Factors Affecting People's Participation in Participatory Forest Management: The case of IFMP Adaba-Oodola in Bale zone of Oromia Region
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Date
2003-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Forest is one of the most essential kinds of resources that human beings and other animals depend on.
It regulates environmental and ecological changes in which soil, water, climate, rainfall etc are in the
good existence in sustainable condition. Whether it is private or public property, forest is the
nationally and globally mutual treasure.
The major causes for deforestation of Adaba-Dodola Priority Forest Area are the expansion of
agricultural fann, the commercialization of forest product almost by the whole community living
inside and outside it. As a remedy, the IFMP started its operation as a pilot project with the intention
of adopting the collaborative management between the community and the government, where the
commwlity takes part in the conservation process so that the authority and ownership right are
pennanently transferred to some identified members of community living within the forest
The study was conducted on Adaba-Dodola Forest Priority Arca, from February to May 2002. The
general objective of tlus Thesis is to identifY the major factors affecting people's participation in
participatory forest management of Adaba-Dodola pilot project Primary data arc collected by face-toface
interview from sample population of W AJIB members using rescarch instrwnent. Infonnation
was also gathered from district agriculture office and IFMP staffs for the purpose of getting
preliminary idea but the response does not incorporated in the fmdings report. The interview covered
90 infonnants, which comprise about 20 percent out of the total WAJlB population size. Purposive,
multi-stage stratified and systematic sampling methods have been employed in sample selection
process.
It is found out that people positively perceive the W AJIB approach of PFM due to the fact that they
proved there is a positive change in forest conservation, empowennent and accountability devolved
upon them. Moreover, the W AJIB members are strongly participating in the forest management in
idea sharing, plaurling, decision-making and controlling. This happened as a result of the privileges of
ownership and use right granted to them by the agreement made with the regional government The
benefits they derive or expect to derive are also the driving force for such active W AJIBs ' commlmity
participation. Moreover, awareness creation made about the gloomy side of deforestation, and the
chance of the commwlity to be displaced from the forest region by government force for the loss of
forest stock, the homogeneity of the people living witlun the forest, and decision making power
devolved towards the conununity (applying bottom-up approach) are some of the major encouraging
factors in forest management.
On the other hand, in contrast to some research findings, which were carried-out in other area, land
tenure; income difference and traditional or cultural value do not have impact on both participation
and forest management activity. This reveals that the variables that affect people's participation are
based on regional specific attributes.
Some of the factors that discourage participation are conflict/potential conflict/ arising between those
W AJIB members who are granted the use right and non-W AJIB members of the cOlnnlwlity who are
excluded from use right over the forest. Furthennore, the fear of losing their fann land, lack of
incentives, weak legal actions taken on illegal users and doubt on project continuity are some of the
hindrances mentioned by the informants. Most of such variables are directly or indirectly related to
securing forest right.
Key Words: People's perception, participation, use right, exclusive right, awareness, bottom-up appro
Description
Keywords
People's perception, participation, use right, exclusive right, awareness, bottom-up appro