RESUMEN
Adansonia digitata (baobab), a multipurpose and highly valued tree species, is facing threats due to anthropogenic factors like shifting cultivation practices and fire. The aim of this study was to examine the population structure and phenological attributes of baobab in three districts (i.e. Kafta Humera, Tselemt, and Quara district) in Northwestern Ethiopia. The study was carried out by establishing 17 plots 1 km long and 100 m wide covering a total area of 170 ha in the Quara district and five plots covering 50 ha each in the Kafta Humera and Tselemt districts. Further, plots were subdivided into 25 × 25 m and 5 × 5 m sub-plots for recording other woody species and their regeneration status, respectively. Thirty reproductively matured trees with easily visible crowns were selected to record phenological characteristics and fruit yield. The findings revealed that baobab population was significantly higher in the Tselemt district (3.15 ± 0.15) as compared to Quara (1.43 ± 0.43) and Kafta Humera (1.30 ± 0.23) sites. A bell-shaped diameter distribution was observed in the Quara district and irregular-shaped distributions were observed in Kafta Humera and Tselemt districts. Phenological periodicity and fruit production of baobab did not vary significantly among the three study sites. On average, 404 fruits per tree were recorded with a maximum of 559 fruits in mid-diameter size class trees. Due to livestock browsing, shifting cultivation practices, and uncontrolled fire, the recruitments are limited in the study areas. An in-situ conservation strategy through the plantation and proper management practices are needed to sustain baobab tree species.
RESUMEN
Highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina) is fast growing perennial plant that occurs as small holder plantation and naturally in the highlands of Ethiopia with a wide range of values and uses. This study assessed environmental conditions where the species grows, and related the sites-suitability information to other potential regions in Ethiopia. Field survey was conducted to Oldeania alpina growing areas in Ethiopia. Data were collected on dendrometric and environmental variables from field plots of 400 m2 of bamboo stands in three replications in each of the study districts in the regions. Consultations were also held with key informants, women, youth and elder focus group discussants on the common uses and production constraints of the species. The study identified wider uses of the species from being raw material for household utensils, furniture, fencing to building local houses in Ethiopia. Observations indicate that Oldeania alpina grows in the south, south-western, central and north-western highlands of Ethiopia at altitudes ranging from 2200 to 4000 m.a.s.l. It grows rapidly, where after planting from offset, starts to yield useable culm within three to four years. The species growing sites characteristics in the present study indicated that it's well performing in the altitudinal range between 2387 and 2979 m.a.s.l. We recommend promoting highland bamboo in Ethiopia for better culm yield on sites with elevation from 2300 up to 3500 m.a.s.l with mean annual rainfall >1200 mm, temperature varying from min. 6 °C to max. 30 °C and slope from 0 to 60% to attain optimum growth across the country.
