Assessment of Non-timber forest products of Gebra Dima Forest, Ilu Aba Bora Zone, Oromia Region, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Forests produce a great variety of goods and services for people. These products are typically been categorized into two main categories as timber and non-timber forest products. The objective of this study was to assess non-timber forest products and investigate the use of the non-timber forest products by the community around Gebra Dima forest, Ale District, Illu Aba Bor Zone Southwest Ethiopia. The type of Data was Primary data Non-timber forest information were collected using structured questionnaire and interview.In order to select the study sites in the district from forest adjacent kebeles, three rural kebeles were selected using purposive sampling technique.The collected data was checked, corrected and coded by using Microsoft excel. The findings revealed the following NTFPs in the study area charcoal, firewood, basket, fruits, construction, herbal medicine, spices, honey, brush tooth and wild coffee. Majority (79.4%) of the respondents considered honey as the most important NTFPs and other many uses in this area are firewood 77.6% of the total respondents, 15.4% consumption charcoal from the forests.14.1% of respondents inform as they use wild fruit from this forest.39.4% of informants in the study area responds as they uses plant from these forest for different constructions.17.1% informants also respond as plant in the forest used as medicine. About 34.1% of respondents indicated that the local people collect different spices from a forest. The study concluded that respondents could not do without these NTFPs in their daily domestic activities as it serves as sources of food, local herbs, employment, income generating and thus means of livelihood. The study therefore. Current honey production system is totally traditional which could not generate better quality and quantity product of honey, therefore, it is recommended to look into its improvement through better production system. Further studies required on Gebra Dima forest to stop current Deforestation and Degradation other forest related problems. Conduct specific research on medicinal plants, concentrating on using different parts of the plants, such as fruits, herbs, leaves, and roots.