A workshop was held on March 13th by DCG Ethiopia to share the results of a recently conducted study on the wild tree species Dobera Glabra. This report will soon be available on this website.
Dobera Glabra is a drought resistant highly valued tree species among the Afar pastoralists in north eastern Ethiopia. This plant, despite the recognition of its diverse values and services by the local pastoralists, is under severe threat of extinction. Besides this problem, the way the local people consume the fruit during drought times takes longer and uses much fuel and is thus ecologically harmful. This study was therefore made to assess the role of Dobera glabra for household food security, and to identify the reasons for the existing problem in the natural regeneration process and recommend some solutions. To achieve these general objectives many studies and tests have been conducted. A semi-structured interview has been administered to selected respondents and groups to reveal information on the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the plant.
The socio economic surveys revealed that Dobera glabra is a highly valued plant species with diverse importance such as drought food and source of feed, a special mineral source feed, a tool for forecasting the droughts, thus an early warning tree, etc. No germination viability variation was observed as a result of storage (3 months). However, treating Dobera glabra seeds has brought a positive effect in shortening the germination time, and best results were observed when the seed is soaked in cold water for 24 hours. The general total ash content is high, 21% for the leaves and 8% for the fruit on average. The result implies that Dobera glabra is high in mineral content as believed by the pastoralists. The crude protein content is also high to support animals’ requirement if browsed well. Laboratory analysis on the nutritive value of the edible part of Dobera glabra also revealed that this plant has nutritive value nearly comparable to the most common wild food fruits.
A critical look at the findings of the different studies and experiments indicates that there is an urgent need to take measures through appropriate propagation and protection means. Results from all germination trials also indicate that the best way to propagate the plant is using seed as in almost all the germination trials about 80% of all the seeds germinated. The fact that the plant produces more biomass during the sever drought times is a very great mystery. Further detailed studies targeted at the physiological and adaptation ecology of the plant may result in information that may help the combat against desertification anywhere in the world and specifically in the study area.