Governing Computing Proviso of Habitation in the Highland Forest Region: Evidences from Arbagugu Controlled Hunting Area, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

The growing ecological footprint tends to dwindling of ecological resilience. Deforestation and forest degradation, specifically, are unavoidable in any country with virgin forests. For the last ten years, there have been unsuccessful attempts to cease farming in the highland forest of Arbagugu Controlled Hunting Area (ACHA). The ultimate objective of this study was to assess determinants that oversee the ultimatum for habitation in the highland forest region of Arbagugu district. Thus, 244 (50% of them permanently dwell in forest region) household heads were identified using random sampling techniques. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to analyze data. Binary logistic regression model analysis of dependent variable that showed demand to dwell in forest region permanently and own land but not dwell in the forest region. The findings of the study showed that education status, amount of farmland outside of forest region, residence time, expert visit and knowhow of the forest border were significantly contributed to permanently reside in highland forest region at five percent (5%) probability level. Similarly, weak institutions, overridden roles and untapped institutions contributed for fruitless practices of forest management. Marginalization of local communities and imposition of institutional interests were created local communities negligence. Therefore, empowerment of local communities, livelihood diversification, cooperation and collaboration among/between government institutions, and support from NGOs could bring betterment of highland forest management.

Keywords: Arbagugu CHA, Forest habitants, Forest management, Institutions, Logistic model