A multinomial logit model analysis of determinants of community forest management approaches: evidence from northern Ethiopia.

Abstract

For efficient and sustainable forest management, community engagement and participation are crucial. Sustainable forest management requires decision-making, plantation, and management approaches, in addition to the importance of indigenous knowledge and community opinions. The study examined the determinants of community-based forest management practices in Ethiopian Raya-Alamata Woreda. A semi-structured questionnaire was given to 195 randomly chosen sample respondents as part of the survey in order to gather primary data. Additionally, key informants, development agents, woreda forest supervisors, and local administrators were interviewed. Secondary data were gathered from books, woreda agriculture office, and scientific publications. The data was analyzed using a multinomial logit model and descriptive statistics. The results showed that distance to the forest negatively influenced participation in decision-making, while sex, education, and TLU positively influenced it. Age, home proximity to the forest, market distance, and tropical livestock unit negatively influenced participation in plantation. Age, family size, forest location, and association membership positively influenced decision-making and management approaches. To promote all-inclusive forest management, the study recommends the distribution of forestry-related educational materials, legal action against illegal users, switching to alternative energy sources, and encouraging female-headed households.