A review on the indigenous multipurpose agroforestry tree species in Ethiopia: management, their productive and service roles and constraints
Latamo Lameso Lelamo
Abstract
are also found in the central highlands of Ethiopia. They are established through natural regeneration and farmers apply pruning, pollarding and coppicing tree management practices to harmonize their survival with integrated crops. Fruit, fodder, wood, timber and cash generation are the major productive roles of these tree species. In addition to these, they also have agroecological services through improving soil fertility, controlling erosion, mitigating climate change and conserving biological diversity. Despite their considerable uses and services; inadequate research and extension; shortage of knowledge; the expansion of cash crops and the small size of land holdings constrain the sustainability of these tree species. The government could encourage the wider use of agroforestry practices by policies to expand research and extension services. In addition to this, policy makers and agricultural development interventions should be encouraged to make more informed decisions regarding further research on indigenous multipurpose tree species in Ethiopia.