Abstract:
In Ethiopia, local communities extensively utilize a diverse range of multi-purpose tree and
shrub species for fuelwood, fodder, construction materials, medicinal uses, and soil conservation.
Despite their importance, the management of multi-purpose tree and shrub species and their
socio-economic and environmental importance in Fogera district of south Gondar zone was not
investigated. The objectives of this study were to identify the major types of multi-purpose tree
and shrub species across major agro forestry practice, to assess the socio economic and
environmental benefits of multipurpose tree and shrub species, to identify major management
practices of MPTS in common agro forestry practices, and to identify determinants of MPTS
maintenance and management. Both primary and secondary types of data were used for this
study. The data for this study were collected from sampled households selected through simple
random sampling technique in Kuhar Abo kebele. The data collection methods were interview,
questionnaire, and direct observation. The collected data were described and analyzed using
descriptive statistical tools and probit model. The findings of this study indicated a total of 20
MPTs were identified in the study area, from which Cordia Africana takes the lion’s share with a
proportion of 92% of multi-purpose tree and shrub species from the study area. The major MPTs
management practices include weeding and hoeing, watering fencing with the proportion of 94%,
92%, and 91% from the total MPTs, respectively. The probit model result indicated that age of
the household head, education level of the household, and household size were positively
influence the MPTs management and maintenance at 5% significance level, while Active labor
force and while distance from agroforestry practice center were negatively influence the
maintenance and management of MPTs at 5% and 10% significance level respectively. It is
recommended that the district level government agricultural office should focus on the
