Drivers of Forest cover changes in and around Jorgo Wato Forest, West Wallagga, Oromia, Ethiopia

Identifying the drivers of forest cover change is necessary information for planning sustainable use of natural resources. A study was conducted to identify the major drivers of forest covers changes in and around Jorgo Wato forest, West Wallagga Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Purposive and random sampling selection of 120 household's interviews and 12 focus group discussions were used in this study. Agricultural expansion (especially coffee plantation), fuel wood extraction, wood for construction, logging (illegal), insecure tenure and use right, weak institutional performance, population growth and density were among the identified direct and indirect drivers of forest cover changes in the study area. Enhancing benefit sharing of the communities from forests/forest products is the main motivation for protection and sustainable management.