Socio-Economic and Environmental Values of Acacia-Commiphora (Small-Leaved Deciduous) Forest in Ethiopia

Abstract

Acacia-Commiphora is mainly found in the Southern and Central Rift Valley low lying areas with altitudes between 1000-1900m a.s.l in Ethiopia. The forest includes drought tolerant small-leaved trees and shrubs that are characteristic plant species in this group. Although the benefits of this forest for communities in Ethiopia are diverse, their socioeconomic and environmental values have not been discussed adequately. Moreover, they are facing different anthropogenic challenges associated with population growth and increased resource demand by communities. As a result, studying the forest and its value helps to promote their contribution to humans and enhance conservation measure in different parts of the country. Hence, this study was made to review the socioeconomic and environmental values of the forest and identify challenges of Acacia-Commiphora conservation in Ethiopia. These issues were addressed through exploration of different studies conducted on Acacia species and by referring various journals. According to this study, Acacia-Commiphora forest provides various benefits to the community. These forests are rich sources of gum and resin and are the main livelihood opportunities in Dryland parts of Ethiopia. Similarly, they contribute for energy source, production of home tools and protection, contribution to livestock production, income diversification, provision of medicinal values, importance in the production of industrial materials and products, etc. In addition, they provide environmental benefits including acting as habitat and food source for organisms, role in climate modulation, improve soil fertility and erosion control and enhancing biological nitrogen fixation. Despite the growing importance of the Acacia-Commiphora forests in Ethiopia, they are under threats due to various challenges. These challenges include bush encroachment and invasion of alien species, demographic pressure, competing land uses, climatic variability and climate change, food insecurity, land degradation and police related problems.

Keywords: Socio-economic, environmental, Acacia-Commiphora, Forest, Ethiopia.

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-23-02

Publication date: December 31^st 2020