THE SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ROLE OF ENSET (ENSET VENTRICOSUM) IN CHEHA WOREDA, GURAGE ZONE, SNNPRS, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Enset (Ensete ventricosum) is a perennial, multipurpose, banana-like indigenous crop in Ethiopia that plays a central role for socio-cultural, environmental, medicinal values, economical and other multi-purpose.The main objective of this thesis was to assess the socio-cultural and environmental role of Enset in Cheha woreda, Gurage zone, South Nation Nationality and People Regional State. The study kebeles were selected by using purposive (convenient) sampling techniques. Because this kebeles are highly known by Enset growing potential areas and the socities use Enset as staple food. 201 Sample respondents were selected from 1146 total households by using Cochran (1977) Scientific Formula and by using systematic random sampling technique from four (4) rural kebeles in cheha woreda. Data were collected from primary and secondary data sources and data collection tools were Questionnaires, key informant interview and field observation. Mixed research Approach (Quantitative and Qualitative) was employed to meet the objectives. The study tooks poor cultivation and management, lack of improved technology, expansion of new cash crops and trees on Enset farm, shortage of land and impact of climate (independent variables) and the socio cultural and environmental role of Enset (dependent variables) as conceptual framework.The data were analyzed and interpreted by using computer software (SPSS version 20) in the form of Simple Descriptive statistics (frequency, tables, percentages, figures, pie charts, and graphs) and Inferntial statistics (Chi-square and Binary Logistic Regression). Based on this research findings, the major constraints that Affect the role of Enset identified by the researcher were: Poor cultivation and management, lack of improved technology, expansion of new cash crops and trees on Enset farm, shortage of land and impact of climate.To fill this gap, concerned bodies, stakeholders and other development agents should give more attention about the cultivation and management of Enset to improve and expandng of its cultivation and productivity. Furthermore, government should plan capacity building opportunities like trainings and educational empowerments for the local farmers and research design appropriate intervention to solve this problems.