Abstract:
Homegarden agroforestry (HGAF) has the potential to support diverse multipurpose plant
species; however, the diversity of plant species and the factors influencing farmers' their
preferences in smallholder homegardens are poorly understood. This study investigated plant
diversity and the determinants of farmer preference for species in smallholder HGAF in
Habro District. A total 149 households were selected following specify for the household
survey. All trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants were counted and recorded in 10mx10m,
5mx2m, and 1mx1m size quadrats, respectively. For Household survey a questionnaire usedand focus group discussion. The recorded data were organized and analyzed using Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 employing descriptive statistics and
econometric models, specifically Multinomial logistic regression models. A total of 1,286
individual plants belonging to 60 species and 33 families, with 30% trees and 28% shrubs,
were recorded. There was Significant differences (P < 0.05) in woody and herbaceous plant
species richness and abundance observed among the study sites. Accordingly, Melka Balo
kebele had the highest values and Gadisa kebele with the lowest. There were also significant
differences in the mean Shannon index (H'), Simpson index, and evenness (E) of woody species
between Melka Bello and the other two sites (Gadisa and Lugo), were the highest values in
Melka Bello. The mean H'and Simpson index of herbaceous species showed significant
differences (P < 0.05) only between Gadisa and the other two sites (Melka Bello and Lugo),
with lower values observed in Gadisa. Mean evenness of herbaceous species showed a
significant difference between Melka Bello and the other two sites (Lugo and Gadisa), with the
lower value in Melka Bello. Catha edulis was the most frequent species, followed by M.
paradisiaca, C. arabica, and Casimiroa edulis. The analysis of the IVI of woody species
shows the dominance of only a few species in the HG. Farmers most preferred four plant
species in order of Catha edulis > C. arabica > Casimiroa edulis > M. paradisiaca.
Household wealth class, education, and age have a significant positive influence (p < 0.1) on
farmers preference of species. Household wealth class, education, and age had a significant
positive influence on the preference for planting C. edulis to C. arabica. Household wealth
class and education level had a significant positive influence on the preference for Casimiroa
edulis. Education had a significant positive influence on M. paradisiaca preference, while agroecology and Household experience had a significant negative influence. Promoting them
while considering socio-economic factors and enhancing agro-ecological knowledge is
crucial
