Woody species composition and diversity in agricultural landscape: the case of Kachabiradistrict, KembataTembaro Zone, South Nation Nationality and peoples’ region

Abstract

Woody species composition & diversity in the agricultural landscape was an issue of scientific, economic, ecological, and political concern at the global level. The main objective of this study was to investigate wood species composition diversity in agricultural landscape practice in three study areas Kachabira district, Kambata, South Ethiopia. Atonal 59 woody species belonging to 56 genera and 36 families were recorded across the farmlands, parklands, and live fences in the study area. Among the woody species composition constituted21 (36%), shrubs 38(64%), from recorded woody species, 39(66%) were native and the remainders 20(34%) were introduced species. The mean Shannon diversity index of rich, medium, and poor households in the three different agroforestry practices were 1.75, 1.57, and 1.62 in farmland0.36, 0.30, and 0.49 in parkland, and 0.84, 0.99, and 1.00 in live fence respectively. A total of 42 sample plots, (14 plots in each site) 14 sample plots of 50 m × 50 m were established in farmland and 14 sample plots of 40 m × 40 m were established in parklands while 14 plots of 10 m × 10 m were for saplings and for seedlings were laid along a transect at a distance of 40 m between each transect lines plots put in the live fence the farmland was standardized to hectare for later comparison with each six land use types. The first transect line and plot would be set purposely. Woody species composition data include woody species abundance, diversity, richness, basal area, frequency, dominance, importance value index, and traditional composition practices on farmland, parkland, and live fence at three study sites. Finally, the investigator gave recommendations to the stakeholders on the basis of the findings; it is necessary that the government recognizes the role that farmers play in biodiversity conservation through planting and managing trees on their farmwoodyspecies.