Rural Households’ Perceptions On Plantation Of Eucalyptus Tree In Chilako, Tullu Gurra, Kilbe Abo And Bedase Koricha Villages Of Jeldu District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Eucalyptus is one of the most often planted plants in both developing and developed countries. As a result, the primary goal of this study was to determine how rural households in the study area viewed the Eucalyptus tree. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 180 randomly selected sample households in this study. The district of Jeldu was purposefully chosen, and four of its Kebeles, Tullu Gura, Chillanqo, Kilbe Abo, and Bedase Koricha, were chosen using simple random sample techniques. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to acquire the data. Focus Group Discussions and key informant interviews were used to acquire qualitative data, while a structured interview schedule was used to collect quantitative data. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency distribution. The study revealed that farmers in the area are planting Eucalyptus for greater revenue, construction materials, and fire wood requirements, as evidenced by questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. The farmers were encouraged to develop the Eucalyptus plantation on their crop land at a rapid rate because of the benefits derived from it. The area's croplands are being converted to Eucalyptus plantations.Crop fields are shrinking year after year, resulting in a loss in food crops in the area. Increased plantation would put agricultural food crops and Eucalyptus trees in conflict for land, major resources like water, nutrients, and light.Eucalyptus is also said to have a negative impact on crop output and long-term land use. This is due to the anticipated indiscriminate use of resources, which leads to soil fertility decline and water scarcity. In a short period of time, the plant produces more biomass while taking a large amount of water and nutrients from the soil.Water and nutrient shortages have dominated other plant species and crop plants. Other plant species, on the other hand, are controlled by its shade impact and allopathic compounds generated by various portions of the tree. If plantation expansions continue at the current rate, the people in the study region may face food security issues. As a result, all stakeholders in the area should join together to prevent the spread of Eucalyptus on