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Floristic Composition and Diversity of Woody Plant Species of Wotagisho Forest, Boloso Sore Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southwest, Ethiopia
Dikaso Unbushe Gojamme,
Tesema Tekle Tanto
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2016
Pages:
63-70
Received:
4 June 2016
Accepted:
16 June 2016
Published:
2 August 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20160103.11
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Abstract: The study was conducted on Wotagisho forest in Boloso Sore Woreda, Wolaita Zone, and Southwest, Ethiopia, to determine the floristic composition, vegetation structure, community type, and regeneration and conservation status of woody species. Systematic sampling method was used to collect data from 50 quadrats (20m x 20m) established along transects. Analysis on the structure of the forest indicated that the forest was not under good regeneration status. Anthropogenic activities carried out in the area such as cattle overgrazing, cutting of tree for fire wood, charcoal and house construction were the major threats to the forest. Therefore, it is recommended that timely measures should be taken by all stakeholders to sustain utilization of vegetation of the study area.
Abstract: The study was conducted on Wotagisho forest in Boloso Sore Woreda, Wolaita Zone, and Southwest, Ethiopia, to determine the floristic composition, vegetation structure, community type, and regeneration and conservation status of woody species. Systematic sampling method was used to collect data from 50 quadrats (20m x 20m) established along transect...
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The Effect of Habitat on Density, Feeding Behaviour and Activity of Heller’s Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus arenarius): A Case Study in Arba Minch Forest, Ethiopia
Israel Petros Menbere,
Mundanthra Balakrishnan
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2016
Pages:
71-78
Received:
23 May 2016
Accepted:
17 June 2016
Published:
3 August 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20160103.12
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Abstract: Heller’s vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus arenarius) is one of the African savannah monkeys found in East Africa including Ethiopia. This study was carried out from September 2012 to April 2013 to provide data on the effect of habitat on density, feeding and activity of the Heller’s vervet monkey in Nech Sar National Park and its adjacent areas, in Ethiopia. The study area constituted underground water forest, riverine forest, savannah bushland, bush with Eucalyptus plantation and tree dominated bushland. Five line transects of 3-4 km were made in all habitats to estimate the population density of Heller’s vervet monkey. Five selected troops were also followed using focal animal sampling to study the activity patterns and feeding behaviour. The highest population density of Heller’s vervet monkey was recorded in underground water forest and riverine forest habitats. The overall diet composition of Heller’s vervet monkey was dominated by leaves, which accounted for 37.87%. Foraging on bark, fruit and flowers constituted 21.19%, 19.56% and 13.90%, respectively. They also fed on shoots (4.70%) and unknown food items (2.78%). The activity in different troops showed significant variations in resting behaviour, whereas active behaviours did not show significant variations between the troops.
Abstract: Heller’s vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus arenarius) is one of the African savannah monkeys found in East Africa including Ethiopia. This study was carried out from September 2012 to April 2013 to provide data on the effect of habitat on density, feeding and activity of the Heller’s vervet monkey in Nech Sar National Park and its adjacent are...
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Valuation of Provisioning Ecosystem Services and Utilization in Three Rural Communities of Ghana
George Asamoah,
Edward D. Wiafe
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2016
Pages:
79-87
Received:
5 July 2016
Accepted:
15 July 2016
Published:
6 August 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20160103.13
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Abstract: Benefits to ecosystem services may be identified and achieved through their quantification and valuation. The objectives of this study were to map the provisioning ecosystem services and determine the values of these services to the local community members. The study took place at Ejisu-Juaben district of Ghana which is endowed with forests, water bodies, minerals, plants and animals. The study used Participatory Geographic information systems (PGIS) as a tool in valuing ecosystem services in Ejisu-Juaben districts of Ghana. The valuation was carried out based on the construction preference method that sought to assign values to ecosystem services and places where they collect these services. It was indicated that forest holds lots of the key ecosystem services followed by fallow, farmland and grass. The most important ecosystem services listed by both low and high income groups in all study communities were mushroom, medicinal plants, bush meat, snails, honey, food (fruits), fuel wood, water and cane. Low income group use the ecosystem services more for commercial purposes and less for domestic usage across the study communities in contrast to the high income group, who use more for domestic purposes than for commercial purposes. The results mean that the low income groups’ livelihoods depend more on income generated from selling the ecosystem services whilst the high income group may have other alternative sources of income in addition to the ecosystem services provision.
Abstract: Benefits to ecosystem services may be identified and achieved through their quantification and valuation. The objectives of this study were to map the provisioning ecosystem services and determine the values of these services to the local community members. The study took place at Ejisu-Juaben district of Ghana which is endowed with forests, water ...
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Analysis of Power Dynamics and Livelihood Assets in Participatory Forest Management: Experience from Bangladesh
K. K. Islam,
Masakazu Tani,
Kazuo Asahiro,
M. Zulfikar Rahman,
Kimihiko Hyakumura,
Takahiro Fujiwara,
Noriko Sato
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2016
Pages:
88-98
Received:
13 July 2016
Accepted:
25 July 2016
Published:
10 August 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20160103.14
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Abstract: Participatory forestry (PF) plays a significant role to involve local communities and different actors in resources management and livelihood improvements. However, the power of important actors to misuse the PF for their self-interest has been stated as a key obstacle to success. Hence, this study seeks to identify the most powerful actors and the extent to which they affect PF decision- making and also to measure and evaluate the livelihood assets of participants. Empirical data were collected from Madhupur and Teknaf PF sites of Bangladesh during the different time intervals. The actors’ power analysis found out that the forest administration evidenced itself as the most powerful and influential actors in PF. In the case of livelihood analysis, the overall results indicated that the total value of PF members’ livelihood assets were 0.82 and 0.75 for Madhupur and Teknaf study sites. Livelihood asset conditions were significantly different between the PF members’ and non-members’ (0.65 and 0.62 for non-members’). However, the development of social and financial assets did not reveal a notable increase considering natural, physical and human assets. Therefore, it is very important to pay more attention to accelerate social and financial assets through intensive training, establishing conflicts resolution mechanism and adopting proper tree-crop technologies, and also provide alternative livelihood approaches to the forest dependent people. In addition, there is an immediate need to empower local PF members, by which the general members play the central role in decision making and governing all of their development activities.
Abstract: Participatory forestry (PF) plays a significant role to involve local communities and different actors in resources management and livelihood improvements. However, the power of important actors to misuse the PF for their self-interest has been stated as a key obstacle to success. Hence, this study seeks to identify the most powerful actors and the...
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Adaptation and Mitigation to Water Stress in Safana Local Government Headquarters of Katsina State, Nigeria
Jidauna G. G.,
Ndabula C.,
Saidu B. J.,
Oyatayo T. K.,
Dahiru M. K.,
Dabi D. D.,
Oche C. Y.
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2016
Pages:
99-106
Received:
12 July 2016
Accepted:
22 July 2016
Published:
12 August 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20160103.15
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Abstract: The study assessed local perception on adaptation and mitigation to water stress in Safana town. The nature of water stress and its related adaptation and mitigation correlate with spatio-temporal patterns. Six (6) major parameters that influence adaptation and mitigation to water stress used in this study include; household size, water sources, water cost, distance from source, seasonal pattern, and agencies involved in water supply. Structured questionnaires, interview, and Focused Group Discussion was adopted for the primary data survey. A total of one hundred copies of questionnaire were administered using chance approach, while key informants were used for the interview. The study area was partitioned into four cardinal locations (N, S, E, & W) and questionnaires administered in that order (25:25:25:25). Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analysed and test the stated hypothesis. Findings indicates that the study area is characterised by large household sizes with about 57% households having 11- ≥20, major source of water supply is borehole (98%). The season with highest water stress is march-july, more than 40% have their water source at a distance of about 400 m away from their homes. A strong correlation exists between household size and daily domestic water supply. Limited distance is covered to accessed water and with the months of March to July (42%) being the period of water stressed in time past, but government effort has yielded positively. However, the existing water facility are still rated Fair (62%), increase in water storage facilities (44.55%) and cutting down on uses (26.73%) are practical coping strategies in use. Equally, the construction of more boreholes (40.57%) in the study area, effective management and maintenance of existing water facilities (12.26%), and synergizing community-Government partnership (12.26%) respectively are key to improving sustainability in domestic water supply. Other measures suggested rainfall harvesting; increase in the number of motorized solar powered boreholes; sitting of a treatment plant in Safana LGA with water being accessed from Zobe dam; Sinking more of ring wells within neighborhoods; and rehabilitation of rusty pipes supplying water from Dutsinma treatment plant, and networking of new pipes to emerging settlement location around the town.
Abstract: The study assessed local perception on adaptation and mitigation to water stress in Safana town. The nature of water stress and its related adaptation and mitigation correlate with spatio-temporal patterns. Six (6) major parameters that influence adaptation and mitigation to water stress used in this study include; household size, water sources, wa...
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Assessment of the Invasive Alien Plant Species Argemone ochroleuca in North Gondar and West Gojam Zones, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Amare Seifu Assefa,
Nigussie Seboka Tadesse,
Taye Birhanu Belay,
Ashenafi Ayenew Hailu,
Edeget Merawi Betsiha,
Girum Faris Beyene,
Tesfaye Bekele Hordofa,
Yibrehu Emshaw Ketema
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2016
Pages:
107-114
Received:
13 July 2016
Accepted:
22 July 2016
Published:
12 August 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20160103.16
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Abstract: Biological invasions are attracting far reaching attention from ecologists because of their significant ecological impacts and economic costs worldwide. They are more and more recognized as a key problem of conservation of biological diversity. Argemone ochroleuca is one of invasive worldwide plant. In Ethiopia its distribution is increasing from time to time. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impacts, mode of entry, trends, status, distribution and management practices of Argemone ochroleuca in selected districts of North Gondar and West Gojam Zones. Accordingly, an assessment was carried out in Dembiya, Gondar and Bahir Dar Zuria and Yilmana Densa districts, in 80 randomly selected households from eight different Kebeles (the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia). Based on the interview and field observation, the level of Argemone ochroleuca invasion was very high and it was the most dominant IAS on disturbed land, range land, roadside, main field, home garden and near river in the study areas. From the total respondents, 97.6% reported that Argemone ochroleuca had caused a high level of damaging impacts on native biodiversity in the past and most of them (98.7%) worried about its negative impacts on biodiversity in the future. Based on the respondents report, Argemone ochroleuca was introduced to the study area by different mechanisms such as flood, animal’s body, along with improved seed varieties and transport materials. Majority of the respondents (87.5%) recommended that to control the spread of Argemone ochroleuca in the future additional investigation is needed by concerned body. Therefore, Governmental and Nongovernmental Organizations should find a mechanism to eliminate this Invasive Alien plant and save the farm and grazing lands before becoming out of control.
Abstract: Biological invasions are attracting far reaching attention from ecologists because of their significant ecological impacts and economic costs worldwide. They are more and more recognized as a key problem of conservation of biological diversity. Argemone ochroleuca is one of invasive worldwide plant. In Ethiopia its distribution is increasing from t...
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Historical Perspectives and Present Scenarios of Watershed Management in Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2016
Pages:
115-127
Received:
5 July 2016
Accepted:
15 July 2016
Published:
17 August 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20160103.17
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Abstract: This paper is aimed to evaluate the historical perspectives and present scenarios of watershed management in Ethiopia. Watershed management is not the new concept of the country because it had highly experienced indigenous peoples those have been practiced from an ancient period. But, it became the prominent after the recurrent malnutrition and famine problems followed the 1970’s and 1980’s drought and subsequent catastrophic phenomena. Land degradation in the form of soil erosion has been usually considered as the main driving causes of the problem. Thus, the previous governments and other partners have initiated various soil and water conservation activities though they were mostly unsatisfactory or failed. Because there was lack of community participation, sector driven and single medium approach, unsecured land tenure, disincentives and unmanageable planning units. The present government has been taken lessons from the past shortcomings and then it has been initiated participatory community-based watershed management. As a result, it showed positive achievements in rehabilitation of severely degraded land, and it becoming as sources of income for the local communities. Here, it doesn’t mean that current watershed management practices are perfect but practically it has various problems that will be solved in the future. For example: working quality, strengthening awareness creation and capacity building, real community participation, equitable and faire sharing benefits between and among upstream-downstream community should be paid attention. In general, watershed management must be evaluated in terms of environmental soundness, economic viability and social acceptability moreover; it should be supported by research and educational institutions.
Abstract: This paper is aimed to evaluate the historical perspectives and present scenarios of watershed management in Ethiopia. Watershed management is not the new concept of the country because it had highly experienced indigenous peoples those have been practiced from an ancient period. But, it became the prominent after the recurrent malnutrition and fam...
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Lignocelluloses: An Economical and Ecological Resource for Bio-Ethanol Production – A Review
Sokan-Adeaga Adewale Allen,
Ana Godson R. E. E.,
Sokan-Adeaga Micheal Ayodeji,
Sokan-Adeaga Eniola Deborah
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2016
Pages:
128-144
Received:
14 July 2016
Accepted:
22 July 2016
Published:
17 August 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20160103.18
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Abstract: At present, the world is confronted with the twin crises of fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation. This has made the search for alternative and renewable sources of energy inevitable. Today, examples of such efforts are seen in the production of biofuels from wastes of organic origin, often known as Lignocellulosic Biomass. Lignocellulosic wastes are generated during the industrial processing of agricultural products. These wastes are generated in large amounts throughout the year, and are the most abundant renewable resources on earth. Due to their large availability and composition rich in compounds they could be used in other processes, there is a great interest on the reuse of these wastes, both from economical and environmental viewpoints. This paper present a concise overview of lignocelluloses, their chemical composition, economical and biotechnological potentials in bio-ethanol production with special emphasis on the choice of lignocellulosic substrates, pretreatment methods and types of microorganisms that have been used for optimal, ecological and economic production of ethanol. Also reviewed are the different methods used to improve microbiological lignocellulolytic enzymatic systems including the current status of the technology for bio-conversion of lignocellulose residues by microorganisms (particularly yeasts and fungi), with focus on the most economical and eco-friendly method for ethanol production. Although the production of bioethanol offers many benefits, more research is needed in the aspects like feedstock preparation, fermentation technology modification, etc., to make bioethanol more economically viable. This paper opined that lignocellulosic waste will become the main feedstock for ethanol production in the near future. Scaling up the production of lignocellulosic ethanol, however, requires further reduction of the production cost. Conclusively, the review suggested that in order to improve the technology and reduce the production cost, two major issues have to be addressed: i) improving technologies to overcome the recalcitrance of cellulosic biomass conversion (pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation) and ii) sustainable production of biomass in very large amounts.
Abstract: At present, the world is confronted with the twin crises of fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation. This has made the search for alternative and renewable sources of energy inevitable. Today, examples of such efforts are seen in the production of biofuels from wastes of organic origin, often known as Lignocellulosic Biomass. Lignocellu...
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