Throughout the tropics, fast-growing, multipurpose trees have been promoted as sources of food and livelihood security. While the introduction of such trees is intended in part to reduce pressure on native species, widespread plantings can displace the diverse indigenous plants that contribute to food systems. Beginning in the late 19th century, farmers in the Ethiopian highlands were encouraged to plant eucalyptus as an alternative fuel and construction material. Since that time, Eucalyptus globulus has come to dominate woody vegetation across the highlands, and many indigenous species have become rare. This study investigates how the proliferation of eucalyptus might impact the food sovereignty of farming communities. We conducted 136 semi-structured interviews with farming families in the Debark District of northwestern Ethiopia, including free-listing, preference ranking, and participatory mapping. In addition, we measured changes in the abundance and distribution of plants by vegetation survey and analysis of historical Landsat TM imagery.
Results/Conclusions
All of the farmers who were interviewed plant eucalyptus, specifically Eucalyptus globulus. Within the study area, it is the primary source of fuel, fencing, and construction material, as well as an important source of income. Maps generated by farmers indicate the significance of eucalyptus in their landscape, particularly as a boundary marker around yards and fields, but also at the periphery of church compounds. The vegetation survey showed that eucalyptus has become the dominant woody species, with an average density of 303 individuals/hectare and relative abundance of 61%. Analysis of satellite imagery indicates that eucalyptus plantations expanded by 3.1% between 1998 and 2011. Because eucalyptus is unlikely to reproduce on its own in this region, its proliferation has been driven by humans. However, Debark farmers are remarkably ambivalent about this species. While they value its rapid growth, coppicing ability, multifunctionality, and high market price, they express concern that it is being planted instead of indigenous trees. Furthermore, farmers worry that eucalyptus depletes ground and surface water, resulting in a hotter, dryer landscape. In response, farmers recommend that their local government increase the availability of indigenous saplings and prohibit further eucalyptus planting close to water sources. This case demonstrates how increasing reliance on a single species can incur losses of biodiversity and eliminate options for adaptation, innovation, and self-determination of food systems.