FACTORS AFFECTING SMALL-SCALE TREE PLANTATION PRACTICES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE LIVELYHOOD OF FARMERS IN GUMMER WOREDA, GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Tree plantation is one of the important issues in Ethiopia as it plays key role in improving the income and productivity of the farmers and contributes to the efforts to reduce the impacts of climatic changes. Similar to other woredas in Ethiopia, small scale tree plantation has been practices by the farmers of Gummer Woreda of Gurage Zone for many years. However, no thorough study has been carried out to determine factors that affect tree plantation practices and their benefits in the woreda. The present study aimed to investigate the factors that affect small scale tree plantation and the contribution of trees to the livelihood of farmers in Gummer Woreda, Gurage Zone. From the 18 kebeles in the woreda, three kebeles were selected purposively and 282 households were selected randomly from the selected kebeles following standard sampling method for interview. Moreover, predetermined number households and experts were purposively selected for key informant interview, group discussion and observation of tree plantations. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and narrative depending on the types of data. Tables and figures were used to organize and present the analyzed data. The results showed that land holding size, household income, availability of tree seedlings, labor, availability of market, age and genders of the household heads were the main factor that affect tree plantation in the study area. The main sources of income for the households of the study area were crops, trees and their products, domestic animals, daily work and trade. The majority of the households (90%) were categorized under low and middle income based on the wealth differentiation used in the woredas. It was found that farmers planted 13 species of trees that were classified under 13 genera and 10 families. The results also showed farmers most frequently plated exotic trees compared to indigenous ones. In the study areas, trees provide poles, timber, lumber and other materials for construction and furniture making, charcoal and firewood, and used as source of income by selling trees and their products. Trees also provide ecological services such as reducing soil erosion, improving soil fertility, providing shade, maintain suitable climate and as source of traditional medicine for the local community. The results showed that educational level had positive effect on tree plantation. Therefore, it is better to give trainings to the farmers concerning tree plantation and their uses.