Local Peoples Participation in Social Forestry Activity: The Case of Enderta Woreda in Tigray Region.
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Date
2009-12
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study was undertaken in Enderta wereda, South Eastern, Tigray region. The general
objective of this study was to obtain a better insight in the nature of participation in the'
social forestry management strategies. Therefore, the motive, the extent and mechanisms of
participation in managing the private and the community forestry activities were assessed,
and the constraints faced at different phases of the activity were identified. To attain the
above mentioned objectives primary and secondary data were used. Exploratory survey was
conducted to generate relevant information for the actual survey and primary data were
collected from i 00 randomly selected households from six representative villages of three
sampled Tabias (PAs). Qualitative data was also gathered using Focus Group Discussion
and Key informants; and review of publications, documents and reports from concerned
offices were the sources of secondary data. The survey data was analyzed using (SPSS,
1996) software program and it was reported using descriptive statistics such as averages,
ratios, percentages, frequency and means with different supporting tables and charts. The
frequency distribution of the respondents with their response to their reasons for
participation and occurrence of constraints were also rated and ranked. The total area
covered with community forest in the study area is estimated to constitute about 35.37% .in
all Tabias people are participating in reforestation activities in one form or another. The
involvement of the local people in different activities varies for the various stages of project
planning and implementation. The degree of participation in some activities such as benefit
sharing and evaluation participation is only partial or non existence. This had a negative
impact in implementing the reforestation program. The intended approach of the program is
partly participatory approach. Community management decisions are made at Tabia level. It
was observed that, the Tabia community is not the most effective social unit for forestry
development organization. This is particularly the case for the community forestry activity.
Though, food for work is highly valued than other benefits. Communal plantations are
perceived as government's property. Along with the low participation of the people the poor
quality planting and lack of maintenance are contribute to the low survival rate of the
planted seedlings. Overall, participation in private planting was higher than in communal
plantations. The great motive being its assurance to offer individual benefits, where all
activities were carried out by individual households. The fields are maintained well and
survival of the planted seedlings is satisfactory. The high interest in commercial tree planting
(eucalyptus) is observed in all the villages. The production role of trees has a high a high
priority than the service role. Tree plantation is concentrated around the homestead because
of land tenure insecurity in farmlands and stubble grazing. This study has also recognized
field level constraints. Competition for farm land, ownership of land, passive participation in
site selection, long period return of trees shortage of labor during planting, drought, tenure
insecurity, incentive problems and free grazing were the major constraints pointed out.
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Keywords
Local Peoples Participation