Variation of indigenous botanical knowledge versus social characteristics between the Afar and Oromo nations in and around the semi-arid Awash national park, Ethiopia

Main Article Content

Tinsae Bahru
Zemede Asfaw
Sebsebe Demissew

Abstract

Variation of indigenous botanical knowledge (IBK) versus social characteristics between the
Afar and Oromo Nations in and around the semi-arid Awash National Park (ANP), Ethiopia
was conducted between September 2008 and March 2009. The study aimed to investigate and
document variation of IBK versus social characteristics and their associated threats between
the Afar and Oromo Nations. A total of 96 informants were selected using prior information.
Data were collected using semi-structured interview, guided field walk, discussions, market
survey, and field observation. The results indicated that there was a significant difference of
IBK within and among the different age, gender, nations and informants among the local
Kebeles between the Afar and Oromo Nations. Overgrazing, followed by deforestation were
the major threats in the study area, which scored 21.7% and 19.9%, respectively.
Strengthening and encouraging IBK, the active participation of local communities and
awareness rising through training or educational programmes are plausible
recommendations.

Article Details

How to Cite
Bahru, T., Asfaw, Z., & Demissew, S. (2011). Variation of indigenous botanical knowledge versus social characteristics between the Afar and Oromo nations in and around the semi-arid Awash national park, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 2(1), 75-90. Retrieved from https://journals.ju.edu.et/index.php/ejast/article/view/825
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Articles
Author Biographies

Tinsae Bahru, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Forestry
Research Center (FRC), Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), P. O.
Box 30708, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Zemede Asfaw, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

he National Herbarium, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Addis Ababa
University, P. O. Box 3434, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
*Corresponding Author: E-mail: batinsae@gmail.com

Sebsebe Demissew, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The National Herbarium, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Addis Ababa
University, P. O. Box 3434, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
*Corresponding Author: E-mail: batinsae@gmail.com