Assessment of Local Community Attitude towards Urban Forest Utilization and Management: the Case of Wereda 05, Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Date
2024-10-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the attitudes of the local community towards the utilization and
management of urban forests, with a special focus on Wereda 05, Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia. The chosen research design for this study was descriptive, following both qualitative and
quantitative research approaches, and a mixed approach. Semi-structured interviews, Focus Group
Discussions (FGDs), and questionnaire were used as data collection tools. Data were collected from
Wereda 05 residents, specifically Ketenas 7, 8, and 9, using a snowball sampling technique. Data
were also collected from five team leaders from the Yeka Sub-City Environmental Protection Office
using a census sampling technique. The data collected through the interviews and Focus Group
Discussions (FGDs) were analyzed using qualitative methods, while the quantitative data gathered
from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The study found out that the
local community has a positive attitude towards urban forest utilization and management. However,
the study also identified various factors influencing the sustainable urban forest management in the
study area, including a lack of ecological knowledge and commitment among urban forest
management professionals, a disconnect between management practices and community needs, and
gaps in community engagement and benefit-sharing opportunities. Based on the findings, the study
recommended the following strategies to address the challenges: Community engagement and
awareness, collaboration and partnerships with local authorities, environmental organizations, and
the community, land use planning and regulation, sustainable forestry practices and technologies,
capacity building and training for local community members, government officials, and forest
management professionals.
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Keywords
Attitudes of the Local Community, Urban Forest