Abstract:
This study presented the impact of rural household’s fuel wood energy consumption on forest
resource in Tarmaber Woreda. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. The
study surveyed 173 farmers selected using simple random sampling technique. Focus group
discussions and key informant interviews provided useful qualitative information to
supplement the quantitative results from the household survey was selected using purposive
sampling technique. Three focus group discussions, each with eight members, were
conducted. Two key informants were also interviewed from each kebele to gain in-depth
insights. Besides, facts from field observation were used in interpreting the data generated by
the various methods. The collected data from questionnaires was analysed by descriptive
statistics, chi square and multiple linear regressions. Data collected from interviews, group
discussion and observation were analysed using textual analysis. Results have shown that the
most important energy source utilized in the area was fuel wood energy which is collected
from eucalyptus and natural forests. The Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 23
versions. Findings indicated the natural forests and human made forest were the ideal supply
sources of fuel wood. Results revealed that about three mostly preferred tree species were
recorded and identified for fuel wood production. Furthermore, the total amounts' fuel woods
consumed by individuals were estimated at 15 kg/week. The multiple linear regressions'
model was employed. Moreover, outcomes displayed that, the overall model was significant
at (p<0.05). Household’s family members significantly positive linear relationship and
education level and income level of the household’s significantly negative linear relationship
with fuel wood consumption at (p <0.05).The dependence of households on firewood have
been contributed a lot to deforestation, soil erosion, loss of important plant species, climate
changes and to the declining of agricultural productivity in the study area. Therefore, there
is a great need to develop modern energy stoves which are sustainable and environmental
friendly. In addition, the government and other responsible stakeholders should focus in
coordination in practices of afforestation, reforestation and participatory forest management
programs to overcome the problems of deforestation and other related environmental
changes in the study area.
