Eucalyptus Woodlots Research Articles

Analysis of the decision to convert croplands into E. Camaldulensis woodlot and its impact on income diversification in Mecha district, Northwest Ethiopia

Financial benefits from Eucalyptus woodlot growing can surpass staple crop production; nevertheless, the reasons for this shift and its potential impacts on income diversification remain largely unknown in the highlands of Ethiopia. Using a binary logistic regression model, the study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the conversion of cropland to Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodlots. The independent t-test and the Simpson Diversity Index were used to evaluate the impact of transition on income diversification. Quantitative data gathered from 337 randomly chosen household heads were used in the analysis. Results revealed that market demand for E. camaldulensis woodlot, plot accessibility to a transportation route, declining cropland productivity, more saving potential, and total land holding size significantly influenced the decisions of farmers to convert their croplands into E. camaldulensis woodlot. Woodlot adopters diversified their source of income by 49.4 % compared to non-adopters, implying that eucalyptus woodlot plantings can be more preferred to income improvement than crop production. Policy makers must pay attention to important factors that significantly influence the decisions that farmers make about the conversion of croplands into E. camaldulensis woodlots. Increased growth in woodlots with balanced cropland output through a sustainable land management approach is required to increase the diversification of income among farmers.

Local Farmers’ Perception towards Eucalyptus Woodlot: Lesson Drawn from the Jamma District, Northeastern Ethiopia

Eucalyptus woodlots are the most economically important and extensively planted exotic tree species in Ethiopia. However, there are different arguments on Eucalyptus’s contribution and its effect on the environment from scholars and communities as a whole. Hence, this study investigates farmers’ perceptions and factors affecting their perception of Eucalyptus woodlot plantation. The sample size of respondents was 150 farmers who were selected randomly, and data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The collected data were analysed through descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. The result revealed that 65.3% of farmers had a positive perception, but they perceived negative effects like Nutrient competition of Eucalyptus on crops, effect on water resources, drying out of other plant species, shading effect, and causing soil infertility. Eucalyptus contributed 41.6% to the total household income, next to agriculture (54.2%). Degraded land, roadsides, and farm boundary were the common niches of Eucalyptus plantations. Furthermore, Eucalyptus wood products are the most preferable construction materials for local communities. The result shows that the majority of the farmers plant Eucalyptus on degraded land. The model result indicated that staying years in the area, farmers’ experience, age, educational status, and distance to market had significant effects on farmers’ perception towards Eucalyptus plantation. The findings recommended that different concerned bodies should work to address different socioeconomic and biophysical factors affecting farmers’ perception towards Eucalyptus woodlot. The findings further suggest that experts and policy-makers should consider the interests and perceptions of farmers to make decisions regarding Eucalyptus woodlot plantations

Management Practices and Economic Contribution of Eucalypts Woodlots to the Rural Household Livelihoods: The Case of Cheha District, Southern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia rural households growing Eucalypts at farm level in the form of woodlot become popular and Eucalyptus woodlot products play a significant role in household economy in particular and economic development of the nation in general. This study was conducted in Cheha districts in the Guraghe zone to assess the farmers’ management practices and analyze the socioeconomic contribution of Eucalypts woodlot to the livelihood of the rural households in the area. Economic data was collected by employing a formal survey using a structured questionnaire. Woodlot inventory was conducted on farmers’ eucalyptus woodlots to identify the existing trees' frequency distribution by diameter classes that indicated economic value. The latest version of Stata, version 13, SAS version 9.1, sigma plot version 12, and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze the data. The result of the study revealed that most of the sampled farmers in the study area had Eucalypts woodlot, targeting either to earn more income or to increase the productivity of the land which has denied growing cereal crops and pastures. Most of the farmers considered Eucalypts as one of the major sources of income and risk aversion. Excluding household consumption, the aggregate cash income contribution of Eucalypts woodlot products to rural households was more than 34% for midland and 37% for highland agro-ecologies. Further studies are needed on the management aspect of Eucalypts woodlots for the productivity of allocated land.

Eucalyptus woodlot adoption and its determinants in the Mecha District, Northern Ethiopia

IntroductionThe land area under Eucalyptus plantations has now significantly increased among Ethiopian smallholder farmers whereby Eucalyptus is grown on their farms in the form of a woodlot primarily for income generation. Despite its widespread adoption, studies and systematic documentation on its adoption and economic impact are inadequate to inform evidence-based policy development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the variables influencing the adoption of Eucalyptus woodlot in Mecha District, northern Ethiopia.MethodsA multistage sampling method was used to sample 186 respondent households from three villages namely Enashenifalen, Addisameba, and Rim in the district. Primary data was gathered through key informants (13), in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (3), and direct observations, which were complemented by data from secondary sources obtained from published and unpublished documents. A double-hurdle econometric model was used to identify factors influencing households’ adoption decisions and adoption intensity of Eucalyptus woodlot.Results and discussionThe findings indicate that household adoption decisions are significantly influenced by the number of parcels of land, off-farm work engagement, credit availability, and farmers’ perceptions of woodlot production. Family size (negatively), land holding size, number of parcels of land, market access, the adjacent farm, and farmers’ perceptions of Eucalyptus woodlot production all significantly influenced the adoption intensity of Eucalyptus woodlots. Furthermore, the major constraints were a lack of support and training, a lack of land segregation, and limited technologies. Providing support and training, alternative options for farmers, cluster planting, technology adoption, developing and implementing Eucalyptus policies, and enforcing rules and regulations are all areas that need to be addressed to improve the livelihood of the community.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Local Household Income Derived from Eucalyptus Woodlot in Jamma District, Ethiopia

A woodlot is a piece of woodland that is a privately owned farm for tree plantation. It has become a common activity among local households in Ethiopia. Currently, local households in Jamma District, Ethiopia predominantly plant eucalyptus woodlot as their alternative income source. However, there is no empirical evidence on the factors that affect driving maximum income from Eucalyptus woodlot. This study investigated the factors affecting income from Eucalyptus woodlots in the Jamma district. Data were collected and organized by the household survey, key informant interview, field observation, and focus group discussion. Qualitative and quantitative data were used from primary and secondary sources. A total of 150 randomly selected households were interviewed from Eucalyptus woodlot owners. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to determine the significant variables affecting the income amount derived from eucalyptus woodlot. The results described the socioeconomic characteristics of households, and investigate the determinants of Eucalyptus woodlot income level. Age, family size, distance from the market, and household experience are the major factors that determine the income of households derived from Eucalyptus woodlot production. Household income derived from eucalyptus woodlot was negatively and significantly affected by the distance where their woodland was located from the market and their experience in planting Eucalyptus as the regression analysis showed. The result of this study suggests that technical manuals should be implemented to minimize its negative impacts on the environment to made the households better benefited from their Eucalyptus woodlot products and for sustainable production.

Insights of smallholder farmers on the trade-offs of eucalyptus plantation

Eucalyptus is a popular evergreen perennial tree that grows quickly. Due to its diverse economic value and wide range of adaptations, the eucalyptus is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Eucalyptus is an economically important tree. However, the economic importance of eucalyptus ensued at the expense of undesirable ecological consequences. This qualitative study reports the advantages and disadvantages of eucalyptus woodlot establishment on the productivity of arable and grazing lands. In this study, nine knowledgeable farmers were involved in an in-depth individual interview and four focus group discussions were conducted. Farmers have frequently reported the negative impact of eucalyptus plantations on the productivity of the agricultural system. Eucalyptus serves as a refuge for crop pests and pathogens such as aphids and rust. Besides, the shade suppresses the development of the understory and adjacent crops, pastures, fodder, and other species of native trees and shrubs if they are planted together. Eucalyptus has increasingly replaced eco-friendly native trees and shrubs traditionally used as hedges, windbreaks, fodder, shelters for domestic and wild animals, and enhancers of soil fertility. Besides deteriorating soil fertility, structure, and moisture, it drains wetlands, springs, and streams and reduces the flow of rivers. Nevertheless, farmers acknowledged the importance of eucalyptus as a construction material, a source of fuelwood and charcoal, and income. To make the best use of eucalyptus woodlots without imposing adverse effects on agroecology, farmers have suggested that plantation sites should be marginally suitable for crop and livestock production. The expanded plantation needs to be contracted by removing a significant proportion of the established eucalyptus woodlots. Plantations of eucalyptus around watering points should be discouraged. Fast-growing, resilient, and eco-friendly tree species, such as those from Grevillea and Populus species, and sibling (leguminous) trees and shrubs delivering comparable products and services should be sought after to replace the significant proportion of the established eucalyptus woodlot.

Phosphorous Sorption Characteristics of Soils in Smallholding Land Use in Southern Ethiopia

Purpose. This study evaluated the P sorption characteristics of soils under smallholding land use in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. Soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from each of the home garden, grazing land, cropland, and woodlot in three replications at two sites and analyzed for P sorption isotherm data and selected soil properties. Results. The P sorption data were generated by equilibration with P solutions and the data were fitted with the Freundlich model (r2 = 0.88–0.98, SE = 0.16–0.24) and Langmuir model (r2 = 0.81–0.98, SE = 0.45–1.71). The Langmuir P sorption maximum (Qmax) and Freundlich sorption coefficient (Kf) were the highest in the cropland soils while these parameters were the lowest in the home garden. Maximum buffering capacity (MBC) was in the order cropland > woodlot > home garden > grazing land, but Freundlich P buffering capacity (PBC) followed the order cropland > grazing land > home garden > woodlot. Langmuir bonding energy (bL) and Freundlich phosphate sorption affinity (1/n) were in the order of home garden > woodlot > grazing land > cropland. The Qmax was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with clay, Kf, PBC, the oxalate and dithionates extractable Al, Fe, and Mn, but it negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with soil pH, SOC, AP and bL. Conclusion. Generally, the effect of P sorption of the smallholding home garden was slightly different from eucalyptus woodlot and grazing lands but considerably different from cropland. The high P sorption capacity in cropland was attributed to the high amorphous and crystalline Fe/Al oxides/hydroxides, low SOC, and low soil pH. Hence, combinations of P managements are required for increasing P availability in the smallholding land uses.

An Ecological-Economic Approach to Assess Impacts of the Expansion of Eucalyptus Plantations in Agroforest Landscapes of Northern Ethiopia

The conversion of fertile croplands to Eucalyptus woodlots in Ethiopian highlands, due to its business attractiveness to smallholders, raises concerns related to food production, water resources, carbon and other ecosystem services. This study was therefore designed to examine land allocation and plantation management decisions. Our emphasis was on the analysis of tradeoffs between the economic gains obtained from harvesting Eucalyptus timber and food production, carbon and water use. For that purpose, we considered a 1987 ha agroforest landscape in the Amhara region, Northern Ethiopia. With a planning horizon covering nine one-year periods, we developed and used nine Model I single objective linear programming (LP) models, and analyzed tradeoffs between objectives (e.g., land expectation value (LEV), Carbon, volume of ending inventory (VolEI), crop production and water use) using an LP-based Pareto frontier approach. The study revealed that the objective of maximizing the total economic gain from the sale of Eucalyptus wood poles favored a complete conversion of the available cropland into Eucalyptus woodlots. To meet the minimum annual crop production/consumption/requirements of households in the study area, the land under Eucalyptus should be limited to 1772 ha, with a sequestration potential of 1.5 to 1.57 × 107 kg yr−1 of carbon in the aboveground biomass. However, this land cover limit should be decreased to 921 ha so as to limit the total annual water use (for biomass production) below the amount available from rainfall (11,000 m3 ha−1 yr−1). Moreover, the study highlighted that maximizing the harvested wood volume or LEV would come at the cost of a decreased aboveground carbon stock and volume of ending inventory and higher total water use. It also provided alternative optimal Pareto-front points, among which decision makers will be able to select their preferred targets. The current study also showed the potential for the application of Pareto frontier approaches to support the development of effective ecological/economic management strategies and the design of land use policies in an Ethiopian context.

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Woodlot Influences Soil Properties and Teff Yield on the Adjacent Croplands in Guraghe Zone, Central Ethiopia

In Ethiopia five Eucalyptus species were adopt wide area and Eucalyptus camaldulensisi more dominant in low land and middle land area and economically very important. This leads to farmers converted portion of their farmland to Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodlots. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of E. camaldulensis woodlot on the soil properties and teff (Erogrsticteff) yields on an adjacent cropland. A plot of 2m x 1.5m area was laid down inside plantation (assumed zero m), at one, three, six, nine and20 m distances away from the E. camaldulensis woodlot in to the adjacent cropland. This was replicated on three farmlands. Teff was grown on the plots and the yield, height, and biomass of teff were measured and thirty six soil samples were collected from experimental field. The soil bulk density (p<0.01), soil moisture (p<0.001), SOC (p < 0.05), avail P (p < 0.01) and avail K (p < 0.01) were significantly varied with distance. The yield and height of teff were significantly (p< 0.01) affected by distance from the woodlot. Moreover, mean soil total N at three meter, avail P from one meter to six meter, avail K after nine meter, yield and biomass of teff up to six meter were reduced. The yield reduction of teff could be attributed to the soil moisture and soil nutrient competition between the Eucalyptus woodlot and teff. In this study we had concluded that E. Camaldulensis wood lot has effect on teff production up to six- meter distance from the woodlot and adjacent crop were recommended after Six meter.

A study of composition and diversity variation of avifauna along with different types of agroforestry system in Kibet town, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundAgroforestry is an integrated land-use system that plays a great role in the conservation of landscape biodiversity. The study aimed to assess the composition and diversity of avian species along with different habitat types of agroforestry in Kibet Town, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsFour habitat types of agroforestry system which are home gardens, live fences, parkland, and eucalyptus woodlot were identified. Line transects were used for bird surveys. The Shannon diversity index (H′) and species evenness index (E) were used to compare diversity among habitat types. A similarity percentages (SIMPER) test was carried out to identify the main species and feeding guild that typified each habitat type. The overall significance was assessed with the ANOSIM test using PAST (version 4.03).ResultsA total of 50 bird species belonging to 28 families and 10 orders were recorded. Order Passeriformes (67.3%) had the highest number of species. Bird community composition differed among habitat types. The dissimilarity was mainly due to White-browed robin-chat (Cossypha heuglini), Streaky seed-eater (Serinus striolatus), Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus), African Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis), and Black-Headed Paradise Flycatcher (T. rufiventer). The finding also revealed that insectivore was the dominant feeding guild.ConclusionsThe present study shows evidence that more insectivore bird species use different types of agroforestry as habitat and foraging sites. So, any concerned bodies who have engaged in avian conservation should give special consideration to this modified landscape.

Sustainable Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Strategies Around Busitema Central Forest Reserve, Eastern Uganda

The study aimed at establishing sustainable Human-wildlife co-existence strategies to help settle the conflicts existing between humans and wildlife living around Busitema Central Forest Reserve. To achieve this, we first examined the nature of the existing conflicts which helped us to come up with conflict-specific co-existence strategies. We used questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussions, where the information obtained was confirmed by field observations. The data was then analysed using simple descriptive statistics like percentages, means and standard deviations. Results indicated that primates (baboons and monkeys) dominated the conflicting list of wildlife with humans followed by rodents while carnivores were the least reported. Crop raiding (100%), livestock and poultry predation (36%) were the most dominant conflicts reported posed to man while habitat destruction (40%) and road accidents (26%) were the biggest conflict man has posed on wildlife. Equitable compensation (10±0.0) and community involvement in conservation (8±1.4) dominated the sustainable Human-Wildlife co-existence strategies suggested by local communities. It was concluded that, involvement of local communities in wildlife conservation should be prioritized and areas surrounding the protected forest area should be planted with crops such as tea and trees such as eucalyptus (woodlots) that are not affected by wildlife but rather are enhancers of wildlife habitats

FACTORS AFFECTING LOCAL FARMERS ADOPTION OF EUCALYPTUS WOODLOT IN JAMMA DISTRICT, SOUTH WOLLO ZONE, AMHARA REGIONAL STATE OF ETHIOPIA

Eucalyptus is one of the most widely planted exotic tree species grown in Ethiopia. The spices have been planted as a woodlot by local farmers and became one of the most economically important tree plants. The main objective of the study was to identify factors that determine the local farmers’ decision making of eucalyptus woodlot production in Jamma District, Ethiopia. The survey was carried out on 150 local farmers who were selected through systematic random sampling. The collected raw data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis. The result of the study shows that landholding size, Farmers' education level; the age of the farmers were positive significantly affecting the adoption of eucalyptus woodlot. On the other hand fertility of land, family size and distance from the market was affecting the farmer's adoption of Eucalyptus woodlot production negatively. To protect the forest from deforestation and increase the income of households, it recommends that policymakers should work with stakeholders to create an enabling policy environment to support Eucalyptus production in Ethiopia. KEYWORDS: Adoption, Eucalyptus Tree, Farmers, Plantation, Woodlot, Ethiopia.

More people, more trees: A reversal of deforestation trends in Southern Ethiopia

AbstractDespite global commitments to forest restoration, evidence of the pathways through which restoration creates social and ecological benefits remains limited. The objective of this paper is to provide empirical evidence to generate insights on the relationship between forest cover change and key provisioning ecosystem services and reforestation pathways. In Southern Ethiopia, three zones along a gradient of decreasing land cover complexity and tree cover were examined. The land cover change was assessed using satellite remote sensing and complemented ground‐based tree inventory. Perceptions of land cover and ecosystem services change and farmer responses were evaluated through three Participatory Rural Appraisals and eight Focus Group Discussions. Since the 1970s, a landscape shift from a forest‐grassland to a cropland mosaic was associated with increased food production, improved food security, and higher incomes. However, this shift also coincided with reductions in livestock, construction materials, fuelwood and water availability, prompting reforestation efforts designed to recover some of these lost ecosystem services. In particular, some households established Eucalyptus woodlots and encouraged natural regeneration. Natural trees, Eucalyptus woodlots, Ensete plantations (a type of plantain), and grasslands were positively associated with homestead proximity; thus, homestead establishment resulting from population increase in this predominately agricultural landscape appeared to foster a viable forest restoration pathway—that is, 'more people, more trees'. This is a reforestation pathway not previously described in the literature. A return to a more diverse agricultural landscape mosaic provided more secure and diversified income sources along with better provisioning of construction materials, fuelwood, and higher livestock numbers.

Effects of Land Use Types on Selected Soil Properties in Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Rapid land use changes have been observed in recent years in central Ethiopia. The shift from natural ecosystem to artificial ecosystem is the main direction of change. Therefore, this study was initiated to assess the effects of land use types on selected soil properties in Meja watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia. The randomized complete block design, including three adjacent land use types as treatments with three replications and two soil depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm), was applied in this study. There were significant differences in some soil properties among the three land use types. Lower soil pH and electric conductivity were observed in cultivated land soils than Eucalyptus woodlots soils. This has indicated the worsening soil conditions due to the shift from Eucalyptus woodlots to cultivated land. Less decomposition rate of the Eucalyptus leaves and debris collection for fuel could result in lowest soil organic carbon at the upper layer of Eucalyptus woodlot soils. However, the highest soil organic carbon at the lower layer was observed in Eucalyptus woodlot soils. The presence of highest soil potassium, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable potassium in cultivated land soil was related to application of artificial fertilizers. Grassland soils have highest exchangeable sodium at the lower layer while highest soil carbon and sum cations at the upper layer, which can be related to the grass root biomass return and less surface runoff on grassland. There was the highest exchangeable sodium percentage on Eucalyptus woodlot soils at the upper layer; it can be due to the less surface nutrient movement and growth characteristics of the tree. The soils in cultivated land was shifted to more acidic and less electric conductivity.This shift can lead to soil quality deterioration that affects the productivity of the soils in the future.Nutrient leaching, application of artificial fertilizer, soil erosion, and continuous farming have affected the soil properties in cultivated land. The presence of highest exchangeable sodium percentage and lowest sum of cations at the upper layer of soil in Eucalyptus woodlot should be noted for management and decision makers. The previous negative speculations on Eucalyptus woodlots which can be related with the soil texture, soil moisture, bulk density, total nitrogen, exchangeable magnesium, calcium, and available sulfur should be avoided because there were no significant differences observed among the three land use types in the study area. The study recommends further studies on the effects of Eucalyptus on soil properties by comparing among different ages and species of Eucalyptus. Finally, planting of Eucalyptus on central highlands of Ethiopia should be supported by land use management decision.

Soil organic carbon and nutrients in smallholding land uses in southern Ethiopia

AbstractThis study assessed the soil organic C (SOC) and soil nutrients in smallholding home garden, woodlot, grazing land, and cropland at two soil depths and two sites in Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia. The results showed that soil properties were significantly influenced by land use. The home garden had significantly higher (p < 0.05) SOC and soil nutrients when compared to the cropland. When the home garden was compared to the woodlot and grazing land uses, it had significantly higher (p < 0.05) values except in SOC, total N (TN), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable Ca. Cropland, in comparison with grazing land and woodlot, had a non‐significant difference except TN. The SOC stock (0–40 cm) in the home garden, woodlot, grazing land and cropland was 79.5, 68.0, 65.0, and 58.1 Mg ha−1, respectively. Home garden significantly differed (p ≤ 0.05) in SOC only from cropland, and this was attributed not only to the relatively higher organic input in the home garden but also to the little organic matter input and frequently tillage of the cropland. The similar SOC among the home garden, woodlot and grazing lands may imply that the balance between inputs and outputs could be nearly similar for the land uses. Soil TN and CEC had a nearly similar pattern of difference as in SOC among the land uses because of their close relationship with SOC. In general, the land use influence on soil nutrients can be in the order: home garden > wood land ≈ grazing land ≈ cropland, with home garden showing the least difference from the woodlot and the greatest from the cropland. In the agroecosystem, in general, the influence of smallholding home garden on SOC and soil nutrient was marginally different from Eucalyptus woodlot and grazing lands but evidently different from cropland.

Analysis of Smallholder Farmers’ Cooperation in Eucalyptus Woodlot Production in Wegera District, Northern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, cooperation among smallholder famers’ is a key element for managing and harvesting of agricultural crops and woodlot production. Despite the growing expansion and interest in eucalyptus woodlot production, not much has been done to characterize the type, form and level of cooperation among the smallholder farmers. Thus, this study analyses smallholder farmers’ cooperation on eucalyptus woodlot production in Wegera district, northern Ethiopia. Data collection involved focus group discussions, field observations, key informant interviews and semi-structured questionnaires administered to 120 producers selected using a systematic random sampling technique in three purposively selected kebeles (rural villages). A combination of data analysis methods, including descriptive statistics and econometric analysis (binary probit model), were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that two types of cooperation, informal and formal were identified and the level of cooperation was high since most smallholder farmers (80.8%) were found to participate in one or both of these systems. Further, the binary probit model shows that age (p = 0.007), family size (p = 0.026), membership status (p = 0.001), total livestock number (p = 0.011), woodlot size (p = 0.039), and working preference status of producers (p = 0.064) were significant variables in determining eucalyptus owners, decisions to cooperate. Informal cooperation constitutes an essential element in the production of eucalyptus woodlots especially in those activities like nursery preparation, transplanting, hoeing, harvesting and transporting. Based on the findings, formalization of informal institutions, execution of cluster planting to improve social relations and to settle eucalyptus related land use conflicts, and provide capacity building training to increase the level of awareness and use of cooperation benefits among producers are recommended.

Determinants of the production and commercial values of Eucalyptus woodlot products in Wogera District, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundGrowing and planting of Eucalypts tree at a farm level in the form of woodlot has become a common practice among Ethiopian rural households. Currently, Ethiopian smallholder farmers mainly establish Eucalypts woodlot as a part of livelihood portfolio for meeting both household wood consumption and generating cash income. However, empirical evidence is lacking on the extent of households motivation in Eucalyptus woodlot production and factors influencing commercial values of its products. Consequently, this study investigated the factors influencing commercial value of Eucalyptus woodlot products in Wogera district.MethodsPrimary data were collected from 120 randomly selected Eucalyptus producer households through pre-tested questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to determine the significant variables affecting commercial values of Eucalyptus products in the study area.ResultsThe result of the study revealed that different types of local Eucalyptus woodlot products such as pole, worage, mager, split wood and bundle of firewood were produced and used both for households’ consumption and commercial purpose. Moreover, the OLS model result indicated that age (p < 0.1), wealth status (p < 0.1) and woodlot size of households (p < 0.01) positively and significantly determine the commercial value of Eucalyptus woodlot products. While, access to credit service and experience are significant but with negative influence on the commercial values of woodlot products at 5% levels of significance.ConclusionGenerally, production and marketing of Eucalyptus wood products play a significant poverty alleviation role as a source of regular income, local medicine, firewood, fence and construction materials in turn improving the livelihoods of the rural community in Ethiopia. Based on the findings, providing capacity-building training to strength producer’s credit usage on Eucalyptus Woodlot production system should be advisable. Moreover, the stakeholder should establish wood industry to enhance the income generation capacity of Eucalyptus for producers and traders. Finally, to reduce the conflict between crop producers and Eucalyptus producers, cluster planting are advisable.

Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers Adoption of Eucalyptus Woodlot in Wogera District, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia

Eucalyptus is familiar specious in various weather conditions of the world. Eucalyptus woodlot planation in wogera district become increased since 1970. The study was to examine the determinant factors for the adoption of eucalyptus woodlots by smallholder farmers in Wogera district. Three stage sampling procedure was used to select 118 sample respondent farmers from three purposively selected Kebeles of the district. Household survey was used to collect quantitative data. Econometric model (binary logit model) was employed to analyze the quantitative data. Adoption of eucalyptus woodlot was affected negatively by family size and fertility of land, and positively affected by farm size, access to market, and farmers’ perception towards eucalyptus woodlot production. It is concluded that adoption of eucalyptus woodlot plantation was affected mainly by socio-economic and institutional factors. Therefore, attention should be given to manage the identified factors and change smallholder farmer’s attitude towards eucalyptus woodlot plantation.

Trees and rural households’ adaptation to local environmental change in the central highlands of Ethiopia

ABSTRACTThis study assesses the role of trees in adaptation strategies of rural households to local environmental change in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Change in tree cover was assessed by producing Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) maps using satellite remote sensing images, and household survey was conducted to generate socioeconomic data. The results show that tree cover has increased over the last 30 years, mostly in the form of eucalyptus woodlots around homesteads. Eucalyptus reportedly helps households pass through livelihood shocks and provide protection against negative effects of climate change and variability. Despite some concerns on the part of local agricultural experts that planting eucalyptus may affect future food production, farmers are converting their croplands into eucalyptus woodlots. We conclude that land use planning and proper allocation of land resource is important to improve local livelihoods while also supporting adaptation of communities to local environmental change in general and climate change in particular.

Local people\u2019s knowledge on the adverse impacts and their attitudes towards growing Eucalyptus woodlot in Gudo Beret Kebele, Basona Worena district, Ethiopia

IntroductionGrowing Eucalyptus at a farm level in the form of woodlot has become popular among rural households in Ethiopia. For example, rural households mainly establish Eucalyptus woodlot as a component of livelihood improvement and diversification to meet household wood demand and generating cash income. However, there is lack of information on the growth parmeters of Eucalyptus woodlot and the factors influencing the household decision on their establishment at the individual farmland level. The objective of this study was to examine local people’s knowledge on the adverse impacts and their attitudes towards growing Eucalyptus woodlot in Gudo Beret Kebele. We hypothesized that local people’s knowledge on the adverse impacts and their attitudes towards growing Eucalyptus woodlot in Gudo Beret Kebele is affected by socioeconomic and cognitive variables.MethodsA structured questionnaire comprising closed- and open-ended questions was developed and administered to a total of n = 94 households to collect information on local people’s knowledge on the adverse impacts and their attitudes towards growing Eucalyptus woodlot. The households were randomly selected through a lottery system based on their house identification numbers. Descriptive statistics, binary logit, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze and interpret the data.ResultsThe results revealed that about 92% of the respondents noted that growing Eucalyptus woodlot had positive impacts on the socioeconomic situation of the community considering that it contributes to economic benefits through the sale of wood products, such as poles, construction materials, and fuelwood. However, only 8% of the respondents noted that the negative impacts of Eucalyptus woodlot were attributed to the decline in crop and forage production due to its allelopatic effect, and the reduction in ground water availability. Majority of the respondents (about 68%) preferred to grow Eucalyptus woodlot in Gudo Beret Kebele. Thus, most of the respondents (about 69%) had strongly agreed to have a positive attitude towards growing Eucalyptus woodlot. On the other hand, the binary logit regression model explained about 70.6% of the variance of local people’s knowledge on the adverse impacts of Eucalyptus woodlot. Overall, the multiple linear regression model revealed that socioeconomic and cognitive variables had significant effect on local people’s attitudes towards growing Eucalyptus woodlot (39.5% variance explained).ConclusionsWe recommended that foresters, natural resource experts and managers, environmentalists, land use planners, and policy-makers should take the right and careful decision by assessing the overall socioeconomic and ecological aspects of Eucalyptus woodlot based on the interests of various stakeholders including local communities.