AMBA UNI MEKEDLA VERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL

RESOURCE DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

REVIEW ON THE ROLE OF ENCLOSURE ON FOREST COVER AND STRUCTURE

OF WOODY SPECIES IN ETHIOPIA

SEN IOR SEMINAR SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

BY

NAME ID NO

1, ABEL DOMOLE……………………………………………MAU/1200053
2, ALEMNESH ZELEKE…………………….………………MAU/200120
3, MULUKEN ABIYE…………………………………….…MAU/1200174
4, KOKEB TECHAN…………………………………………MAU/120080

Advisor: Anwar Hussein (MSc)

06/2023 E.C
TULU AWLIA, ETHIOPIA
 Abstract

However, review on the role of enclosures on rehabilitating of degraded land is very little,
fragmented and does not often integrate the regulating environmental services. To scale up this
practices insight to the Ethiopian level, we carry out reviewing different on the role of enclosure
to biodiversity of woody species and regulating ecosystem services. The review of this we that
enclosure significantly enhanced woody species diversity; reducing soil erosion, improve Soil
nutrient contents and the ecosystem carbon stock potential over the adjacent communal grazing
lands. In addition to these, establishing enclosures has a high contribution to the livelihood of
local communities. As a result, the local communities have a positive attitude towards the
establishment of enclosures in the degraded lands. Overall review from we strongly indicates that
establishment of enclosures in the degraded lands of Ethiopia are a win-win situation since it is
advantageous over the people, natural and climate of the country. In Ethiopia Enclosures has
been recognized as promising practice in the restoration of degraded land and regulating the
environmental services. Woody vegetation was investigated by studying species composition,
density, diversity and regeneration status of woody species and soil seed banks in enclosures and
adjacent open areas. Area enclosures have proven to be the best land management practices for
establishing ecologically and economically sustainable land-use planning. There is a need for
further investigation and documentation of the impact of area enclosures on density and diversity
of woody species the population structure and regeneration status of some woody species in the
study area were regeneration status, which needs priority conservation in order to ensure the
sustainable utilization of the forest resource.
 Acknowledgment
First and for most all praise be to “GOD” the most gracious and the most merciful lord who
always helps us in all aspects of our life. And we provide our great thanks to our advisor Anwar
Hussein (MSC) for his appreciable advice, suggestion and guidance .Then we would like to
extender thanks to Mekdela Amba University, College of Agriculture and natural resource and
Forestry Department for designing this course in the B.Sc. curriculum. Last but not least, we
would like to give special gratitude for all friends who gave us an important and very crucial
suggestion and ideas throughout our work.
Table of Contents
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................2

Acknowledgment.....................................................................................................................................3

1, INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................5

1, 1, Background and Justification...........................................................................................................5

1, 2, Objective..........................................................................................................................................6

1, 2, 1, General objectives...................................................................................................................6

1, 3 Specific objectives...........................................................................................................................6

2. Literature review.....................................................................................................................................7

2. 1. Enclosure.........................................................................................................................................7

2. 1.2. Structure...................................................................................................................................7

2.1.3. Woody Species..........................................................................................................................7

2.1. 4.Forest area enclosure...............................................................................................................8

2.1.5 Role enclosure on forest cover..................................................................................................8

2.1.6. Structure of wood species......................................................................................................10

3. Conclusions............................................................................................................................................12

4. Recommendation..................................................................................................................................13

5. References............................................................................................................................................14
 1, INTRODUCTION

1, 1, Background and Justification

Land degradation is one of the most common and serious environmental problems that affect two
billion hectares (22.5%) of the world’s agricultural land, pasture, forest and woodland. Dry lands
are environmentally fragile, and as a result susceptible to degradation. Consequently, the
livelihood of millions of farmers living in the dry lands around the world is threatened by
degradation of arable farmland. For instance, the dry land vegetation of Ethiopia is facing to
sever degradation as the result of deforestation, agricultural land expansion and over-grazing
(Lamina et al., 2009; Mangiest et al., 2010). This is triggered by population expansion and over-
exploitation of the natural resources (Malaria et al., 2009, Horne et al., 2008). Therefore, there is
an urgent need for their restoration, proper management, sustainable utilization and conservation,
which, in turn, require a good understanding of their stand structures as well as diversity and
status of regeneration of woody species (Neel et al., 2011). to establish enclosures as part of
effort to restore bio diversities and regulating environmental services (Malaria and Yuma, 2010;
Malaria and Any Enclosures play significant roles in carbon sequestration and mitigation of
climate change, soil and water conservation, watershed protection, nutrient recycling, nitrogen
fixation, amenity and recreation, creation of microclimate and biodiversity conservation (Neel et
al., 2011). Enclosures are usually established in steep, eroded and degraded areas that have been
used for grazing in the past (Malaria, 2009). It is effective system because of involving the local
communities in the establishment of enclosures and the responsibility of local authorities for
management and control of the area (Descheemaeker et al, 2007) exults, 2011).

Area exclosure is a land use, which is protected from anthropogenic activities and animal
disturbances in order to recover its natural plant species and to reduce additional removal of
vegetation and soil erosion of the previously affected lands.

Several reviews have been investigated on the interaction between establishment of enclosures,
woody species diversity and regulating ecosystem services. For instance, different studies
enclosures of degraded communal lands has a great role to improve woody species diversity
(Mangiest et al., 2008; Yam et al., 2010; Yayneshet, 2011; Getseselassie, 2011; Malarial, 2010),
improving soil nutrient content and properties (Malaria and Aynekulu, 2011), regulate
total amount of woody species biomass (Malarial, 2007; Malaria and yam, 2009), soil and water
erosion control (Malarias et al., 2009).

1, 2, Objective

1, 2, 1, General objectives

To review the status of forest cover and woody species structure in exclosure area in
comparison to open grazing land.

1, 3 Specific objectives

To review the status of forest cover in exclosure area.

To review the status of woody species structure in exclosure area.

To review composition and regeneration of woody plant species in exclosure area.

 2. Literature review

2. 1. Enclosure

is describing the passive method used for the restoration of degraded ecosystems. We argue that
in the context of ecological restoration, the term enclosure is generally more appropriate to use
than exclosure. Unlike exclosure, the term enclosure focuses on the degraded area to be restored,
does not exclude selective permeability of external factors, and potentially accommodates local
people’s livelihood needs. However, the term exclosure is appropriate to use in the case of
experimental enclosures or management of restoration sites which explicitly exclude specific
disturbance factors. Alerts R, Nissan J, Hailed, M (2009).

2. 1.2. Structure

refers to the spreading of individual species in random diameter-height size classes and [DBH]
class Structure of Woody Species to provide the overall structure, characterized by the presence
of a sufficient population of seedlings, saplings, and adults, indicates the successful regeneration
of forest species generally assessing the structure is important to provide a preliminary indication
about the regeneration status of woody plants and shrubs in a studied forest. Z. Would, Addis
Ababa University, 2008.

2.1.3. Woody Species

status of forest regeneration depends on the composition, distribution, and density of seedlings,
saplings, and adult trees in the forest recruitment or regeneration condition of woody species is
one of the main factors that are valuable to evaluate forest conservation status population the
growth of understory, shrubs, and composition of species in the area. P. Pokhriyal, 2010.

2.1. 4.Forest area enclosure

area closure as area delineated to include human and livestock interferences. The importance of
area closure to improve vegetation cover, composition, density, richness, diversity, and providing
economic and ecological benefits to local communities around (Josef 2009). The aim of area
closures is to prevent further degradation of the ecosystems, advance re-vegetation forest
regeneration, and restore the overall ecological conditions of the area. This is done by closing off
areas from interference and damage by both humans and animals to allow for natural
regeneration of the land (Mangiest et al 2010). area closure is known to improve ground
vegetation cover, which in turn enhance better soil conditions, microclimate conditions and water
Nature reserve is a protected area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of
geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to
provide special opportunities for study, and research. Percolation (Emir et al 2008).Carbon
sequestration due to improved vegetation.

2.1.5 Role enclosure on forest cover

back to protecting being deforested and increasing plant and animal diversities (Wised, 2009).
Thus, the establishment of enclosures in Ethiopia and elsewhere has been recognized as a
forward-looking environmental method in the rehabilitation of degraded mine-out or grazing
areas, especially, in Ethiopia where degradation of natural resources has been considerably of the
country (Bends, 2008). Land degradation is one of the critical problems in which threaten of
peoples (Bely et al., 2008). The major co Enclosures are areas in either forest or any other
vegetation area selected for natural regeneration of the native flora as a means of reclaiming the
land through protection of the areas from human and animal interference (Alone Dijon, 2009). In
as much as the purpose of most enclosure is for the reclamation of degraded forest it is normally
done in areas been mine or graze (Bends, 2010). It used in Ethiopia could be traced nsequences
of land degradations are the decreased land productivity, gradual decline of soil nutrients and
vegetation cover (Abebi et al., 2010). However, enclosures are established to promote natural
regenerations and reduce land degradations of previously degraded communal grazing lands
(Madurai et al., 2010 and 2011; Mingiest et al., 2008; Bryan et al., 2010).Land degradation in the
form of soil erosion and loss of soil fertility caused by the loss of forest cover (Fit sum et al.,
2010). In Ethiopia, inappropriate agricultural practices such as over-cultivation and overgrazing
are most important factors resulting in soil erosion and nutrient losses (Horne, 2008; Abebi et al.,
2011]. Enclosures are established as a type of land management with spatial emphasis to
improve environmental conditions and controlling soil erosion in degraded opens access lands.

Deforestation and land degradation are reducing the ability of the land to support delivery of
vital ecosystem services (Basher, 2007; Chardon 2008; Guariguata and Balvanera 2009; But
chart et al. 2010; Hector et al. 2011, Malaria et al., 2010). In Ethiopia, several studies are
reported on the role of enclosure to improving ecosystem services and reversing biodiversity
losses. In terms of ecosystem service, enclosure contributes to provisioning ecosystem services
through regulating services by aboveground and belowground carbon sequestration (McIntosh,
and Allen, 2010, Cheng et al., 2011; Madurai and Aynekulu, 2011; Masuria, 2011; Masuria et
al., 2009 & 2015; Buoy et al., 2011). The aboveground biomass and carbon were influenced by
the age of enclosure (Madurai, 2013; Malarias et al., 2010, 2009). This influence of enclosure
was supported by increased number of tree species with enclosure duration when compared to
shrub species. enclosure enhances the biomass carbon stock as a result of the protection of
enclosures from human and livestock interference, and the positive consequences of increased
soil moisture content due to the construction of SWC structures would improve the vegetation
coverage, diversity and structures (McIntosh, and Allen, 2009; Mangiest et al., 2007; 2011; Witt
et al., 2011; Makati et al., 2010). Currently the government of Ethiopia, incorporates enclosure as
a strategies which supports to address reducing of deforestation and forest degradation plus
(REDD+) with the existing legal and policy framework (R_PP, 2011). However, this review on
establishment of enclosures in Ethiopia is required for further expansion and to support polices
on restoration of degraded land. The aim of this reviewing paper is to discuss on how
establishing enclosure contributes to restore woody species diversity and regulating
environmental services. The woody species diversity, evenness and richness were analyzed using
different diversity indices.

Enclosures to Controls Soil Erosion Land degradation in the form of soil erosion and loss of soil
fertility caused by the loss of vegetation cover in the highlands of Ethiopia, the cultivation on
steep slopes and clearing of vegetation has accelerated erosion (Bhang, 2007). In the northern
Ethiopia report on soil loss from c cultivated steep slopes (Brine and Kekkonen, 2009; Keyser
and Zonneveld, 2010). Enclosures are established as a type of land management with spatial
emphasis to improve environmental conditions and controlling soil erosion in degraded and
generally Malaria and Malarias et al., 2009; Malarias et al., 2009, Mechanize, 2010; Nada et al.,
2010). Study conducted in Ethiopia by Malaria et al., (2009) enclosure reduced estimated soil
erosion. This can be because of enclosures has been restored the canopy of trees, shrubs and
understory vegetation which can defense against soil erosion (Godey et al., 2013; Malarias et al.,
2009). Similarly, earlier studies have been that vegetation can play an important role to control
soil erosion (Credo, 2010; Delacroix et al., 2001; Lopez et al., 2008; Sanchez et al., 2009). The
review is made many years after the establishment of enclosures; it was not possible to fully
explain the process in the vegetation dynamics. However, changes after the establishment of
enclosures could be described using some important parameters such as plant cover, species
diversity, Enclosures are established as a type of land management with spatial emphasis to
improve environmental conditions and controlling soil erosion in degraded and generally Malaria
and Malarias et al., 2009; Malarias et al., 2009, compared with the adjacent open lands. The
assumption in this review is that the enclosures and open areas had similar conditions before
establishment of the enclosures.

2.1.6. Structure of wood species

The structures of the woody species were described based on the analysis of density, frequency,
dominant, important value Index of diameter, height and basal area (Kent and Coker, 2009).
Density and basal area values were computed on hectare basis. Woody plant species all woody
species encountered in sampling plot was recorded and coded using local name. The trees with
DBH and height were measured and recorded in the sample plot. However, several review have
been investigated on the interaction between establishment of enclosures, woody species
diversity and regulating ecosystem services. For instance enclosure of degraded communal lands
has a great role to improve woody species diversity (Mangiest et al., 2008; Yam et al., 2009; For
instance enclosure of degraded communal lands has a great role to improve woody species
diversity (Mangiest et al., 2008; Yuma et al., 2009; generating of animal feed and human food.
relatively, the diameter class distribution of the most abundant woody species in enclosure
(continuous recruitment of tree species), which suggested a normal population structure as
compared to adjacent open grazing lands (Kais et al., 2010; Britani et al., 2010); Similarly,
indicates that enclosure contributes on protecting the woody species from disturbance and
exploitation. In open sites, human disturbance, particularly grazing, is usually the major reason
for hampered or poor regeneration (Segre et al., 2011). High browsing pressure can lead to the
absence of seedlings or juveniles because of high seedling mortality (Tremblay et al., 2009;
Neuse et al., 2008). As the enclosure age increases, the density of woody species rises and
canopy cover expands (Lamina and Kasha, 2011). The diversity of all woody species soil seed
bank including grass and herbs was greater in the enclosure than adjacent open grazing lands
(Britani et al., 2008; Mangiest et al., 2010). This suggesting that the effect of disturbance by
human and livestock interface on the soil seed banks is more pronounced in the open areas. The
composition of woody vegetation in enclosures depends largely on age of the enclosure
establishment (Palou, 2010; Yam et al., 2008; Britani et al., 2007; Malarial and Yam, 2010]
reported increase in woody species richness enclosure establishment. The reason for high species
richness appearance in enclosure indicates that a long period of protection from livestock and
human interface, which can allow regeneration of tree and shrubs, exemplified in Ethiopia
(Tikal, 2009; Mangiest, 2008).Similarly, the abundance of woody species was larger in enclosure
than adjacent open grazing land (Britani et al., 2009).

Composition, diversity and density of woody species of the aboveground vegetation were higher
in the enclosures suggesting rehabilitation of the degraded areas in relatively short periods of
time by simply avoiding or minimizing interference of people and domestic animals in the
degraded areas, i.e. establishing enclosures (Zerihun and Backus, 2009). Similar encouraging
results have been reported from studies made on enclosures established the degraded forestlands
in have been set-aside as enclosures for site rehabilitation. The establishment of enclosures
assists to improve the overall ecological conditions of degraded areas so that they can provide
better products and services for the people. The increase in the number and biomass of perennial
and annual grass species was significant at both sites, and the local communities benefit from
using species, through the cut-and-carry enclosure management system, for feeding their
animals, constructing their grass-thatched huts or both. However, management of the natural
resources in the enclosures has to keep the balance between growth and harvest to avoid
degradation. Establishment of enclosures is very advantageous over other methods, e.g. hillside
avoiding or minimizing interference of people and domestic animals in the degraded areas, i.e.
establishing enclosures (Zerihun and Backus, 2009). There were considerable differences in the
species composition of the aboveground woody vegetation between the enclosures and open
areas Similar differences were also observed in the species composition of the soil seed banks
between the enclosures and open areas Comparisons of the compositions of woody species
between the above-ground vegetation and the soil seed bank revealed quite low similarities for
the enclosures similarity of the composition of woody species between the standing vegetation
and the soil seed bank could not be calculated since woody species were not represented in the
soil seed bank
 3. Conclusions

This review paper confirms that establishment of Enclosure on the degraded communal grazing
land is a vital Journal of Natural Sciences option to restore indigenous woody species by
enhancing the natural regeneration rates, potential to reduce water erosion, improving soil
nutrient content and properties, improve soil organic and Biomass carbon stock and also improve
the socio-economic benefits of the local communities. Establishing Enclosure in a degraded land
is a win-win situation, which can support the social, economical and environmental values. The
restoration capacity of the enclosure depends on the years of establishment. As the age of
enclosure increased the ability to restore woody species, improving soil nutrients and ecosystem
carbon stock potential becomes higher. Establishing enclosure was a win situation since this
supports the local community as well as restoring the degraded lands. Enclosure improves the
livelihood of the local community by providing animal feed, bee fodder, fuel, timber and other
non-wood forest products. e current study delivers important information about the state of
woody plant species composition, structures, and regeneration of woody plant species and the
impacts of site factors on the natural regeneration of tree species. Moreover, in some cases the
regeneration of woody species protection from interference varies from enclosure to enclosure.
For instance, enclosures close to roads and villages are more susceptible to human and livestock
interference than those far from roads and villages. Thus, to be more effective, active follow-up
after closing degraded lands and awareness creation training for the local peoples is required.
Vegetation management is also important for enclosures so that biodiversity improvement by
area enclosures can be achieved by sustaining the livelihood of the stakeholders.
4. Recommendation

In recommendation the cover forest area in different species types to restoration the degradation
forest area in enclosure more cover in species. In order to ensure appropriate management and
sustainable utilization of the forest resources, the following recommendations were suggested
based on the findings in the study area: The priority of conservation should be given for the
endemic woody species and for woody species that have no seedlings and saplings in the forest
area. The present study was limited to diversity, structure and regeneration status of woody
species thus, further studies on herbaceous plants, soil seed bank, seed physiology and land use
management system in the area are recommended The government and its institutions should be
planting the indigenous woody specie that of the forest area and establishing the management
and conservation plans are recommended. The more protection is required for the woody species
that have low impotence value index.
 5. References

Abayneh Darer, Tam rat Bekele and Bert-äke Nyasaland. 2003. Population structure and
regeneration of woody species in a broad-leaved afromontane rainforest in south-west Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Journal of Natural Resources 5(2): 255–280.

Aksum, K., Assfaw Z., Darer, A., Mankato, M., Ammo, Y., 2015. The role of area closure on the
recovery of woody species composition on degraded lands and its socio-economic importance in
central rift Valley area, Ethiopia. International Journal of Development Research 5, Issue, 02,
3348-3358,

Alerts, R., Nyssa, Jaindl Haile, M. 2009. On the difference between ‘‘exclosures’’ and
‘‘enclosures’’ in ecology and the environment. Journal of Arid Environments, 1-2

Asmara, M., 2011. The Role of Area Closures for Soil and Woody Vegetation Rehabilitation in
Kiewit District, North Shewa ,Addis Ababa university, Ethiopia

Bahrain, E., Teketay, D., & bark Lund, P., 2006. Actual and Potential Contribution of Exclosures
to Enhance Biodiversity of Woody Species in the Dry lands of Eastern Tigre. Journal of dry
lands, 1: 134-147

Bashar, B., 2005. Deforestation and land degradation in the Ethiopian highlands: a strategy for
physical recovery. Northeast African Studies 8: 7-25.

Biryani, E., Teketay, D., & Bark Lund, P., 2004. Enclosures tool of Rehabilitating Degraded
Woodlands in Ethiopia. In: D. Belay, E. Bonkoungou, S. A. O. Chesham, & B. Chicana (Eds.),
Rehabilitation of Degraded Lands in Sub-Saharan Africa (pp. 73-77). Neulengbach: Forestry
Research Network for SubSaharan Africa and IUFRO Special Program for Developing
Countries.

Getseselassie, H., 2012. Effects of exclosure on environment and its socioeconomic

contributions to local people In the case of Halle exclosure, Tigray, Ethiopia. M.Sc. Thesis
submitted to Norwegian University of Life Science, Norway

Madurai, W., 2013. Conversion of communal grazing lands into enclosures restored soil
properties in the semi-arid lowlands of Northern Ethiopia. Arid Land Res Mange. 27:153166.
Madurai, W., Aynekulu, E., 2011. “Exclosure land management for restoration of the soils in
degraded communal grazing lands in northern highlands of Ethiopia,” Land Degradation and
Development, 2011.

Mangiest, T., 2001. The role of enclosures in the recovery of woody vegetation in degraded
hillsides of Bio and Tiya, Central and Northern Ethiopia. M.Sc. Thesis, ISSN 1402-201X (2001:
54), SLU, Sweden

Mangiest, T., Teketay, D., Hutten, H., and Yemshaw Y. 2005. The role of enclosures in the
recovery of woody vegetation in degraded dry land hillsides of central and northern Ethiopia.
Journal of Arid Environments 60: 259–281

Neelo, J., Teketay, D., Kasha, K., MA samba, W., 2015. Stand Structure, Diversity and
Regeneration Status of Woody Species in Open and Enclosed Dry Woodland Sites around
Molopo Farming Areas of the Okavango Delta, Northeastern Botswana. Open Journal of
Forestry, 5:313-328

Tekalegn, M.2010. The role of area enclosures for biodiversity conservation and its contribution
to local livelihoods: The case of Biyo-Kelala Area Enclosures in Adana Warhead. M.Sc. Thesis
submitted to Addis Abysm, M., Gebrehiwot, K., Moe, S., Madurai, W., 2006. Impact of area
enclosures on density, diversity, and population structure of woody species: the case of May
Ba’ati-DougaTembien, Tigre, Ethiopia. Ethiop J Nat Resource 8(1):99–121aba University,
Ethiopia.

Tephra Mangiest 2001. The role of area closures of the recovery vegetation in degraded hillsides
of Bio and Tiya, central and northern Ethiopia. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,
Sweden. pp. 35–60. 116, Misdeal, Yama ET.

Yimer, Alamo. Abd-el-Kader, A., 2015. Soil property variations in relation to exclosure and
open grazing land use types in the Central Rift Valley area of Ethiopia. Environ Stys Res 4:17