An assessment of the feeding potential and utilization of Erythrina burana and Casimiroa edulis was made in Eastern Harerghe zone of eastern Ethiopia through survey questionnaire. Two districts, namely; Gursum and Haramaya and a total of 90 respondent farmers were selected on the basis of availability and utilization of Erythrina burana and/or Casimiroa edulis. A questionnaire was used to interview farmers individually. Data was supplemented with information obtained from key informants and secondary data was collected from different stakeholders.

Over 85% and 50% of respondents replied Erythrina burana and Casimiroa edulis to be the dominant fodder trees in Gursum and Haramaya, respectively. Both plants are owned privately and over 85% and 65% of respondent farmers responded Erythrina burana and Casimiroa edulis to be available in the backyard and the rest as part of the agro forestry system, respectively. The current ownership of these fodder trees appears to be a good opportunity for their utilization as feed through cut and carry system. The major means of propagation of Erythrina burana is by seed and vegetatively from stem cuts while Casimiroa edulis is solely propagated by seed. Over 60% and 35% of respondents recognized Erythrina burana as a drought tolerant plant and demanding less agronomic practice, respectively. More than 65% of interviewees reported Casimiroa edulis as a plant that can easily be established. These plants are currently utilized as source of feed, fuel, shade for livestock and coffee, fence and fruit (particularly Casimiroa edulis). Erythrina burana is intensively utilized as feed source but it is reported to shed its leaves from February to May. On the other hand, Casimiroa edulis is an ever green plant but not intensively utilized as feed source due to lack of awareness among the respondents. The present study highlighted that both Erythrina burana and Casimiroa edulis can be good sources of feed for livestock. However, the existing low level of understanding on the feeding value of Casimiroa edulis in particular and the deciduous nature of Erythrina burana are constraints for their efficient utilization as feed for livestock. Hence, extension work needs to be strengthened to create awareness among the respondents on the feeding value of Casimiroa edulis and conservation of the leaves of Erythrina burana before being over-mature and fall to the ground.