Perception on Socio-Economic and Demographic Causes of Deforestation and Its Consequences in Chena Woreda: The Case of Kafa Zone, SNNPRS
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Forests are essential natural resources that make an important contribution to the wealth of the country. They provide wood for fuel, poles and timber for construction, furnish cattle with shelter and fodder and protect the soil from erosion. On the other hand, destruction of forest leads human beings and the environment to various problems. Departing from this backdrop, the research focuses on the perception on socio-economic and demographic causes of deforestation and its consequences in Chena Woreda-The case of Kefa Zone, SNNPRS. The study examines the relation between household size, level of education, social exclusion, land/forest tenure rights and deforestation and further assesses the consequences of deforestation and community perceptions of deforestation and its possible causes. Both primary and secondary data such as household surveys sources through questionnaire, key informants interview, Focus Group Discussions and literatures were used. The data were analyzed by descriptive way using percentage and frequency rank weight. The major causes of deforestation in the study area were found to be rapid population growth, social exclusion, dependency on agriculture, resettlement and inappropriate investment program, among others the consequences of deforestation relate to local climate change, soil erosion, shortage of fuel wood, etc. It is suggested that creating community awareness to reduce fertility, strengthening the relation between Menjas and the majority Kefa people, providing substitute for wood and providing opportunities for the people to involve on other off-farming activities could be possible alternatives to overcome problems of deforestation.
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Perception on Socio-Economic, and Demographic Causes