Assessment of constraints, opportunities and farmers perception to area closure in siltie zone, SNNPR
Abstract
The environmental and socioeconomic effects of land resources degradation are severe, especially in developing nations including our country Ethiopia, where inappropriate land use and farming systems are practiced. Consequently, management options like enclosures are among rehabilitation strategies practiced in the degraded areas of Ethiopia including the study area. This study was carried out in Silte zone, specifically within Hulbareg and Silti woreda from Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region in Ethiopian. The objective of the study was to assess Assessment of Constraints, Opportunities and Farmers Perception to Area closure. Multi stage sampling technic were used first the zones and woreda was selected purposively based on availability of enclosure, second two kebele from each woreda was selected using systematic random sampling and respondents were selected randomly and a total of 80 sample respondents were selected from the two districts for the household survey. Both primary and secondary sources were used for data collection by using semi-structured questionnaires, direct observation, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. SPSS software was used to analysis the data by using descriptive statistics. The study results indicate soil and water conservation was the major mechanisms to rehabilitate the degraded. And more than half of the respondents said the type of enclosure exist were exclude from human and livestock interference, Soil erosion, deforestation and lack of fodder were major land degradation types in the area. The most common causes of land degradation were flooding topography deforestation, overgrazing, and poor land management and population growth. And 53.8% of the respondents perceived enclosures positively and optimistic to the performance of enclosures. Besides more than half of the respondents were assured that the benefit sharing have been satisfied the community. Enclosure improves the livelihood of the local community by providing animal feed, fodder, beekeeping activity and other non-wood forest products. But more than half the respondents were not getting training and experience sharing this indicates the community should be supported by training and experience sharing to increase the awareness of farmers to the importance and functions of enclosure.