Exploring the utilization potential and threats on native highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina (K.Schum.) Stapleton) forests: Insights from Dama District, Guji zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Native highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina) forests in Dama District, Guji Zone, are vital for rural livelihoods, offering socio-economic and ecological benefits. However, growing threats jeopardize their sustainability. This study explored the utilization potential and threats on native highland bamboo forests in Dama District, Guji Zone, Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling techniques were employed in selecting the study sites and 130 sample respondents. Data were collected through a combination of focus group discussions, key informant interviews, household survey and field inventories. The potential of highland bamboo forests was analyzed by examining farmers' participation in bamboo growing practices, comparing their dependency on bamboo with other livelihoods, and evaluating bamboo's contribution to overall income generation. The data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 24. The utilization potential of bamboo in the study area was primarily for construction, home utility, agricultural tools and other uses. Bamboo was ranked third among primary livelihoods, with about a 12 % share. Income from bamboo was compared with other sources such as livestock, crop production, tree products and off-farm activities. The average annual income from bamboo sales was 1960 birr, accounting for about 19 % of total income. A multiple linear regression model revealed that household income levels from bamboo forests was mainly influenced by land-holding size, education level, off-farm activities, bamboo planting experience, extension services, diseases, and information on bamboo production and marketing. Poor management (60 %) was the primary identified threat to bamboo forests, followed by diseases (22 %), inadequate expert support (16 %), farmland expansion (13 %), expansion of Eucalyptus globulus (7 %), and trampling and browsing by livestock (5 %). Native highland bamboo forests in Dama District are vital for rural livelihoods and offer high potential for various uses, but they face significant sustainability threats. We recommend increasing community awareness and training, providing expert support, and addressing issues such as diseases and land competition to ensure long-term sustainability.