Evaluation of Local Community Participation in Joint Forest and Wildlife Resources Management: the case of Dodola-WAJIB, West-Arsi, Ethiopia

Currently, participatory approach has been advocated as a key instrument to achieve sustainable use of natural resources like forest and wildlife. Likewise, the current Ethiopian government has shown the political will to involve local communities in rural development projects giving special focus for forest and wildlife enterprises. However, the extent of residents’ involvement in making decision is unclear. This study was aimed at examining the place forest dwellers have in co-management activities and level of their participation to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the enterprise for sustainable use of forest and wildlife resources in Dodola-WAJIB. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Qualitative data were generated from WAJIB executive committee members, forest block leaders, ordinary WAJIB members, youths and experts via focus group discussion, key informant interview, formal interview, and field observation. Quantitative data were gathered from randomly selected one hundred and thirty three WAJIB members through household survey. Related documents were analyzed to produce secondary data. The data obtained via both (qualitative and quantitative) techniques were analyzed by using thematic narrative and descriptive statistics. Findings showed that participation of the forest dwellers in joint forest and wildlife management activities is generally low. It was found out that the level of forest dwellers participation in co-management activities is the highest (55.08%) at implementation phase and the lowest (25.57%) at planning stage. Generally, the extent of involvement and empowerment on the part of the local community is more limited to consultation; hence, it needs fundamental shift in the approach to conservation and participation of forest dwellers. Keywords: Empowerment, Forest Dwellers, Participatory approach