Assessment of Indigenous Tree Management Practices of Hagenia Abyssinica (Kosso): The Case of Smallholder Farmers in Gamo Highlands, Southern Ethiopia

In the highlands of southern Ethiopia, where the air is cool and the slopes are steep, small farmers have long relied on a specific kind of tree to sustain their lives. This tree, known locally as Kosso, is not just a source of wood or shade; it is a cornerstone of the local ecosystem and economy. It provides fuel for cooking, timber for building homes, and leaves that serve as medicine for both people and livestock. For generations, these farmers have integrated such native trees into their fields and home gardens, creating a living landscape that supports biodiversity while feeding families. However, this delicate balance is under pressure. As populations grow and land is converted for agriculture, the natural capital of these indigenous trees is shrinking. The question facing scientists and communities alike is whether these trees can survive the changing times, or if they are being pushed toward local extinction by the very people who depend on them most.

A recent study focused on the Gamo Highlands, a region stretching across three administrative districts, to understand exactly how smallholder farmers are managing the Kosso tree. Researchers walked through the fields and forests, counting trees and talking to the people who tend them. They wanted to know where these trees grow, how many there are, and whether new ones are growing to replace the old ones. The team found that the Kosso tree is remarkably adaptable, thriving in six different types of land use, from the small gardens right next to family homes to the boundaries between farm plots and the open grazing lands. While the species shows dominance in home gardens, it is most prevalent on cropland, where 63.7% of farmers reported planting and retaining regenerated trees.

The numbers tell a story of a population that is currently under threat. Across the surveyed areas, researchers counted an average of about 11 trees for every hectare of land. When they looked closely at the size of these trees, a clear pattern emerged: the forest is filled with mature trees, but it is missing its youth. The majority of the trees measured between 20 and 50 centimeters in diameter, which corresponds to the adult stage of the tree's life. In contrast, very few young seedlings or saplings were found. This creates a population structure that is top-heavy, dominated by older trees with very few young ones to take their place when they eventually die.

The reason for this shortage of young trees lies in how the species is used and how it grows. The study revealed that while farmers value the tree deeply, the pressure to harvest it is intense. The wood is prized for its durability and resistance to insects, making it the preferred choice for building houses, crafting furniture, and even making coffins, as the wood does not rot easily. The leaves are equally valuable, used as fodder for cattle and as a base for compost to enrich the soil. Because the tree is so useful, it is often cut down before it has a chance to produce the next generation. Furthermore, the tree faces natural hurdles; its seeds are difficult to grow, and the young saplings are vulnerable to pests and grazing animals.

Despite these challenges, the farmers are not entirely passive. They employ traditional methods to manage the trees, such as pruning branches to provide fodder without killing the tree, or protecting naturally sprouting seedlings in their fields. They recognize the tree's importance for soil health and as a source of income. Yet, the study suggests that these individual efforts are not enough to counter the forces driving the species toward decline. The researchers observed that in many areas, the natural regeneration of the tree is poor, meaning that without intervention, the population will eventually disappear.

The findings point to a critical need for a coordinated approach to save this species. The authors argue that while farmers are doing their best, the task requires more than just individual care. It demands support from local authorities, conservation experts, and policymakers to ensure that the tree is protected and that new seedlings are successfully established. The study concludes that without a concerted effort to manage the tree sustainably and address the barriers to its growth, the Kosso tree faces an uncertain future in the Gamo Highlands, risking the loss of a vital resource that has supported the region for centuries.