Multiple uses of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf as an Agroforestry Species in the Northeastern rift Valley of Ethiopia: Contributions to People’s Resilience to Adapt to Chaining Environment

Abstract

Quantitative ethnoecological analysis of uses, management and yield of Z.spina-christi revealed that, it has multipurpose popular socioeconomic roles being preferred by local people of semiarid east Shewa, Ethiopia. Relative abundance and density of the species for 66 plots was 44% and 3 respectively. Average fruit yield was 200 kg per year and the price was 30.21 $USD. Fruits were gathered from Z. spina-christi throughout the year including the critical months before harvest of annuals when food supply runs low. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and fats. The fruits have been accessible year-round with an overlap of acute food scarcity and years of good harvest. The present study has shown that Z.spina-christi is naturally available, cheap and locally accessible alternative for resolving part of the food shortage problem and for maintaining biodiversity. The consumption of Z.spina-christi was a necessary part of the strategies adopted by people in order to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The potential nutritional contribution of the species to the people’s diets remained in the informal production sector. Multipurpose uses of the wood, bark, leaves, roots and fruits the species were not supported by modern technology having been purely traditional utilization. The potential in household food, healthcare, livestock nutrition were not properly documented and utilized in the study area. Hence, the species is a key candidate for dry land agro forestry and enhancement of agro biodiversity for human food and other multiple uses