Abstract:
Deforestation in Ethiopia is remained increasingly at alarming rate and the rate of
afforestation was not adequately equal with high rate of clearing forest resources for
different purposes. This study was aimed at assessing farmer’s perception to
deforestation, and its causes and consequences in Sodo-Woreda (Gurage zone) based on
the perception of households. The study was based on descriptive survey and followed
cross sectional design encompassing both qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 192
sample respondents were selected through systematic random sampling. The data were
analysed by using simple descriptive statistics such as percentage, frequency, tables and
charts. Qualitative data were analysed through interpretation and conceptual
generalization. Result of the study showed that deforestation is not only a real threat but
it is also a critical problem in Soddo Woreda (Gurage- Zone). Poverty is a major
determinant of the way in which people make decisions about resource use. In the study
area human induced mismanagement of natural resource is a root cause of forest
degradation together with concomitant climate changes. Unwise utilization of natural
resources such as forest basically implies the risk of over using and degrading these
resources in the area. Factors such as production of fire wood and charcoal, expansion
of crop farming, exploitation of forest for construction materials (ex. timber) over-
browsing and over grazing, and settlement, infrastructure and urban expansion were the
main direct cause of deforestation problem in the study area underlain by growing
population and poverty. Results of the study also indicated that, increasing local
temperature and soil erosion, drought, shortage of forest products, loss of bio-diversity
(plant and animal species), etc., were the major negative effects of deforestation problem
in the study area. Therefore, the woreda agriculture and rural development offices and
every concerned stakeholder should be a promotion of environmental education and
awareness, and the expansion of alternative energy sources, training, fuel saving
technology, diffusion should be facilitated in order to reduce their dependency on fuel
wood.
