Ecological and Socio-Economic Importance of Indigenous Multipurpose Fodder Trees in Three Districts of Wolayta Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Takele Geta Lisanework Nigatu

doi:10.4172/2332-2543.1000136

Abstract

Indigenous multipurpose fodder trees have important social, economic and ecological functions such as controlling erosion, contribute to human quality of life, provide sinks for carbon dioxide and methane at the interface between the decaying fallen leaves and the soil and are a source of biodiversity. In this study, we assess ecological and socio-economic importance of the indigenous multi-purpose fodder tree (MPFT) species in three districts of Wolayta Zone of Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State. Structured questionnaires’ were distributed to 270 respondents. The results indicated that indigenous MPFTs have important social, economic and ecological functions, such as food supply, shade, traditional medicines, and the preservation of milk, animal nutrition, social values and household income. For animal feeding, vegetation was cut, especially leaves, young tips, twigs and fruits. About 70% of the respondents were unaware of the benefits of the MPFTs. It is concluded that the indigenous MPFT have a strong social and ecological value, and a source of income supplementation.

Highlights

The social, economic and ecological functions of indigenous multipurpose fodder tree resources are important for human quality of life, national economic support, household income and environmental protection [1]
Respondents revealed that the indigenous multi-purpose fodder tree (MPFT) were used it ameliorate food scarcity during the annual dry season
Based on the interview result, 28 indigenous MPFT species were identified in the area (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The social, economic and ecological functions of indigenous multipurpose fodder tree resources are important for human quality of life, national economic support, household income and environmental protection [1]. Most deal with introduced or exotic fodder tree species and very little information is available on the socio-economic values of indigenous MPFTs, despite their importance as resources. It is, imperative to characterize and assess the socio economic values of the indigenous MPFTs in order to design management options for long term sustainable use in Wolayta zone and in areas with similar agroecologies. The objective of this study was to assess ecological and socio-economic importance of the indigenous multipurpose tree species in the study districts

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion