The Impact of Eucalyptus Plantation Expansion on Food Security in Bambasi Woreda, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State Western Ethiopia
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Date
2016-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study was conducted at Bambasi woreda Asossa zone Benishargul Gumuz Regional state(B.G.R.S) in the western part of Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to observe if the Eucalyptus plantation expansion affect the food security. The study through questionnaire, interview and field observation proved that as the farmers in the area planting Eucalyptus for its more income generation, being construction materials and for fire wood requirement. These benefit which are obtained from the Eucalyptus plantation devoted the farmers to expand the plant on their crop land in a very fast rate. The crop lands of the area are being converted to the Eucalyptus plantation. Crop fields are decreasing from year to year which is resulting in the reduction of food crops in the locality. The plant produce higher biomass within a short period of time by consuming much amount of water and nutrients from the soil. Other plant species and crop plants are being dominated by the shortage of water and nutrient. On the other hand, it’s shading effect and alellopathic chemicals which is produced from different parts of the tree is controlling the growth of other plant species. If the plantation expansion of the plant continue in the presenting rate the community in the study area may suffer from food security. So all the stake holders in the area should take part in banning of the expansion of Eucalyptus on fertile crop lands
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Biology