Search

The growth of farmer-managed tree seedlings (FMTS) is pramount to impact agroforestry technology adoption. This paper presents the performances of FMTS of 3 avocado varieties (Hass, Ettinger and Fuerte) and one papaya variety (Solo) in three districts (Dugda, Adamitulu, and Lome). Thirty-six trials were established (12 trials per district) in 36 homsteads selected purposively. Each homestead was considered as a block in RCBD. Watering frequency was found higher in Dugda than the remaining districts. Seedling survival exhibited significant differences (α<0.05) among varieties with in and across districts. Survival of Solo papaya was significantly higher (α<0.05) at Dugda (91%) than in Adamitulu and Lome. Hass avocado reveled significantlly higher survival (91%) at Dugda than Ettinger and Fuerte across districs. Significant differences in Plot Volume Index (PVI, an integrative growth measurement) among varieties within and across districts indicated that seedling growth was influenced by variety, planting site and, watering fequency. PVI of Hass at Dugda was significantly higher (by 35% and 110%) than that of Ettinger and Fuerte, respectively. PVI of Solo Papaya at Dugda was significantly higher (α<0.05). Hass was found promising avocado variety for planting locations considered, and frequent watering was found crucial for good growth of the tested plant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Ethiopia, highland bamboo has been cultivated in various niches: farmlands, riverbanks, woodlot boundaries, and homesteads, and agroforestry systems. However, the biomass and carbon storage of potential of bamboo forests across niches is not well characterized in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the biomass and carbon storage potential of highland bamboo plantations in northwestern Ethiopia. To this end, a total of 60 circular plots measuring 100 m2 with a radius of 5.64 m were randomly established on the homestead, woodlot, and riverbank plantation niches to conduct the inventory. The biomass storage of bamboo was calculated based on previously published allometric equations. Biomass and carbon stock variations among age-classes and niches of bamboo forests were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and subsequent pairwise means comparisons of carbon stocks among niches were performed via post hoc Tukey test at p < 0.05. Results: Results showed that the mean aboveground biomass (AGB) ranged from 150.18 – 191.42 Mg ha−1 in the entire niches. The highest amount of AGB was stored in the homestead niche (191.42 Mg ha−1) followed by the woodlot (180.11 Mg ha−1) and riverbank niche (150.17 Mg ha−1), respectively. The highest carbon stock (111.56 Mg C ha−1) was found in the homestead niche while the smallest amount was recorded in the riverbank niche (87.52 Mg ha−1). The homestead bamboo plantation has the highest biomass storage due to the application of manure and natural fertilizer, regular harvesting and management of culms, and protection from illegal harvesting and grazing. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of bamboo plantations in climate change mitigation. Hence, bamboo plantation should be promoted; and natural resource management and forestry departments of the government, Universities, research centers, the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR), and other partners should work with local communities to expand bamboo plantation on their homesteads and degraded lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing tree cover and managing trees better on farms in Ethiopia supports livelihoods and the environment but most tree-planting schemes promote only a few species. This research aimed to understand farmers' tree planting priorities in Oromia, Ethiopia and address challenges involved in meeting them. Tree species and planting niches were elicited through focus group discussions. Participatory trials compared 17 tree species across seven on-farm planting niches and seedling survival and growth patterns were evaluated. Farmers suggested a high diversity of tree species suitable for each niche with fruit species mainly selected for homesteads. The diversity of desired tree species is much higher than that typically available in nurseries or promoted by tree planting projects. Meeting planting demands was difficult because the existing seedling supply does not support diversity. Evaluation of tree survival showed striking differences among species, farms, agroecologies and planting niches. There was high variation in seedling survival amongst the tree species planted on 1893 farm/planting niche locations, indicating impact of local level risk factors attributable to management, biotic and abiotic causes. Growth differences of the six shared species common to both agroecologies across different niches, showed that the effects of species and niche were significant on growth. A farmer-led approach to increasing tree cover that couples understanding of species and planting niche preferences with appropriate seedling supply and management is proposed as a means to increase the diversity of trees in farmed landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedentarization of pastoralist communities is reshaping the structure and functioning of tropical savannas. Of particular concern is how permanent pastoral settlements change grassland vegetation inside "protected" areas. In this study, we investigate the spatial impact of pastoral settlements on grassland regrowth in Nech Sar National Park, Ethiopia. Within the National Park, we established herbivore exclosures across the central grassland plains at varying distances from a high concentration of pastoral settlements. Plant species composition, biomass, and regrowth after clipping were measured every 6 months, inside and outside exclosures in close proximity and further away from pastoral settlements. After 18 months, close proximity to high densities of pastoral settlements negatively influenced grassland regrowth compared to further away from pastoral settlements. Excluding herbivores resulted in lower regrowth compared to grazed swards independent of distance from high densities of pastoral settlements. Cover of the dominant grass species Bothriochloa insculpta was lower when grazed and following clipping, whereas Chrysopogon plumulosus cover was higher closer to settlements. These grasses were dominant across the plain; yet further away from settlements there was a higher number of co‐dominant grassland species. These findings suggest that subtle changes in grassland community composition, likely following livestock grazing, contribute to spatial differences in savanna grassland regrowth near to and far from pastoral settlements. Furthermore, specific grassland species may be used as indicators of the wider spatial impact of pastoral settlement sedentarization on savanna regrowth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]