The Distributions of Parthenium Weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L. Asteraceae) and some of its Socio-Economic and Ecological Impacts in the Central Rift Valley, Adami Tulu-Jido Kombolcha Woreda; Ethiopia

Gebeyehu, Adane Kebede (2008) The Distributions of Parthenium Weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L. Asteraceae) and some of its Socio-Economic and Ecological Impacts in the Central Rift Valley, Adami Tulu-Jido Kombolcha Woreda; Ethiopia. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.

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Abstract

Biological invasion by alien invasive species is now recognized as one of the major threats to native species and ecosystems. P. hysterophorus is believed to have been introduced to Ethiopia during the1970s along with the grain aid during the prolonged drought and/or during the Ethio-Somalian war and by movement of construction materials. The aim of this study was to generate knowledge for a better understanding of the distribution, socioeconomic & environmental impacts of P. hysterophorus in the Adami Tulu-Jido Woreda. The biophysical data were collected by using systematic grid method, which is appropriate for distribution mapping using geostatistics. The biodiversity impacts of P. hysterophorus were investigated by assessing other plant species growing in association with P. hysterophorus. The socio-economic impacts were studied by interviewing farmers. The results show that P. hysterophorus was found to be the most frequent and dominant species in road sides, grazing land and crop fields with IVs of 102%, 77.5% & 74.5% respectively. It also has the highest frequency (19.2%). The weed is widely distributed in north-eastern parts of the Woreda. Results also showed that from all the sample species P. hysterophorus was found to be the most abundant in road sides (49.1%). Field survey results showed that all the interviewed farmers were aware of P. hysterophorus, its ways of introduction into their locality, the agents facilitating its dissemination and places where P. hysterophorus is densely populated. Farmers are generally aware of the impacts of P. hysterophorus. The impacts are on crop production (44%), livestock (30.6%), on human health (18.8%) and has no any benefits attached to environment. This study revealed that P. hysterophorus has become a major pest plant of the wasteland, road sides, wet lands, vacant sites and crop fields and it has the potential to spread all over the Woreda. Hence it has a significant effect on the economic development of the study area. Integration of different control methods are therefore needed to prevent and control the danger of P. hysterophorus.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords: alien invasive weed species, Parthenium hysterophorus, geostatistics, Adami Tulu-Jido, Central Rift Valley.
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Q Science > QH Natural history
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Q Science > QK Botany
Divisions: Africana
Depositing User: Selom Ghislain
Date Deposited: 18 Jun 2018 12:11
Last Modified: 18 Jun 2018 12:11
URI: http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/4422

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