%0 Journal Article
%T Eucalyptus Tree Production in Wolayita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia
%A Molla Mekonnen Alemu
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 3
%N 12
%P 1-10
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2016
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1103280
%X <div style="text-align:justify;">
	<span style="line-height:1.5;">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
econ</span><span style="line-height:1.5;">omically. 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.</span>
</div>
%K Eucalyptus
%K Trees
%K Ecology
%K Southern Ethiopia
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/5279452