Ecosystem service variation and its importance to the wellbeing of smallholder farmers in contrasting agro ‐ecological zones of East African Rift

ES of the study region has shown spatial differences between agro-ecological zones. The ecosystem service delivery capacity of the region has been decreased over time and ecosystem disservices have been emerging in the region. Both ecosystem service and disservice have affected the health and basic material wellbeing of smallholder farmers. AbstractSmallholder farmers lead their lives using multiple ecosystem services (ESs). Understanding the contribution of these services to smallholder farmers' wellbeing is essential for addressing ecosystem-related problems. While the economic valuation of ESs has received major emphasis, smallholder farmer perceptions of ESs, ecosystem disservices (EDs), and the importance of their wellbeing are repeatedly overlooked. We analyzed variations in ES values (ESVs) in response to land use land cover (LULC) change, perceptions of ES/ED and the importance of these ecosystems to wellbeing in contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZs). To obtain datasets, we used geospatial technology, focus group discussion, and face-to-face cross-sectional surveys in a highly populated area of the Southeastern escarpment of the Ethiopian Rift Valley. The research was carried out between October 1 and December 30, 2018. The results revealed the following. (1) Total area of 75,246.98  ha (34%) was changed to various LULC classes across AEZs. Woodland decreased at annual rates of 5.28% while agroforestry increased at annual rates of 1.03%, respectively. (2) ESV was ...
Source: Food and Energy Security - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL RESEARCH Source Type: research