SPECIES DIVERSITY, ETHNOBOTANICAL USE, CONSERVATION STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF HOME GARDEN VEGETATIONS IN JAMA DISTRICT SOUTH WOLLO ZONE OF AMHARA REGION.

<strong>Abstract</strong>: Homegardens is the site of highest species diversity where several landraces, cultivars and rare/endangered species have been maintained and conserved. The study was conducted in Jama District South Wollo Zone of Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia to assess the species diversity, ethnobotanical use, conservation status &amp; management of homegarden vegetation. A simple random sampling design was used to select 133 sample household and a detailed inspection was conducted on 64 home gardens to determine the diversity and composition of the plant species using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou’s Evenness index. Botanical data were collected through semi-structure interviews check listing question, direct observation, physical measurement, group discussion, market survey, Plant Specimen collection and identification and informant consensus. Botanical data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistical method such as frequency, relative frequency, density, relative density, pair comparison, ranking and scoring method and species composition data were analyzed for species diversity using appropriate equations of the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou’s Evenness index. A total of 51 plant species belonging to 44 genera and 24 families were recorded. Fabaceae was the dominant family with 8 species followed by Poaceae (6 species) &amp; Rutaceae (5 species). Shannon’s diversity indexes of 1.51 to 3.17 were recorded at the kebele level with an overall mean diversity index (H’) of 2.1 and evenness index (E) of 0.75. Out of the total plant species, (68.6%) species were herbs, (15.68 %) species were shrubs, (11.76 %) species were trees and (3.9%) species were climbers. Whereas, Allium sativum was the most frequently occurring species (57.8%) in the homegardens of the area. Garden was managed by males (75%) and females (25%). Direct matrix analysis showed that Trigonella foenum-graecum was the most important versatile species followed by Lens culinaris. These results indicate that homegardens studied play a crucial role in food security of the households and conservation in situ of these plant resources. However, unavailability of water, insufficient agricultural support, lack of awareness, weeds &amp; pests, small- sized gardens and the shifting of polycultural farming to few incomes generating food crops affect the diversity of species. The findings from this study may help government and other stakeholders in providing baseline information, supported with scientific evidence, which further can contribute to policy and decision-making process.