Effect of Participatory Forest Management (PFM) on Local Community Livelihood in Case of Bale Highlands, South East Ethiopia

Abstract

Natural forests and their biodiversity have a high importance for the worldwide ecosystem goods and services for the support of livelihoods. Despite the great actual and potential socio-economic and ecological benefits derived from the forest resources in Ethiopia, PFM can sustain the natural resource and the livelihoods at once. FM stakeholders supposed to enjoy some benefits in terms of household opportunities to meet their basic needs. However the government devoted limited right as community does not supposed to make any decision about forest, not enjoying high value benefits and the voice of participants in terms of what to generate from the forest is dictated by experts. This study intended to examine the effect of PFM on local community livelihood. Exploratory and descriptive research methods were applied in selected areas and the roles of Participatory forest management contribution to local livelihood explored. Semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interview and focus group discussion were used for the purpose of socio economic study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 304 household and one focus group discussion and key informant interview(KII) consisting 12 and 8 members respectively.The collected of livelho‑od contribution of PFM was analyzed using Microsoft excel software and     SPSS 20version.The used Paired-t-test and chi-square test analysis of the incomes derived from different forest products before and after PFM as well as between members and non members of PFM revealed a significant difference (p<0.05).Generally the study showed PFM have slightly contributed to the livelihoods of the forest adjacent community. From study result concepts Introduction of improved sheep breeds, Organizing or strengthen saving and credit scheme, use of improved plant and animal varieties of locally adaptable and Promotion of agroforestry and plantations in homesteads was recommended.

Keywords: Forest Status, Effect, Livelihood and Participatory Forest Management

DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/72-01

Publication date: January 31^st 2021