Woody fodder species in three agro-ecological Parklands of Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda of SNNPR, Ethiopia on Parkland agroforestry practices in three agro-ecological zones. The objective of the study was to investigate the fodder tree and shrub species composition, richness, diversity and structure. Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were held. In total, ninety 50 m × 20 m plots were laid and standard procedures were followed. Forty nine woody species belonging to 43 genera and 31 families were identified as fodder species. Fabaceae represented by 7 species and Combertaceae and Moraceae (3 species each) were the most diverse families. Mid altitude (H'=2.98) is more diverse followed by High altitude (H'=2.23) and Low altitude agro-ecology (H'=1.94). Species in the low altitude were densely populated and have large basal area followed by mid altitude and high altitude. The top most important species with highest Importance Value Index (IVI) were Ficus sur (51.90), Ficus sycomorus (46.484) and Mangifera indica (60.161) High altitude, middle altitude and lower altitude, respectively. Generally, in the study area, there were diverse fodder trees and shrubs, all likely sources for farmers to feed livestock. So, there should be strong management and conservation practices to ensure future availability, continuous awareness raising efforts, and further study should be conducted for nutritional evaluation.

Investigation of Woody Species Composition, Diversity, and Carbon Stock under Agroforestry Practices in Oromia National Region State, Central Ethiopia

“…Te reason for the highest species richness in midland might be due to the availability of suitable conditions for growing diferent woody species, while lowland has low species richness because many woody species cannot easily adapt or tolerate the condition of lowland agroecology. Tis result is in line with Gochera et al [51] who reported that species richness was higher in the midland followed by highland and lowland. However, our study was in disagreement with Tefera [52] who reported that lowland has high species diversity followed by highland and midland agroecology.…”

“…In this study, results indicated that midland agroecology for woody species had the highest basal area followed by lowland and highland agroecology. Te results were similar to Gochera et al [51] who reported that woody species in parkland agroecology had the highest basal area in lowland followed by midland and highland agroecology. Results showed that the basal area midland woody species was found to be the basal area of woody species in order of midland > highland > lowland.…”

Factors Affecting Rural Households’ Participation in Small - Scale Irrigation Scheme: The case of Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

“…Due to the geographical orientation of the Gamo Mountains, small rivers drain to Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. Abaya Lake receives water from the Hare and Baso Rivers, while Lake Chamo receives water from the Kulfo, Sile, and Sego Rivers (Aynalem et al, 2020).…”

Season and habitat affect diversity, abundance and reproductive state of small mammals near Lake Abaya, Ethiopia

“…The house and peri-domestic areas are fenced with trees and other plants including A. fruticosa and Jatropha curcus. Homegardens are planted with various fruit and non-fruit trees including; Mangifera indica, Persea americana, Carica papaya, Annona cherimola, Citrus aurintifolia, Moringa stenopetala, Coffea arabica, Cordia africana, Trichillia emetica, Croton macrostachyus, Kigelia ethiopicum, Ehretia cymosa and Commiphora africana (Aynalem et al 2020).…”