Title: Determinants of Good Forest Governance in South-eastern Ethiopia: The case of the Bale Eco Region

Abstract

This study aims to identify the determinants of good forest governance in the Bale Eco Region. The data was collected using a mixed methods approach through questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis, while the qualitative data was analyzed through descriptive analysis. The results showed that lack of accountability was the major problem of good forest governance in the study area, followed by low efficiency, and then by fairness, effectiveness, transparency, and participation. The results of the binary logistic regression has also supported these findings as it has showed that the effectiveness of forest governance is determined by accountability, efficiency, and fairness, while participation and transparency are insignificant. Hence, it is recommended that the government and other concerned stakeholders should work mainly on improving accountability, efficiency, and fairness of forest governance in the Bale Eco-Region.