HOMEGARDEN PLANT DIVERSITY, SOCIO-ECONOMIC VALUES AND MANAGEMENTPRACTICES IN MESKAN WOREDA, GURAGE ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPI

Abstract

Homegarden cultivation is one of the most common practices in Ethiopia, especially in southern parts of the country due to the presence of many suitable conditions. The study was conducted with an objective of investigating plant diversity, Socio-economic values and Management practices of home gardens in Meskan woreda. Six kebeles were selected based on better traditional home garden practice. A total of 108 respondents,72 from peasant association and 36 outside peasant association were included in the study. The main data collection methods were field observation, semi-structured interviews, group discussions and free listing methods. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, by using the linear regression model and One-way ANOVA tests. A total of 56 useful species of home gardens belong to 49 genera and 33 families were identified .Poaceae was the most frequently observed family containing 7 species, and Rhamnaceae, was the least frequently observed family which accounts two species. Herbs were the most frequently observed growth form containing 30species while climbers were the least. Eucalyptus camaldulensis was the most frequent species which account (31.29%) followed by Ensete ventricosum(26.39%), Coffea arabica and Persea americana(13.9%) and 9.59% respectively. The hidhest species diversity was recorded in Yetebon kebele 2.01 value, which indicates that high home garden practice in thiskebele. Ensete ventricosum was the most preferable plant to treat human muscles and needed for herbs particularly Poaceae family, which was highly used plant species in thecommunity