Factors Influencing the Adoption of Area Closure Practices in Loma Bosa District of Dawuro Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study aims to assess the role of area closure on the improvement of regeneration and composition of woody species in the Loma Bosa district of Dawuro zone, southwestern Ethiopia. It also examines factors affecting the adoption of area closure practices in the study area. The study confirmed that the socio-economic characteristics of the household have an incredible role on the adoption of area closure practices. Establishment of area closure has several benefits; among these, it improves the regeneration of woody species abundance, the ecological balance of the micro-environment, economic benefits for human beings, improves land productivity and minimizes land degradation and soil erosion. This study focuses on three key factors of disturbance for the area closure: illegal cutting of trees and shrubs, overgrazing, and wildfire. In line with this, the study observed a significant difference in farmers’ perception on the level of disturbance regime between the closed and open woody land areas. This paper indicates that area closure establishment is a key pathway for improving the regeneration and composition of woody species over the other benefits. Econometric results indicate that age, education level, family size, landholding, number of livestock owned, and access training are the main factors affecting the adoption of area closure practices.