Effect of firewood energy consumption of households on deforestation in Debis watershed Ambo district, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

The increasing population of Ethiopia has resulted in an excessive forest clearing for agricultural purpose, overgrazing and exploitation of the existing forests for fuel. The Environmental impact of over dependence on forest resources for energy source is not studied in sufficient detail in Debis watershed. In view of this, the study was initiated to investigate the status of firewood consumption and its impact on deforestation. Series of survey assessment by interview questioner for status of firewood consumption and its contribution to deforestation was conducted. Data generated by survey was analyzed using computer software Statistical Package for Social Science, 16.00 to find the status of firewood consumption and its impact on deforestation. The present study revealed that the main energy sources utilized was biomass energy particularly firewood and 100% of the households collect it from natural forest, private wood land and forest land. Consequently the dependence of households on firewood has a significant contribution to deforestation in the present study area. Therefore, there is a need to develop sustainable modern and environmental friendly energy sources and practicing afforestation and forest management programs to overcome the problem of deforestation of natural forest in the present study area and other similar agro-ecological zone.