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<p>Land use and agricultural intensification are the main causes of ecological degradation and the loss of terrestrial biodiversity. Plant diversity research can be carried out in areas where different land use types coexist with fragmented habitats. This study examines how Enset-based land use systems, particularly Jefore, influence Enset and plant diversity and land use patterns in the Dudye watershed of the Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. The study was done through interviews with experienced ethnobotanical farmers and field observation. Purposively selected 21 Enset farms, 3 Jefore, 3 homesteads, 14 crops, 14 grasslands, and 14 woodlot areas were used in the study. Biodiversity was assessed using Biodiversity Index (BI), Frequency (F), Relative Frequency (RF), and Relative Density (RD). Results revealed that Jefore, a communal land resource equitably shared among villagers, plays a central role in sustaining ecological and social balance. Homestead areas supported 14 diverse plant species serving multiple functions such as food, medicinal and multipurpose uses while field and ethnobotanical assessments identified 29 distinct Enset (<i>Ensete ventricosum</i>) landraces. Among these, <i>Anqefuye</i> was the most dominant (BI = 0.36, F = 100%, RD = 36.1%), whereas 18 landraces, including <i>Badedet, Derewete</i>, and <i>Kanchiye</i>, were rare (BI ≤ 0.05, RD ≤ 1%), with six noted for their medicinal importance. The low representation of these landraces signals potential genetic erosion, underscoring the urgency of integrating indigenous knowledge into <i>Enset</i> conservation strategies. Traditional Enset systems function as biodiversity reservoirs for both cultivated and wild species, fostering ecological resilience, household food security, and cultural continuity<i>.</i> Conversely, Eucalyptus woodlots exhibited low species diversity, dominated by <i>Eucalyptus globulus</i> and bamboo. Promoting diversified agro-ecosystems such as <i>Jefore</i> landscapes and <i>Enset</i> farming system is therefore crucial for enhancing regional biodiversity conservation and food security sustainability. Genetic validation, ethnobotanical documentation and socioeconomic research should be conducted to strengthen scientific understanding and preserve indigenous knowledge.</p>

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Jefore landscape and its influence on land use, Enset (Ensete ventricosum) landraces and plant diversity in the Dudye watershed, Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月10日

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  • Abera Aboset Bedasa,
  • Tesfaye Yaekob Tesfamichael

摘要

Land use and agricultural intensification are the main causes of ecological degradation and the loss of terrestrial biodiversity. Plant diversity research can be carried out in areas where different land use types coexist with fragmented habitats. This study examines how Enset-based land use systems, particularly Jefore, influence Enset and plant diversity and land use patterns in the Dudye watershed of the Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. The study was done through interviews with experienced ethnobotanical farmers and field observation. Purposively selected 21 Enset farms, 3 Jefore, 3 homesteads, 14 crops, 14 grasslands, and 14 woodlot areas were used in the study. Biodiversity was assessed using Biodiversity Index (BI), Frequency (F), Relative Frequency (RF), and Relative Density (RD). Results revealed that Jefore, a communal land resource equitably shared among villagers, plays a central role in sustaining ecological and social balance. Homestead areas supported 14 diverse plant species serving multiple functions such as food, medicinal and multipurpose uses while field and ethnobotanical assessments identified 29 distinct Enset (Ensete ventricosum) landraces. Among these, Anqefuye was the most dominant (BI = 0.36, F = 100%, RD = 36.1%), whereas 18 landraces, including Badedet, Derewete, and Kanchiye, were rare (BI ≤ 0.05, RD ≤ 1%), with six noted for their medicinal importance. The low representation of these landraces signals potential genetic erosion, underscoring the urgency of integrating indigenous knowledge into Enset conservation strategies. Traditional Enset systems function as biodiversity reservoirs for both cultivated and wild species, fostering ecological resilience, household food security, and cultural continuity. Conversely, Eucalyptus woodlots exhibited low species diversity, dominated by Eucalyptus globulus and bamboo. Promoting diversified agro-ecosystems such as Jefore landscapes and Enset farming system is therefore crucial for enhancing regional biodiversity conservation and food security sustainability. Genetic validation, ethnobotanical documentation and socioeconomic research should be conducted to strengthen scientific understanding and preserve indigenous knowledge.