Abstract:
This assessment was conducted in three targeted woredas of Bench Sheko Zone namely;
Guraferda, Semen Bench, and Sheybench woredas to identify alternative livelihood
options/improvements that reduce pressures on the forest and further encourage the co-existence
of a rural community with forest. The study was conducted in 11 kebeles from three woredas of
the project target area using in-depth-discussion conducted with experts of various sectors and
community representatives and PFM leaders. In addition, key informant interview was also held
with experienced and knowledgeable individuals regarding the livelihood activities and forest
conservation of the area. Particularly, the assessment of existing livelihood activities and
improvement/alternatives of rural communities reported in this document represents the
situations of targeted kebeles of the project only. The finding of this assessment revealed that
though the agroecology of the three target woredas is different; almost the livelihood activity of
rural households share common characteristics. The local community in the project area
dominantly relies on crop production and other livelihood activities such as livestock rearing;
beekeeping, timber/charcoal/firewood selling, small trade, and fruit and vegetable production
are also reported. Almost all rural households in the project area use the forest as a source of
wood for energy, timber, and other construction materials. The activities impose pressure on
forest resources directly or indirectly. The traditional way of crop production is reported as the
main cause of deforestation and forest degradation in the project area. The role of timber
production and firewood collection in forest degradation is also not insignificant. Even though
beekeeping and agroforestry-related activities have the potential to increase the co-existence of
human beings with trees, due to traditional practices, the livelihood is not contributing to the
forest conservation they deserve. This calls for urgent livelihood improvements/alternatives that
minimize anthropogenic pressures on forest resources in a sustainable manner. Thus,improving
the traditional practices of crop production, livestock production, and beekeeping as well as the
use of alternative energy sources to firewood and charcoal, the establishment of private
woodlots, expansion of PFM cooperatives, increasing saving culture of the rural community are
identified as livelihood alternatives/ improvement options that minimize negatives impacts of
human activities on forest resources of the project target areas. However, in the implementation
of these livelihood improvements; lack of technical trainings, awareness, capital and material
may be the bottlenecks. Thus, the implementers and its stakeholders have to devise strategies to
address these challenges to successfully achieve the intended objectives of the project.
