Impact of Vachellia etbaica on soil properties and socioeconomic benefits in Tigray Ethiopia

Abstract

Smallholder farmers face significant challenges such as soil infertility, land degradation, food insecurity, and climate vulnerability. In response, many farmers in Northern Ethiopia have integrated Vachellia etbaica, a drought-resistant tree native to the horn of Africa, into their land-use systems. However, its potential to improve soil fertility and provide socioeconomic benefits has not been fully explored. This study evaluates the effects of V. etbaica on soil properties and its contributions to local livelihoods in Tsrae-Womberta district, Tigray, Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from 120 composite sites, stratified by land use (grazing and cultivated lands), distances from trees, and soil depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm). Socioeconomic data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 92 randomly selected households. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in most soil properties, including moisture content, organic carbon, and total nitrogen, with levels decreasing as the distance from the tree increased, but increasing with soil depth. Eighty five percent of respondents valued V. etbaica for its firewood, charcoal, income generation, fencing, fodder, and traditional medicine. The study highlights that proper management of V. etbaica can improve soil fertility, enhance ecosystem resilience, and support local livelihoods. These findings offer valuable insights into the role of V. etbaica in sustainable land management and agroforestry practices that enhance soil health and resilience in similar ecological settings. The study underscores the tree’s potential to promote sustainable agriculture and improve rural economies, making it a crucial resource for smallholder farmers in comparable regions globally.