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Farmers’ Perception and Willingness to Pay for Bamboo Forest Ecosystem Conservation in the Case of Tongo Woreda (Mao Komo Special Woreda), Western Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, September 2023
Pages:
74-85
Received:
24 August 2023
Accepted:
20 September 2023
Published:
14 October 2023
Abstract: Non-timber forest products such as bamboo constitute an important source of livelihood for millions of people from forest fringe communities across the world. In Ethiopia Non-timber forest products are associated with socio-economic and cultural life of forest dependent communities inhabiting in wide ecological and geo-climatic conditions throughout the country. Despite all this importance to the livelihood of the communities, bamboo forests in Tongo Woreda (Mao Komo Special Woreda) are facing man-made and natural challenges. This study was designed to assess local farmers’ perception and willingness to pay for bamboo forest ecosystem conservation. The main objectives were describing farmer’s perception or level of awareness toward bamboo forest protection, to estimate the amount of money local farmers are willing to pay for the bamboo forest ecosystem conservation and to identify factors affecting the amount of money local farmers are willing to pay for the bamboo forest conservation in Tongo Woreda (Mao Komo Special Woreda), western Ethiopia. For this study primary and secondary data sources were used. The random-sampling techniques were used in selecting 122 respondents following a probability proportional to size sampling method. Besides, data was collected using household survey, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews. The value-elicitation used was double bounded dichotomous elicitation format followed by open ended questions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate probit model. From the bivariate probit model result the mean willingness to pay for the conservation and rehabilitation of bamboo forest was found 7.77 Ethiopian birr and 2.25 man-days per month per household in cash and labor, respectively. The annual mean willingness to pay of local farmers was estimated to be 93.24 birr in cash and 27 man-days in labor per household. The results indicated that local farmer’s literacy status, total cultivable land owned and contact with extension agents had positive and significant effects on WTP, while age of the respondent, distance of the respondent from bamboo forest and initial bid had a negative and significant effect on willingness to pay. The study showed that the farmers in the study area have already understood that intensive mass flowering of bamboo in the area and massive depletion of forest and, they are willing to participate in the conservation of bamboo forest ecosystem to regenerate and return back to original position. The policy implications drawn from the study findings include the need for improvement to keep up the contribution of community in conservation of bamboo forests ecosystem and other environmental resources and quick rehabilitation and mass bamboo restocking policy that should be designed by the regional government in order to regenerate and conserve the bamboo resources.
Abstract: Non-timber forest products such as bamboo constitute an important source of livelihood for millions of people from forest fringe communities across the world. In Ethiopia Non-timber forest products are associated with socio-economic and cultural life of forest dependent communities inhabiting in wide ecological and geo-climatic conditions throughou...
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Research Article
Assessing Environmental Jurisprudence in India: An Analysis of the National Green Tribunal's Judicial Structure and Institutional Effectiveness
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, September 2023
Pages:
86-91
Received:
7 July 2023
Accepted:
25 July 2023
Published:
28 October 2023
Abstract: This article assesses the judicial structure of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), specifically focusing on the western bench, and its role in providing access to environmental justice in India. It highlights the loopholes and deficiencies in the functioning of the NGT, which hinder its effectiveness in addressing environmental problems. The analysis of recent environmental cases demonstrates contradictions and gaps in the institutional mechanisms, resulting in ineffective implementation of legislation. The lack of clarity in calculating compensation values, selective action against violators, and inadequate penalties are some of the issues identified. The article also points out the absence of a centralized monitoring mechanism for NGT orders and the inefficient utilization of collected fines. To improve the NGT's effectiveness, several recommendations are proposed. These include strengthening infrastructure, ensuring timely appointments of qualified personnel, providing specialized training, promoting collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, raising public awareness and participation, implementing effective case management practices, encouraging alternative dispute resolution, strengthening enforcement, fostering research and expertise, and advocating for legislative reforms. By addressing these recommendations, the NGT can enhance its capacity to handle environmental cases, expedite the resolution process, and uphold the principles of sustainable development, precautionality, and the Polluter Pays Principle. Collaboration and open dialogue among authorities, along with constructive approaches, are emphasized as crucial for addressing environmental challenges effectively.
Abstract: This article assesses the judicial structure of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), specifically focusing on the western bench, and its role in providing access to environmental justice in India. It highlights the loopholes and deficiencies in the functioning of the NGT, which hinder its effectiveness in addressing environmental problems. The analys...
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Review Article
Review on Soil Protection Implications for Soil Health and Sustainability
Dagne Bekele,
Kibinesh Adimasu
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, September 2023
Pages:
92-101
Received:
26 September 2023
Accepted:
20 October 2023
Published:
31 October 2023
Abstract: Soil health and soil quality are determined by a soil's capacity to function as a dynamic living system within the confines of land use. Soil health and sustainability are significantly impacted by soil protection. To demonstrate its effectiveness as a conservation technology, climate resilient agriculture, and a viable option for sustainable intensification of agro ecosystems for advancing food security and for adaptation to/mitigation of climate change, soil protection needs to use conservation agriculture wisely. The same process that keeps soil biologically productive also keeps the environment and human health in good shape. Additionally, nutrient cycling and storage, improved soil aggregation, microbial diversity, and higher soil water retention and availability are ecosystem services that healthy soils can offer. They can also aid in the management of plant diseases, insect and weed pests, and soil health. The adoption of techniques including conservation tillage systems, residue retention, no residue burning, crop rotation and diversification, balanced and effective nutrient management, organic soil amendments, and integrated nutrient, pest, and weed management helped it to advance. In general soil health is viewed as the key link between agricultural conservation management measures and the accomplishment of the main objectives of sustainable agriculture.
Abstract: Soil health and soil quality are determined by a soil's capacity to function as a dynamic living system within the confines of land use. Soil health and sustainability are significantly impacted by soil protection. To demonstrate its effectiveness as a conservation technology, climate resilient agriculture, and a viable option for sustainable inten...
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