Abstract:
Forests are the most important resources that provide ecological, economical and social
benefits to human beings. However, due to the increase in population, forest resources are under
pressure and degrading Ji-om time to time. Therefore, this study assesses forest degradation and
management practices in Dega Damot woreda, West Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. To achieve the
objectives of the study, data from Landsat images, questionnaires, interviews, focus group
discussions and field observation were used. The household survey was conducted in three
kebeles of Dega Damot woreda which were purposively selected. From the three selected
kebeles, a total of 123 sample households were randomly selected. To detect changes in land
uSf!I land cover and forest resources in particular, the study used Landsat images of 1988, 2003
and 2018. The data collected from households were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as
fi'equency and percentage while data Ji-om focus group discussions, key informant interview and
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personal observation were analyzed qualitatively. The results of land use/ land cover change
analysis showed that there were remarkable land use/land cover changes in the area. Jn this
-ard, the forest cover showed decreasing trend from 9820.08ha in 1988 to 9129. 7ha in 2003.
The reduction is about 46. 03 ha per annum. However, forest resources of the study woreda
increased by 6.49% (9722. 78ha) in the year 2018. The result of this study revealed that the forest
degradation that occurred between 1988 and 2003 was due to agricultural expansion,
population growth, the increasing demand for fire wood, charcoal, cons/ruction and timber,
income generation and expansion of urban areas. To reduce the forest degradation that occurred
in the study woreda during 1988 and 2003, inhabitants have taken measures including
afforestation, reforestation, area enclosure, "ogro-forestry, · establishment of nursery area, and
community based forest management. The forest management activities of the community
showing a good progress but. there were some challenges. Therefore, to overcome the
challenges the government should work hard by organizing the community to better promote
their ownership oflocal forehs.