Assessment of Socioeconomic and Ecological Impacts of Eucalyptus a Case of Mana District, Oromia Region, Southwest Ethiopia

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.