Practices And Challenges Of Local Government In Promoting Environmental Protection: The Case Of Ilugelan Woreda, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

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