Rangeland evaluation in the middle Awash valley of Ethiopia: I. Herbaceous vegetation cover

Ebro, Abule; Snyman, H.A.; Smit, G.N.

doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2006.12.008

Cited by 34 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…The findings in the current study are in line with similar studies on the pastoral systems of Ethiopia which reported the existence of higher herbage mass and basal cover in the enclosure area [7,9]. The high diversity, richness and biomass measured in the enclosures might be attributable to increased litter accumulation, improved soil organic matter and other nutrients inside the enclosures [23,54].…”

Section: Interaction Of Management and Vegetation Attributessupporting

confidence: 91%

“…The rangeland ecosystems in the arid and semi-arid areas of Ethiopia have suffered from huge land and vegetation degradation due mainly to poor management, population growth, traditional open grazing systems, deforestation, continuous heavy grazing, as well as land use and climate changes [5,6]. These problems have led to a huge decline in rangeland resources and degradation of biodiversity, thereby having negative impacts on the rangeland ecosystems, livestock production, and the livelihoods of the pastoral communities [7][8][9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Analysis of Vegetation Phytosociological Characteristics and Soil Physico-Chemical Conditions in Harishin Rangelands of Eastern Ethiopia

Hailu

2017

Land

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Abstract:The objective of this study is to analyse the phytodiversity, distribution, herb biomass and physico-chemical conditions of the vegetation system in the context of communal continuous open grazing and enclosed grazing management practices in the Harishin rangelands of Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 58 herbaceous species and 11 woody species were recorded in the study area. Analysis of Importance Value Index for two management practices was represented by different combinations of species with varied dominance. The herbs' diversity-dominance curve revealed a lognormal distribution in both managements practices. The overview of distribution patterns for most of the species layer showed contiguous growth and a clumped distribution pattern. Species diversity, richness, herb biomass, basal cover and soil physico-chemical attributes showed a distinct separation in relation to grazing management practices. Based on the findings, one can conclude that the establishment of enclosures has a positive impact in restoring rangeland vegetation diversity, distribution, in increasing herb productivity and in boosting soil fertility.

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Section: Interaction Of Management and Vegetation Attributessupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of Vegetation Phytosociological Characteristics and Soil Physico-Chemical Conditions in Harishin Rangelands of Eastern Ethiopia

Hailu

2017

Land

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“…Decreasing trends in species with increasing proximity to watering points have been observed by several studies (Brooks et al 2006;Todd 2006). Some of these species such as Aristida adscensionis have been identified by Abule et al (2007) as less desirable grass species found in disturbed areas and indicative of poor rangeland condition.…”

Section: Cynodon Dactylonmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…These species have been known to occur in abundance in heavily as well as lightly grazed grasslands (Abule et al 2005). Further, Stride (1997) observed that these grasses also tend to increase near watering points because they are in a position to withstand severe over-grazing (Abule et al 2007). Thus, this study's results are in agreement with such observations.…”

Section: Cynodon Dactylonmentioning

confidence: 99%

Piospheric influence on forage species composition and abundance in semi-arid Karamoja sub-region, Uganda

et al. 2015

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Piospheres in semi-arid areas are gradients of animal impacts around watering holes. Few studies have examined the impact dynamics of herbaceous and woody species composition and abundance in relation to piospheres in East Africa. In this study, we identified the trend in piosphere development, assessed piosphere use and change indicators, and identified herbaceous and woody plant structure in relation to piospheres in the Karamoja sub-region, Uganda. Results revealed that piosphere development has been reactionary to drought and/or insecurity events and increased rapidly in the last decade. A diversity of herbaceous and woody plants exists around the piospheres. Use and change indicators revealed high trampling and grazing intensity, high presence of erosion signs and low litter cover. Gradient distance had both positive and negative effects on trampling intensity, percent exposure and plant height, respectively. A negative and positive effect of gradient distance was also observed on different herbaceous and woody forage species leading to the identification of both increaser and decreaser species around the piospheres. Therefore, as concentrated use of the piospheres continues unabated, an outward ripple effect leading to loss and/or increase of undesirable herbaceous and woody species will be felt. This will have an impact on the composition and abundance dynamics of desirable forage species in the sub-region.

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“…In most cases, large herds of livestock are observed grazing together with wild herbivores in the park. Thus, considerable grassland areas of ANP are now converted into bush land or bare ground due to continuous heavy grazing by livestock of the surrounding communities (Abule et al 2007;Tessema et al 2016).…”

Section: Kmmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perception and attitude of pastoralists on livestock-wildlife interactions around Awash National Park, Ethiopia: implication for biodiversity conservation

2017

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Introduction: Pastoral livestock share grazing areas and watering points with wildlife around the protected areas in Eastern Africa. This causes a high degree of livestock-wildlife interactions, leading to conflicts between the local community and park staff. Thus, understanding the perception and attitude of local people towards livestockwildlife interaction is very crucial to optimize both livestock production and biodiversity conservation in protected areas. This paper presents the perception and attitude of local community towards livestock-wildlife interactions around Awash National Park (ANP), Ethiopia. Methods: Interview to 180 randomly selected households, representing Afar, Ittu, and Kereyu ethnic groups living around ANP, was conducted from August to December 2015 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data on community attitude towards wildlife, livestock production systems, and its constraints were collected through focus group-and key informant discussions. We used ordinal logistic regression model to analyze community attitude towards wildlife conservation. Results: Respondents ranked feed shortage (0.38), lack of water (0.32), and climate change (0.30) as the major constraints of livestock production around ANP. A high degree of conflict (79%; χ 2 = 24.09; df = 2; P = 0.000) between the local community and park was recorded. About 73% of the households would be ready to live in harmony with the park. However, 85% of park staff considered the community as a threat, due to high livestock grazing pressure and illegal park resource use. Overall, community attitude towards wildlife significantly varied (χ 2 = 46.28; df = 4; P = 0.00) particularly due to educational level (χ 2 = 15.96; df = 6; P = 0.014), income source (χ 2 = 16.77; df = 2; P = 0.00), and distance of household from ANP (χ 2 = 20.51; df = 4; P = 0.00). The logistic regression model revealed that ethnic group, education, benefit obtained, and conflict with the park were significantly associated with attitude towards wildlife (χ

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Rangeland evaluation in the middle Awash valley of Ethiopia: I. Herbaceous vegetation cover

Cited by 34 publications

References 44 publications

Analysis of Vegetation Phytosociological Characteristics and Soil Physico-Chemical Conditions in Harishin Rangelands of Eastern Ethiopia

Analysis of Vegetation Phytosociological Characteristics and Soil Physico-Chemical Conditions in Harishin Rangelands of Eastern Ethiopia

Piospheric influence on forage species composition and abundance in semi-arid Karamoja sub-region, Uganda

Perception and attitude of pastoralists on livestock-wildlife interactions around Awash National Park, Ethiopia: implication for biodiversity conservation

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