Evaluating Community Perception towards Agroforestry Ecosystem Benefits and Management Practices in Yirgacheffe District, South Ethiopia

Abstract

This study assessed community perceptions of agroforestry ecosystem benefits and management practices in Yirgacheffe District, South Ethiopia. It aimed to identify agroecosystem values, challenges to sustainability, and preferred protection strategies. Fifteen kebeles with reported forest, wildlife habitat protection issues, and human-wildlife conflict were purposefully selected. A total of 248 households were chosen using stratified purposive sampling, considering natural forest extent, wildlife habitats, crop types, and livelihood patterns. Key informants included experts from district government offices and teachers. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and narrations. Findings revealed that economic benefits (food, raw materials) were the primary agroecosystem value, followed by medicinal and environmental benefits. Major challenges identified included population growth, limited economic returns, and environmental degradation. Communities preferred collaborative management approaches involving local leaders and governing bodies, enhancement of traditional knowledge, and promotion of local governance systems for agroecosystem management and protection. The study concludes that community perceptions of agroforestry sustainability are shaped by its economic and social values and highlight the importance of inclusive, locally driven management practices.