Assessment of farmers perceptions on land degradation and desertification and its impact on wildlife in Dhera district, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

There are insufficient information about farmers’ perception on land degradation and desertification and its impact on wildlife in Dhera district, Oromia region of Ethiopia. The principal aim of this study was to explore the impacts of desertification and land degradation on wildlife. A seasonal visit was done over a period of a year (September 2018-January 2020). A multi-method approach that is observation, questioners, interview and group discussion was used to collect our data. Data was analyzed using SPSS Software. There is significant difference on socioeconomic data how land degradation and desertification impact wildlife. About 75% of the respondents were aware of causes of land degradation and desertification by indicating population growth, over cultivation, soil erosion, rugged topography, poor farming practices and poverty. Most 65% of the respondents were also aware of consequences of land degradation and desertification. However, few respondents (25%) were not aware of desertification and land degradation impact on wildlife. Most 65% of respondents indicated that land degradation place severe impact on their farm-field. The implications of these trends on the natural resource base include environmental degradation, wildlife decline and food insecurity among the local producers. The study has suggested strengthen soil and water conservation action technology as a potential solution to this continued problem of declining wildlife and rural agricultural production in the area.