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Ethnobotany and Traditional Management of Drought Tolerant Tree Species in Homestead Forests of Bangladesh

Mahbubul Alam
United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan

Yasushi Furukawa
Forest Management Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture Kochi University, Japan

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A study has been conducted in the homesteads of drought-prone northwestern region of Bangladesh. Since there is no natural forest, the overall climatic condition is very harsh and progressive trend of desertification is threatening the livelihood of poor people. So it is important to carry out extensive plantations throughout the region to reverse the current trend of drought and desertification. The study identified a list of 19 drought tolerant species suitable for planting in the homesteads as well as in the vacant spaces. The rural people are heavily dependent on those species for their daily requirement of timber, fruits, fuel, and other non-timber products.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Drought Tolerant Tree Species, Homestead Forests, Bangladesh

Location: Northwestern region of Bangladesh (a part of Barind Tract)

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Homestead Agroforestry

Objectives:

This agroforestry system in drought-prone areas provides a healthy ecosystem for humans, animals, birds, livestock and miscellaneous flora and fauna. The present study has been conducted to identify a list of drought tolerant tree species, their use and overall management.

Methodology:

The current study is a part of a larger research project operated in the drought-prone northwestern region of Bangladesh located between 24 54 and 25 06 north latitudes and between 88 24 and 88 39 east longitudes. The study area is a part of Barind Tract, the largest Pleistocene physiographic unit of the Bengal Basin (Banglapedia 2008). The average annual rainfall of the region varies from 1400mm to 1600mm. The value of the ratio of annual rainfall (R) to potential evapotranspiration (ET0) for northwest Bangladesh is often less than the 0.65 threshold value. The results of existing drought situation and the trend of desertification can partly be attributed to the immediate effect of climate variability and change in the form of rainfall shortage and decreased level of atmospheric moisture. Generally, average temperature ranges between 25-35 ºC during summer and 9-15 ºC during winter. The hottest days in the region experience temperature about 45ºC (Banglapedia 2008). Long-term observation of variation in climatic parameters shows that Bangladesh’s drought-prone areas have become warmer and drier than 50 years ago and current projections suggest that the areas will become hotter, its nights will be warmer, and there will be an increased rainfall variation. An explorative field survey has been conducted among the thirty-two randomly selected households. A semi-structured questionnaire was provided to the respondents to investigate the ethnobotanical use of tree species present in their homestead. Focus group discussions were also arranged to identify a list of species locally adapted in the region. Experts were also consulted to cross-check the information from a scientific point of view.

Source of Information: Ethnobotanical Leaflets 12: 1168-71. 2008.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Growing more trees in the homesteads, around agricultural fields and other vacant spaces will increase the livelihood adaptation capacity of rural poor besides increasing forest coverage in the forest poor northwestern region. So, it is important that people are motivated and supplied with quality planting materials. Traditional management practices should be supplemented by scientific techniques.

Knowledge Management: Journal