FODDER TREE AND SHRUB SPECIES IN ARBA MINCH ZURIA WOREDA OF GAMO GOFA ZONE: ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIO- ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Abstract

This study was conducted in Arba Minch Zuria woreda, Gamo Gofa Zone, SNNPR on Parkland and Homegarden agroforestry practices. The major objective of the study was investigating the fodder tree and shrub species composition, richness, diversity, structure, distribution and ecological as well as socio-economic roles. A Key Informants Interview and Focus Group Discussions were held. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were administered to identify the species and their role. In Parkland, totally ninety 50mx20m plots were laid and in Homegarden all the garden size were considered. The first plot and garden were selected randomly and the subsequent plot and garden were selected systematically. The interval between transects was 500m while that of plots was 400m. Totally, 269 respondents were interviewed to identify and get ecological and socio-economic roles of the species. About 47 (19, 32 & 19) and 29 (8, 14 &18) species from Parkland and Homegarden in Dega, Woina dega and Kola were identified, respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in species richness and diversity among agro-ecologies for both agroforestry practices. Totally 49 woody species belonging to 43 genera and 31 families were identified. Fabacea represented by 7 spp., and Combertacea and Moracea (3 spp., each) were the most diverse families. The total density of the species was 343 ha-1 and 608.81ha-1 and basal areas were 2.218m2 ha-1 and 1.33m2 ha-1 in Parkland and Homegarden, respectively. However, these parameters were not significantly different among agro-ecologies. Frequent species in Parkland were Vernonia amygdalina, Ficus sur, Mangifera indica and in Homegarden Vernonia amygdalina, Persia amercana, Mangifera indica in Dega, Woina dega and Kola, respectively. The species such as Ficus sur, Ficus sycomorus and Mangifera indica in Parkland and Vernonia amygdalina, Cordia africana and Mangifera indica in Homegarden account for the highest IVI in Dega, Woina dega & Kola, respectively. In Parkland, significantly higher mean DBH in Kola and lower mean height in Dega were observed whereas in Homegarden both parameters were significantly different. According to DBH and Height class distribution, small sized individuals were prevalent in both practices of Dega and Woina dega. But, relatively large sized individuals were leading in Kola. The interviewee ratified that the identified species had ecological and socio-economic merits. Despite diversity of the species, only 11% of interviewee approved as they use the species for fodder. So, there should be strong management and conservation practices, continuous awareness raising efforts, and further study should be conducted for nutritional evaluation.