Effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Woodlot Plantation Expansion on Food Security in South Achefer District, West Gojjam, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Eucalyptus camaldulensis is commonly planted on farmland in highland Ethiopia because of its high economic profitability. However, the expansion of woodlot plantations has led to a decline in crop growth and yield, which negatively affects food security. To address this issue, this study aimed to ex...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2025-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Forestry Research |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/ijfr/1836605 |
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| Summary: | Eucalyptus camaldulensis is commonly planted on farmland in highland Ethiopia because of its high economic profitability. However, the expansion of woodlot plantations has led to a decline in crop growth and yield, which negatively affects food security. To address this issue, this study aimed to examine the effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodlot expansion on crop production and food security in South Achefer. Data were collected from 180 respondents using a three-stage sampling technique for the four kebeles in the district. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and a binary logit regression model using SPSS software version 24. This study found that most households (87%) perceived a rapid increase in Eucalyptus woodlot expansion. The allocation of more land for Eucalyptus woodlot expansion was positively and significantly affected by family size, landholding size, total annual income, and availability of unproductive land. Additionally, the study revealed that Eucalyptus woodlots highly compete with nearly all grown crops for nutrients and moisture. This causes a reduction in yield from one to four quintals compared to the normal crop grown far from the Eucalyptus tree. Approximately three-fourths (71%) of the sampled farmers did not obtain stable food annually and were considered food insecure. To alleviate food insecurity, this study suggests that stakeholders should focus on improving livelihood alternatives rather than expanding Eucalyptus woodlots. |
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| ISSN: | 1687-9376 |