Abstract:
This study was conducted in Gomma district, Jimma Zone,Oromia Regional State, Southwest
Ethiopia with the objective of assessing coffee shade tree selection and management by
smallholder coffee farmers. Semi-structured interviews were administered to 234 coffee farmers.
From these sample interviewees, a total of 54 farmers were selected based on their experience in
coffee production for further in-depth interview, and also 7 of them were taken from 54 key
informants for preference ranking and 4 of them by direct matrix ranking. Descriptive statistical
methods such as percentages and an ethno botanical method were used to analyze the data. The
findings revealed that a total of 26 species categorized in 20 genera and belonging to 12 families,
were identified as the most common tree species used as coffee shades in the study area. Among
these the highest number of species identified (7) was recorded for Fabaceae. Albizia
schimperiana Olive and Croton macrostachyus Del. the highest in distribution in the coffee farms
reported. Of the 26 tree species studied, only 11 were found to be farmers’ favorite shade trees.
These favorite native trees were identified to be A. schimperiana (100%), Acacia abyssinica
Hochst.ex Benth (95.9%), Millettia ferruginea (Hochst) Bak (94.4%), Cordia africana Lam
(93.2), Albizia gummifera (J.F.Gmel.) CA.Sm. (92.7), Albizia grandibracteata Taub.(91.0%),
Entadaabyssinica Steud.ex A.Rich.(83.8%), C .macrostachyus (44.9%), Ficus ovata Vahl (2.6%).
In addition to 24 native trees two exotic trees Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.Var.nubica Chiov.
(8.1%) and Grevillea robusta R.Br were also reported. By preference ranking and direct matrix
ranking A. schimperiana Oliv, A. abyssinica Hochst.ex Benth and M. ferruginea (Hochst) Bak
stood first, second and third, respectively. Farmers pointed out various challenges confronting
their coffee small-holder plantations. One of the major challenges they are facing is the die-back
of most of coffee shades specially that of A. schimperiana. Other threats include economic
benefits as a timber tree, as well as use for fuel wood and for other local utilities. Based on this the
researcher recommended the need for creating the nursery sites that mainly focused on planting
the native tree species that are found out to be under threat
