Promoting On-Farm Tree and Shrub Management: Strategies for Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

The study was conducted in four districts of East Shewa Zone of Ethiopia to assess woody species diversity in different land use types. A total of 54 croplands, 72 homegardens, 36 grasslands, 36 shrubland and 12 wetlands were inventoried in 18 Kebeles. The results showed that the highest species richness was found in homegarden (26), followed by cropland (18), forest cover (14), shrub cover (13), grazing land (13), and wetland (5) species. The Shannon diversity index (H') ranged from 1.02 to 2.25, with the highest value in cropland (2.25) and the lowest value in wetland (1.02). The evenness index (J') ranged from 0.63 to 0.82, with the highest value in cropland (0.82) and the lowest value in wetland (0.63). The study concluded that different land use types have different woody species diversity and carbon storage potential. Forest cover has the highest woody species diversity and carbon storage potential, followed by homegarden, shrub cover, wetland, grazing land, and cropland. The study findings suggest that there is a significant opportunity to enhance carbon sequestration in the East Shoa Zones of Ethiopia by planting and managing woody species. This could be done through a variety of programs and initiatives, such as agroforestry, community forestry, and watershed management.