from a cactus-free area and a cactus-dense area. Data on the socioeconomic contributions was collected from a total of 93 sample households using random sampling methods. A questionnaire survey was conducted to generate data on the perceptions of household heads of cactus owners and non-owners. A total of 2315 number of individuals were documented from the study area, out of which 756 were in cactus-occupied sites and 1559 in cactus-free sites. The result showed that regeneration of vegetation, and diversity was higher in cactus-free areas than in cactus-dense areas. Cactus production was the major source of human food, income source; livestock feed, fences, and fuel wood. Cactus owners' household income was higher as compared with those who do not have cactus, indicating the positive impact of cactus on the livelihood of the local communities. Price fluctuation, birds, insects, and diseases, high transport costs, and a lack of a specific market were identified as major problems for cactus production. Although cactus harmed local plant biodiversity, it was important for household income and animal feed. Therefore, there is a need for implementing interventions that would minimize its negative effect and enhance its socioeconomic uses. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7374 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | |
| dc.publisher | Addis Ababa University | |
| dc.subject | Beles | |
| dc.subject | Cactus | |
| dc.subject | Environmental Importance | |
| dc.subject | Gulomekeda District | |
| dc.subject | Socioeconomic | |
| dc.title | Environmental and Socioeconomic Importance of Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica) Species in Gulomekeda District, Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia | |
| dc.type | Thesis |