Promising multipurpose tree species and strategies of fodder production in Ada Woreda of Ethiopia

Ten potential multipurpose tree species (MPTS) i.e. Calliandara calothyrsus, Chamaecystisus palmensis, (Manawatu, Newzeland) Gliricidia sepium, Leucanea diversifolia (Guatemuata), Leucanea leucocephala (Central Peru, Cunningham, K8), Leucanea pallida (Oaxaca in Mixico), Prosopis julifolora (Arizona), Sesbania sesban (Ugnda and Zaire) were evaluate at Debre Zeit light soil. The parameters used were dry matter productivity of both foiage, wood and total, adaptability (Persistence, seed production and nursery germination), growth (number of sprouts, height before cutting and collar diameter), and resistance to pests and disease. Harvesting was made for four consecutive years after one year of establishment period at 50 cm height above the ground twice per year. In addition, 45 randomly selected farmers from 12 Kebeles were interviewed, group discussions were conducted, and field observations were made to assess potential fodder development strategies. Generally, Leuceana pallida for permanent and Sesbania sesban (Zaire) for emporal fodder production were found to be promising MPTS providing high amount of supplemental protein, address the acute particularly dry season feed shortage and firewood demand of the local population, and being relatively very resistant to insect and disease attack. Further, homestead (backyard) planting was found to be the most preferred and potential fodder development strategy due to the relatively security of land holding and ease of protection and management. Farmers are also willing to plant trees even on their cropland with the help technical support to establish particularly Acacia albida seedlings. Management of communal grazing areas for better production of fodder through cut-and carry system has also great potential with the current lease land holding and participatory land use planning approach. Moreover, the economics of establishing fodder banks to supply supplemental protein for urban and pre-urban dairy and fattening farms need to be further studied.