%0 Journal Article
%T Indigenous Agroforestry Practices in Southern Ethiopia: The Case of Lante, Arba Minch
%A Molla Mekonnen Alemu
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 3
%N 12
%P 1-12
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2016
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1103278
%X
Agroforestry has been practiced for
centuries in different parts of the world by making use of indigenous technical
knowledge. Since societies have lived for long period of time in a specific
area, indigenous knowledge has been transferred from generation to generation
by building on new inventions on what has been inherited across years. The
practice has served communities to find indigenous medicinal plants; edible
fruits, leaves, roots and steam; fuel; feed for livestock; shelter;
construction materials; ameliorating micro climates; and many more. The
southern part of Ethiopia is endowed with indigenous agroforestry practices
that have evolved over years. The agroforestry activities of the communities
have enabled to maintain the greenery of the region along with its magnificent
contribution towards ecological values, food security and local economic
benefits. This study was held in Lante, one of the Kebeles (the smallest administration
unit) of Arba Minch Zuriya district of Southern Ethiopia so as to explore the
indigenous agroforestry practices along with its present contribution for food
security and local economic development. Primary and secondary data were
collected by making use of interview questions and review of related
literature. Then data were transcribed and analysed by descriptive statistics. Findings of the
study showed that home garden, intercropping and livestock based agroforestry
practices of the area are contributing a lot in maintaining food security at
the household level through the provision edible items from backyard throughout
the year. It has also enabled the communities to be empowered economically as
they can always find to be cashed and fulfill household needs. Thus, since the
case of Lante is a good role model for sustainable agroforestry development,
sharing the indigenous agroforestry experience with the rest of the country
could have a great impact in building green economy at grassroots levels.
%K Indigenous Knowledge
%K Agroforestry
%K Lante
%K Home Garden
%K Intercropping
%K Livestock
%K Southern Ethiopia
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/5278094