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

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.