Assessment of Use Values and Propagation Methods of Native Fodder and FruitSpecies in Merhabete District, Ethiopia

Abstract

Native fodder and fruit species provide various products and services to local communities besides their fruit (food) and foddersupply in our country including in the study area. Although, there is rich traditional knowledge on propagation methods ofnative fodder and fruit species and their local use, but little recognition has been given by forestry research and extensionefforts to enhance them. The general objective of the study was to investigate the use value and propagation methods ofnative fodder and fruit species in the Merhabete district, Ethiopia. A total of 127 households were randomly selected andinterviewed about local use and propagation methods of native fodder and fruit species. The study indicated that the majorityof native fodder and fruit species were used for firewood (23.9%) followed by charcoal (10.9%), timber, and constructionwood (10.6%), fencing (9.3%), soil fertility improvement (9.1%), farm tool (7.1%), and medicine (3.3%). Native fodder andfruit species (42.7%) were propagated through wilding (natural regeneration) and the remainder were propagated throughseedlings (7.2%), seed (6.06%), and stem cutting (4.8%). Overgrazing (46.5%) followed by overexploitation (22%), climatechange/drought (20.5%), and disease and pest (11%) were the major regeneration constraints to native fodder and fruittrees/shrubs species in the study area. Therefore, proper involvement either through research or development works areessential to reduce the propagation constraint of studied species.Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.followed byFaidherbiaalbida (Delile) A. Chev., Cordia africana Lam., Ximenia americana L., andAcacia senegal (L.) Willd.were the most preferredspecies for planting by farmers in the study area. Domestication should focus on the preferred top five species to promotespecies conservation and sustainable use.

Keywords

• use value
• merhabete district
• native species
• natural regeneration
• species preference