Assessing Woody Species Diversity and Management Activities Used in Parkland Agroforestry Practices at Kalu District, South Wollo, Ethiopia

Parkland agroforestry is the types of multipurpose trees agroforestry system characterized by well-grown scattered trees on cultivated and recently fallowed fields. It is the most dominant agroforestry practice in the semi-arid and sub-humid zones of Ethiopia. This study was conducted at Kalu district, South Wollo, Ethiopia to assess the ecological significance of parkland agroforestry practices and how do farmers manage the parkland trees and the factors that influence farmers’ management techniques. Multistage sampling method was adopted by selecting sample kebeles from lowland and midland parkland agroforestry. Woody species inventory was conducted on 60 plots having each 50 m x100 m on cultivated land along 6 transects. All woody species found in the plots following transect line having stem diameter ≥ 5 cm and height of >2 m above ground were taken. Semi-structured questionnaire and group discussion were employed for gathering qualitative data. The data collected through the questionnaire interviews, species richness and structures were analyzed using Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS 20) software and Microsoft excel version 2010 at 5% level of significance. Woody species frequency, abundance, basal area, height and diameter class distribution were computed to characterize woody species structure. A total of 21 indigenous woody species were collected from the two agro-ecologies of parkland agroforestry. The collected species belonging to eight families, and Fabaceae were the dominant families. Shannon and Simpson indices of woody species diversity, evenness of lowland was higher than midland agro-ecologies. Zizipus spina-christi and Acasia seyal were dominant tree species in both agro-ecologies. Woody species retained within farmer’s cultivated land for different purposes. Looping, pollarding, pruning, protection and coppicing were common management practices. Among socioeconomic variables only sex, land holding size and access to extension service were influence woody species management. Woody species diversity was relatively low at Kalu district. Land shortage, drought, free grazing, absence of planting activity and high charcoal demands were the most challenging problems for the sustainability of parklands at the district. Governmental decision-makers and other stakeholders typically face with regard to Parkland trees conservation and agricultural intensification and development objectives.