Deforestation and Degradation of Juniperus Pro Cera Forest the Case of Negelle Borana
No Thumbnail Available
Date
1991-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This is a study of deforestation and degradation of the
Juniperus procera forest in Liben Awraja near Negelle Borana, as
affected by human settlement and land use.
The Libenarea (annual rainfall 750 - 1500 mm) is part of
the Semi-arid lowlands of Ethiopia; 60-70 per cent of Liben area
is used mainly for livestock raising. Only about 2 per cent of
the area can marginally be used for rainfed crop farming. The
Woody Vegetation of Liben area includes : the dry upland juniperus
forest , woodland , bushland and ticket .
The methodology used included comparative analysis of
aerial photos for 1964 and 1984 , unstructured interviews among
local pastoralists elders and older Negelle town residents,
questionnaire survey in Negelle town and direct observation.
Results show that, between 1964-84; the Juniperus procera forest
around Negelle town has been reduced in size by 65 per cent and
degraded. The causes are multifaceted, among of which are: the
expansion of cultivation, the exploitation of wood for fuel and
construction, forest fire, the inmigration of four pastoralist
groups and the low regeneration capacity of this forest. The
ecological consequences are difficult to assess, however. Decline
in ground water level, shortage of surface water during the dry
season including the widespread erosion features, such as rills,
the deepending and widening of gullies indicate the extent of
the ecological impact of deforestation. Recommendations are
made for afforestation and conservation programmes .
Description
Keywords
Deforestation, Degradation