Assessment of Livelihood Alternatives/Improvement Options for Forest Conservation in the Intervention Areas of the Project

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.