Agrobiodiversity in Southern Ethiopia

Wastphal wrote more general but a comprehensive book on Agricultural systems in Ethiopia in 1975. Since then very few or no works were produced. This book is more comprehensive and introduced the concept of agrobiodiversity broadly in Ethiopia particularly crop diversity, woody species diversity (trees and shrubs), medicinal plants diversity as well as enset landrace (Ensete ventricosum, which is endemic root crop which supports more than 20 million people in the country) diversity. It also discusses livestock diversity in the area. The role of local peoples contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in agricultural setting is also emphasized. Moreover, the determinants of agricultural diversity and some challenges associated were discussed. It is believed that readers both in homeland as well as international scientific community can benefit a lot from this book.