Abstract:
Major effects for the agricultural production crisis in Ethiopia are
backward agricultural implements and large number of animals that
graze and browse freely which has caused soil and nutrient loss due to
erosion. Conservation oriented development in food feed, wood and
water supply under proper land use with special focus on perennial
plant is an urgent need. Crop production, animal rearing, and tree
planting are analyzed from proper farming land use potential
perspective. Traditional role of model farming systems in wet and dry
agro ecology of Ethiopia is reviewed and compared with present
improper practice. The role of trees and grass cover in sustaining
surface and underground water balance in the hydrologic cycle is
presented. Research results of a role of dominant trees on farm:
Afrocarpus falcatus a common soft timber species, Juniperus procera a
widely growing durable timber tree and Cordia africana a common tree
on farm, in intercepting rainfall in 2006 rainy season are presented.
It is intended to initiate interdisciplinary approach for water and natural
resource conservation, sustainability and development from proper land
use and environmental conservation using trees on farm as an entry. A
model has been further demonstration as an input to enrich the
integrated water development national strategic plan.
