The Contribution of Eucalyptus Woodlots to the Livelihoods and Food Security of Rural Households in North Mecha Woreda, Ethiopia
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Date
2022-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Eucalyptus woodlot planting and growing has become the most popular and common practice in rural households of Ethiopia. This study was conducted to investigate the contribution of eucalyptus woodlots to the livelihoods and food security of rural households in North Mecha Woreda, Ethiopia. Field observation, household survey and key informant interview were used to generate primary data and secondary data were found from books, academic research apers and Woreda agricultural of ice documents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression and Household Food Balance Model. Eucalyptus was plantedon29%of farm lands and about 95% of households grew eucalyptus on their fertile crop lands. The Multiple linear regression model result indicated that eucalyptus value per labour and land(0.011), household heads participation on of farm activity (p=0.000), farm size (p=0.000), fertilizer cost and access (0.011) and market access (p=0.004) and natural and physical characteristics of eucalyptus were found to be significant to determine rural farmers’ preference to eucalyptus woodlots. Eucalyptus contributed about 40.3% of the total annual financial income to households’ livelihood and it was the primary source of fuel wood and construction material. The Household Food Balance Model showed that, from the total study participants, 84.6%werefood secure. Households with high eucalyptus woodlot land size were more food secure. Generally eucalyptus woodlot farming and its sale enhances households’, food availability and increases food security of rural farmers. Thus, farmers should use their lands in appropriate and sustainable way in order to create multiple advantages in different seasons and years and should allocate eucalyptus woodlots far from crops because its non-compatibility with crops, government and concerned bodies should give extension services and market access to maximize eucalyptus contribution.
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Eucalyptus woodlots, income, fertile croplands, Fuel wood, livelihood, Householdfood security, North MechaWoreda