Distribution, Abundance and Socio-Economic Impacts of Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) in Southern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia

Parthenium hysterophorus is spreading at alarming rate, threatening agricultural ecosystem, biodiversity, human and animal health in the study area as well as in the country. There is a paucity of information regarding the spread and distribution of Parthenium in the Region in specific and the country in general. Hence, objectives of the study were: to determine the distribution and abundance level, to develop distribution and abundance map and to assess the socio-economic impacts of Parthenium based on communities perception. The biophysical data was recorded from abundance level observation of Parthenium using hand held GPS and analyzed by Arc GIS to make the distribution and abundance maps. The socio-economic survey was conducted through interview using semi-structured questionnaires and data has analyzed using SPSS software. The biophysical survey result showed that Parthenium was the major invasive alien plant species in the study area. Parthenium was found in all the Districts but abundantly found in Alamata and Raya Azebo Districts. The socio-economic impact assessment result indicated that expected to be introduced unintentionally by different agents, i.e. food aid and through livestock movement from neighboring Regions. Perception of the respondents indicated that Parthenium has negative impacts on biodiversity, agricultural ecosystem, human and animal health. Assessment widely in the Region is very important to collect information and status of Parthenium. This used to plan research priorities and facilitates sustainability and success of future control programs. Keywords: Parthenium hysterophorus, distribution, abundance and socio-economic impacts.