Papers by Mohammed Abdulahi
Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2017
Prosopis juliflora, an evergreen shrub, is one of the most invasive alien species causing economi... more Prosopis juliflora, an evergreen shrub, is one of the most invasive alien species causing economic and environmental harm in arid and semi-arid areas. It is spreading rapidly in the rangelands, croplands and forests and in particular is threatening pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods. Prosopis has invaded parts of wildlife reserves and National Parks threatening biodiversity. There are several factors favoring its rapid distribution in the environment. Its ability to adapt wide range of climatic condition, effective dispersal mechanism, its allelopathic effect, prolific nature, having large seed bank in the soil environment, fast growing and vigorous coppicing ability are among the principal factors. Prosopis has the capacity to decrease the composition and diversity of plant species and it has adverse effects on crop yield, as well as animal and human health. Despite its negative effects, the tree has potential uses such as fuel, charcoal, fodder, food, bio-char, bio- control, w...
Rangeland degradation remains a serious impediment to improve pastoral livelihoods in the lowland... more Rangeland degradation remains a serious impediment to improve pastoral livelihoods in the lowlands of Ethiopia. This review paper presents an overview of the extent of rangeland degradation, explores its drivers, discusses the potential impacts of rangeland degradation and also suggests alternative rangeland restoration techniques. It is intended to serve as an exploratory tool for ensuing more detailed quantitative analyses to support policy and investment programs to address rangeland degradation in Ethiopia. The extent of rangeland degradation increases with time, and the productivity of rangelands are losing if not given due attention. The major drivers leading to rangeland degradation includes climate change, overgrazing, bush encroachment, population pressure, drought, and government policy, encroachment of rain fed agriculture and decline of traditional resource management institution. Degradation of rangeland has resulted in substantial declines in rangeland condition, water...
In the lowlands of arid and semiarid rangelands woody plants plays an important role in soil fert... more In the lowlands of arid and semiarid rangelands woody plants plays an important role in soil fertility maintenance, providing food, medicine, cosmetics, fodder, fuel wood and pesticides. A better understanding of the interaction of woody plants on their immediate environment is needed to guide optimum management of native vegetation in the production landscapes. However, the response of herbaceous vegetation to woody plant species remains poorly understood. This study evaluates the impact of two dominant woody plant species ( Acacia senegal and Balanite aegyptica ) on herbaceous vegetation in rangelands of eastern Ethiopia. Eighteen trees of relatively the same diameter at breast height were selected to study the effect of the tree on herbaceous vegetation. Vegetation sample data were collected from under canopy and open areas, and analysed for herbaceous vegetation parameters using two ways ANOVA. The herbaceous vegetation parameters under both woody plant species was significantly...
Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2016
In the lowlands of arid and semiarid rangelands woody plants plays an important role in soil fert... more In the lowlands of arid and semiarid rangelands woody plants plays an important role in soil fertility maintenance, providing food, medicine, cosmetics, fodder, fuel wood and pesticides. A better understanding of the interaction of woody plants on their immediate environment is needed to guide optimum management of native vegetation in the production landscapes. However, the impact of woody plant species on soil properties remains poorly understood. This study evaluates the impact of two dominant woody plant species ( A. senegal and B. aegyptica ) on soil physico-chemical properties along grazing gradients in rangelands of eastern Ethiopia. Six trees of each species were selected from light, moderate and heavy grazing sites. Soil sample data at two depths (0-15 and 16-30 cm) were collected from under and open areas of A. senegal and B. aegyptica from each grazing sites, and analysed for nutrient contents. The nutrient status of soil under both woody species was significantly higher...
Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, 2017
Traditional area enclosures are widely used by pastoralists in East Africa. However, the response... more Traditional area enclosures are widely used by pastoralists in East Africa. However, the response of basic soil properties to the establishment of traditional enclosure management remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of area enclosure on soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stock in the Bordade rangelands, eastern Ethiopia. The soil samples were collected from twelve area enclosures and openly grazed areas at a depth of 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm. The samples were analyzed for soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and bulk density. Establishment of area enclosure had significantly more 27.5% soil organic carbon and 27.5% total nitrogen stock compared with the area outside area enclosure. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stock were significantly higher in the top 0 to 15 cm soil layer compared with 15 to 30 cm subsoil. Overall, the study showed that establishment of rangeland enclosures and the short-term resting period followed by dry season grazing at light stocking rate has the potential to improve soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stock, which is an option for realizing positive vegetation changes that support the local pastoral economy in the semiarid rangelands of eastern Ethiopia.
Educational Research Review, 2017
The purpose of this action research is to improve the achievement of students in general and, to ... more The purpose of this action research is to improve the achievement of students in general and, to examine the perception of students and teachers about cooperative learning, to identify major factors affecting the implementation of cooperative learning and to identify the possible strategies used to improve cooperative learning in Madawalabu University, School of Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management, particularly Department of Natural Resource Management. Descriptive case study design and both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. Quantitative data were collected from 23 students through observation and focus group discussion. In the selection of the sample population, available sampling was employed, and data were analyzed by using percentage, mean grand mean and t-test .The findings of the study revealed that students’ participation was low concerning cooperative learning, and the practice of cooperative learning was challenged by different problems l...
Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2017
Prosopis juliflora, an evergreen shrub, is one of the most invasive alien species causing economi... more Prosopis juliflora, an evergreen shrub, is one of the most invasive alien species causing economic and environmental harm in arid and semi-arid areas. It is spreading rapidly in the rangelands, croplands and forests and in particular is threatening pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods. Prosopis has invaded parts of wildlife reserves and National Parks threatening biodiversity. There are several factors favoring its rapid distribution in the environment. Its ability to adapt wide range of climatic condition, effective dispersal mechanism, its allelopathic effect, prolific nature, having large seed bank in the soil environment, fast growing and vigorous coppicing ability are among the principal factors. Prosopis has the capacity to decrease the composition and diversity of plant species and it has adverse effects on crop yield, as well as animal and human health. Despite its negative effects, the tree has potential uses such as fuel, charcoal, fodder, food, bio-char, bio- control, w...
SUMMARY Prosopis juliflora, an evergreen shrub, is one of the most invasive alien species causing... more SUMMARY Prosopis juliflora, an evergreen shrub, is one of the most invasive alien species causing economic and environmental harm in arid and semi-arid areas. It is spreading rapidly in the rangelands, croplands and forests and in particular is threatening pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods. Prosopis has invaded parts of wildlife reserves and National Parks threatening biodiversity. There are several factors favoring its rapid distribution in the environment. Its ability to adapt wide range of climatic condition, effective dispersal mechanism, its allelopathic effect, prolific nature, having large seed bank in the soil environment, fast growing and vigorous coppicing ability are among the principal factors. Prosopis has the capacity to decrease the composition and diversity of plant species and it has adverse effects on crop yield, as well as animal and human health. Despite its negative effects, the tree has potential uses such as fuel, charcoal, fodder, food, bio-char, bio-control, windbreaks, shade, construction and furniture materials, and soil stabilization. It can be also be used against different disease and ameliorated environmental conditions through carbon sequestration. On the other hand, manual, mechanical, chemical and biological control methods as well as control by utilization have been pointed out as an effective control ways and management of this weed. There is urgent need to develop management strategies that are environmentally friendly and economically viable to bring them under control. Therefore, objective of this review was to explore the distribution, impacts, benefits and as well as the possible management approaches against Prosopis. RESUMEN Prosopis juliflora, un arbusto de hoja perenne, es una de las especies exóticas más invasivas que causa daño económico y ambiental en áreas áridas y semiáridas. Se está extendiendo rápidamente en los pastizales, tierras de cultivo y bosques y, en particular, está amenazando los medios de vida pastoral y agro-pastoral. Prosopis ha invadido partes de reservas de vida silvestre y parques nacionales amenazando la biodiversidad. Existen varios factores que favorecen su rápida distribución en el medio ambiente. Su capacidad para adaptarse a una amplia gama de condiciones climáticas, mecanismo de dispersión eficaz, su efecto alelopático, su naturaleza prolífica con un gran banco de semillas en el suelo, el rápido crecimiento y capacidad de rebrote vigoroso están entre los principales factores. Prosopis tiene la capacidad de disminuir la composición y diversidad de especies vegetales y tiene efectos adversos en el rendimiento de los cultivos, así como en la salud animal y humana. A pesar de sus efectos negativos, el árbol tiene usos potenciales tales como combustible, carbón vegetal, forraje, alimentos, bio-carbón, bio-control, cortavientos, sombra, materiales de construcción y mobiliario y estabilización del suelo. También puede utilizarse contra diferentes enfermedades y mejorar las condiciones ambientales mediante el secuestro de carbono. Por otro lado, los métodos de control manual, mecánico, químico y biológico, así como el control por utilización, han sido señalados como un medio eficaz de control y manejo de esta maleza. Es urgente desarrollar estrategias de manejo que sean ambientalmente amigables y económicamente viables para controlarlas. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta revisión fue explorar la distribución, los impactos, los beneficios y los posibles enfoques de manejo contra Prosopis.
The purpose of this action research is to improve the achievement of students in general and, to ... more The purpose of this action research is to improve the achievement of students in general and, to examine the perception of students and teachers about cooperative learning, to identify major factors affecting the implementation of cooperative learning and to identify the possible strategies used to improve cooperative learning in Madawalabu University, School of Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management, particularly Department of Natural Resource Management. Descriptive case study design and both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. Quantitative data were collected from 23 students through observation and focus group discussion. In the selection of the sample population, available sampling was employed, and data were analyzed by using percentage, mean grand mean and t-test .The findings of the study revealed that students' participation was low concerning cooperative learning, and the practice of cooperative learning was challenged by different problems like lack of awareness and motivation both from the side of teachers and students, dependence of lower achievers on higher achievers, unequal sharing of work among group members, inappropriate group organization, uncomfortable seating arrangement of students, insufficient support and follow up from teachers before the implementation of action plan. Nevertheless, by utilizing the proposed actions like creating awareness about the importance of cooperative learning, reorganizing group arrangement, providing different responsibilities for each member of the group and providing the required support for all the groups, there is the improvement on achievement of students. Therefore, cooperative learning can improve the achievement of students if it is conducted in a well-organized way by using different strategies that help learners to take responsibility by themselves.
SUMMARY In the lowlands of arid and semiarid rangelands woody plants plays an important role in s... more SUMMARY In the lowlands of arid and semiarid rangelands woody plants plays an important role in soil fertility maintenance, providing food, medicine, cosmetics, fodder, fuel wood and pesticides. A better understanding of the interaction of woody plants on their immediate environment is needed to guide optimum management of native vegetation in the production landscapes. However, the impact of woody plant species on soil properties remains poorly understood. This study evaluates the impact of two dominant woody plant species (A. senegal and B. aegyptica) on soil physico-chemical properties along grazing gradients in rangelands of eastern Ethiopia. Six trees of each species were selected from light, moderate and heavy grazing sites. Soil sample data at two depths (0-15 and 16-30 cm) were collected from under and open areas of A. senegal and B. aegyptica from each grazing sites, and analysed for nutrient contents. The nutrient status of soil under both woody species was significantly higher especially with regard to soil organic matter (4.37%), total nitrogen (0.313%), and available phosphorus (11.62) than the open grassland with soil organic matter (3.82%), total nitrogen (0.246%), and available phosphorus (10.94 mg/Kg soil) for A. Senegal. The soil organic matter (3.93%), total nitrogen (0.285%), available phosphorus (11.66 mg/Kg soil) were significantly higher than open grassland with soil organic matter (3.52%), total nitrogen (0.218%), available phosphorus (10.73 mg/Kg soil) for B. aegyptica. This was more pronounced in the top 15 cm of soil under A. senegal woody plant species and on the light and moderate grazing site. Therefore, this tree has a significant effect on soil fertility improvement in resource poor rangelands and as a result, it is important to retain scattered A. senegal and B. aegyptica plants in the lowlands of eastern Ethiopia. RESUMEN En las tierras bajas de los pastizales áridos y semiáridos, las plantas leñosas desempeñan un papel importante en el mantenimiento de la fertilidad del suelo, proporcionando alimentos, medicinas, cosméticos, forraje, leña y pesticidas. Se necesita una mejor comprensión de la interacción de las plantas leñosas en su entorno inmediato para guiar el manejo óptimo de la vegetación nativa en los paisajes de producción. Sin embargo, el impacto de las especies de plantas leñosas en las propiedades del suelo sigue siendo poco conocido. Este estudio evalúa el impacto de dos especies de plantas leñosas dominantes (A. senegal y B. aegyptica) en las propiedades fisicoquímicas del suelo a lo largo de los gradientes de pastoreo en los pastizales del este de Etiopía. Seis árboles de cada especie se seleccionaron de pastos ligeros, moderados y pesados. Se recogieron datos de la muestra de suelo a dos profundidades (0-15 y 16-30 cm) de áreas abiertas y abiertas de A. senegal y B. aegyptica de cada sitio de pastoreo y se analizaron los contenidos de nutrientes. El estado nutricional de los suelos bajo ambas especies leñosas fue significativamente mayor, especialmente con respecto a la materia orgánica del suelo (4.37%), nitrógeno total (0.313%) y fósforo disponible (11.62) Nitrógeno total (0.246%) y fósforo disponible (10.94 mg / Kg de suelo) para A. senegal. La materia orgánica del suelo (3.93%), el nitrógeno total (0.285%), el fósforo disponible (11.66 mg / Kg de suelo) fueron significativamente más altos que los pastizales abiertos con materia orgánica del suelo (3.52%), nitrógeno
Traditional area enclosures are widely used by pastoralists in East Africa. However, the response... more Traditional area enclosures are widely used by pastoralists in East Africa. However, the response of basic soil properties to the establishment of traditional enclosure management remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of area enclosure on soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stock in the Bordade rangelands, eastern Ethiopia. The soil samples were collected from twelve area enclosures and openly grazed areas at a depth of 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm. The samples were analyzed for soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and bulk density. Establishment of area enclosure had significantly more 27.5% soil organic carbon and 27.5% total nitrogen stock compared with the area outside area enclosure. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stock were significantly higher in the top 0 to 15 cm soil layer compared with 15 to 30 cm subsoil. Overall, the study showed that establishment of rangeland enclosures and the short-term resting period followed by dry season grazing at light stocking rate has the potential to improve soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stock, which is an option for realizing positive vegetation changes that support the local pastoral economy in the semiarid rangelands of eastern Ethiopia.
SUMMARY Rangeland degradation remains a serious impediment to improve pastoral livelihoods in the... more SUMMARY Rangeland degradation remains a serious impediment to improve pastoral livelihoods in the lowlands of Ethiopia. This review paper presents an overview of the extent of rangeland degradation, explores its drivers, discusses the potential impacts of rangeland degradation and also suggests alternative rangeland restoration techniques. It is intended to serve as an exploratory tool for ensuing more detailed quantitative analyses to support policy and investment programs to address rangeland degradation in Ethiopia. The extent of rangeland degradation increases with time, and the productivity of rangelands are losing if not given due attention. The major drivers leading to rangeland degradation includes climate change, overgrazing, bush encroachment, population pressure, drought, and government policy, encroachment of rain fed agriculture and decline of traditional resource management institution. Degradation of rangeland has resulted in substantial declines in rangeland condition, water potential, soil status, and animal performance, livestock holding at the household level and community become destitute. Another consequence of rangeland degradation is linked to food insecurity, poverty to the extent of food aid, expansion of aridity and the need for alternative livelihood and income diversification. Moreover, it has increasingly become a threat to the pastoral production systems, and has contributed towards increases in poverty and tribal conflicts over grazing land and water resources. In spite of these impacts, the adoption of alternative restoration techniques in the country is highly insufficient. To address rangeland degradation problems, there is a strong need to substantially increase the investments and strengthen the policy support for sustainable land management. RESUMEN La degradación de los pastizales sigue siendo un serio impedimento para mejorar los medios de vida pastoral en las tierras bajas de Etiopía. Este documento de revisión presenta una visión general de la extensión de la degradación de los pastizales, explora sus causas, discute los impactos potenciales de la degradación de los pastizales y también sugiere técnicas alternativas de restauración. Se pretende que sirva como una herramienta exploratoria para realizar análisis cuantitativos más detallados para apoyar los programas de políticas e inversiones para abordar la degradación de los pastizales en Etiopía. La extensión de la degradación de los pastizales aumenta con el tiempo, y la productividad de los pastizales es está perdiendo si no se les presta la debida atención. Los principales factores que conducen a la degradación de las tierras de pastoreo incluyen el cambio climático, el sobrepastoreo, la invasión de matorrales, la presión de la población, la sequía y la política gubernamental, la invasión de la agricultura alimentada por la lluvia y el declive de las instituciones tradicionales de manejo de recursos. La degradación de los pastizales ha dado como resultado una disminución sustancial de la condición de los pastizales, el potencial hídrico, el estado del suelo y el rendimiento de los animales, la ganadería a nivel de los hogares y la comunidad. Otra consecuencia de la degradación de las tierras de pastoreo está relacionada con la inseguridad alimentaria, la pobreza en la medida de la ayuda alimentaria, la expansión de la aridez y la necesidad de medios alternativos de subsistencia y diversificación
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Papers by Mohammed Abdulahi