Factors Affecting People’s Participation in Participatory Forest Management: The Case of IFMP Adaba-Dodola in Bale Zone of Oromia Region

Degeti, Terefe (2003) Factors Affecting People’s Participation in Participatory Forest Management: The Case of IFMP Adaba-Dodola in Bale Zone of Oromia Region. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.

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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 farm, 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 community takes part in the conservation process so that the authority and ownership right are permanently transferred to some identified members of community living within the forest. The study was conducted on Adaba-Dodola Forest Priority Area, from February to May 2002. The general objective of this Thesis is to identify the major factors affecting people’s participation in participatory forest management of Adaba-Dodola pilot project. Primary data are collected by face-to-face interview from sample population of WAJIB members using research instrument. Information 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 findings report. The interview covered 90 informants, which comprise about 20 percent out of the total WAJIB 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 WAJIB approach of PFM due to the fact that they proved there is a positive change in forest conservation, empowerment and accountability devolved upon them. Moreover, the WAJIB members are strongly participating in the forest management in idea sharing, planning, 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 WAJIBs’ community participation. Moreover, awareness creation made about the gloomy side of deforestation, and the chance of the community to be displaced from the forest region by government force for the loss of forest stock, the homogeneity of the people living within the forest, and decision making power devolved towards the community (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 WAJIB members who are granted the use right and non-WAJIB members of the community who are excluded from use right over the forest. Furthermore, the fear of losing their farm 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.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races S Agriculture > SD Forestry
Divisions:	Africana
Depositing User:	Tim Khabala
Date Deposited:	10 Sep 2018 09:06
Last Modified:	10 Sep 2018 09:06
URI:	http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/8572

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