Quantiying Ecosystem Services and Disservices of Eucalyptus Plantations: Assessing Land Use Change and Farmers' Perspectives in Metta Robi, Oromia, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT A critical component of environmental change caused by population increase, economic growth, and increased local demand for food, energy and forest based products is land use land cover change (LULCC). This study specifically focused on assessing the ecosystem services (ESs) and disservices (EDSs) of Eucalyptus plantations in the Metta Robi District, Oromia, Ethiopia, incorporating LULC changes and local farmers’ perceptions. The research utilized satellite images from 1994, 2004, 2014, and 2024, employing GIS and remote sensing techniques under a supervised classification system to track spatiotemporal LULC dynamics. The benefit transfer method was applied for Ecosystem Services Valuation (ESV) using local coefficients, while EDSs were evaluated based on farmer perceptions. Farmers’ perceptions were examined through structured household questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Likert-scale ranking. Accuracy assessments for satellite imagery classifications yielded high results (overall accuracy 87% to 91%).Significant land cover shifts were observed: croplands, bare land, and shrubland decreased substantially by 132.5ha (-0.4%), 32.6ha (-43.7%) and 1,369.8ha (-58.1%) respectively, while grassland, built-up areas, and plantation forests increased by 831.8ha (+24%), 178.4ha (+639.4%), 523.5ha (+8.6%) respectively. This dramatic change in LULC correlated with a decline in the total natural capital value, decreasing from US$16.9 million in 1994 to US$16.3 million in 2024. Perception results revealed that farmers widely acknowledged the economic benefits of Eucalyptus, including income generation, fuelwood, and construction materials, while reporting major disservices such reduced crop productivity, and crop raiding competition for farmland. The study concludes that these trends represent a significant alteration of the local landscape and associated ecosystem values. The study recommends integrated land-use planning and management strategies to balance economic benefits with environmental sustainability.