International Journal of
Biodiversity and Conservation

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Biodivers. Conserv.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-243X
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJBC
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 679

Article in Press

Impact of population pressure on Wabe vegetation in Abeshige district, Gurage zone, Southern Ethiopia

Mohammed Lengichow and Kassahun Degefa

  •  Received: 03 December 2018
  •  Accepted: 05 March 2019
Global overpopulation is at the root of virtually all other environmental problems. In view of this situation the main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of population pressure on Wabe vegetation in Abeshige district, Gurage zone, Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study design was followed. From the district, sub district Aewan, with in which part of Wabe vegetation located was selected purposefully to select the respondents for interview and questionnaire. A total of 48 sample households were used to collect the data. The data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 16 and excel Microsoft in tables, charts, graphs etc. The study findings indicated that increasing population has exerted pressure on Wabe vegetation. Fire wood collection (56.25%), charcoal production (27.08%), overgrazing(8.3%) and clearance for farm land expansion (6.25%) are among several factors that contributed to the loss of Wabe vegetation. The people of the study area were also found to have less awareness for vegetation conservation. Statistical analysis revealed that there is an influence of occupation and age on the awareness of households. To alleviate such problems, governments should offer education on environmental conservation for target groups of the community, should build strong awareness among communities, strict rule on illegal and legal use of vegetation and vegetation protection should be made, alternative energy sources and fuel saving technology or any other alternatives should be facilitated for the communities.

Keywords: Awareness, Conservation, Impact, Population, Pressure, vegetation