Table 2 Community’s perception of land use/land cover changes comparison 40–50 years ago versus the present situation in Sidama, South Ethiopia
Respondents’ views | No. of respondents | % of positive response |
|---|---|---|
Low number of livestock in the past 40–50 years | 198 | 82.5 |
Availability of abundant grasses in the past 40–50 years | 210 | 88.7 |
Shift in livestock feeding strategy in response to feed shortage | 216 | 90 |
Natural pastures, wetlands, bamboo leaves, enset leaves, and tree leaves are major sources of livestock feed resources | 209 | 87.1 |
Availability of abundant desirable grasses and herbs in the past 40–50 years | 185 | 77.1% |
Trees/shrubs such as Yushania alpina (mountain bamboo), Erica arborea, Hypericum revolutum, Hagenia abyssinica, and Ilex mitis are major livestock feeds | 232 | 96.7 |
Some 40–50 years ago, more areas of forestlands were visible with lesser proportions of grazing and croplands | 222 | 92.5% |
Less number of livestock per unit area was common in the past 40–50 years | 226 | 94.2 |
Very low livestock number per household at present versus 40–50 years | 228 | 95% |
Changes in land cover resulted in land degradation | 222 | 92.5 |
EECMY involved in land resource conservation | 240 | 100 |
High livestock and excess milk production 40–50 years ago versus current years | 203 | 84.6 |
High crop yield per unit land some 40–50 years ago versus current years | 224 | 93.3 |
Deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, and land degradation are major causes of land use/land cover changes | 226 | 91.3 |
Major portion of the land is covered by crop and vegetable at present | 214 | 89.2 |
Grazing lands were drastically reduced at present versus 40–50 years ago | 191 | 79.6 |