Appraisal of Community Awareness towards WAJIB Approach: the Case of Dodola District, West-Arsi, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was intended at examining awareness of forest dwellers towards WAJIB approach and identifying problems hindering their participation in joint forest and wildlife resources management. Data were generated through PRA and household survey. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic narrative and descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that majority of forest dwellers (77%) have no adequate awareness about the objectives of WAJIB approach and the role of their participation in joint forest and wildlife management. The results also indicated that, currently, failure to enforce legal instruments, doubt about WAJIB continuity and human population increase within forest blocks are among the major problems hindering forest dwellers participation in co-management activities. Thus, improving their awareness by training and capacity building programs, supporting them with enabling legal and policy tools might advance sustainability of the scheme.

Keywords: Participation, Sustainability, WAJIB (forest dwellers association-in local language)