Agroforestry accompanies different varieties of plants. This study assessed woody species diversity in coffee-based home garden agroforestry systems in the Dello Menna District of Bale Zone, Ethiopia. Three kebeles were purposively selected, with two randomly chosen sites in each. Forty-eight 10 × 10 m plots were established for trees and shrubs (>1.5 m height, DBH >2.5 cm), and five 2 × 2 m subplots within each plot were used for seedlings and saplings (<1.5 m height, DBH <2.5 cm). Therefore, the diameter and heights were measured by using diameter tape and a hypsometer, respectively. Trees, saplings, and seedlings encountered in the plots were recorded and identified using the standard procedure. Data were analyzed using GenStat (18th edition), and diversity was assessed through Shannon and evenness indices. A total of 39 woody species from 24 families were recorded, with 71.9% trees and shrubs and 28.1% seedlings and saplings. Shannon diversity ranged from 1.68 to 2.50, and evenness from 0.64 to 0.79, showing significant variation (p < 0.05) among plots. Coffee-based home gardens enhance ecological stability and species diversity, though the dominance of fruit trees reduces overall diversity. Introducing a wider range of species is recommended to enhance sustainability and biodiversity.
Copyrights © 2026