Farmers Attitude towards Conservation of Biodiversity in Uwen Forest, LekaDullecha Woreda, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Rigion

Abstract

iodiversity encompasses variety and variability of all forms of life on earth. Conservation of biodiversity is vital for the livelihood of nearby community. This paper examines the attitudes of local communities toward biodiversity conservation in 'Uwen forest. Two hundred farmers were selected for the study . Ten respondents from each village were purposely selected for focus group discussion and ten respondents.from each village also randomly selected for interview. The results showed that more than half of the respondents have not good perception towards biodiversity conservation and they are less willingful to conserve biodiversity. Biodiversity in the study area is affected mainly by human activities. Agricultural expansion, collection of fire wood, timber production, charcoal production and poaching are the major threats. There was Statistical significant relation between the attitude and age, education level and income of the respondents, indicating that these variables influence the attitude of the participants. This study suggests that increasing farmers' awareness and knowledge about conservation of biodiversity has to be a priority for further community participation. The legal protection of biodiversity should be also strengthening.