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Forest Cover Change, Key Drivers and Community Perception in Wujig Mahgo Waren Forest of Northern Ethiopia

Author

Listed:
  • Negasi Solomon

    (Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, 7000 Mekelle, Ethiopia)

  • Hadgu Hishe

    (Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, 7000 Mekelle, Ethiopia
    Division Forest, Nature, Landscape, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, P.O. Box 2411, 3001 Leuven, Belgium)

  • Ted Annang

    (Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 571, 00233 Accra, Ghana)

  • Opoku Pabi

    (Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 571, 00233 Accra, Ghana)

  • Isaac K Asante

    (Department of Botany, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 571, 00233 Accra, Ghana)

  • Emiru Birhane

    (Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, 7000 Mekelle, Ethiopia
    Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, No-1432 Ås, Norway)

Abstract

This study assessed forest cover change from 1985 to 2016, analyzed community perception on forest cover change and its drivers, and suggested possible solutions in northern Ethiopia. Landsat images of 1985, 2000 and 2016, household interviews and focus group discussions were used. While dense forests and open forests increased by 8.2% and 32.3% respectively between 1985 and 2000, they decreased by 10.4% and 9.8% respectively from 2000 to 2016. Grasslands and cultivated land decreased in the first period by 37.3% and 5.5% but increased in the second period by 89.5% and 28.5% respectively. Fuel wood collection, cultivated land expansion, population growth; free grazing, logging for income generation and drought were the major drivers of the change reported by local communities. Soil erosion, reduction in honey bee production, flooding and drought were the most perceived impacts of the changes. Most of the farmers have a holistic understanding of forest cover change. Strengthening of forest protection, improving soil and water conservation, enrichment planting, awareness creation, payment for ecosystem services and zero grazing campaigns were mentioned as possible solutions to the current state of deforestation. In addition, concerted efforts of conservation will ensure that the forests’ ecosystems contribute to increased ecosystem services.

Suggested Citation

  • Negasi Solomon & Hadgu Hishe & Ted Annang & Opoku Pabi & Isaac K Asante & Emiru Birhane, 2018. "Forest Cover Change, Key Drivers and Community Perception in Wujig Mahgo Waren Forest of Northern Ethiopia," Land, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:7:y:2018:i:1:p:32-:d:135567
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Asfaw, Adanech & Lemenih, Mulugeta & Kassa, Habtemariam & Ewnetu, Zeleke, 2013. "Importance, determinants and gender dimensions of forest income in eastern highlands of Ethiopia: The case of communities around Jelo Afromontane forest," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 1-7.
    2. Sisay Nune Hailemariam & Teshome Soromessa & Demel Teketay, 2016. "Land Use and Land Cover Change in the Bale Mountain Eco-Region of Ethiopia during 1985 to 2015," Land, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-22, November.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Toru Sakai & Emiru Birhane & Buruh Abebe & Destaalem Gebremeskel, 2021. "Applicability of Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry on Forest Measurement in the Northern Ethiopian Highlands," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-14, May.
    3. Dilnessa Gashaye & Zerihun Woldu & Sileshi Nemomissa & Enyew Adgo, 2023. "The Land-Use and Land-Cover Changes in the Este District, South Gondar Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia, in the Last Four Decades (the 1980s to 2020s)," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-18, August.
    4. Negasi Solomon & Alcade C. Segnon & Emiru Birhane, 2019. "Ecosystem Service Values Changes in Response to Land-Use/Land-Cover Dynamics in Dry Afromontane Forest in Northern Ethiopia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-15, November.
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