WOODY PLANT SPECIES DIVERSITY IN AGRO FORESTRY SYSTEM OF HOME GARDEN AND CROP LANDS IN GEDEBANO GUTAZER WELENNE WEREDA, GURAGE ZONE, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA

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.