Assessment of Traditional Agroforestry Practices, Benefits and Constraints: The Case of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, South-eastern Ethiopia

Husen Yusuf,Alemeyehu Beyene,Mangistu Teshoma,Muktar Reshad

doi:10.11648/j.jps.20200805.18

Abstract

A study was conducted in west Hararghe zone with the main objectives of understanding various traditional Agroforestry practices and to identify reasons behind practicing and to prioritize major constraints related to traditional Agroforestry practices. (18) Peasant associations in 6 rural districts were selected by multistage sampling in which 600 household heads were selected using random sampling techniques. Qualitative data were generated by conducting household survey interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interview, and direct field observations were applied to secure additional data. Data were manipulated using suitable analytical software packages to calculate descriptive statistics, including percentages and frequency. A total of 478 (79.7%) of smallholder farmers expressed interest in practicing traditional agroforestry in their farm plots, 122 (20.3%) of the total had no single practices in their farm plots. The results of this study have shown that mixed intercropping (44%), homegarden (36%), trees on cropland (31%), boundary planting (25%), trees on soil conservation (18%), multi-purpose woodlots (17%) and trees on rangeland (9%) are the common traditional agroforestry practices in the study area. The major benefits for planting tree species were for income, soil quality, food, shade, fuel wood, construction purpose, manure, fodder and medicinal purpose. On the other hand, lack of adequate seedlings availability, shortage of land, rainfall shortage, termite hazard and disease, animal browsing, shortage of labour and inadequate extension servicesare the major constraints recorded in the study areas. The study recommends the suggestions made to overcome difficulties of practicing traditional agroforestry in smallholders’ farm plots have implications for the way forwarded.

Highlights

The criteria of selecting of sample districts and Kebeles is based on agro ecology and potential of traditional agroforestry practices
The qualitative data collected through key informant interview, focus group discussion and physical observation was narrated and summarized
The active involvement farmers on traditional agroforestry show that they are aware of the value of these practices for their livelihood

Summary

Introduction

According to World Agroforestry Center, agroforestry is a dynamic, ecological-based natural resources management system through integration of trees in to rangeland and farmland to diversify and sustain production for the increasing socio-economic and environmental benefits. Agroforestry is developed recently from the contraction of agriculture and forestry. As a land management system, it involves the introduction woody perennials, along with agricultural crops and pasture for domestic animals. Some of agroforestry systems in Ethiopia are farm forestry in the south-western highlands, tree based soil and water management in Konso, forest-based resources management in Borena, Ecologically sound land use system in Gedeo and area closures in Tigray, North Shoa and North Wello [9]. Integration trees into farmland, agroforestry helps to diversify income sustaining smallholder production for increased socioeconomic and environmental

Methods

Results

Conclusion