Impacts of Land use and land cover changes on rural livelihood in the Bale Mountains Eco-Region, Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes can adversely affect livelihood assets/resources impacting rural communities. This study assessed the livelihood impacts of LULC changes on rural livelihoods in Bale Mountains Eco-Region (BMER), Southeast Ethiopia. A sustainable livelihood framework was employed to assess the impact. A cross-sectional survey of 339 households, combined with field observations, was conducted to gather data on the effects of LULC changes between 1973 and 2021. Household heads served as the unit of analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Results showed that 62.8%, 62.2%, and 85.3% of respondents reported expansion of cultivation into marginal areas, increased overgrazing, and excessive tree cutting, respectively, as significant indicators of change during the study period. As a result, local communities have experienced reduced crop yields, loss of grazing lands, declining soil fertility, and increased vulnerability to environmental risks. Furthermore, 99.7% of respondents perceived LULC changes as having a direct impact on their livelihood adversely affecting their livelihood assets, primarily natural resources. Livelihood patterns have transformed significantly, shifting from traditional pastoralism to agro-pastoralism and crop-based systems, with households diversifying into various income-generating activities. Adverse livelihood outcomes, including reduced well-being and increased food insecurity, were commonly perceived among respondents. The findings highlight an urgent need for sustainable management of natural resources to improve livelihoods across different LULC types. Moreover, diversifying livelihood strategies and assessing the community’s coping and adaptive capacities are essential to mitigate the adverse impacts of LULC changes.