Changes in vegetation structure and aboveground biomass in response to traditional rangeland management practices in Borana, southern Ethiopia

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bikila Negasa Gilo ◽  
Tessema Zewdu Kelkay
Keyword(s):  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Vegetation Structure ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Rangeland Management ◽  
Southern Ethiopia

scholarly journals Rapid declines in habitat quality and population size of the Liben (Sidamo) Lark Heteromirafra sidamoensis necessitate immediate conservation action

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
PAUL F. DONALD ◽  
GRAEME M. BUCHANAN ◽  
NIGEL J. COLLAR ◽  
YILMA DELLELEGN ABEBE ◽  
MERID N. GABREMICHAEL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Predictive Modelling ◽  
Rangeland Management ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Significant Deterioration ◽  
North East

SummaryThe Critically Endangered Liben Lark (formerly Sidamo Lark) is known only from the Liben Plain of southern Ethiopia, where rapid grassland deterioration is driving the species towards extinction. Fieldwork on the Liben Plain in May 2009 to assess changes in habitat and population since June 2007 recorded a significant deterioration in habitat and decline in numbers. In both 2007 and 2009, birds were associated with areas with greater than average grass cover, and in 2007 with areas of higher grass. However, between 2007 and 2009 there was a significant decline in grass cover and height, a 40% decline in number of birds recorded along repeated transects, and a contraction of 38% in the occupied area of the Liben Plain. Moreover, the cover of bare ground increased more in areas where the species was recorded in 2007 than at random points, suggesting a more rapid degradation of the best sites. There was also a loss to arable agriculture of 8% of the grassland present in 2007. Invading fennel plants increased in number and area on the plain but did not appear to influence the distribution of the lark. An analysis of NDVI showed that grassland deterioration could not be explained by drought, and the most likely explanation is that grassland quality is suffering from overgrazing. Predictive modelling suggests that, apart from a smaller and politically insecure area some 500 km to the north-east near Somalia, there is no suitable habitat for this species elsewhere in the Horn of Africa. As a matter of extreme urgency, cattle exclosures need to be established on the Liben Plain to allow grassland regeneration. This may require the ploughing of land to reduce soil compaction and re-sowing with local grass species. In the longer term, further degradation of the plain should be prevented by, for example, clearing encroaching scrub to increase grassland area and reduce grazing pressure, and by developing sustainable rangeland management practices. These actions have the full and active support of local pastoralists.

scholarly journals Farmers’ Perceptions of Mexican Bean Weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman), and Pest Management Practices in Southern Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Tariku Mesele ◽  
Kumela Dibaba ◽  
Esayas Mendesil
Keyword(s):  
Common Bean ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Bean Weevil ◽  
Chemical Insecticide ◽  
Zabrotes Subfasciatus ◽  
The Common ◽  
Handling Practices

The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., is one of the most important sources of protein in Ethiopia and other developing countries. However, the Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman), is a major constraint of stored common bean that causes qualitative and quantitative losses. This study was conducted to assess farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of Mexican bean weevil, to examine farmers’ pest management practices, and to identify challenges of pest management practices to develop integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. A survey of 148 smallholder common bean farmers was conducted at Mareka and Loma districts in southern Ethiopia. The majority (75%) of the farmers stored common bean in polypropylene bags while less than 10% of the farmers stored beans in ‘Diya’ (a traditional storage structure). Most (60.8%) farmers stored their beans in seed (threshed) form, and the majority (63.5%) of them stored their beans for 3-5 months. The majority of the farmers had knowledge about the Mexican bean weevil; they could identify damaged seeds based on the ‘holes’ on the seed (72.3%) and circular ‘windows’ on the seed (20.0%). About 45% of the farmers mentioned the high amount of loss at the time of storage. In addition, most farmers (53.4%) estimated 26-50% loss in storage. Most farmers reported the use of pesticidal plants for control of Mexican bean weevil, while only a few farmers reported they had applied insecticide in their store. Education level and family size had a positive and statistically significant impact on the use of pesticidal plants for the control of Mexican bean weevil. Furthermore, education level also influences the use of chemical insecticide. Results highlighted the need to use improved storage technology and to train farmers in postharvest handling practices as a component to develop IPM approach in order to minimize losses occurring along the value chains of the common bean.

scholarly journals Bird diversity and abundance on two different shade coffee plantations in Guatemala

1998 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Calvo ◽  
John Blake
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Structure ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Bird Abundance ◽  
Shade Coffee ◽  
Coffee Plantations ◽  
Bird Populations ◽  
Migrant Birds ◽  
Abundance And Diversity ◽  
Fertilizer Regimes

SummaryMany studies have examined differences in bird communities between shade and sun coffee plantations but less is known about how different management practices within shade coffee plantations affect bird populations. This study compares diversity and abundance of resident and migrant birds in two shade coffee plantations located in Palajunoj, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, that differ in their farming practices (e.g. pruning schedules and fertilizer regimes) and, consequently, in vegetation structure. One plantation represents a traditional, polyculture shade system whereas the second represents a more modernized, monoculture shade system. Both plantations supported many resident and migrant birds. Bird abundance and diversity were significantly greater during both wet and dry seasons on the traditional farm, due largely to the vegetation structure resulting from the different management practices. All plantations typically classified as ‘shade coffee’ are not equivalent, much of their conservation value coming from the more diverse and structurally complex traditional polycultures rather than from the newer, monocultural systems. Coffee production techniques that affect the structural and floristic diversity of the vegetation (e.g. pruning, application of chemicals) have important consequences for birds.

Indigenous rangeland resource management in the mountainous areas of northern Nepal: a case study from the Rasuwa District

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 149 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. Dong ◽  
J. P. Lassoie ◽  
Z. L. Yan ◽  
E. Sharma ◽  
K. K. Shrestha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Ethnic Diversity ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Rangeland Management ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Resource Degradation ◽  
Internal And External Factors ◽  
Modern Technologies

Rangelands perform numerous functions that have significant ecological and livelihood values for mountain societies in Nepal. There are no other systems more suitable than indigenous management systems, which have evolved over long periods of time and offer approaches to land use that are suitable to the varying climatic, biophysical conditions and ethnic diversity that characterise Nepal. However, traditional resource management practices have been ignored in the past, which has resulted in conflicts and resource degradation. In this context, a survey was conducted in the Rasuwa District of northern Nepal to identify existing indigenous rangeland management systems, examine the challenges facing the development of sustainable practices and suggest possible strategies for promoting their development. It was concluded from this study that local herders in the Rasuwa District of northern Nepal have developed effective indigenous rangeland management systems that include good grazing and conservation practices. Well organised local institutional arrangements and efficient traditional right and tenure systems have evolved that result in the sustainable use of rangeland resources. However, both internal and external factors are now challenging these traditional systems. Results indicated that to remain sustainable rangeland management systems in northern Nepal will require a clear recognition of indigenous knowledge of rangeland management as well as the integration of indigenous practices and strategies with modern technologies. More attention should be paid to the facilitation of rangeland legislation covering traditional rights and customary tenure, institutional cooperation and collaboration between government and civil society. Co-management and participatory research and development should be initiated on rangeland resources and the improvement of infrastructure and public service systems.

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