Causes and Impacts of Deforestation and Forest Degradation at Duguna Fango Woreda
Aklilu Bajigo Madalcho, Merkineh Mesene Mena, Barana Babiso Badeso
Abstract
Forest is one of the crucial resources that determine the livelihood, environmental stability, and socio-cultural value of the dependent people. However, being deteriorated by different drivers it is becoming a global agenda with deep-rooted implications following the massive forest clearance and deterioration. This research was conducted to diagnose the causes of deforestation and forest degradation and to devise the ways for vegetation cover improvement opportunities at Duguna Fango Woreda. With a random sampling approach, ten districts (commonly named as Kebeles) were selected, and proportionate sample distribution was made to each kebele. A total of 120 household heads were interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Focus group discussion, field observation, and secondary data sources were used for qualitative data requirements. The quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS software (version 20.0); descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. Pearson correlation, Ordinal logistic regression; and chi-square test (crosstabulation) were computed for different variables. Accordingly, Slash and burn, farmland expansion, overgrazing, timber logging, firewood collection, charcoal production, forest fire, and settlement expansion were identified as direct causes of deforestation at 95% CI. On the other hand, population growth, increased price of forest products, climate change, and lack of awareness on forest management were indirectly positively correlated with deforestation in the area. Consequently, it has resulted in the loss of biodiversity, soil fertility decline, frequent drought occurrence, erratic rainfall; local temperature increment, and gully formation due to soil erosion at 95% CI. Selected Agroforestry practices are identified as the ideal solution to the current deforestation problem at Duguna Fango woreda.