Abstract
This study assessed forest cover change from 1985 to 2016, analyzed community perception on forest cover change and its drivers, and suggested possible solutions in northern Ethiopia. Landsat images of 1985, 2000 and 2016, household interviews and focus group discussions were used. While dense forests and open forests increased by 8.2% and 32.3% respectively between 1985 and 2000, they decreased by 10.4% and 9.8% respectively from 2000 to 2016. Grasslands and cultivated land decreased in the first period by 37.3% and 5.5% but increased in the second period by 89.5% and 28.5% respectively. Fuel wood collection, cultivated land expansion, population growth; free grazing, logging for income generation and drought were the major drivers of the change reported by local communities. Soil erosion, reduction in honey bee production, flooding and drought were the most perceived impacts of the changes. Most of the farmers have a holistic understanding of forest cover change. Strengthening of forest protection, improving soil and water conservation, enrichment planting, awareness creation, payment for ecosystem services and zero grazing campaigns were mentioned as possible solutions to the current state of deforestation. In addition, concerted efforts of conservation will ensure that the forests’ ecosystems contribute to increased ecosystem services.
Highlights
Forests are important sources of livelihood for millions of people and contribute to the national economic development of many countries
This study explored the forest cover dynamics in the Wujig Mahgo Waren forest in northern Ethiopia using a multi-disciplinary approach that combines a remote sensing method with participatory and community engagement approaches
The land cover changes were successfully detected using a combination of GIS and remote sensing techniques and household surveys
Summary
Forests are important sources of livelihood for millions of people and contribute to the national economic development of many countries. Despite their crucial importance in livelihood and climate regulation, forest resources all over the globe are subjected to enormous pressure resulting in deforestation and degradation due to the increase in human and cattle population and widespread rural poverty [1]. The depletion of forests has many ecological, social and economic consequences, including the extinction of biotic communities leading to reduction in biodiversity, soil erosion, global warming and loss of income to forest dwellers [3]. In Ethiopia, the diverse forest resources available provide goods and services of significant values to the society, environment and economy [4].
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