Abstract:
The study investigates home gardens and crop land woody plant species diversity in Gedebano
Gutazer Welenne Wereda, Gurage Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Different sampling techniques were
employed. Purposive sampling techniques were considered to select study area, proportionate
sampling techniques were used to select kebeles and each household was selected by systematic
random sampling technique. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, paired
comparisons and matrix ranking. Each household was used as a sample unit. Four Kebeles were
selected from Gedebano Gutazer Welenne Wereda, Gurage Zone. Totally 44 woody plant
species, representing 33 genera and 28 families were recorded from 72 home gardens and crop
lands. The most frequently species were shrub 22, followed by tree 20 and lianas 3. Land size
and agro ecological variation affects woody plant species diversity but level of education loosely
affects woody plant species diversity. The Shannon diversity index was 3.26 in the study area.
Maximum richness was recorded in home garden followed by crop lands, having Shannon
diversity index value of 3.13 and 2.98. Growing and conserving woody plant species in
homegardens and crop lands have various use categories. Ensete ventricosum, were found
important f ood crops while Catha edulis were important cash crops of the Wereda. This research
work ends in concluding about the important findings and forwarding important
recommendations on conservation and sustainable use of home garden and crop land woody
plant species and indigenous knowledge in the area. Better management strategies and
approaches would improve the existing woody plant species diversity in home gardens and crop
lands.
