MA THESIS ON DEFORESTATION PRACTICES AND COMMUNITY PERCEPTION IN DENDI WOREDA, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

Deforestation is the conversion of forest to an alternative permanent non-forested land use sucas agriculture, grazing, construction or for fuels. Deforestation is primarily a concern for thedeveloping countries of the tropics as it is shrinking areas of the tropical forests causing loss ofbiodiversity and enhancing the greenhouse effect. Some of the major causes of deforestation include; expansion of farm land, for fuel, construction, timber or for commertial purpose, grazzing, lack of keeping responsibilities among communities increasing rates of population growth, and low level of living standard, illiteracy of the majority of the population.Theobjectiveof this research is, therefore, to assess deforestation, to identify the main causes ofdeforestation, to identify local peoples perceptions towards deforestation, to indentifconsequences of deforestation, and to identify roles of institution in reducing deforestation bytaking Dendi Woreda, West Showa Zone, Oromia regional state as a study. The study hasemployed interview, personal observation, focus group discussion, and questionnaire methods toobtain necessary information. Descriptive survey research design was used.The information obtained is analyzed using descriptive statistics(through quantitative and qualitative).The mainconsquences of deforestation were:- soil erosion, climate change, loss of biodiversity, decreasingproductivity, drought, and famine were the major consequences of deforestation. To over comthe above problem government should create job opportunity for unemployment to reducdependency on forest and forest products, should educate and create awareness local community, alternative use of energy should be exist, afforestation and reforestation programmepractice and planning should be practice to reduce environmental problem.