Desertification in the Land of Plenty (Ethiopia): Causes, Effects and with Recommendations

Abstract

Desertification is "the sum of the geological, climatic, biological and human factors which lead to the degradation of the physical, chemical and biological potential of lands in arid and semi-arid zones, and endanger biodiversity and the survival of human communities."(FAO, 1984). Fierce mountains with its step angles of slopes and with low cover of plants are accelerating land degradation and influencing desertification in the country.  Human modification occurs in all ecosystems without exception. Nearly 860,000 km2 or 71.5 % dry land of the country is under desertification (TamireHawndo, 2001)

The environmental degradation in this country resulted from over fragmentation of farm lands due to fast population growth, over grazing, natural catastrophe such as drought, salinization, removal of biotopes (deforestation), erosion, fires, inappropriate technology, lack of progressive land tenure systems are some of the reasons.

All types of pressure that is currently causing stress to the land should be minimized i.e. both human and none human. Regional specialization is more recommended according to regional economic suitability and ecological stability Tackling fast population growth, limiting livestock numbers, creating a nation, that is friendly to their environment and that think and work for its sustainability.