Papers by Mulubrhan Balehegn
Traditional weather and climate forecasting is used by many indigenous communities worldwide as a... more Traditional weather and climate forecasting is used by many indigenous communities worldwide as a guide in making important decisions that enable them cope and adapt to climate change-induced extreme weather variation. In many pastoral communities in Africa, traditional weather and climate forecasting remains the most accessible and affordable source of weather and climate information. In this study, we used individual interviews and focused group discussions to systematically document indigenous weather and climate forecasting knowledge among Afar pastoralists, with the aim of making such information available, and enhance use of this knowledge in climate change adaptation and explore synergies with modern weather forecasting system. The Afar pastoralists traditionally predict weather and climate variation through the observation of diverse bio-physical entities including livestock, insects, birds, trees and wildlife. No single indicator is taken at face value; weather forecasting is undertaken in a dynamic process where information collected from different sources, including weather information from the modern weather forecasting system, is triangulated to make the safest livelihood decisions. Before any forecasting information is used, it is evaluated through three traditional institutions that collect, share and analyse the information. These institutions include (1) the Edo or range scouting where traditional rangeland scouts are sent on a mission to assess weather and other spatially and temporally variable attributes on rangelands; (2) the Dagu, a traditional secured and reputable network, where weather information is shared among users; and (3) the Adda or the traditional Afar governance system, which analyses traditional weather information before community decisions are made. This first-time systematic documentation of indigenous weather and climate forecasting knowledge among the Afar communities demonstrated the dynamic process of indigenous weather and climate knowledge production, analysis and communication. This shows the value of indigenous knowledge in contemporary pastoral communities, while highlighting synergies with the modern weather and climate knowledge system for co-production of knowledge that serves the objectives of local people.
The International Labour Office welcomes such applications.
Climate change affects different demographic groups differently. Pastoral women, being among the ... more Climate change affects different demographic groups differently. Pastoral women, being among the poorest of the poor, are expected to be highly vulnerable to climate change. However, empirical evidence on gender-differentiated vulnerability and adaptive capacity is limited. A triangulation of different techniques including focused group discussions, individual interviews, case studies and structured observations was used to see if there is a difference in factors that determine the level of vulnerability and adaptive capacity between Afar men and women. Gender inequality inherent in the Afar customary tradition (Adda) acts as a risk multiplying factor, resulting in women being more vulnerable than men to climate change-induced food insecurity and related risks. Moreover, men have better scores in different variables determining vulnerability and adaptive capacity, including wealth ownership, wealth inheritance, household-level decision power, opportunities for community-level participation, household burdens and health or body mass index (BMI). Despite their limited scores in many of these factors, Afar pastoral women make higher contributions to household-level adaptation to recurrent drought and weather variability. A gendered approach that recognizes the difference in potentials, limitations and vulnerabilities of pastoral women and men is required for successful implementation of adaptation measures.
Abstract: Communal rangelands provide diverse ecosystem services to millions of pastoralists and ... more Abstract: Communal rangelands provide diverse ecosystem services to millions of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists. Resettling destitute communities into hitherto uninhabited communal rangelands and forests, a common practice throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, is a threat to the sustainable use of range and forest land resources. In order to
understand the effect of resettlement on a semi-arid woodland in northwestern Ethiopia, satellite imagery of 23 resettlement
villages taken over a period of fourteen years, and woody vegetation floristic data for three old resettlements, three new resettlements, two refugee camps and one protected area were analyzed using ANOVA and
canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) and canopy cover
around all village types decreased with disturbance gradients, while the magnitude of change varied according to
the type of settlement. Limited canopy cover was observed in refugee camps and new resettlements, compared to old resettlements and protected areas. Woody vegetation height class showed a J shaped distribution in all sites except refugee camps (RC), indicating a decline in vegetation. CCA showed that variables like site type, altitude
and disturbance gradient significantly affected the diversity of woody species at the different sites. Comparison of individual species responses to disturbances indicated that low fodder value invaders like Dichrostachys cinerea, and many Acacia species were increasing in proportion and coverage at the expense of some multipurpose species
including Tamarindus indica, Diospyros mespiliformis, and Pterocarpus lucens. In the absence of regulated vegetation use, resettlements result in a decline in overall vegetation cover and a shift in floristic diversity in favor of invasive species.
Key words: resettlement; woody vegetation; CCA; woodland rangelands; NDVI; Ethiopia
Atriplex nummularia (oldman saltbush) is widely planted on salt-affected land to provide a vegeta... more Atriplex nummularia (oldman saltbush) is widely planted on salt-affected land to provide a vegetative cover, which can be used as an alternative feed resource. The study was conducted to evaluate the replacement of commercial concentrate with oldman saltbush (SB) leaf on the feed intake, live weight gain, and carcass parameters of local sheep. Twenty-five sheep with an age of 6 months and weighting 14.60 ± 2.47 kg were used in randomized complete block design and distributed into five equal groups, with five animals each. The selected sheep were fed with the dietary treatments for 2 weeks for adaptation and continued until the end of the study, which lasted for 90 days. In the control treatment (SB-0), sheep were fed 100% concentrate mix, while in SB-5, SB-10, SB-15, and SB-20, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of the concentrate mix was replaced by SB, respectively. Wheat straw and water were given at ad libitum throughout the experiment period. Data on feed intake and live weight gain were recorded daily and weekly, respectively, for 90 days. Three animals from each treatment were slaughtered for carcass analysis. Atriplex nummularia leaf (Oldman saltbush) contained 92.02% dry matter (DM), 21.99% crude protein (CP), 24.77% ash, 58.27% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and 26.56% acid detergent fiber (ADF). Dry matter intake, live weight gain, and carcass parameter were not statistically different among the treatments. Result indicated that concentrate feed can be replaced with Atriplex nummularia leaf up to 20% in sheep diet without negative effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics.
Understanding production systems is a prerequisite for designing proper improvement interventions... more Understanding production systems is a prerequisite for designing proper improvement interventions. Different production attributes of local dairy production were compared in two agro-ecological locations across 6 Kebelles (the smallest adminstration units) in the mid and lowlands of Asgede-tsimbla district in northern Ethiopia. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect production measurements once a month from 24 households for 6 consecutive months. Mixed crop-livestock production is the typical farming system in the study area. Arado, Barka and their crosses are the main cattle breeds. Natural grazing pastures, crop residues, hay and crop aftermaths are the main sources of feed. Feed supplementation after grazing, 1 to 2 times a day, is practiced by most households. Anthrax and trypanosomiasis were identified as important livestock diseases in the two agro ecological zones. Veterinary services delivery is characterized by common interruption of scheduled vaccination programs and long distance travel for delivery. Cows are hand milked with few suckling before and after milking. Fresh whole milk, sour milk, buttermilk, cottage type cheese, butter and ‗senafich' are among common dairy products. Milk is mainly consumed after boiling and/or souring, while raw milk consumption is relatively common in lowlands. Smoking using Cassia singueanea and Terminalia brownii is used for milk preservation, creating appealing aroma or taste. Fenugreek, turmeric, ‗gomon zer' and garlic are among the common spices used for milk preservation. Shelf life of all traditionally preserved milk products were significantly higher (P<0.01) in highlands than that of lowlands. Diminishing grazing land and number of cattle, poor extension service and feed shortage were important production constraints of the area.
Browse species serve as the main feed sources for pastoralists’
livestock especially during the d... more Browse species serve as the main feed sources for pastoralists’
livestock especially during the dry season when herbaceous feed sources are
exhausted. The study was conducted in Aba’ala District, Afar Regional State
of Ethiopia to assess the indigenous knowledge on browse ecology and use
and to investigate the browse selection by animals. Local pastoralists are
knowledgeable about the ecology and use, and the change in vegetation
structure of browse species. Browse species ranking, according to local
criteria of use of vegetation species, indicated that Acacia oerfota was ranked
first (3.77) followed by A. etbaica (3.88), Balanites aegyptiaca (4.55) and A.
mellifera (4.88). The dominant species in the area were A. oerfota, A.
mellifera and A. tortilis. The three most preferred browse species according to
the browsing time spent on each of the species were A. oerfota, B. aegyptiaca
and A. mellifera for camels; A. mellifera, A. oerfota and A. etbaica for goats
and; A. etbaica, Grewia ferruginea and G. tenax for sheep. Analysis of
nutritive value of two of the most dominant species, A. mellifera and A.
oerfota, revealed that these species have nutritive values by far higher than
the minimum requirement of ruminant animals and may be considered for use
as a supplement to poor quality feed during the dry season.
Key words/phrases: Acacia species, Browse preference, Diet selection,
Nutritive value.
Understanding environmental philosophies and wisdom of tribal communities provides insights into
... more Understanding environmental philosophies and wisdom of tribal communities provides insights into
sustainable ways of living and conservation. Many tribal communities rely on oral traditions for storage and
communication of ecological, cultural, and religious wisdom. An evaluation of the Ga¯li Sa¯ré, or the camel praise
poetry, practiced in the form of sung poetry by the Afar nomads of the Horn of Africa, revealed that as well as
being praise of the camel, the Ga¯li Sa¯ré poems are oral eco-poetry and reflect biophilia. Issues such
as biodiversity, environmental crises, livelihoods, clan politics, and landscapes are addressed in the poems,
while conveying themes of abundance, drought, changing landscape, and livestock raids. In these oral poems,
the animate and inanimate environment, including rangeland plants, mountains, rivers, lakes, animals, the
weather, and spirits, are used in metaphoric, symbolic, and realistic expressions. Embedded in these poems are
the ecological and social philosophy and wisdom of Afar nomads as well as their concerns about contemporary
environmental problems. Oral traditions can be used to understand ecological wisdom and perceptions of tribal
communities and provide insights into and lessons in sustainable living.
African Journal of Range & Forage Science, 2014
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2014
Ficus thonningii (FT) is an important multipurpose fodder tree providing economic and ecological ... more Ficus thonningii (FT) is an important multipurpose fodder tree providing economic and ecological benefits across arid and semi-arid areas in Africa. Despite its availability in many Sub-Saharan African countries, there is lack of information on its effect on animal productivity. Twenty-four male weaned highland goats of age 7±1.5 months were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized block design. All animals were fed wheat straw, water, and salt licks ad libitum. The control group (T1) was fed concentrate mixture at 2 % of their body weight, while in T2, T3, and T4, 25, 50, and 75 % of the weight of concentrate (DM basis), respectively, was replaced by sun dried FT leaf meal. FT leaf meal had acceptable levels crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and tannins and has resulted in increased body weight in all treatments. Goats fed T3 diet showed significantly higher (P<0.05) values in terms of feed intake, body weight gain, some carcass attributes, and local meat quality indicators than the rest of the treatments. An increase in proportion of FT leaf meal beyond 50 %, however, resulted in decreased body weight gain, and other carcass parameters, despite increased feed intake. Therefore, F. thonningii can be used to replace commercial concentrate mixture up to 50 % to improve feed intake and productivity of Ethiopian highland goats.
Measuring grassland biomass using objective, quick
and accurate methods is important for practica... more Measuring grassland biomass using objective, quick
and accurate methods is important for practical purposes
in agriculture and ecology. Most existing techniques
are either expensive or require advanced
technical skills making them unaffordable and impractical
for farmers in developing countries. The comparative
yield method is a quick technique that involves
the estimation of grassland biomass from visual scores.
Despite its potential for use by farmers with minimal
technical skills, it has been criticized for being subjective,
thus limiting its use for research purposes only.
We hypothesized that training and establishment of
agreed-upon ground rules can reduce this subjectivity.
We compared data collected by 36 farmers in northern
Ethiopia, who participated under three instruction
groups. Group 1 was involved both in the selection of
reference plots and calibration plots and agreed-on
ground rules. Group 2 was shown the reference plots
and orientated about the ground rules. Group 3 was
neither shown reference plots nor orientated on
ground rules. Levene’s test for equality of variance
was performed among the estimations made by individuals.
Mean values of scores and biomass measurements
varied among groups. The variability of records
was higher in groups 3 and 2 than in group 1, indicating
the need for training and agreed-upon ground
rules to achieve objectivity. We conclude that with
minimal training and agreement on ground rules, the
comparative yield method can be used by farmers and
ecologists in developing countries to estimate grassland
biomass with better precision and accuracy.
Prosopis juliflora is an invasive species steadily affecting dryland rangelands of East Africa. T... more Prosopis juliflora is an invasive species steadily affecting dryland rangelands of East Africa. This study tried to develop an economic utilization of the species by determining the level of replacement of commercial concentrate by dried ground Prosopis juliflora pods (PJP) on the feed intake,
live weight gain and carcass parameters of local goats. Twenty goats; aged 6-12 months & weighting 13.8 + 2.8 Kg were used in randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment with five dietary treatments. In the control treatment (PJP-0), goats were fed 100% concentrate mix, while in PJP-10, PJP-20, PJP-30, and PJP-40, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of the concentrate mix was replaced by PJP, respectively. Data on feed intake and live weight gain were recorded daily and weekly, respectively for 90 days.
At the end of the experiment, representative animals (03) from each treatment were slaughtered and analyzed for different carcass components.
PJP contained 88.30% dry matter (DM), 12.58% crude protein (CP), 19.51% crude fiber (CF), 1.91% ether extract (EE) and 1.92% ash.
Intakes for total DM, CP, EE and CF of PJP-0 and PJP-10 were significantly higher than PJP-20, PJP-30and PJP-40, while body weight gain
(BWG) , feed conversion efficiency (FCE), fasting live weight, carcass and non-carcass components, hot carcass weights, and commercial meat cuts, edible and non-edible offals did not show difference among the treatments. The present study suggested for up to 40 % replacement of
concentrate feed with PJP without any effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics.
In nomadic communities, oral traditions serve as reservoirs of indigenous ecological knowledge. T... more In nomadic communities, oral traditions serve as reservoirs of indigenous ecological knowledge. The c Afar nomads of oral ecopoetry and biophilic per se, where issues such as biodiversity, environmental crisis, livelihoods, clan politics and landraids. In these oral poems, the inanimate environment including rangeland plants, mountains, rivers, lakes, animals, the weather and spirits are used in metaphoric, symbolic, vivid imagery, mimetic, and realistic expressions, while illuminating the ecological philosophy and perception of the c Afar nomads. Such poems should be encouraged, documented and incorpo-
In recent years, the world has witnessed a rise in large-scale acquisition of farmlands in develo... more In recent years, the world has witnessed a rise in large-scale acquisition of farmlands in developing countries, by multinational and state corporations, a process dubbed land grabbing and frequently accompanied by lack of transparency, irregularity, corruption. Approximately 16.9 million hectares of this type of procurement comprising 34.62% of the overall global land deals in the last decade took place in Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, 42% of the land considered suitable for future agricultural expansion is also found in this region indicating potential for increased future land deals. Due to the extent of the land grabbing, activists have been voicing concerns over possible negative consequences to local food security, land rights, and economic equity and the environment. Through analysis of the scale, policies, actors and the local and international contexts, this paper tries to elucidate the possible environmental consequences of large scale commercial land grabbing in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally measures required to avoid the expected negative ecological consequences are discussed.
This research was undertaken to understand variation in local knowledge between two
ethnic/liveli... more This research was undertaken to understand variation in local knowledge between two
ethnic/livelihood, gender, and age groups on indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTS)
and correlate local criteria-based valuation with laboratory-based valuation. The study
involved 160 respondents, formal interviews, species identification tests, and scoring of
trees. Fodder samples taken from the top 20 preferred species were scanned using NIRS
(Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy) and their nutritive value was assessed.
ANOVA, non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis median comparison test, and Spearman’s
rank correlation were used to analyze the data. Local people used diverse criteria
falling under three categories: animal-based (5), plant-based (4), and multipurpose
criteria (11). Knowledge of fodder trees varied significantly (P , 0.05) between the
two ethnic/livelihood groups and gender, but not between age groups. Ziziphus spinachristi
and Cordia gharaf were the most locally preferred species for both ethnic/
livelihood groups. Local criteria and NIRS-based valuation of IFTS were weakly
correlated, suggesting that species selected only on their nutritive merit may not be
preferred and adopted by farmers and pastoralists.
This study in northern Ethiopia investigated local people’s perception of climate change and the ... more This study in northern Ethiopia investigated local people’s perception of climate change and the role of indigenous silvopastoralism in adaptation to that change. Two hundred and forty respondents participated in a questionnaire survey and group discussions. Local communities perceive climate change in terms of biophysical and socioeconomic indicators. In selecting, evaluating and comparing fodder trees for a climate-resilient silvopastoral system,
local farmers used 20 criteria of varying importance and belonging to three categories: animal-based, plant-based and multipurpose. In terms of suitability for climate-resilient silvopastoral system, Ficus thonningii was ranked first among the top 10 species of trees with a composite score of 8.7 out of 10, followed by Cordia africana, Eucalyptus cameldulensis and Rhus natalensis. Locally developed protocols for propagation and use of F. thonningii have enabled establishment of a climate-resilient, sustainable silvopastoral system. As this practice combines climate change mitigation and adaptation, silvopastoral practices using locally adaptable species are recommended.
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Papers by Mulubrhan Balehegn
understand the effect of resettlement on a semi-arid woodland in northwestern Ethiopia, satellite imagery of 23 resettlement
villages taken over a period of fourteen years, and woody vegetation floristic data for three old resettlements, three new resettlements, two refugee camps and one protected area were analyzed using ANOVA and
canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) and canopy cover
around all village types decreased with disturbance gradients, while the magnitude of change varied according to
the type of settlement. Limited canopy cover was observed in refugee camps and new resettlements, compared to old resettlements and protected areas. Woody vegetation height class showed a J shaped distribution in all sites except refugee camps (RC), indicating a decline in vegetation. CCA showed that variables like site type, altitude
and disturbance gradient significantly affected the diversity of woody species at the different sites. Comparison of individual species responses to disturbances indicated that low fodder value invaders like Dichrostachys cinerea, and many Acacia species were increasing in proportion and coverage at the expense of some multipurpose species
including Tamarindus indica, Diospyros mespiliformis, and Pterocarpus lucens. In the absence of regulated vegetation use, resettlements result in a decline in overall vegetation cover and a shift in floristic diversity in favor of invasive species.
Key words: resettlement; woody vegetation; CCA; woodland rangelands; NDVI; Ethiopia
livestock especially during the dry season when herbaceous feed sources are
exhausted. The study was conducted in Aba’ala District, Afar Regional State
of Ethiopia to assess the indigenous knowledge on browse ecology and use
and to investigate the browse selection by animals. Local pastoralists are
knowledgeable about the ecology and use, and the change in vegetation
structure of browse species. Browse species ranking, according to local
criteria of use of vegetation species, indicated that Acacia oerfota was ranked
first (3.77) followed by A. etbaica (3.88), Balanites aegyptiaca (4.55) and A.
mellifera (4.88). The dominant species in the area were A. oerfota, A.
mellifera and A. tortilis. The three most preferred browse species according to
the browsing time spent on each of the species were A. oerfota, B. aegyptiaca
and A. mellifera for camels; A. mellifera, A. oerfota and A. etbaica for goats
and; A. etbaica, Grewia ferruginea and G. tenax for sheep. Analysis of
nutritive value of two of the most dominant species, A. mellifera and A.
oerfota, revealed that these species have nutritive values by far higher than
the minimum requirement of ruminant animals and may be considered for use
as a supplement to poor quality feed during the dry season.
Key words/phrases: Acacia species, Browse preference, Diet selection,
Nutritive value.
sustainable ways of living and conservation. Many tribal communities rely on oral traditions for storage and
communication of ecological, cultural, and religious wisdom. An evaluation of the Ga¯li Sa¯ré, or the camel praise
poetry, practiced in the form of sung poetry by the Afar nomads of the Horn of Africa, revealed that as well as
being praise of the camel, the Ga¯li Sa¯ré poems are oral eco-poetry and reflect biophilia. Issues such
as biodiversity, environmental crises, livelihoods, clan politics, and landscapes are addressed in the poems,
while conveying themes of abundance, drought, changing landscape, and livestock raids. In these oral poems,
the animate and inanimate environment, including rangeland plants, mountains, rivers, lakes, animals, the
weather, and spirits, are used in metaphoric, symbolic, and realistic expressions. Embedded in these poems are
the ecological and social philosophy and wisdom of Afar nomads as well as their concerns about contemporary
environmental problems. Oral traditions can be used to understand ecological wisdom and perceptions of tribal
communities and provide insights into and lessons in sustainable living.
and accurate methods is important for practical purposes
in agriculture and ecology. Most existing techniques
are either expensive or require advanced
technical skills making them unaffordable and impractical
for farmers in developing countries. The comparative
yield method is a quick technique that involves
the estimation of grassland biomass from visual scores.
Despite its potential for use by farmers with minimal
technical skills, it has been criticized for being subjective,
thus limiting its use for research purposes only.
We hypothesized that training and establishment of
agreed-upon ground rules can reduce this subjectivity.
We compared data collected by 36 farmers in northern
Ethiopia, who participated under three instruction
groups. Group 1 was involved both in the selection of
reference plots and calibration plots and agreed-on
ground rules. Group 2 was shown the reference plots
and orientated about the ground rules. Group 3 was
neither shown reference plots nor orientated on
ground rules. Levene’s test for equality of variance
was performed among the estimations made by individuals.
Mean values of scores and biomass measurements
varied among groups. The variability of records
was higher in groups 3 and 2 than in group 1, indicating
the need for training and agreed-upon ground
rules to achieve objectivity. We conclude that with
minimal training and agreement on ground rules, the
comparative yield method can be used by farmers and
ecologists in developing countries to estimate grassland
biomass with better precision and accuracy.
live weight gain and carcass parameters of local goats. Twenty goats; aged 6-12 months & weighting 13.8 + 2.8 Kg were used in randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment with five dietary treatments. In the control treatment (PJP-0), goats were fed 100% concentrate mix, while in PJP-10, PJP-20, PJP-30, and PJP-40, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of the concentrate mix was replaced by PJP, respectively. Data on feed intake and live weight gain were recorded daily and weekly, respectively for 90 days.
At the end of the experiment, representative animals (03) from each treatment were slaughtered and analyzed for different carcass components.
PJP contained 88.30% dry matter (DM), 12.58% crude protein (CP), 19.51% crude fiber (CF), 1.91% ether extract (EE) and 1.92% ash.
Intakes for total DM, CP, EE and CF of PJP-0 and PJP-10 were significantly higher than PJP-20, PJP-30and PJP-40, while body weight gain
(BWG) , feed conversion efficiency (FCE), fasting live weight, carcass and non-carcass components, hot carcass weights, and commercial meat cuts, edible and non-edible offals did not show difference among the treatments. The present study suggested for up to 40 % replacement of
concentrate feed with PJP without any effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics.
ethnic/livelihood, gender, and age groups on indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTS)
and correlate local criteria-based valuation with laboratory-based valuation. The study
involved 160 respondents, formal interviews, species identification tests, and scoring of
trees. Fodder samples taken from the top 20 preferred species were scanned using NIRS
(Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy) and their nutritive value was assessed.
ANOVA, non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis median comparison test, and Spearman’s
rank correlation were used to analyze the data. Local people used diverse criteria
falling under three categories: animal-based (5), plant-based (4), and multipurpose
criteria (11). Knowledge of fodder trees varied significantly (P , 0.05) between the
two ethnic/livelihood groups and gender, but not between age groups. Ziziphus spinachristi
and Cordia gharaf were the most locally preferred species for both ethnic/
livelihood groups. Local criteria and NIRS-based valuation of IFTS were weakly
correlated, suggesting that species selected only on their nutritive merit may not be
preferred and adopted by farmers and pastoralists.
local farmers used 20 criteria of varying importance and belonging to three categories: animal-based, plant-based and multipurpose. In terms of suitability for climate-resilient silvopastoral system, Ficus thonningii was ranked first among the top 10 species of trees with a composite score of 8.7 out of 10, followed by Cordia africana, Eucalyptus cameldulensis and Rhus natalensis. Locally developed protocols for propagation and use of F. thonningii have enabled establishment of a climate-resilient, sustainable silvopastoral system. As this practice combines climate change mitigation and adaptation, silvopastoral practices using locally adaptable species are recommended.
understand the effect of resettlement on a semi-arid woodland in northwestern Ethiopia, satellite imagery of 23 resettlement
villages taken over a period of fourteen years, and woody vegetation floristic data for three old resettlements, three new resettlements, two refugee camps and one protected area were analyzed using ANOVA and
canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) and canopy cover
around all village types decreased with disturbance gradients, while the magnitude of change varied according to
the type of settlement. Limited canopy cover was observed in refugee camps and new resettlements, compared to old resettlements and protected areas. Woody vegetation height class showed a J shaped distribution in all sites except refugee camps (RC), indicating a decline in vegetation. CCA showed that variables like site type, altitude
and disturbance gradient significantly affected the diversity of woody species at the different sites. Comparison of individual species responses to disturbances indicated that low fodder value invaders like Dichrostachys cinerea, and many Acacia species were increasing in proportion and coverage at the expense of some multipurpose species
including Tamarindus indica, Diospyros mespiliformis, and Pterocarpus lucens. In the absence of regulated vegetation use, resettlements result in a decline in overall vegetation cover and a shift in floristic diversity in favor of invasive species.
Key words: resettlement; woody vegetation; CCA; woodland rangelands; NDVI; Ethiopia
livestock especially during the dry season when herbaceous feed sources are
exhausted. The study was conducted in Aba’ala District, Afar Regional State
of Ethiopia to assess the indigenous knowledge on browse ecology and use
and to investigate the browse selection by animals. Local pastoralists are
knowledgeable about the ecology and use, and the change in vegetation
structure of browse species. Browse species ranking, according to local
criteria of use of vegetation species, indicated that Acacia oerfota was ranked
first (3.77) followed by A. etbaica (3.88), Balanites aegyptiaca (4.55) and A.
mellifera (4.88). The dominant species in the area were A. oerfota, A.
mellifera and A. tortilis. The three most preferred browse species according to
the browsing time spent on each of the species were A. oerfota, B. aegyptiaca
and A. mellifera for camels; A. mellifera, A. oerfota and A. etbaica for goats
and; A. etbaica, Grewia ferruginea and G. tenax for sheep. Analysis of
nutritive value of two of the most dominant species, A. mellifera and A.
oerfota, revealed that these species have nutritive values by far higher than
the minimum requirement of ruminant animals and may be considered for use
as a supplement to poor quality feed during the dry season.
Key words/phrases: Acacia species, Browse preference, Diet selection,
Nutritive value.
sustainable ways of living and conservation. Many tribal communities rely on oral traditions for storage and
communication of ecological, cultural, and religious wisdom. An evaluation of the Ga¯li Sa¯ré, or the camel praise
poetry, practiced in the form of sung poetry by the Afar nomads of the Horn of Africa, revealed that as well as
being praise of the camel, the Ga¯li Sa¯ré poems are oral eco-poetry and reflect biophilia. Issues such
as biodiversity, environmental crises, livelihoods, clan politics, and landscapes are addressed in the poems,
while conveying themes of abundance, drought, changing landscape, and livestock raids. In these oral poems,
the animate and inanimate environment, including rangeland plants, mountains, rivers, lakes, animals, the
weather, and spirits, are used in metaphoric, symbolic, and realistic expressions. Embedded in these poems are
the ecological and social philosophy and wisdom of Afar nomads as well as their concerns about contemporary
environmental problems. Oral traditions can be used to understand ecological wisdom and perceptions of tribal
communities and provide insights into and lessons in sustainable living.
and accurate methods is important for practical purposes
in agriculture and ecology. Most existing techniques
are either expensive or require advanced
technical skills making them unaffordable and impractical
for farmers in developing countries. The comparative
yield method is a quick technique that involves
the estimation of grassland biomass from visual scores.
Despite its potential for use by farmers with minimal
technical skills, it has been criticized for being subjective,
thus limiting its use for research purposes only.
We hypothesized that training and establishment of
agreed-upon ground rules can reduce this subjectivity.
We compared data collected by 36 farmers in northern
Ethiopia, who participated under three instruction
groups. Group 1 was involved both in the selection of
reference plots and calibration plots and agreed-on
ground rules. Group 2 was shown the reference plots
and orientated about the ground rules. Group 3 was
neither shown reference plots nor orientated on
ground rules. Levene’s test for equality of variance
was performed among the estimations made by individuals.
Mean values of scores and biomass measurements
varied among groups. The variability of records
was higher in groups 3 and 2 than in group 1, indicating
the need for training and agreed-upon ground
rules to achieve objectivity. We conclude that with
minimal training and agreement on ground rules, the
comparative yield method can be used by farmers and
ecologists in developing countries to estimate grassland
biomass with better precision and accuracy.
live weight gain and carcass parameters of local goats. Twenty goats; aged 6-12 months & weighting 13.8 + 2.8 Kg were used in randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment with five dietary treatments. In the control treatment (PJP-0), goats were fed 100% concentrate mix, while in PJP-10, PJP-20, PJP-30, and PJP-40, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of the concentrate mix was replaced by PJP, respectively. Data on feed intake and live weight gain were recorded daily and weekly, respectively for 90 days.
At the end of the experiment, representative animals (03) from each treatment were slaughtered and analyzed for different carcass components.
PJP contained 88.30% dry matter (DM), 12.58% crude protein (CP), 19.51% crude fiber (CF), 1.91% ether extract (EE) and 1.92% ash.
Intakes for total DM, CP, EE and CF of PJP-0 and PJP-10 were significantly higher than PJP-20, PJP-30and PJP-40, while body weight gain
(BWG) , feed conversion efficiency (FCE), fasting live weight, carcass and non-carcass components, hot carcass weights, and commercial meat cuts, edible and non-edible offals did not show difference among the treatments. The present study suggested for up to 40 % replacement of
concentrate feed with PJP without any effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics.
ethnic/livelihood, gender, and age groups on indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTS)
and correlate local criteria-based valuation with laboratory-based valuation. The study
involved 160 respondents, formal interviews, species identification tests, and scoring of
trees. Fodder samples taken from the top 20 preferred species were scanned using NIRS
(Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy) and their nutritive value was assessed.
ANOVA, non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis median comparison test, and Spearman’s
rank correlation were used to analyze the data. Local people used diverse criteria
falling under three categories: animal-based (5), plant-based (4), and multipurpose
criteria (11). Knowledge of fodder trees varied significantly (P , 0.05) between the
two ethnic/livelihood groups and gender, but not between age groups. Ziziphus spinachristi
and Cordia gharaf were the most locally preferred species for both ethnic/
livelihood groups. Local criteria and NIRS-based valuation of IFTS were weakly
correlated, suggesting that species selected only on their nutritive merit may not be
preferred and adopted by farmers and pastoralists.
local farmers used 20 criteria of varying importance and belonging to three categories: animal-based, plant-based and multipurpose. In terms of suitability for climate-resilient silvopastoral system, Ficus thonningii was ranked first among the top 10 species of trees with a composite score of 8.7 out of 10, followed by Cordia africana, Eucalyptus cameldulensis and Rhus natalensis. Locally developed protocols for propagation and use of F. thonningii have enabled establishment of a climate-resilient, sustainable silvopastoral system. As this practice combines climate change mitigation and adaptation, silvopastoral practices using locally adaptable species are recommended.
rangeland degradation. Through repeated exposure to recurrent drought and consequent livestock feed
shortage, herders in northern Ethiopia have developed an indigenous silvopastoral practice, using Ficus
thonnigii as a focal species. The practice has resulted in improved livestock productivity and livelihoods,
improved climate change adaptation and rangeland health. This paper is a synthesis of several studies
conducted over seven years on this indigenous rangeland innovation.