Vegetation Composition, Richness, and Diversity in Homegarden Agroforestry Systems, Jimma zone, Oromia regional state, southwest Ethiopia

Homegarden agroforestry systems, consisting of multi-layered trees, shrubs, crops, and livestock around homesteads, serve both ecological and socio-economic functions. This study assessed plant species composition, richness, and diversity in homegardens across highland, mid-altitude, and lowland zones in the Jimma area of southwest Ethiopia. Data from 156 randomly selected households revealed 101 plant species (59 woody, 42 herbaceous) from 50 families, with Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, and Euphorbiaceae being the most diverse. Species were 52.5% exotic and 47.5% native, with trees, herbs, shrubs, and lianas making up 38.6%, 39.6%, 18.8%, and 3% respectively. Higher diversity was observed in mid-altitude zones (Shannon index: 1.93), attributed to favorable conditions and better management. Despite supporting biodiversity, homegardens were dominated by exotic species due to household preferences for productive, marketable plants.