Abstract:
This study deals with indigenous forest conservation among the Oromo with reference to
‘Kobboo’ utilization in Nono Sal’e, Didu and Ale districts of Ilu Abba Bora zone, Southwestern
Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to explore the contribution of Oromo indigenous forest
conservation mechanisms with emphasis on ‘Kobboo’ utilization in the research area. The
methods of data collection employed in the study were unstructured interview, in-depth interview
and focus group discussion with local elders and leaders, districts and zonal level agricultural
and rural development, Forest and Wild Life Enterprise experts. Field observation was also
conducted in the study area ranging from 10 February, 2014 to 30 March, 2014. The qualitative
analysis of the study revealed that communities in the study areas were well aware of ecological,
economic and socio-cultural values of forest, and hence has developed their own conception of
forest resource management. From the study, it was found out that there was high dependency of
the local community on the forest. According to the results of the study, almost all plant species
recorded in the area have one or more types of local uses. The major non-timber forest products
(NTFPs) recorded in the area is fodder, local construction materials, medicine, spices, honey,
household furniture and fuel wood. These NTFPs which are used locally and sold to generate
income are honey, coffee and spices (ogiyoo and tunjoo). Bamboo tree is locally used for
construction purposes. It is also used as a source of income. The study also indicated that the
Oromo people of the research area have their own traditional ecological knowledge that has
sustained the natural resources to present. The customary laws of Kobboo practices have played
a great role in forest resource conservation. Traditional belief systems and work organizations
such as Baataa, Jaarsa biyyaa and Abbaa Ulee were till widely practiced in the study area and
greatly contribute in the rules of Kobboo customary laws by performing in the social functions
that directly or indirectly contribute to forest resource conservation. It was also found out that
many people in the research areas have attachments to cultural religious institutions like
Qoolloo and Abdaari. Hence, the local people used and conserved forests and trees in and
around these sacred sites to sustain the area of their cultural religious institutions. This study
revealed that indigenous institutions and cultural understandings of the Kobboo forest system
were still feasible in playing vital role in forest conservation. The research also indicated that
the modern natural resources management institutions, particularly Participatory Forest
Management (PFM) project considered the Kobboo customary laws of local people on forest
resources management as an indispensable system of conserving natural resources.
