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Woody species diversity and structure across natural forest coffee, semi-forest coffee, and homegarden coffee in the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve, Southwest Ethiopia

Published 29 May 2026

Tracey Hearn

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An assessment of woody species variation in coffee agroforestry systems in Ethiopia. From 90 plots, 27 woody species were recorded in natural forest, semi-forest, and homegarden coffee systems of the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve.

Natural forest coffee showed the highest biodiversity, structural complexity, and shade-tree regeneration. Semi-forest coffee was similar structurally, while homegarden coffee had significantly lower diversity. Similarity indices showed strong species overlap between natural and semi-forest systems, confirming their key role in biodiversity conservation.

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Advancing Multifunctional Agroforestry in Ethiopia: Evidence, Innovation and Policy Pathways

Published 01 Nov 2025

Tracey Hearn

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This brief outlines how the MAF4E project advances multifunctional agroforestry in Ethiopia through Living Labs that link science, community innovation and policy. It generates high‑resolution evidence on tree growth, soils and carbon, while piloting Rural Resource Centres and homestead agroforestry to create green jobs, improve nutrition and resilience.

Despite strong impacts, scaling requires a national agroforestry strategy, long‑term finance, stronger extension systems, market development and gender‑ and youth‑inclusive policies to meet climate and biodiversity commitments nationally

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Innovating for resilience: Cultivating climate-ready, multifunctional landscapes through Living Labs in Ethiopia

Published 01 Jun 2025

Tracey Hearn

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Research note on the role of ‘Living Labs’ as shared spaces for co-development of agroforestry between farmers, scientists, policymakers and local institutions.

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Rapid Assessment of Wetland Management Issues and Nature-based Solutions in the Crater Lakes around Lake Itasy

Published 29 Feb 2024

Tracey Hearn

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A report on diagnostic field visit to assist framing of research questions in the freshwater crater lakes around Lake Itasy, Madagascar. It describes the main land use types (lowland and hillside agriculture, terracing, grazing and agroforestry); it identifies the principal threats to sustainable management of the wetland and gives preliminary recommendations for future research.

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