Availability of Fodder Trees and Shrubs Integrated Into Agricultural Systems in Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

Dargo Kebede Alemie,Haftay Hailu Gebremedhin

doi:10.5539/jas.v11n5p506

Abstract

Tree/shrub based feed resources and feeding systems in Eastern Hararghe are not studied well. Therefore, a study aimed at assessing the availability of fodder trees and shrubs integrated into farming system, available feed resources, and feeding systems was made in two districts of eastern Hararghe zone, Ethiopia. A total of 268 respondents from the two districts, both from lowland and highland agro ecology, were interviewed. S&oslash;rensen&rsquo;s Similarity Index was used to assess species composition in relation to agroecology. The result revealed that about 67.2% of the respondents have not integrated any fodder trees and shrubs into their farmlands whereas only 32.8% of the respondents integrated fodder trees and shrubs into their farmlands. A total of 20 fodder and non-fodder tree species were identified. Regarding tree species composition, only 46% of tree species were found in both districts, whereas about 54% of the tree species were dissimilar between the districts. The feeding system significantly varied with agroecology. Zero grazing system with stall-feeding technique is common in the highland agroecology. However, in the lowland agroecology free grazing on communal grazing area and feeding crop residue are common. Factors like inadequate extension service, lack of planting material and land scarcity has resulted in reduction of farmers&rsquo; interest to integrate fodder trees and shrubs into their farming system.

Highlights

In Ethiopia, about 85% of the total population directly depend on agriculture and live inrural areas (Krause et al, 2007)
As grazing land becomes scarce due to expansion of agricultural land attributed to population growth and related factors, it aggravates the poor nutrition of livestock
In order to improve the productive and reproductive capacity of smallholder ruminant animals, there is a need to look at ways of extending the availability and quality of feedstuffs produced on smallholder farms

Summary

Introduction

In Ethiopia, about 85% of the total population directly depend on agriculture and live inrural areas (Krause et al, 2007). One potential way for increasing the quality and availability of feeds for smallholder ruminant animals in the dry season may be through the use of fodder trees and shrub. Fodder trees and shrubs have always played a role in feeding livestock (Azim et al, 2011). Fodder trees and shrubs are an effective insurance against seasonal feed shortages or risk of drought, and vulnerability of farmers’ livelihood to climate changes. They provide green feed when grasses and other herbaceous materials are dry and they provide the only source of energy and protein during drought when all other feed is absent (Lefroy et al, 1992). Trees and shrubs are important components of animal feeding and suppliers of protein especially in harsh environmental conditions when grazing is not jas.ccsenet.org

Methods

Results

Conclusion