THE EFFECTS OF CULTURAL PRACTICES AND INDIGINOUS KNOWLEDGE ON ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN LAKE HAWASSA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Lake Hawassa in Ethiopia is one such ecosystem that is currently threatened by degradation needs innovative measures to be conserved. The general objective was to analyze how culture affects resource utilization and conservation by the ethnic groups living in Lake Hawassa ecosystem. The study sample involved 120 households who live in Lake Hawassa ecosystem who were selected using simple random sampling procedure. The study utilized descriptive survey method where data was collected using semi structured questionnaires administered to household heads and face to face interviews with key informants including local community elders. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive analysis inform of percentages, frequencies and chi square test. Pearson-chi squared test was used to establish association between culture and environmental management. The study also revealed that the Chi squared test indicated that there exists a strong significant relationship between cultural aspects such as cultural values and norms and environmental management (x 2=24.83, df =6, P<0.001). The study concluded that culture is a fundamental determinant of environmental attitudes which influence environmental attitudes and values and behavior. The study recommends that policy makers utilize a culture-specific approach in designing environmental policies to develop culturally appropriate environmental laws, regulations and policies. This is to ensure that the rights, livelihoods, and culture of communities are considered in designing of environmental laws, policies and regulations and the communities are actively involved in design of policies for sustainable environmental conservation and management.