The potential of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.) for animal feed and land management practices in Ethiopia: A review

Abstract

Pennisetum pedicellatum commonly called desho grass is found as native plant in many tropical countries including Ethiopia. The grass has multifaceted potential as fodder for livestock, soil conservation, and income generation in the form of small business for smallholder farmers in the country. In highland areas of Ethiopia planting and management of desho grass is an example of a locally tested land conservation method recognized by the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The activity of planting the grass is a response to cropland advance onto communal grazing areas and high pressure of livestock that has led to overgrazing, causing further land degradation and pasture shortages for livestock. Moreover, desho grass characterized by high biomass yield (30 to 110 tons/ha) per unit of land. Physiologically, desho grass has a peculiar characteristic of drought tolerance and moisture retention capacity. The grass’s potential for animal fodder for soil and water conservation, ruminant livestock has been documented in many tropical countries. Though available in Ethiopia, desho grass is not well known by the concerned bodies and much research and development works are needed to exploit the potential of the grass. In this regards this review paper organized with the objective to produce comprehensive information about the grass for further research and development in Ethiopia.