Abstract:
Eucalypts tree is native to Australia and widely planted for various uses in the different parts of
Ethiopia integrating into the various farming systems, this study aim is to assess the overall
socioeconomic and ecological impact of Eucalyptus plantations in the Manna District of
Southwest Ethiopia. We used a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and
qualitative techniques. Data were collected randomly from HHs, focus group discussion and key
informant by using semi-structured survey questionnaires. The Descriptive and dispersive
statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, variance, standard deviation, p- value and
correlation were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that Eucalyptus contributes
significantly to household income, accounting for 11.7% of annual earnings, with coffee and
crop production remaining dominant. It supports housing construction, education, and food
security. However, its rapid expansion converting 35.9% of cropland, 30.4% of degraded land,
and 15.4% of grazing areas has led to negative ecological consequences, including reduced
water availability, soil fertility degradation, and loss of biodiversity, which can result in water
scarcity and reduce environmental adverse impacts proper integrated land use management.
While Eucalyptus serves as a vital economic safety net, especially for land-constrained and poor
households, its uncontrolled expansion threatens long-term environmental sustainability and
food security in the study area and policy should be employed to reduce the conversion of
cultivation land to eucalyptus plantation.
