Abstract:
A study was conducted on practices, and challenges of environmental protection in Illugelan district.
Assessing practices and challenges of local government in promoting environmental protection, examining
the environmental protection practices of local government, identifying the challenges of local government
in promoting environmental protection; and identifying the measures taken to overcome the challenges
encountered in Ilugelan district, Oromia regional state are among the major objectives of the study
conducted. The study employed descriptive research design. Both probability and non-probability sampling
methods were employed. Both primary and secondary data types were utilized. Survey questionnaire, and
key informant interview were employed as methods of primary data collection while document review was
employed as method of secondary data collection. Simple descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages,
and mean) were used as quantitative methods of data analysis. On the other hand, thematic content analysis
was used to analyze the primary qualitative data collected. The results of the study reveal that deforestation,
soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, population growth, over-exploitation of natural resources, and poor
environmental health are the major environmental problems in Illugelan district. Moreover, study
confirmed poor performance of current practices of environmental protection, and moderate performance
of current governance of environmental protection in Illugelan district. Lack of regular meetings with key
stakeholders, lack of ownership, and lack of authority in local communities were asserted as the three
priority challenges of local government in protecting environment. To promote sustainable environmental
protection in Illugelan district, joint work of NGOs and government organizations on environmental
protection should be strengthened. Moreover, stakeholder linkages should be strengthened on
environmental protection, and programmes, and projects on environmental protection should be supported
with regular, and formal financial support
