Farming systems, with their concerns of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and productivity and production issues towards progress in human needs, wellbeing, and sustainable development, are challenging in most biosphere reserves. In this study, we assess the levels and trends of the agro-biodiversity and ecosystem services of different farming systems in the Yayo Biosphere Reserve in Ethiopia. Interviews with a total of 120 farmers, 16 key informants, and 12 focal group discussions (FDGs) were conducted, and species composition was assessed based on data collected on ten plots per major farming system. Result indicate that four farming systems, namely homegardens (HG), plantation coffee (PC), semi-forest coffee (SFC), and annual crop production (CP) systems, can be identified. Shannon and Evenness indices were highest in the HG system (H′ = 3.14, E = 0.8), and lowest in the CP system (H′ = 0.71, E = 0.18). Additionally, more diversified and relatively less cultivated farming systems provide more ecosystem services, and land users tend to practice less diversified farming systems in order to increase food supply at the expense of other ecosystem services. Therefore, this study recommends that diversified farming systems need to be considered to conserve or enhance specific ecosystem services in ways that reduce their negative tradeoffs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the ecological adaptability, growth performance, and soil improvement potential of Tephrosia candida in termite-prone and acidic soil areas of western Oromia, Ethiopia. Field trials were established at two locations; Bako and Diga with the primary objective of evaluating the adaptability and potential of T. candida as a multipurpose shrub for degraded land restoration and sustainable land use. Key parameters measured included soil samples analysis (before and after planting), plant height, root collar diameter (RCD), diameter at breast height (DBH), survival rate, dry biomass yield, crown cover area, number of primary and secondary branches, and time of seed collection. The results revealed that T. candida demonstrated excellent adaptability and vigorous growth in both sites. At Bako, each shrub produced an average of 25.5 primary branches and 37.5 secondary branches, with an average dry biomass yield of 22.22 kg per plant. The crown cover extended to an average of 16.25 m² per plant, indicating substantial above-ground biomass development. The survival rate was 100% at both locations, confirming its strong adaptability under harsh soil conditions. At Diga, T. candida showed consistent branching patterns, with about 17 main branches and more than 24 secondary branches emerging over the growth period equivalent to an average of 1.5 branches per month. The crown canopy also expanded proportionally over time. Soil analysis conducted three years after plantation establishment indicated significant improvements in soil quality. At Diga, soil pH increased from 4.89 to 5.22, while at Bako, soil organic matter content rose from 2.96 to 4.72%, demonstrating the potential of T. candida to ameliorate soil acidity and enhance organic matter content. These findings suggest that T. candida can serve as a valuable agroforestry species for soil rehabilitation, improved fallow systems, and bioenergy production. The study strongly recommends the integration of T. candida into farmer-managed restoration efforts, particularly in areas affected by soil acidity, termite infestation, and severe land degradation.