Ethnobotanical Study of Homegarden Plants Species Diversity and Uses in Goba District Bale Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract A readily accessible agricultural plant production system that is close to a home is a home garden. The purpose of this study was to record how different plant species are used in household gardens and how they are managed in the Goba District. Information was gathered from informants chosen on the advice of local development agents and elders in the community. Seventy-one home garden owners were chosen for the detailed study and data collecting on gardens. Out of the fifteen kebeles in the Goba District, the five kebeles were chosen at random. Observation, semi-structured interviews, preference rating, direct matrix ranking, and paired comparison were the methods used to gather ethno botanical data. Data analysis techniques included the use of ethno botanical data collecting, descriptive statistical approaches including densities, frequencies, relative frequencies, relative densities, Shannon, and Wiener index for species diversity. Thirty-one families comprising 67 plant species in all were gathered and identified. Of the 67 plant species that were gathered, 37 (or 55%) were herbaceous, 16 (or 24%) were tree species, 19% (or shrubby), and 2% were climbers. The majority of homes have a home garden, indicating that farmers value gardening and that it affects both household food security and revenue generating. Concerned institutions should promote the involvement of the local population and the growth of awareness through instruction or training on the sustainable use and management of plant resources.