This study aims to examine the annual income contribution of wood fuel production from small - scale plantation forestry in Fagta Lekoma district of Amhara region, Ethiopia. Household surveys were conducted by following the snowball-sampling technique. The data analyzed by using STATA software and multiple linear regression model also employed to evaluate the contribution of wood fuel annual income from the total annual income of the households. About 9000 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) household income comes from charcoal selling which is the highest average annual income. The result of multiple linear regression analysis indicates that an increase in one unit (ETB) income from charcoal making leads to an increase in total annual income by 0.972 units (ETB). Annual income contribution of wood fuel production is the largest amount of income recorded followed by annual income from crop production. Plantation forestry plays a significant role not only economically but also by the provision of alternative livelihood options for households. Plantation forestry used as a means of soil reclamation as well as means of households’ income. Inaction and implementation of policies supporting plantation forestry sustain rural livelihood by increasing their adaptive potential for shock and stress by creating alternative means of livelihood.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Methodology
2.1. Description of the study site
2.2. Data collection and sampling methods
2.3. Model specification and variable description
3. Results
3.1. Summary of respondents socio-economic status
3.2. Estimation of wood fuel contribution for households annual income
3.2. Comparison of livelihood contribution for household annual income
3.2. Order of livelihood contribution for household annual income
4. Discussion
5. Conclusions
Research Objective and Core Topics
This study aims to evaluate the economic contribution of wood fuel production from small-scale plantation forestry to the total annual household income in the Fagta Lekoma district of Ethiopia, while addressing the conflict of interest between tree plantation and agricultural crop production.
- Economic quantification of wood fuel production income
- Small-scale plantation forestry as a livelihood strategy
- Comparison of various income sources for rural households
- Resolution of conflicts regarding land use between forestry and agriculture
- Role of plantation forestry in sustainable rural development
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
Small scale plantation forests play a significant role in contributing to household income as well as poverty reduction for community level (Cuong, Chinh, Zhang, & Xie, 2020). Small-scale plantation forests for commercial wood fuel production play a significant role in supporting the livelihoods of farmers. Despite the potential of wood fuel contribution for households income generation limited study was conducted. Thus, this study aims to quantify the role of wood fuel production from a small-scale plantation in the Awi zone of Fagta Lecoma district, which found in the Amhara region Ethiopia with the rapid expansion of Acacia decurrence and eucalyptus plantation at an alarming rate, especially in recent years.
The contribution of wood fuel production is not only restricted to the provision of energy sources but also provides important income generation options for rural farmers in sub – Saharan African country which is true for Ethiopian farmers who live in the northern highland of the country (Zulu & Richardson, 2013). Plantation of trees increasing at an alarming rate worldwide for instance from 1990 to 2000 plantation forest land estimated to be 143.4 million hectares which have a drastic change in terms of expansion estimated from 1980 to 1990 which is only about 25.8 million hectares. The expansion of plantation associated with the cause of social conflicts (Schirmer, 2007).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The chapter outlines the significance of small-scale plantation forestry for household income and highlights the existing knowledge gap regarding its economic role in the Fagta Lekoma district.
2. Methodology: This section details the snowball-sampling technique used to select 99 respondents and explains the multiple linear regression model utilized to evaluate income contributions.
3. Results: This chapter presents the socioeconomic status of the respondents and provides quantitative evidence on how charcoal and firewood production contribute to total annual household income.
4. Discussion: The author discusses how plantation forestry serves as an alternative livelihood and helps mitigate risks associated with climate change and agricultural land degradation.
5. Conclusions: The study concludes that charcoal and firewood production offer higher income potential than other non-crop activities and recommends modernizing wood fuel production to support a green economy.
Keywords
Households livelihood options, small-scale plantation forest, means of household income, sustainable development, wood fuel, Ethiopia, charcoal production, firewood selling, agricultural land, income generation, poverty reduction, Acacia decurrence, eucalyptus, rural livelihood, plantation forestry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on the economic contribution of small-scale commercial plantation forestry to the annual income of households in the Fagta Lekoma district of Ethiopia.
Which scientific method does the study employ?
The study uses a combination of purposive and snowball sampling to collect data from 99 households and applies a multiple linear regression model to analyze the economic contributions.
What are the central themes of the work?
Key themes include household income generation, small-scale plantation forestry, sustainable rural development, land-use conflict, and poverty reduction.
What is the main goal or research question?
The goal is to quantify the income generated from wood fuel production and assess its role in supporting rural livelihoods compared to other income sources.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the study area description, data collection methodology, regression model specifications, respondent demographics, and a comparative analysis of livelihood contributions.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include household livelihood, plantation forestry, wood fuel, income, sustainable development, and Ethiopia.
How does charcoal production specifically impact household income?
The regression analysis indicates that for every one unit increase in income from charcoal making, the total annual household income increases by 0.972 units.
What conflict exists between farmers and local experts?
Local agricultural experts often discourage tree planting on productive cropland due to concerns over land degradation and salinity, whereas farmers use these trees to reclaim land and generate income.
Why do farmers in this region prefer Eucalyptus and Acacia decurrence?
These species are preferred due to their fast growth, ease of management, ability to coppice, and their utility in reclaiming degraded soil to increase fertility.
What is the author's final recommendation?
The author recommends modernizing the wood fuel production process to reduce environmental pollution and stresses the need for further studies on managing diseases and pests in the plantation sector.
- Quote paper
- Mitku Alemu Mengistu (Author), 2020, Annual income of small-scale plantation by wood fuel production in Fagta Lekoma, Awi Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/931119
