The Roles of Indigenous Knowledge in Managing Natural Pasture Land and Key Socio-Economic Drivers for Diminishing Grazing Land Holding

Abstract

This study was conducted in Kofele district, West Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. It was aimed at describing the traditional livestock feed sourcing practices and highlight the roles of indigenous knowledge in managing natural pasture land and identifying the key socio-economic drivers for diminishing holding of grazing lands. The district was stratified in to highland (2500-3200 m.a.s.l) and midland (2200-2500 m.a.s.l) agro-ecologies. Household (HH) survey using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results showed that majority of the farmers practice mixed crop-livestock farming. Average land holding per household was reported to be 2.24 hectares (ha) of which 1.27 and 0.92 ha are allocated for crop cultivation and natural pasture, respectively. Natural pasture, crop residues, enset by-products, agro-industrial by-products and improved forage represent about 56.5%, 29%, 9.5%, 2.3% and 1.1% of the available feed resource. About 93.3% of the respondents reported that the landholding per HH is declining through time. The area of grazing land is affected (p<0.01) by total land holding and the size of crop and forest land. The study revealed that the farmers in Kofele district have the tradition and many years of experience in livestock keeping and grassland management practices. Private enclosure, standing hay or kaloo, wet-land drainage and fencing of grazing land were found to be the traditional method of grassland management in Kofele district. Appropriate land allocation, grassland management practice such as controlled grazing and cut and carry feeding, proper feed conservation and empowering traditional grassland management practices should be considered. Future studies may show the grassland compositions, diversity and its impact on livestock production and productivity.