This is a study of deforestation and degradation of thernJuniperus procera forest in Liben Awraja near Negelle Borana, asrnaffected by human settlement and land use.rnThe Libenarea (annual rainfall 750 - 1500 mm) is part ofrnthe Semi-arid lowlands of Ethiopia; 60-70 per cent of Liben arearnis used mainly for livestock raising. Only about 2 per cent ofrnthe area can marginally be used for rainfed crop farming. ThernWoody Vegetation of Liben area includes : the dry upland juniperusrnforest , woodland , bushland and ticket .rnThe methodology used included comparative analysis ofrnaerial photos for 1964 and 1984 , unstructured interviews amongrnlocal pastoralists elders and older Negelle town residents,rnquestionnaire survey in Negelle town and direct observation.rnResults show that, between 1964-84; the Juniperus procera forestrnaround Negelle town has been reduced in size by 65 per cent andrndegraded. The causes are multifaceted, among of which are: thernexpansion of cultivation, the exploitation of wood for fuel andrnconstruction, forest fire, the inmigration of four pastoralistrngroups and the low regeneration capacity of this forest. Thernecological consequences are difficult to assess, however. Declinernin ground water level, shortage of surface water during the dryrnseason including the widespread erosion features, such as rills,rnthe deepending and widening of gullies indicate the extent ofrnthe ecological impact of deforestation. Recommendations arernmade for afforestation and conservation programmes .