Review on Homegarden Agroforestry and Its Contribution in Ethiopia

Abstract

Agroforestry is an ancient practice and also the farmers are too much familiarized with it in Ethiopia. It contributes incredible benefits via socio-economic and environment. The main idea of this paper is to review Homegarden agroforestry practice and its contribution on woody species biodiversity conservation and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. The literature concludes that the high species diversity, multi-strata structures and complexity of structure are found in homegarden agroforestry. The presence diverse woody species of homegardens that serve different to fulfill a diversity of social, economic, cultural need, while providing a number of ecosystem services / environmental services (reduce soil erosion, increase soil moisture and fertility, coffee shade, and keep micro climate balance) and play a great role of biodiversity conservation. These could contribute to the sustainability of agricultural system. Homegarden agroforestry practice is highly recommended and acceptable than mono-cropping consequently it provides a socio-economic benefits like tree products (Timber, firewood, construction materials and fruit for food) and income. As result farmers were accounted it as a mainstay for maximizing their land productive capacity then improve the smallholder’s livelihoods. Therefore, the government should encourage Home garden agroforestry practice for improving the livelihoods of farmer and smoothly to tolerate the variable of climate change.