Ecological Adaptation and Socio-economic Value.
A Study from Aba`ala Wereda, North Afar, Ethiopia.
DCG Report 49
Size: 720 kb
Diress Tsegaye, Mulubrhan Balehegn, Kindeya Gebrehiwot, Mitiku Haile, Girmay Gebresamuel, Mohammed Tilahun and Ermias Aynekulu
Based on the overall rationale of the research project, assessing the role of Dobera glabra for household food security, many studies and tests have been made. A semi-structured interview has been administered to selected respondents and groups to reveal information on the socio-economic and cultural aspects of this plant. The socio-economic surveys revealed that D. glabra is a highly valued plant species with diverse importance such as drought food and feed source, a tool for forecasting the coming of drought and thus an early warning tree. The germination requirement of D. glabra has been tested by undertaking germination trials for different treatments and different seed forms at Aba’ala demonstration site.
The germination trial result revealed that no germination viability variation was observed as a result of storage (3 months). However, treating D. glabra seeds has brought a positive effect in shortening the germination time. Germination results of the different watering frequencies showed a significant difference (P<5%) in germination percentage when seeds were watered every other day. Different water types from three different localities were tested to see if the long cooking time was caused by the local type of water. The cooking trial showed no significant difference in the length of cooking time although rainwater and the highland Kwhia water brought some relative improvement by reducing the cooking time. Vegetative propagation from stem cuttings was also tested. Experimental results of stem cuttings show that D. glabra cannot perpetuate through the stem cutting method of propagation.
No empirical data was available on the nutritive value and chemical composition of D. glabra except that it is believed to be an important browse for domestic animals particularly camels. Thus, this study was conducted to analyze and document the chemical composition and nutritive value of edible parts of this plant and also to measure its distribution in the Kala rangeland of Aba`ala. The result revealed that D. glabra is one of the most important species in the rangeland and the edible fruit and folliage have good nitrogen content except that the Ca/P ratio is much greater. The results also imply that D.glabra is high in mineral content as believed by the pastoralists. The CP content is also high to support animals’ requirements if browsed well. Laboratory analysis on the nutritive value of the edible fruit part of D. glabra also revealed that this plant has nutritive value nearly comparable to most common wild food fruits.
Based on the findings of this study, there is a need to give more attention to this endangered plant through appropriate propagation and protection measures. Results from all germination trials also indicate that the best way to propagate the plant is by using seed. It can also be concluded that the findings of this study can serve as baseline information to encourage the local people to propagate this endangered plant and suggest further investigation related to pest problems and animal browsing influences. Based on the findings of the study, more in-depth scientific studies are required on the effect of browsing and habitat factors on natural recruitment, effect of storage period on seed viability, and survival of transplanted and naturally established seedlings.
|
