TITLE:
Eucalyptus Tree Production in Wolayita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia
AUTHORS:
Molla Mekonnen Alemu
KEYWORDS:
Eucalyptus, Trees, Ecology, Southern Ethiopia
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.3 No.12,
December
26,
2016
ABSTRACT: Trees form an important element for the livelihoods of many in different parts of the world. Provision of oxygen to the atmosphere, combating climate change, improving microclimates, soil and water conservation and the support to wildlife are among the social, ecologic and economic values which substantiate their importance to our environment. Eucalyptus known to have more than 700 genus is believed to be a native tree species of Australia. The tree was introduced to Ethiopia during the time of Emperor Minilik. The tree has a strong potential to adapt in various ecological settings and from fertile to degraded lands. Its fast growing nature has also made it to be an economically viable tree species in the country. It is also the major source of fuelwood and construction materials in the country. The tree, however, due to its aggressive growth nature, has its own ecological impact on the environment as compared to other trees. It is known to consume a lot of water deep in the soil strata and has allelopathic effect which suppresses the under-growth in it. A study was done to explore its social, economic and ecological importance in Wolayita Sodo, southern Ethiopia. Interviews and related literature reviews were used as source of information. Data was then analysed through content analysis and descriptive statistics. The findings of the study showed that, the tree has played a lot in transforming the lives of producers economically. Its contribution in satisfying the household energy demands of the locality is also mentioned as one of its major benefits. However, given its wide expansion in the area in a monoculture way could cause for the degradation of other native biodiversity resources of the country. This is also exacerbated by its allelopathy nature that will restrict the opportunities of using intercropping management practices and have a diversified plantation system in a sustainable and friendly to the environment way. Thus, further detailed socio-economic and ecological studies could help to inform policy makers and environmentalists for the design of appropriate management and production strategies of the tree.