Role of Participatory Forest Management in Livelihood Diversification in the Case of Jello Forest, West Hararghe, Ethiopia

Abstract

Empowering local community as a developer of forest resource rather than considering them as a threat to the resource is one of the underlying aim of the Participatory Forest Management (PFM). The objectives of this study were to assess the role of PFM in livelihood diversification and people’s attitude towards livelihood diversification. Data were collected from 172 respondents through interviewing and also focus group discussion with different groups and as well as from secondary documents. Statistical tests were applied to see the relation between the variables. Accordingly, Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the means of change in livelihood diversification and improvement before and after the implementation of the project.  The results showed that there was a significant livelihood diversification as well as livelihood improvement for the beneficiaries. In general it can be inferred that, the establishment of PFM diversifies and improve livelihood activities of participant households and also that peoples are positive towards PFM and the changes in their livelihood as the result of PFM.

Keywords: Participatory Forest management, Livelihood Diversification and Jello Forest