Abstract:
This study attempted to assess the contribution of forest resource in livelihood improvement of
local community: The Case of Chato Forest Resources in Horro Guduru Wollega, Oromia, West
Ethiopia. The general objective of this study was to examine the contribution of Chato forest
resources to the improvement of the local community livelihood. Questionnaire, Focus group
discussion and field observation were used to collect data. The target population of the study
was the local community who live in Bone Abuna and Gudina Abuna Kebeles around Chato
forest. Accordingly 121 respondents were selected using simple random technique from both
kebeles to collect data for the study. The local community uses forest resources such as fire wood
and charcoal, wild honey, beeswax, wild edible plants, wild spices, medicinal plant, round wood,
thatch and timber for house hold consumption and sale. Besides, the local community uses forest
resources such as grass and some plants as livestock fodder. Therefore, forest resources have
great contributions in improving the livelihood of the local community who live around the
forest. The local community getting from the forest, fire wood, charcoal, wild honey, beeswax,
wild edible plants, wild spices, medicinal plant, round wood, thatch and timber for house hold
consumption and sale. The local communities don’t have enough understanding about the
contribution of forest resources. In addition to this, the local community doesn’t get enough
information or training from the concerned body about the contributions of forest resources in
improving livelihood of the local community. There is a problem on using grasses and plants in
the forest. The local community should harvest the plants and grasses and feed their livestock
outside of the Forest. Communities don’t use forest resources equally and properly. To overcome
this problem, they should work together to equally use these resources.
