Deforestation is a growing problem in many parts of the tropical world and one of the affected countries is Ethiopia. The general objective of this study is to assess the effect of population growth on forest resource in East Wollega Zone in general and Haro Limu woreda in particular. The data used for the study were collected from 89 farm households heads drawn from the four kebeles of Haro Limmu district. Probability proportional to size sampling technique was employed to select the farm households from four peasant associations, which were selected by random sampling techniques. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. In addition, secondary data were extracted from relevant sources to supplement the data obtained from the survey.
The result of this study reveals that population growth huge impact on forestry development in the ways of expanding agricultural land, using wood as energy sources and satisfying the input requirements in agricultural activity. Respondents use family planning services in reducing the impact of population growth on the forestry development
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study
1.2. Statement of the Problem
1.3. Objective of the Study
1.3.1. General Objective
1.3.2. Specific Objectives
1.4. Hypothesis
1.5. Significance of the Study
1.6. Scope of the Study
1.7. Limitations of the Study
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1. Theoretical Literature
2.1.1. Meaning and Value of Forest
2.1.2. Causes of Deforestation
2.1.3. Connections between Population and the Environment
2.2. Empirical Literature
2.2.1. Trend in Population Size and Growth
2.2.2. Pattern of Deforestation in Haro Limu
2.2.3. Economic and Ecological Significance of Forest Resource
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1. Description of the Study Area
3.2. Demographic Characteristics of the Study Area
3.3. Data Sources of data and Methods of Data Collection
3.3.1. Type and Source of Data
3.3.2. Methods of Data Collection
3.4. Sampling Technique and Sample size
3.4.1. Sampling Technique
3.4.2. Sample Size
3.5. Data Processing and Analysis
4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1. Impact of population growth on forest
4.2. Causes and Consequences of Deforestation
5. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
5.1. Summary
5.2. Conclusions
5.3. Recommendations
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of population growth on forest resources in the East Wollega Zone, with a specific focus on the Haro Limu woreda. The research explores how demographic changes, agricultural expansion, and energy consumption needs drive deforestation and land degradation in the region.
- The relationship between population growth and forest resource depletion.
- Primary and secondary causes of deforestation in the Haro Limu district.
- The socio-economic dependencies of local farm households on forest products.
- The effectiveness of current environmental management and family planning practices.
- Recommendations for sustainable forest management and mitigation of environmental stress.
Extract from the Book
1.1. Background of the Study
Ethiopia with its 79 million (CSA, 2008) people living in a geographical extent of 1.1 million km2 has a GDP of US $ 6.1 billion, 39% of which is contributed by Agriculture, upon which 85% of the population are dependent for livelihoods (Amare, 2013).
Forest is the resource that provides many benefits to the society. In addition to providing wood, forest provide a habitat for wild life, site for recreation, wildness, watershed protection and many other benefits. It can also absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide (Dealon, 1993).
The impact of demographic changes on forests and the environment is often discussed in terms of biological carrying capacity, i.e. the maximum number of individuals that a resource can sustain. However, many factors influence carrying capacity, such as economic development, socio-political processes, and trade, technology, and consumption preferences (Bijendra, 2009). There has been a steady increase in the population growth rate since 1960 but after 1960’s population in Ethiopia started to increase rapidly because of changes in socio-economic conditions in the world (Amare, 2013).
According to Amare (2013) parallel to low socio-economic and rapid population growth, there is land degradation which has affected the country’s ecological integrity. For instance, the forest cover of Ethiopia was 40% at the beginning of 20th century but has declined to 2.2% at present. Soil degradation process makes large areas unsuitable for agriculture. Because the top soil and even part of the sub soil in some areas has been removed, and stones or bare rock are left at the surface. Up to half of the arable land in the Ethiopian highlands is estimated to be moderately to severely eroded, and as a result, previously cultivable lands are being (or have been) turned to wasteland (Amare, 2013).
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the background of the study, the problem statement regarding environmental degradation in Ethiopia, the research objectives, and the scope and limitations of the investigation.
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Examines theoretical perspectives on forest value and deforestation, while providing empirical evidence regarding population trends and the specific environmental context of Haro Limu.
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Details the geographical description of the study area, demographic characteristics, data collection methods, and the sampling techniques used to survey 89 household heads.
4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION: Presents the analysis of survey findings concerning the impact of population growth on forest use, causes of deforestation, and the respondents' perceptions of environmental changes.
5. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations: Synthesizes the study findings, offers final conclusions on the link between population pressure and forest depletion, and provides actionable recommendations for local stakeholders.
Keywords
Deforestation, Population Growth, Forestry Development, Haro Limu, Land Degradation, Agricultural Expansion, Environmental Sustainability, Resource Depletion, Household Survey, Carrying Capacity, Ethiopia, Sustainable Forest Management, Soil Erosion, Ecosystem Conservation, Family Planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
The study investigates the direct and indirect impacts of rapid population growth on forest resources and development within the Haro Limu district of Ethiopia.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the link between demographic change and deforestation, agricultural land expansion, household energy consumption patterns, and the socio-economic drivers of land degradation.
What is the primary objective of this thesis?
The main objective is to assess the effect of population growth on forest resources in the East Wollega Zone, particularly to understand how local needs contribute to the decline of forest cover.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The researcher utilized descriptive statistics based on primary data gathered through structured interviews with 89 farm household heads and supplemented this with secondary data from zonal and district reports.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body covers the theoretical background of forestry, a detailed methodological approach including site description and sampling, and an analysis of survey results concerning perceived environmental threats and causes of deforestation.
What are the key terms that define this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as deforestation, population pressure, sustainable environmental management, agricultural productivity, and community forest usage.
How does population growth specifically affect Haro Limu's forests?
The study reveals that population increase leads to forest clearing for subsistence agriculture, high demand for wood-based energy, and agricultural input requirements, which collectively drive environmental degradation.
What role does family planning play in the author's findings?
The results indicate that a majority of respondents recognize the value of family planning services as a potential mitigation tool to reduce the pressure on local forest resources caused by large family sizes.
- Citation du texte
- Fayera Debel (Auteur), 2014, The impact of population growth on forestry development in east Wollega zone, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/278848
