A review on the indigenous multipurpose agroforestry tree species in Ethiopia: management, their productive and service roles and constraints

Abstract

Tree planting has a long history in Ethiopia and managing indigenous multipurpose trees is widely adopted by farmers, as a dominant feature of agricultural landscapes. Farmers manage different indigenous multipurpose tree species within agroforestry practices. But variability in agroecological conditions causes inconsistency on tree species selection, their intended benefits and ecological services. Management practices and current constraints on them were also the major issues on indigenous multipurpose agroforestry tree species in Ethiopia. Therefore, this article was initiated to review on indigenous multipurpose agroforestry tree species in Ethiopia, management practices applied to them, their productive and service roles and constraints. It found that Cordia africana, Millettia ferruginea, Erythrina brucei and Olea capensis are the major indigenous multipurpose tree species used in agroforestry systems in southern Ethiopia. Croton macrostachyus, Vernonia amygdalina, Faidherbia albida, Acacia nilotica, Acacia seyal and Grewia bicolour are found in the northern part of Ethiopia. Albizia gummifera, Cordia africana , Croton macrostachyus , Ficus vasta and Vernonia amygdalina are also found in the central highlands of Ethiopia. They are established through natural regeneration and farmers apply pruning, pollarding and coppicing tree management practices to harmonize their survival with integrated crops. Fruit, fodder, wood, timber and cash generation are the major productive roles of these tree species. In addition to these, they also have agroecological services through improving soil fertility, controlling erosion, mitigating climate change and conserving biological diversity. Despite their considerable uses and services; inadequate research and extension; shortage of knowledge; the expansion of cash crops and the small size of land holdings constrain the sustainability of these tree species. The government could encourage the wider use of agroforestry practices by policies to expand research and extension services. In addition to this, policy makers and agricultural development interventions should be encouraged to make more informed decisions regarding further research on indigenous multipurpose tree species in Ethiopia.

Indigenous legume fodder trees and shrubs with emphasis on land use and agroecological zones: Identification, diversity, and distribution in semi‐humid condition of southern Ethiopia

“…Among other benefits, farmers used ILFTS for the treatment of various illnesses in humans and livestock, as the study revealed. Lelamo (2021) substantiated the medicinal value of some indigenous multipurpose trees in Ethiopia. Tannins and other secondary metabolites in fodder trees and shrubs contribute to the anthelmintic (Assefa et al., 2018; Hoste et al., 2011; Maroyi, 2017) and antimicrobial property (Assefa et al., 2017).…”

“…Tannins and other secondary metabolites in fodder trees and shrubs contribute to the anthelmintic (Assefa et al., 2018; Hoste et al., 2011; Maroyi, 2017) and antimicrobial property (Assefa et al., 2017). Several authors described the multipurpose of legume fodder trees for their services and products such as biological nitrogen fixation, diversification of livestock's diets, shades, carbon sequestration, bee forage, timber, charcoal, firewood, biodiversity conservation, traditional medicine, pole and post for construction, reduction of greenhouse gas emission, and fence, among others (Dubeux Junior et al., 2017; Franzel et al., 2014; Lelamo, 2021; Meaza & Demssie, 2015). Some of the ILFTS identified in the study resemble those characterised by some authors in Ethiopia (Abera & Yasin, 2018; Derero & Kitaw, 2018; Lelamo, 2021; Shenkute et al., 2012; Sisay et al., 2017; Weldemariam & Gebremichael, 2015) and other east Africa countries (Mtengeti & Mhelela, 2006; Rubanza et al., 2007) probably due to the similarity of the agroclimatic zone.…”

“…Tannins and other secondary metabolites in fodder trees and shrubs contribute to the anthelmintic (Assefa et al, 2018;Hoste et al, 2011;Maroyi, 2017) and antimicrobial property (Assefa et al, 2017). Several authors described the multipurpose of legume fodder trees for their services and products such as biological nitrogen fixation, diversification of livestock's diets, shades, carbon sequestration, bee forage, timber, charcoal, firewood, biodiversity conservation, TA B L E 5 Species richness and the diversity of ILFTS in land uses with agroecological zones (N = 60) Franzel et al, 2014;Lelamo, 2021;Meaza & Demssie, 2015). Some of the ILFTS identified in the study resemble those characterised by some authors in Ethiopia (Abera & Yasin, 2018;Derero & Kitaw, 2018;Lelamo, 2021;Shenkute et al, 2012;Sisay et al, 2017;Weldemariam & Gebremichael, 2015) and other east Africa countries (Mtengeti & Mhelela, 2006;Rubanza et al, 2007) probably due to the and shrubs in four land uses, which is higher than the current study, though (Ayenew et al, 2021) 16 in two niches, and (Chepape et al, 2011;Marius et al, 2017) 17 species, which is lower.…”

Traditional Subsistence Farming of Smallholder Agroforestry Systems in Indonesia: A Review

“…Cultivated tree species provide yields for building wood, firewood, animal feed, species, and medicinal plants [212]. The use of native species with multiple benefits needs to be encouraged with research and policy interventions because native trees can maintain biodiversity [213]. The greater the plant diversity in agroforestry, the greater the value of the forest from the yield variety and the environmental benefits.…”

Farmer’s Perceptions of Agroforestry Practices, Contributions to Rural Household Farm Income, and Their Determinants in Sodo Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

“…Over extended periods of time, agroforestry methods have evolved in response to interactions between agroecological conditions, plant diversity, and farmer resources and demand [11,[15][16][17][18]. Te various multipurpose trees and shrubs planted in agroforestry systems can provide the community with a variety of services and goods critical to rural livelihoods [19][20][21][22].…”