Factors Influencing Farmers Decision for Plantation of Eucalyptus Woodlot and Its Status in North Mecha District North-West Ethiopia
Author : Melsew Nibret Mazengiya, Assefa Abelieneh Berhanu and Girmachew Seraw Misganaw
Abstract :
The major objective of this study was analyzing factors influencing farmers decision for plantation of eucalyptus woodlot and its status in North Mecha district. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed for household survey. Household survey of 166 farmers, key informants and FGD were employed to collect primary data. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and binary logistic regression were used as data analysis methods. The results confirm that, the average area was changed 41%, 4% and 6%, from annual crop land, grazing land and perennial crop land to eucalyptus woodlot, respectively. Further different socioeconomic factors that contributed or hindered for eucalyptus expansion were; parcel number, family size and total land holding. These three factors had positive significant impacts on farmers decision whereas, frequency of extension contact, family labor and sex had negatively significant. The study concludes that due to the existence of the above factors & lack of awareness about eucalyptus plantation, the farmers’ plantation expansion continues. Therefore, it is recommended that the ministry of agriculture should develop and implement awareness and education program aimed at educating farmers on benefits and problems associated with Eucalyptus planting and introduction of high productive and market value agricultural technology.
Keywords :
Binary logistic, Decision, Factors, North Mecha, Woodlot
