Indigenous forest conservation among the oromo with reference to ‘kobboo’ utilization in nono sal’e,ale anddidu districts of ilu abba bora zone, southwestern Ethiopia

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.