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Traditional Beliefs and Institutions for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Ethiopia: A Review from a Conservation Perspective
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
1-5
Received:
8 December 2021
Accepted:
11 January 2022
Published:
21 January 2022
Abstract: Traditional beliefs, social institutions, and cultural practices are performed in traditional communities of Ethiopia to harmonize interaction between the community and their natural environment. However, the positive effect of the communities on biodiversity was undermined and modernization erodes these traditional norms and their role in biodiversity conservation is not well known and documented. This review aims to evaluate the role of traditional beliefs and institutions in the conservation of biodiversity in Ethiopia. Traditional communities of Ethiopia believed that certain places and species are the ideal places to meet with their God and give special attention to them. Plant species like Ficus sycomorus, Podocarpus falcatus, Olea capensis, and Ficus vasta are regarded as a source of different spirits and have developed positive attitudes towards the plant species, and cutting them is immoral. Gada system, Kobo system, Gudo system, Jang system, Maga, Songo, and Baallee are traditional institutions that play a significant role in animal and plant species conservation in Oromo, Kaficho, Sheka, Majang, Gamo, and Gedeo community respectively. Taboos, oral declarations, social banishment, customary law, and punishment practiced by indigenous communities prohibit actions and activities that harm the welfare of biodiversity and their natural environment. Preservation of traditional beliefs and institutions is a form of biodiversity conservation, including registration as an intangible heritage of the community by the United Nations, Science, Education, and Culture Organization, because biodiversity and traditional community are intertwined (UNESCO).
Abstract: Traditional beliefs, social institutions, and cultural practices are performed in traditional communities of Ethiopia to harmonize interaction between the community and their natural environment. However, the positive effect of the communities on biodiversity was undermined and modernization erodes these traditional norms and their role in biodiver...
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Determination of Optimal Irrigation Scheduling for Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Gumara Scheme, North Western Ethiopia
Belachew Muche Mekonen,
Minybel Fentahun Moges
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
6-14
Received:
12 January 2022
Accepted:
28 January 2022
Published:
16 February 2022
Abstract: The experiment was performed at Gumara irrigation scheme farm in the 2017/18 and 2019/19 irrigation seasons, with the objective of determining the optimum irrigation schedule based on the available soil moisture depletion levels. The experiment was carried out in RCBD with three replications, randomly assigned to the experimental plots with treatments. Six available soil moisture depletion levels (60, 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160%) were use. The results obtained of two years of research showed that different rates of levels of soil moisture available had a very highly significant effect (P<0.0001) on bulb mass, bulb diameter, marketable yield, and water productivity. The highest marketable bulb yield and water productivity (35222.2 kg ha-1 and 7.06kg/m3) were recorded at 80% and available soil moisture depletion levels (ASMDL) and also the lowest non-marketable bulb yield (1513.9 kg/ha) was recorded at 80% ASMDL. However, the lowest marketable yield, lowest water productivity and highest non-marketable bulb yield (28722.2 kg ha-1, 5.29 kg/m3 and 5236.1 kg /ha) was recorded at 160 percent ASMDL Very highly significant (P < 0.0001) plant height and bulb length differences were observed due to the treatments. The highest plant height and bulb length were recorded at 60 per cent AMADL (66.33 cm and 5.62 cm respectively). However, different soil moisture depletion levels showed no significant difference in the stand count of onion. The highest efficiency of water use on onion yield (7.06 kg/m3) was attained at 80 percent ASMDL, whereas the minimum efficiency of water use (5.29 kg/m3) was recorded at 160 per cent ASMDL. Therefore, based on the findings of the current experiment, it is recommended that using 80%ASMDL for furrow irrigation system for onion to be grown in areas around Fogera and similar agroecology as best options to increase yield and water use efficiency for the production of onion.
Abstract: The experiment was performed at Gumara irrigation scheme farm in the 2017/18 and 2019/19 irrigation seasons, with the objective of determining the optimum irrigation schedule based on the available soil moisture depletion levels. The experiment was carried out in RCBD with three replications, randomly assigned to the experimental plots with treatme...
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Modelling and Mapping Forest Above-Ground Biomass Using Earth Observation Data
Sami Dawood Madundo,
Ernest William Mauya,
Nandera Juma Lolila,
Hadija Ahmed Mchelu
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
15-21
Received:
25 January 2022
Accepted:
16 February 2022
Published:
25 February 2022
Abstract: Accurate information on above-ground biomass (AGB) is important for sustainable forest management as well as for global initiatives aimed at combating climate change in the Tropics. In this study, AGB was estimated using a combination of field and Sentinel-2 earth observation data. The study was conducted at Magamba Nature Reserve in Lushoto district, Tanzania. Field plot-based AGB values were regressed against eighteen Sentinel-2 remote sensing variables (bands and vegetation indices) using Random Forest (RF) models based on centroid and weighted approaches. Results showed that the weighted model had the highest fit and precision (pseudo-R2 = 0.21, rRMSE = 68.23%). A prediction map was produced with a mean AGB of 223.47 Mg ha-1 which was close to that of the field (225.19 Mg ha-1). Furthermore, the standard deviation of the AGB obtained from the map (i.e 174.04 Mg ha-1) was relatively lower as compared to the one obtained from the field-based measurements (i.e 97.42 Mg ha-1). This study demonstrated that Sentinel-2 imagery and RF-based regression techniques have potential to effectively support large scale estimation of forest AGB in the tropical rainforests.
Abstract: Accurate information on above-ground biomass (AGB) is important for sustainable forest management as well as for global initiatives aimed at combating climate change in the Tropics. In this study, AGB was estimated using a combination of field and Sentinel-2 earth observation data. The study was conducted at Magamba Nature Reserve in Lushoto distri...
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Applications and Challenges of Information and Communication Technology in the Forest Sector: A Case Study of Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
Mchelu Hadija Ahmad,
Mauya Ernest William,
Lolila Nandera Juma,
Madundo Sami Dawood
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
22-28
Received:
26 January 2022
Accepted:
16 February 2022
Published:
25 February 2022
Abstract: In Tanzania there is rapid adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the forest sector and other allied sciences. Many of the uses of ICT in the forest sector are relatively new or still on the horizon and majority are not documented. Despite that, studies on the application and challenges of ICT in the forest sector of Tanzania are still limited to up to date. This study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality to document the current application and challenges of ICT in the forest sector. Data on awareness, type of professional experts with ICTs based, ICTs application domain in forest, infrastructures, software used and outputs were collected from different forest institutions located in Morogoro Municipality using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics of the parameters were done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and R statistical package. The results have shown that, there is a promising trend towards applications of ICT in the forest sector, where about 75% of the respondents were aware of the ICT applications, while 25% were not. There were eight types of professionals in the forest sector with background in ICT’s based technology with higher application on data storage and analysis, documentation and forest inventory. The main challenges observed were related to the availability of infrastructures, internet connectivity and qualified personnel.
Abstract: In Tanzania there is rapid adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the forest sector and other allied sciences. Many of the uses of ICT in the forest sector are relatively new or still on the horizon and majority are not documented. Despite that, studies on the application and challenges of ICT in the forest sector of Tanzania...
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Assessment of Existing Agroforestry Practices in East Hararghe Zone Oromia, Ethiopia
Musa Abdella,
Bira Cheneke,
Robe Elema
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
29-41
Received:
9 December 2021
Accepted:
9 February 2022
Published:
4 March 2022
Abstract: An agroforestry practice produces different benefits, which enhance household incomes and diversification of products. This study was aimed to identifying existing agroforestry practices and to identify perception behind of agroforestry practice and to identify the opportunities and major constraints related to agroforestry practices in Fedis, Kersa and Jarso Districts of the lowland, midland and highlands agro ecologies, of East Hararghe Zone, oromia, Ethiopia. The study was based on a household survey conducted on 154 farm household heads; focus group discussions, key informant interviews and direct field observations were applied. The data were analyzed using analytical (SPSS 20.0) software packages to calculate descriptive statistics. Chi-squared tests were used to compare the agroforestry practices and agro ecologies. The result indicates that six AFPs exist in the study area namely; scattered trees on croplands (58%), hedge row intercropping (33%), home garden (22%), multipurpose trees on farmland (19%), live fence /boundary planting (18%), and wind breaks (4%) were dominant. Significant respondent number (51.96%) of practices is involved in agri-silvicultural system, most of the farmer’s (45.12%) have positive attitude towards Agroforestry practices in the study area. Most of the respondents agreed on agro-forestry practices increased the construction input, soil fertility, food, and fodder. On the other hand, sacristy of land, moisture stress, diseases and pests, inadequate seedlings availability, and inadequate extension services are the major constraints. Results of the socio-economic characteristics respondents showed that gender, age, family size, and land holding positively and significantly influence the decision of the determined practice of household’s and were significantly affected the choice of agroforestry practice by the households. Based on the survey, it is concluded that scattered trees on farmland, hedge row intercropping, and home garden AFP dominant practices across agro ecologies and were the most appropriate agro-forestry practices. This agro-forestry practices increased the construction input, soil fertility, food, and fodder in the area of land sacristy, moisture stress, diseases and pests. Therefore, further the tree integration efforts of farmers should be guided by scientific principles, the interaction tree species with annual crops and economic analysis of the individual agroforestry practices, domestication of nitrogen fixing trees, fruit tree species, and promoting sustainable agroforestry should be carried out.
Abstract: An agroforestry practice produces different benefits, which enhance household incomes and diversification of products. This study was aimed to identifying existing agroforestry practices and to identify perception behind of agroforestry practice and to identify the opportunities and major constraints related to agroforestry practices in Fedis, Kers...
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The Perception of Local Peoples About Parthenium hysterophorus Invasion and Its Impacts on Plant Biodiversity in Ginir District, Southeastern Ethiopia
Mesfin Boja,
Nigusu Girma
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
42-53
Received:
26 January 2022
Accepted:
2 March 2022
Published:
15 March 2022
Abstract: Parthenium hysterophorus L. is an alien invasive species plant species belonging to an extremely diverse family Asteraceae. This plant is now a notorious in different part of Ethiopia. Consequently, understanding the impacts of this plant from affected communities’ perspectives is crucial to plan sustainable prevention and control strategies. Thus, this investigation was initiated with the aim to generate information about the means and source of its introduction, dispersal, habitats and people’s perception towards its impacts on biodiversity in Ginir Woreda, East Bale Zone of the Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. Semi structured interview, focus group discussions and observations were conducted on people’s perception in all study sites involving farmers, cattle grazers, fodder collectors, experts and local residents to see their perception concerning its infestation and impacts on plant biodiversity. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) (v. 20) was used for data collection. According to the result of the study most of respondents identified the species, source of introduction, means of dispersal and its impacts on biodiversity. Parthenium was believed to be initially introduced on Ginir district 20 years before near donated food grains are stored and temporarily placed. Parthenium could grow and disseminate whenever adequate soil moisture and rainfall might be available in the soil. Respondents mentioned emergency grain aids, vehicles, animals’ movement, water, wind and human activities as dispersal agents and causes of introduction. High infestation of Parthenium were found on abandoned agricultural lands and grazing areas. The high and fast distribution of Parthenium as perceived by respondents was mainly due to its high reproductive ability followed by its ability to out compete native plant species. Respondents’ ranked pastoralists and agro-pastoralists as the highly affected group of peoples followed by cattle grazers and fodder collectors. Regarding impacts of Parthenium on plant biodiversity, respondents noticed its impacts on species richness and evenness i.e growth and distribution of other plant species. Furthermore, species composition of grasses, herbs, shrubs and even trees has reduced and replaced by this plant. The result of the study also indicated that Parthenium was found in high disturbed habitats. Yet, much has not been done to aware the local community on its impacts on biodiversity, environment, agriculture and health. It was concluded that, P. hysterophorus was one of the most dominant invasive plant aggressively colonizing different habitats impacting biodiversity. Putting in place strategy and effective planning for the prevention, control and management was recommended to control its further spread and reduce the adverse impacts.
Abstract: Parthenium hysterophorus L. is an alien invasive species plant species belonging to an extremely diverse family Asteraceae. This plant is now a notorious in different part of Ethiopia. Consequently, understanding the impacts of this plant from affected communities’ perspectives is crucial to plan sustainable prevention and control strategies. Thus,...
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The Role of Forest Resource and Resource Users’ Boundaries in Improving the Livelihoods of Communities Adjacent to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Kenya
Felix Lamech Mogambi Ming’ate,
Zipporah Lonzi
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
54-58
Received:
10 February 2022
Accepted:
26 February 2022
Published:
29 March 2022
Abstract: The role of forest resource and resource users’ boundaries in improving the livelihood of forest adjacent communities has been of great concern in current literature. Studies have shown that there is likelihood that forest adjacent communities can draw significant benefits from the forest resource use and users’ boundaries. But is not clear the extent to which this can happen. Thus this study focuses on examining the role of forest resource and resource users’ boundaries in improving the livelihood of forest adjacent communities in Kenya using the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve as a case study. To fill this gap the study used a sample size of 220 households, including 100 households participating in the Arabuko-Sokoke forest management arrangement, 90 non-participating households in the Arabuko-Sokoke forest management arrangement and 30 key informants. It then used both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data collection involved administering semi-structured questionnaires to the participating and non-participating forest management households and key informants, while the secondary data involved a review of relevant and reliable materials on forest resource management, browsing from both internet sources as well as from books, daily newspapers, and published articles. Data analysis was done through coding responses from the different interview categories namely the participating and non-participating households and key informants and grouping them into similar themes in order to answer the study objectives. It is concluded in the study that successful governance of Common Pool Resources requires well established forest resource use and users’ boundaries, and that well established boundaries for resource use and resource users’ can improve community livelihood. It is recommended that, governments should develop forest resource use and users’ boundaries to enhance forest conservation and improved livelihoods of forest dependent households.
Abstract: The role of forest resource and resource users’ boundaries in improving the livelihood of forest adjacent communities has been of great concern in current literature. Studies have shown that there is likelihood that forest adjacent communities can draw significant benefits from the forest resource use and users’ boundaries. But is not clear the ext...
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Apple Tree Phenology in Relation to Temperature in Sauherad (Norway)
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
59-66
Received:
22 February 2022
Accepted:
14 March 2022
Published:
29 March 2022
Abstract: Plant's phenological development depends on multiple environmental factors and among these, temperature plays a key role during the early phenological development of plants. Temperature becomes even more significant in influencing phenological development in the areas that are covered with snow for a certain period a year. However, a rapid change in global temperature can be noticed in the scenario of climate change (CC). This study investigates the relationship between early phenological development of three apple cultivars i.e., Red Aroma, Summerred and Discovery with cumulative growing degree days (CGDDs) in the southern part of Norway and finds a strong positive correlation between them while moving from the green top stage to the fruit diameter (10mm) stage in the year 2016. In the similar way, study finds phenological development in two consecutive years i.e., 2015 and 2016 alike in a holistic approach. However, in the individual case of Discovery, phenological development of the year 2015 varies from 2016. In addition to that, CGGDs from first six months of two successive years seems to be similar. To gain all these results, this study made the use of multiple statistical tests. Study argues that; it is not always true that phenological development and CGDDs of one year vary from the next. Nevertheless, this study recommends for some long-term studies in the region that can generate concrete idea about phenology considering multiple environmental variables.
Abstract: Plant's phenological development depends on multiple environmental factors and among these, temperature plays a key role during the early phenological development of plants. Temperature becomes even more significant in influencing phenological development in the areas that are covered with snow for a certain period a year. However, a rapid change i...
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