Supporting agencies: The authors of this manuscript would like to express their wholehearted gratitude to all respondents, especially the experts from the Oromia Forest and Wildlife Enterprise (Specifically, those from the Goba and Dodola branches), the experts from the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Authority of West Arsi and Bale Zones, the experts from the NGOs, specifically Farm Africa and SOS Sahel Ethiopia, working in the Bale Eco-Region and the local community for their relevant and adequate comments that make this study informative and successful. Furthermore, we are happy to express our great thanks to the editor and the anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments.