Environmental and Economic Role of Community Protected Area with Integration of Management Practices and Protein Bank in West Arsi Zone Oromia Region Ethiopia

This study explored how community-based protected areas in the West Arsi Zone of Oromia, specifically Negele Arsi sub-district, can be strengthened environmentally and economically through the integration of protein bank trees and improved management practices. The main purpose was to assess the ecological and economic advantages of incorporating protein-rich leguminous trees within community-managed conservation lands. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments, including a control, each replicated three times. Individual plots measured 5 m × 5 m, with spacing of 1.5 m between blocks and 1 m between plots. Seedlings of tree legumes were raised in nurseries at ATARC and transplanted for field establishment. Agronomic data were collected, integrated tree plantings were carried out, and fresh biomass was measured to evaluate dry matter yield, nutrient content, and the contribution of protein bank trees. Subsamples of fresh biomass were taken for laboratory analysis. Samples were oven-dried at 60°C for 48 hours, ground, sieved (1 mm mesh), and analyzed for dry matter (DM), ash, and crude protein (CP) following standard procedures. Ash content was determined at 550°C for 3 hours using a carbolite furnace, while CP was analyzed using the Kjeldahl method. Fiber fractions including NDF, ADF, and ADL were also determined. Data were organized in Microsoft Excel and statistically analyzed using SAS version 9.2, with mean separation carried out using the Fisher’s LSD test at a 5% significance level. Results showed that integrating leguminous fodder trees into natural protected areas significantly affected ash content, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. These findings indicate that multipurpose tree legumes enhance both the quality and quantity of available forage resources in protected areas. Consequently, incorporating such trees can help address feed shortages by improving crude protein and organic matter levels. Further research is needed on optimal harvesting intervals and biomass yield of integrated tree legumes.