<i style="">Ardu</i> (<i style="">Ailanthus</i> sp) in arid ecosystem: A compatible species for combating with drought and securing livelihood security of resource poor people

Abstract

In arid regions of Rajasthan, harsh and unfavorable climatic conditions coupled with poor soils, make agricultural production system a gamble due to high risk and uncertainties. Livestock is an integral part of social, economic and environmental system in Rajasthan. Rearing of animals is challenging in arid ecosystems and need diversified sources of fodder and feed. There are certain trees species which are compatible to arid ecosystem and provide feed, fodder, fuel and timber to local community in order to sustain their livelihoods. An attempt has been made to demonstrate the botanical description, geographical distribution, other phenotypic characters, indigenous usage, marketing and economic aspects of <i>ardu</i> (<i>Alianthus</i> sp). Results indicated that under arid ecosystem, to meet the increasing demand for food, fodder, fuel wood and timber, etc. <i>ardu</i> play a pivotal role in management of land resources and securing livelihoods of economically poor people through agroforestry system. <i>Ardu </i>used for many purposes including timber, fuel, fodder, ethnomedicine, etc. make it a multipurpose species. The species found to be very much compatible and adapted to harsh arid ecosystem is one of the main species which act as an integrated component in farming systems of farmers, and especially during the drought. <i>Ardu </i>could be one of the important tree species (MPTS) for the drought period and in arid ecosystem to sustain the productivity of sheep and goats and other animals, and secure livelihoods pastoralists and farmers.