Evaluation and Promotion of Multipurpose Tree Planting in Selected Agroforestry Systems: The Case of Smallholder Farmers in Bore District, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in the Bore district of Guji zone, Southern Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to evaluate and promote multipurpose tree planting under smallholder farmers' of selected agroforestry systems. In this study, four multipurpose trees such as Acacia saligna, Chamaecytisus palmensis, Grevilia robusta, and Pinus patula were evaluated and promoted in home gardens, on farms, and boundary planting agroforestry systems. The growth performance results of the multipurpose trees in selected agroforestry systems showed that the survival rate of the trees was higher in home gardens followed by on-farm and boundary planting agroforestry systems. Moreover, the highest diameter at breast height and tree height growth performances were also recorded in home gardens, on farms, and boundary planting agroforestry systems respectively. Smallholder farmers used different management practices for multipurpose trees planted in selected agroforestry systems. Accordingly, farmers used pruning, hoeing, animal dung, weeding, and fencing management practices for better growth performance of the trees and to minimize the shade effect of the trees on understorey crops. Farmers' preferences for the evaluated and promoted multipurpose trees showed that Pinus patula, Grevilia robusta, Chamaecytisus palmensis, and Acacia saligna were ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively. The feedback from farmers showed that they were willing to plant different multipurpose trees if they could be encouraged and supported with planting materials and technical support. Therefore, government and non-government organizations could be involved in developing agroforestry systems, by providing good planting materials and supporting smallholder farmers' through research and strong extension services.