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Land Degradation in Amhara Region of Ethiopia: Review on Extent, Impacts and Rehabilitation Practices
Abstract
Land degradation is a serious issue in Amhara region which leads to depletion of land resources and which in turn induces reduction in agricultural production, loss of biodiversity, water quality depletion, poverty, food insecurity, and social instability. Expansion of agriculture to marginal lands, unmanaged grazing, land insecurity, deforestation, and poverty were mentioned in many reviewed research outputs as the major causes of land degradation on the region. The region has been involved in extensive land rehabilitation activities for centuries and vast structural and biological conservation measures were implemented. The rehabilitation actions were commenced by individual farmers at farm level and community mobilization at large. Many projects and organizations, like AMAREW, ORDA, GIZ, WASE-TANA project and others were also involved in the program. The review shows that despite various interventions have been undertaken, land degradation in Amhara region is continuing with increasing rate. This was mainly due to over exploitation and mismanagement of the land resources. Land management can be successfully realized with greater participation and involvement of the local communities.
... Land degradation is a serious problem for our planet (Mekonen and Tesfahunegn, 2011). Though, the world is getting seriously challenged by issues of sustainable use of natural resources from early twenty century (Abuto, 2009), the history of land degradation is as long as human civilization (Meseret, 2016). The range of degradation is estimated at 12 million hectare each year which is unbridled and a serious problem affecting the livelihood of 1.5 billion people globally (Yirdaw et al., 2017). ...
... The range of degradation is estimated at 12 million hectare each year which is unbridled and a serious problem affecting the livelihood of 1.5 billion people globally (Yirdaw et al., 2017). Comparatively, Sub-saharan Africa including Ethiopia has been severely challenged by land degradation in the world (Meseret, 2016). Land degradation in the highlands of Ethiopia has a long history particularly in the northern highlands for millennia (Yami et al., 2018), which were likely 5000 years ago (El-Swaify, 1997). ...
... Land degradation particularly soil erosion, nutrient depletion as well as soil moisture stress are severe problems in Tigray region. To solve this problem, the government of Ethiopia has taken different measures and there have been rehabilitation efforts taking place in the areas where land degradation is a severe problem (Nyssen, 1998;Critical et al., 2010;Meseret, 2016 andKerse, 2017). ...
Fruit quality is affected by different factors such as packaging technology, and storage condition. The fruit quality of Z. mauritiana depends on postharvest handling techniques. The study aimed to identify suitable packages for handling and transportation and to characterize the mineral, nutritional, and anti-nutritional composition of matured and immatured fresh Z.mauritiana fruit collected from Kobo, North Wollo, Ethiopia. Z.mauritiana fruits were packed in three types of packages (nestable plastic crates, cold boxes, and wooden boxes) and transported over a distance of 500 km by road. The fruits packed in a cold box had lesser bruising damage, and weight loss, and had better quality in terms of physical injuries, weight loss, and decay as compared to those packed in wooden boxes and a nestable
plastic crate. On the other hand, the phytochemical analysis of Z. mauritiana showed that it contains acceptable amounts of moisture content (5.72), ash (6.15-6.227), protein (8.75-9.35), fiber (1.63-1.74), fat (5.45-5.7), phytate (310-321) and tannin value (11251-11478). The analysis of minerals for Z. mauritiana fruits showed that it has an acceptable amount of potassium (226.6955 mg/100g), calcium (1.977 mg/100g), sodium (0.34609 mg/100g), magnesium (0.22440 mg/100g), iron (0.039 mg/100g) and zinc (0.02059 mg/100g). Therefore, Z. mauritiana fruit can be used as a good source of food.
... In general, the high population in the region exacerbated forest resource degradation. Subsistence farming and settlement (Alemneh & Molla, 2022;Walle et al., 2011), increasing demand for wood products, agricultural investments (Alemneh & Molla, 2022;Bane et al., 2008), overgrazing pressure, and lack of strong forest policy (Mekonnen et al., 2016), increasing demand for pasture, shelter, urbanization (Alemneh & Molla, 2022;Meseret, 2016;Walle et al., 2011), droughts and fires (Mera, 2018). ...
... High livestock pressure is one of the major reasons for the destruction of forest resources in the region. The livelihood of the population in the region is more dependent on livestock and their products, basically due to land shortages and a reduction in crop production (Meseret, 2016). The region has been home to about 35% of the total country's livestock population. ...
... Based on the 2012/13 agricultural sample survey, the region had a high livestock population density (Leta & Mesele, 2014). Compared with other regions, Amhara stands first in the number of goats and second in cattle, sheep, asses, horses and poultry (Meseret, 2016). ...
Ethiopia is endowed with diverse forest resources. Amhara National Regional State, one of the administrative regions in Ethiopia, has diverse ecology and is endowed with diversified flora and fauna. Forest resources in the region provide various uses and services to the local community. But the forest resources of the region have faced huge devastation due to high human and livestock pressure. As a response, efforts have been made to conserve and develop the forest resources of the region. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information about the current status and trend of forest resources in the region. This review provides the current status and trend of forest resources in the region based on a literature search from different sources. The review showed that the overall forest resource of the region decreased over time, despite the expansion of plantation forests. Most of the natural forest resources of the region disappeared and remnants are found in church compounds and other forest conservation areas. Plantation forests in the region are dominated by exotic tree species, majorly Eucalyptus. Most important non-timber forest products have been neglected, and modern forest development interventions are lacking. This review paper is indispensable for decision-makers, academicians, development, and research institutions to direct their focus toward developing technologies and information for the sustainable development of the forest resources in the region. Appropriate forest management and utilization practices have to be implemented for the sustainability of the forest resources in the region. Since the forest resource in the region is under dynamic change, regularly updating and providing information on its current status is imperative for timely and proper decision-making
... Land degradation is a serious problem for our planet (Mekonen and Tesfahunegn, 2011). Though, the world is getting seriously challenged by issues of sustainable use of natural resources from early twenty century (Abuto, 2009), the history of land degradation is as long as human civilization (Meseret, 2016). The range of degradation is estimated at 12 million hectare each year which is unbridled and a serious problem affecting the livelihood of 1.5 billion people globally (Yirdaw et al., 2017). ...
... The range of degradation is estimated at 12 million hectare each year which is unbridled and a serious problem affecting the livelihood of 1.5 billion people globally (Yirdaw et al., 2017). Comparatively, Sub-saharan Africa including Ethiopia has been severely challenged by land degradation in the world (Meseret, 2016). Land degradation in the highlands of Ethiopia has a long history particularly in the northern highlands for millennia (Yami et al., 2018), which were likely 5000 years ago (El-Swaify, 1997). ...
... Land degradation particularly soil erosion, nutrient depletion as well as soil moisture stress are severe problems in Tigray region. To solve this problem, the government of Ethiopia has taken different measures and there have been rehabilitation efforts taking place in the areas where land degradation is a severe problem (Nyssen, 1998;Critical et al., 2010;Meseret, 2016 andKerse, 2017). ...
... Land is a crucial natural resource for human survival and the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems, undergoing continuous modification through land use land cover (LULC) dynamics (Hussien et al. 2023;Wubie 2015;Duulatov et al. 2016). LULC is both an anthropogenic and natural process, driven by the use of Earth's natural resources for livelihood, infrastructure, and economic growth (Çelik et al. 2018;Meseret 2016;Lambin et al. 2003;Dagnachew et al. 2020). Land use includes economic and cultural activities such as agriculture, industry, and recreation, influenced by socioeconomic, cultural, political, and technological factors that govern land access and exploitation (Desta and Fetene 2020;Duulatov et al. 2016;Zhu et al. 2022;Lambin et al. 2003). ...
... In recent years, the changes in LULC have been a significant global issue, especially in developing regions, driven by unsustainable exploitation of land resources and complex human-environment interactions (Abebe et al. 2022;Ahmad and Pandey 2018;Bewket and Teferi 2009;Dagne et al. 2023a, b). The rapid expansion of agriculture and urban settlements at the expense of natural vegetation has led to unprecedented changes in ecosystem structure and function, contributing to land degradation, deforestation, climate change, and increased siltation of water resources (Lambin et al. 2003;Meseret 2016;Duulatov et al. 2016;Zhu et al. 2022). ...
Land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics are crucial indicators of human activities altering the earth’s surface, leading to environmental changes and land degradation. Ethiopia's rapid population growth, agricultural expansion, deforestation, and urbanization have significantly impacted LULC over the past decades. This study examines the spatiotemporal patterns of LULC dynamics and their relationship with Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) trends in the Middle Omo-Gibe River (MOGR) basin. The study employs a machine learning (ML) technique on Google Earth Engine (GEE) to analyze Landsat images from 1990 to 2020, incorporating field observations and participatory methods to capture local perceptions and validate LULC classification and trends. From 1990 to 2020, the MOGR basin experienced significant growth in settlements, agricultural land, and bare land, with varying patterns across decades. Meanwhile, bare land expanded the most (9% annually), followed by agricultural land and settlements from 1990 to 2000. Likewise, settlements proliferated, while shrublands and grazing land decreased due to the expansion of agriculture and urbanization from 2000 to 2010. The construction of Omo-Gibe Reservoir III significantly increased water bodies (from 25.61 to 194 km²) while declining forest land by 22.1% and grazing land by 7.57% from 2010 to 2020. Moreover, the NDVI is increasing, particularly in the central and eastern regions, driven by reforestation initiatives like Ethiopia’s “Green Legacy initiative.” These findings, corroborated by field observations and local perceptions, underscore the urgency of adopting appropriate land use practices and environmental management strategies to ensure sustainable resource utilization and development in the river basins of Ethiopia.
Graphical abstract
... The Ethiopian sub-humid highland ecosystem, a vital resource for agriculture, freshwater, and biodiversity (Girmay et al., 2020), faces severe land degradation due to factors such as rugged topography, intense rainfall, and unsustainable land management practices (Meseret, 2016;Mwaura et al., 2021), contributing to significant soil erosion and high annual runoff rates (Asthana et al., 2022;Fenta et al., 2021). Soil erosion reduces agricultural productivity and alters hydrological processes within the watershed (Asthana et al., 2022). ...
... Soil erosion reduces agricultural productivity and alters hydrological processes within the watershed (Asthana et al., 2022). Historical records suggest that the problem of soil erosion in the Ethiopian highlands began approximately 4000 years ago with the advent of agriculture, significantly reducing soil fertility and land productivity (Meseret, 2016;Wassie, 2020). ...
Soil erosion poses a significant challenge in the sub-humid Ethiopian highlands, yet research on the long-term effectiveness of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices in this region using pre- and post-conservation approaches remains limited. This study addresses this knowledge gap by evaluating the impact of SWC practices on water balance and soil erosion in the Debre Mawi watershed. The study covers two-period analyses: pre-conservation (2010–2014) and post-conservation (2015–2022) using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate hydrological water balance. Hydrological changes were assessed with the Indicators of Hydrological Alteration (IHA) software. Spatial and weekly sediment distribution were also computed. Results showed the SWAT effectively simulated stream flow, though sediment yield estimation was less accurate. The data demonstrated a reduction in surface runoff by 18% and a decrease in sediment yield by 75%. Conversely, evapotranspiration and groundwater storage experienced increases of 13% and 34%, respectively. The decrease in runoff and sediment can be attributed to the implementation of SWC structures with infiltration furrows, which are presently filled with sediment. Moreover, the expansion of eucalyptus tree acreage may deplete soil water during dry periods, thereby prolonging the time needed for the soil to become saturated and produce runoff, but the impact has yet to be quantified. The IHA analysis confirmed a decrease in mean annual flow from 0.06 m3/s to 0.02 m3/s, and sediment concentration decreased from 831.2 mg/l to 285 mg/l between the pre-and post-conservation periods. The study detected that soil erosion is higher than the allowable limits recommended for Ethiopia even after implementing SWCPs. Additionally, sediment transport reduced after the first three weeks due to improved ground cover and soil stability, although significant amounts were recorded until the end of the rainy season, primarily from gullies. The study found significant hydrological alterations in flow and sediment dynamics following the implementation of SWC practices, particularly pronounced in the early years post-conservation (2015–2018). However, the effectiveness of SWC practices diminished over time, with conditions beginning to revert to pre-conservation levels after 10 years. This suggests that these techniques (infiltration furrows) may be unsuitable for sub-humid watersheds, or that they require improved design and major maintenance beyond the third year. This study offers valuable insights into the dynamics of SWC interventions, underscoring the importance of integrating agronomic practices with SWC efforts to sustain long-term soil and water conservation in Ethiopia's sub-humid highlands. Future research should explore the hydrological effects of eucalyptus expansion and refine SWC practices suited to these unique conditions.
... The problem of soil erosion in the Ethiopian highlands was felt some 4,000 years ago with the introduction of agriculture (Wassie, 2020). As studied, this has reduced soil fertility and land productivity (Meseret, 2016). The amount of soil lost in Ethiopia's highlands varied from 5 to 300 t ha −1 yr. ...
... The amount of soil lost in Ethiopia's highlands varied from 5 to 300 t ha −1 yr. −1 depending on terrain, land use, and agro-ecological zones (Selassie and Amede, 2014;Meseret, 2016;Lemma et al., 2019;Adem et al., 2020). This estimate is equivalent to the loss of more than 3 mm of topsoil per year (Zegeye et al., 2010). ...
Several studies have assessed the dynamics of soil quality induced by soil and water conservation (SWC), but many showed disagreement over the efficacy of SWC interventions in the Ethiopian highlands. This study used a before and after soil and water conservation practices (SWCP) comparison approach to evaluate the effect of SWCP on soil quality dynamics. Fifty-four composite and 10 undisturbed soil samples were collected in 2012 (before SWCP) and 2022 (after SWCP). Statistical mean, analysis of variance, and principal component analysis were applied to test the significant differences among treatments. The findings demonstrated that SWCP has significantly improved most of the soil quality indicators such as soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, pH, total porosity, field capacity, and available water, and reduced the value of bulk density and coarse fragments. The interaction effect of landscape position and types of structures provided statistically significant results for soil organic matter, total nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, and base saturation. Soil and stone-faced soil bunds treated at lower landscapes were superior in improving soil quality attributes. The soil quality indexing showed, the overall soil quality improvement as a result of SWCP was about 32.15%. The level of improvement for different SWCPs was 32% for stone faced soil bunds and 33% for soil bunds. The findings revealed that SWCP implementation can improve soil quality. Soil organic matter is a key biological quality component that contributed 25% to the soil quality index and highly impacted soil physicochemical properties. We suggest additional assessment of best and integrated land management practices to ensure further improvement in soil quality, crop productivity, and ecosystem services in the subhumid ecosystems.
... Land degradation (LD) is a serious environmental problematic issue that harmfully affects ecosystem services, biodiversity, and the lives of millions of people in the world by promoting poverty and migration (Gashu & Muchie, 2018;Meseret, 2016;Susilowati & Syekhfani, 2015). LD can indicate the decline of biological or economic productivity in rain-fed farmland (Reith et al., 2021;Susilowati & Syekhfani, 2015). ...
... LD can indicate the decline of biological or economic productivity in rain-fed farmland (Reith et al., 2021;Susilowati & Syekhfani, 2015). However, due to the complexity and variety of the biophysical and socioeconomic factors that affect land resources, it is challenging to identify this phenomenon Meseret, 2016). By integrating information about ecosystems and the mechanisms that produce degradation, numerous research has evaluated the phenomenon of LD at the international as well as national levels. ...
Land degradation because of the overutilization of natural resources is a suitable strategy for many countries of the world. This crucial strategy hasn’t been introduced or implemented widely enough. The present study intended to examine the status of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) for the study Rib Watershed, which covers an area of 1585 km² and is situated in the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia. For the past two periods between 2000 and 2020, three indicators, such as Land Cover/Use Changes (LUC), Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), and Net Primary Productivity (NPP) metrics were primarily used to assess the LDN status of the study site. A total of 80 soil samples were then collected from the top 15 cm for six different types of LULC, including cultivated land, forest land, shrub lands, grassland, settlement, and water body. Consequently, land uses land cover matrices, NPP metric, and SOC metrics were also obtained using Land sat images, soil samples, and MODIS satellite images, respectively, for three periods of 2000, 2010, and 2020. Lastly, by integrating the three indicators and using one out all out framework, the status of LDN in the study area was evaluated. The combined findings of the study measurements showed that there was a net loss in cultivated land (123,977 ha), forest land (5623 ha), shrub lands (13984 ha), grassland (11,999 ha), water body (1056 ha) and settlement (1993 ha) for the past two decades (2000 to 2020). For the past two decades, LDN status of the Rib Watershed was generally in a net loss condition. The information delivered by the three sub-indicators is important for experts for the good recognition of their spatial distribution and types of land degradation to attain the LDN targets.
... The government's focus on environmental rehabilitation while neglecting socio-economic aspects limits the sustainability of the land restoration program. According to Meseret (2016), the land restoration program failed to bring the expected result due to a lack of active local community participation and considering socio-economic causes. Hence, the failure to understand the influence of socio-economic factors limited the success of the land restoration program through soil and water conservation practices (Haregeweyn et al., 2015). ...
... There must be a consideration for open villagers' participation in inclusive decisions and for the best interest of the community. Evidence shows that active community participation had proven to sustain land and other natural resource management (Meseret, 2016;Legesse et al., 2018;Arfasa & Amenu, 2019;Kuma et al., 2022). ...
Communal land restoration programs in Ethiopia overlooked the socio-economic context and decision behavior of smallholder farmers for better planning and intervention. Thus, studies related to socio-economic aspects and decision behaviors of smallholder farmers prior to the implementation of communal degraded land restoration are scanty. This study assessed the socio-economic characteristics and decisions making of smallholder farmers in degraded communal land restoration. The kebele under study was purposively selected near the communal degraded landfor future inter-vention. Cross-sectional data were collected from 94 smallholder farmers selected using a systematic random sam-pling method. Binary logit was employed to see determinants of farmers’ decision to participate in the rehabilitation of communal degraded land. The study result revealed that attitude towards village leaders and labor availability posi-tively determines farmers’ decision, while credit to access and absence of local institutions negatively influence the willingness of farmers to participate in communal land restoration. It seems that the socio-economic base of small-holder farmers did not have a strong linkage for their decision in the land restoration effort. The findings generally suggest that there should be locally based capacity building of the community in a participatory approach for land restoration efforts.
... Land degradation includes all processes that reduce the capability of land resources, functions and services in ecosystems (H Hurni et al., 2010). The problem is more critical in the north central highlands of Ethiopia where there is dense population and high concentration of livestock (Meseret, 2016). Of all forms of land degradation, soil erosion by running water is the most critical and widespread, which is responsible for low agricultural productivity and food insecurity in Ethiopia (Abebe & Sewnet, 2014;Miheretu, 2014) in general and in Amhara region in particular (K. ...
... Hurni et al., 2015). Land degradation in the form of soil erosion is not a new phenomenon in Ethiopia; it goes back to the beginning of agricultural practices (Meseret, 2016). ...
This study was carried out with the objective of examining the major factors that determine rural households’ decision to participate and level of participation in terracing activities as a response to the prevailing land degradation in Dejen woreda, north-west Ethiopia. Using simple random sampling technique, 360 households were selected. Qualitative and quantitative data were emanated from both primary and secondary sources using questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion and observation. While qualitative data were analyzed using narrative and interpretative methods, quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (such as mean, percentage, frequency & standard deviation) and inferential statistics (namely, Chi-square test and Double Hurdle regression). Results of the first hurdle regression indicated that family size engaged in farming, landholding size, slope of land and training on land management practices have positive and significant contributions to farmers’ decision to participate in terracing practice. On the other hand, sex has negative and significant influence on farmers’ decision to participate in terracing. On the other hand, results of the second hurdle showed that landholding size, slope of land, access to credit and training on land management practice have positively and significantly influenced households’ level of participation in terracing. Conversely, sex is found to have a negative and significant influence on farmers’ level of participation in terracing practices. As a solution to this problem, the concerned body at the woreda and kebele levels should devise mechanisms that enhance their socio-economic capacity and enable them to increase their decision and level of participation in terracing activities.
... Kondisi ini tidak hanya berdampak pada kerugian ekonomi bagi masyarakat setempat, tetapi juga menimbulkan masalah ekologis seperti penurunan fungsi hidrologi, kehilangan biodiversitas, dan peningkatan risiko bencana alam (Ding et al. 2024;Jiang et al. 2024). Oleh karena itu, diperlukan upaya rehabilitasi dan pengembangan lahan tidak produktif menjadi lahan yang memberikan manfaat ekonomi dan ekologi secara berkelanjutan (Gashaw et al. 2014;Meseret 2016). ...
ABSTRAK
Degradasi lahan di Sub DAS Peura, Kabupaten Poso (seluas 124,24 ha) mendorong perlunya pengembangan model agroforestri terintegrasi berbasis partisipasi masyarakat. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan Project Based Learning (PJBL) yang dikombinasikan dengan metode pemodelan sistem dinamik untuk mensimulasikan skenario rehabilitasi. Model dirancang berdasarkan data sosial, biofisik dan preferensi lokal terhadap empat komoditas utama, yaitu alpukat, durian, cengkeh, dan lebah madu (Trigona sp). Analisis kelayakan finansial dilakukan selama 10 tahun dengan tingkat diskonto 6,25%, sedangkan uji sensitivitas dilakukan untuk mengukur ketahanan model terhadap fluktuasi harga. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa seluruh skenario layak secara ekonomi, dengan Net Present Value (NPV) dan Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) tertinggi pada alpukat (NPV Rp33,7 miliar; BCR 5,65), diikuti cengkeh, durian, dan lebah madu. Komoditas lebah madu berperan penting dalam menstabilkan arus kas selama fase kritis (tahun ke-0 hingga ke-3). Model menunjukkan ketahanan terhadap penurunan harga hingga 40% (NPV Rp37,94 miliar), namun menjadi rentan di atas ambang tersebut. Hasil kajian menegaskan bahwa agroforestri partisipatif, berbasis simulasi sistem dinamik, merupakan pendekatan berkelanjutan dalam rehabilitasi lahan terdegradasi, dengan catatan penting pada strategi mitigasi risiko harga dan pendampingan teknis awal.
... Ethiopia's rapidly growing population continues to face persistent food insecurity and poverty, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices to enhance productivity, soil fertility, and resilience to environmental and economic shocks (CSA 2012). The agricultural sector is plagued by land degradation, ineffective land management, and reliance on rain-fed farming, exacerbating low yields and vulnerability to climate variability (Taddese 2001;Meseret 2016). While mineral fertilizers could improve soil fertility, their high costs and limited availability make them inaccessible to most smallholder farmers (Desmidt et al. 2015). ...
Smallholder farmers face significant challenges such as soil infertility, land degradation, food insecurity, and climate vulnerability. In response, many farmers in Northern Ethiopia have integrated Vachellia etbaica, a drought-resistant tree native to the horn of Africa, into their land-use systems. However, its potential to improve soil fertility and provide socioeconomic benefits has not been fully explored. This study evaluates the effects of V. etbaica on soil properties and its contributions to local livelihoods in Tsrae-Womberta district, Tigray, Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from 120 composite sites, stratified by land use (grazing and cultivated lands), distances from trees, and soil depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm). Socioeconomic data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 92 randomly selected households. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in most soil properties, including moisture content, organic carbon, and total nitrogen, with levels decreasing as the distance from the tree increased, but increasing with soil depth. Eighty five percent of respondents valued V. etbaica for its firewood, charcoal, income generation, fencing, fodder, and traditional medicine. The study highlights that proper management of V. etbaica can improve soil fertility, enhance ecosystem resilience, and support local livelihoods. These findings offer valuable insights into the role of V. etbaica in sustainable land management and agroforestry practices that enhance soil health and resilience in similar ecological settings. The study underscores the tree’s potential to promote sustainable agriculture and improve rural economies, making it a crucial resource for smallholder farmers in comparable regions globally.
... Despite the downsides related to high-disturbance tillage systems, many farmers continue to plough their fields [20]. The global demand of food cannot be met sustainably unless we protect and restore the fertility of our soil, thus securing the productivity of our land [23]. It is critical to focus on soil quality as an important factor affecting food safety, human health, and sustainable agricultural development [24]. ...
This paper aims to explore the willingness of farmers in the northern Namibia to adopt conservation agriculture (CA), employing the conditional logit model to estimate the probability of farmers choosing to adopt CA in different villages relative to all other alternatives and examining the effects of omitted variance and correlations on coefficient estimates, willingness to pay (WTP), and decision predictions. This study has practical significance, as agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic development of and livelihoods in Namibia, especially for those farmers who rely on small-scale farming as a means of subsistence. In terms of methodology, the data for the experimental choice simulation were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through a face-to-face survey approach. This paper adopts the conditional logit model to estimate the probability of farmers choosing to adopt CA in different villages, which is an appropriate choice as the model is capable of handling multi-option decision problems. This paper further enhances its rigor and reliability by simulating discrete choice experiments to investigate the impact of omitted variables and correlations on the estimation results. The research findings indicate that crop rotation and permanent soil cover are the main factors positively influencing farmers’ WTP for adopting CA, while intercropping, the time spent on soil preparation in the first season, and the frequency and rate of weeding consistently negatively influence the WTP for adopting CA. These discoveries provide valuable insights for formulating policy measures to promote the adoption of CA. In terms of policy recommendations, this paper puts forward targeted suggestions, including the appointment of specialized extension technicians by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform to disseminate information as well as coordinate, promote, and personally implement CA activities across all regions. Additionally, to expedite the adoption of CA, stakeholders should ensure the availability of appropriate farming equipment, such as rippers and direct seeders, in local markets.
... Furthermore, every year, 63,600 hectares of forest area are deforested annually (Negassa et al., 2020). In particular, the Ethiopian highlands, which cover almost 44% of the country's total area, have been affected by severe land degradation (Gebrehiwot & Veen, 2014;Meseret, 2016;Duguma et al., 2019). The Ethiopian highlands are more vulnerable areas due to repetitive farming, agricultural expansion to fragile and degraded slopes, long history of settlement, and high dependence on biomass energy (Mekonnen et al., 2015;Guadie et al., 2020). ...
A large part of research to date is devoted to the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes focused on technical aspects. This paper evaluated the socio-economic outcomes of Community-Based Rehabilitation of Degraded Land (CBRDL) in the North Showa area of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Multistage sampling techniques were used. In the first stage, the research site is selected based on years of experience in community-based rehabilitation of degraded lands (CBRDL), then simple random sampling techniques were used to select households from two target populations. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science. The findings revealed that the CBRDL brought about reductions in soil erosion and flooding and increased water availability, increased vegetation cover, and crop productivity. Although a people-centered planning approach was promoted during the intervention, a top-down approach prevailed and much needs to be done to overcome the persistent top-down planning process. Lack of knowledge, low level of awareness, low income, and small household size were identified as the main factors affecting participation in the rehabilitation of degraded lands. The overall evaluation showed that the CBRDL is showing encouraging positive impacts.
... Consequently, degraded communal grazing lands (which were already bare lands) are well rehabilitating after a closure for one to two years". This result agrees with the result of a study by Dessalew (2016), which indicated that restricting free grazing can reduce overexploitation and degradation of grazing lands, and improve the availability and quality of forage in the future. ...
This study gives empirical evidence on the drivers of land use change by conducting a qualitative assessment and then using time series data to quantify the relationship between land use land cover change and factors that cause the change. Vector autoregressive models with exogenous variables were used to analyze the time series data. The findings revealed demographic and environmental factors were the primary causes of land use and land cover change. Population growth was found among the key drivers for losses of the natural vegetation on the one hand and rehabilitation of bare lands and grazing lands on the other hand. Despite its pressure on the natural vegetation, the increase in population contributes to a productive labor force for improving land management through rehabilitating degraded grazing lands, implementing soil and water conservation measures, and planting trees on degraded lands. This implies that population growth can be an opportunity or a threat for sustainable natural resources management, depending on how the available labor force is used. Climatic factors like maximum temperature and precipitation were also important causes of change in land use land cover. The study has important contributions to improving land use practices through designing appropriate land resources management policies.
... Land degradation in turn encompasses mineral depilation, poor physical(low water retaining capacity) and biological condition of soil (Yimer, and Tekalign, 2016). www.journal-innovations.com Land degradation is a disturbing problem in Amhara region where soil erosion leaving 20,000 and 30,000 hectares of the land unproductive (Meseret, 2016).Abay riverbasin is the largest basin in Amhara region where land degradation affects its inhabitants, due to agricultural land expansion, high population growth, deforestation, continues cultivation, free grazing and dependency of the rural population on crop cultivation and other factors which aggravate the problem in the basin (Mengistu, Bewket, 2015 .But the findings have been mixed and conflicting. So, this study makes an important addition to the existing literature.In order for land management practices to be effective, base-line information on their potential users is essential, as well as guidance on what land management activities should be promoted or discouraged.Accordingly, the present study was motivated by the desire to fill this gap in investigating factors affecting land management, and to provide local policy makers with information so that they can assess their options for land management. ...
Despite the practices of the introduced land management measures, the study district was prone to serious land degradation. The need for identifying the key determinant factors for adopting rural land management technologies for better impact often was not communicated. Accordingly, the present study intended to investigate determinant factors for adopting the rural land management practices in north Achefer district.The study employed a cross-sectional research design composed of both quantitative and qualitative research approaches.It used random,Purposive and stratified sampling techniques to select sample households. Household surveys, key informant interviews, and focused group discussions were conducted to collect primary data. A total of 132 households were covered by the questionnaire survey.Thedata were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The major findings confirmed that the practices of land management were stone bund, soil bund, stone faced soil bund, hill side terrace, cutoff drain, stone gabion and check dam. The binary logistic regression results showed six out of thirteen explanatory variables: Educational status, extension services, awareness, farm size, labor availability and involvement in off-farm activities were among the determinants for adopting rural land management technologies in the study area.In conclusion, the determinants of rural land management practices are complex and call for multifaceted interventions.So, there is a need to consider those physical, institutional, economic, and social factors in the practice of rural land management.
... Land degradation due to changes in land use/land cover has become a significant global issue [1]. According to [17], land degradation has been exacerbated by overgrazing, intensive agriculture, drought, heavy and unpredictable rainfall, flooding, deforestation, and other factors. ...
Since 2002, numerous sustainable land management (SLM) interventions have been implemented in Ethiopia, such as agroforestry, area closure, forage development, gully rehabilitation, and conservation agriculture. In addition, watershed-based developments contributed comprehensively to a better use of existing natural resources. This study determined the impact of Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) on land use/land cover for the Yesir watershed in Northern Ethiopia. Supervised image classification algorithms were applied to a time series of Landsat 5 (2002) and Landsat 8 (2013 and 2022) images to produce land use/land cover maps. A Geographic Information System was applied to analyze and map changes in land use/land cover for settlements, agricultural land, grazing land, and land covered with other vegetation. In focus group discussions, the time series maps were analyzed and compared with the integrated watershed management practices to analyze their impacts. The results document that integrated watershed management practices have contributed to a significant change in land use/land cover in the study area over the past 20 years. The quantitative analysis of land use/land cover between the years 2002 and 2022 only revealed a downward trend in agricultural land. Considering the value of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a biophysical feature for the increase of green mass, this indicator also documents an improvement in land use/land cover with regard to sustainable land management and consequently poverty alleviation.
... However, most previous studies have mainly focused on the physical forms of degradation and have applied single parameters to monitor the risks of soil erosion and land degradation. These studies primarily analyzed the cause and consequences of land degradation using field surveys, and few of them analyzed morphometric factors for soil erosion assessment (Berkhout et al. 2021;Meseret 2016;Wubie 2015). However, there were no significant previous research studies in the river basin that addressed the inter-consequential relationships between geomorphometric factors and soil erosion in the context of prioritizing sub-watersheds prone to soil erosion (Dagne et al. 2024;Fenta et al. 2021;Mohammed, Adugna, and Takala 2018). ...
Soil erosion, a major factor contributing to land degradation, poses significant environmental challenges across sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. This study identifies erosion-prone sub-watersheds in southern Ethiopia's middle Omo-Gibe River basin using digital elevation model data, analyzed using a geomorphometric and statistically weighted sum priority approach in a Geographic Information System environment. Additionally, hypsometric analysis, lithology, land use/cover analysis, and field observations were integrated to enhance methodological reliability in assessing soil erosion patterns and subsequent land degradation in the basin. Results highlight sub-watersheds with varying degrees of erosion sensitivity, emphasizing morphometric parameters and landscape characteristics. Furthermore, hypsometric analysis confirms a moderate to high susceptibility of sub-watersheds to soil erosion. Moreover, half of the river basin consists of shrubland, encompassing scrubs, range lands, and small wooded areas. These are less efficient in mitigating erosion compared to forests, especially in the face of significant summer rainfall and ensuing runoff. Statistical prioritization identified 19 sub-watersheds, covering 43% of the basin's total area, as highly prone to soil erosion and land degradation. The study's findings are valuable for Ethiopian watershed management decision-makers, enabling informed resource allocation and targeted interventions to control soil erosion and protect water resources by utilizing the outputs of this study.
... In general, the Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) and North Shewa Zone are among the most degraded areas in Ethiopia (Meseret 2016). Among the various development interventions, the ANRS Bureau of Agriculture introduced several agroforestry technology packages to address land degradation and improve the livelihood of rural communities (Masebo and Menamo 2016). ...
This study analyzed adoption of agroforestry technologies in the central highlands of Ethiopia. A binary logistic regression model was used based on a survey of 96 adopters and non-adopter farmers. The results showed that all the farmers had a positive perception of agroforestry technology and that farmland boundaries were the most widely adopted agroforestry technology (81%), followed by farmland tree planting (71%). Alley cropping was the least preferred agroforestry technology by farmers (11%), followed by garden agroforestry technology (37%). Agroforestry was perceived as a major contributor to various products and improved soil fertility by 29% and 28%, respectively, of the farmers. Family size and customary rules are significant determinants of agroforestry technology adoption (p < 0.01). Access to extension services was also significantly correlated with the adoption of agroforestry technology (p < 0.05). Adoption of agroforestry technologies is important to address the continuous depletion of forest resources and improve the livelihood of farmers. The potential influence of these determinant factors should be taken into account when identifying suitable agroforestry technologies.
... A degraded grazing land (bare land) on which zero grazing has been practiced before two years gets rehabilitated and changed to normal grazing land. (Dessalew, 2016) which indicated that restricting free grazing can reduce overexploitation and degradation of grazing lands, and improve the availability and quality of forage in the long-run. ...
This study gives empirical evidence on the drivers of land use land cover change by conducting qualitative assessment first, and then making use of time series data for quantifying the relationship between land use land cover change and factors that cause the change. Analyzing the drivers of land use land cover change employing a mixed method approach gives good ground for the selection of exogenous variables as well as justification of the results of the quantitative analysis. Temporal changes of land use land cover in a given time are interdependent with changes in the previous years which needs time series data analysis. Vector autoregressive models with exogenous variables were used to analyze the time series data. The findings revealed demographic and environmental factors were the main causes of land use and land cover change. Population growth was found among the key drivers for losses of the natural vegetation on the one hand and rehabilitation of bare lands and grazing lands on the other hand, through contributing productive labor force for rehabilitating gullies, construction of soil and water conservation structures, and plantations of trees on degraded lands. This implies population growth can be an opportunity or a threat for sustainable natural resources management depending on how the available labor force is used. Climatic factors like maximum temperature and precipitation were also important causes of change in land use land cover. The study has important contributions to improving land use practices through designing appropriate land resources management policies.
... This study was conducted in the Amhara region, North West Ethiopia. Based on the 2007 census conducted by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia, the Amhara region has a population of 17,221,976 with 1.7 annual growth rates, of which 8,641,580 were men and 8,580,396 were women (Meseret 2016). According to Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration data, 422 registered THs have been found in the Amhara region. ...
Context
Although pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies play a vital role in the quality of traditional medicines, they have not received much attention from stakeholders and researchers nationally and internationally.
Objective
This study assesses traditional healers’ knowledge and utilization of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies in the Amhara region, North West Ethiopia.
Materials and methods
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 70 traditional healers. The data were collected using an interview-based questionnaire. The collected data were checked and entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 for analysis. The results were presented as percentages. The association between socio-demographic characteristics and traditional healers’ knowledge of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies was examined using Pearson’s Chi-squares test.
Results
About 90% of traditional healers had information about pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies, and currently 80% of them used different pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies individually and in combination with traditional equipment. Although most traditional healers used different pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies, only 13.3% of them used equipment and supplies a day. Only 15% of traditional healers continuously cleaned their equipment. None of the socio-demographic variables were significantly associated to the knowledge of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies.
Discussion and Conclusions
Pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies used by traditional healers was inconsistent, mainly associated with their habit of using self-prepared and home-available equipment. Moreover, the checkup status of compounding equipment was poor. As Traditional healers provide high-patient care services, emphasis should be given to improving their preparation and treatment strategies.
... Soil degradation is more severe in Ethiopia, and nutrient mining is the highest compared to SSA (Teferi et al. 2016). Soil degradation in the form of soil erosion and loss of soil fertility in the highlands of Ethiopia causes a reduction in agricultural productivity (Gashaw et al. 2014;Meseret 2016), which in turn impacts the livelihoods of the rural community and the economy of the country (Kassa et al. 2013;Adugna and Abegaz 2015). The study of Zingore et al. (2015) revealed that negative nutrient balances of macronutrients (N = 40-70 kg/ha, P = 7-10 kg/ha, and K = 33-50 kg/ha) were the highest in Ethiopia compared to sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). ...
The problem of soil quality degradation has been becoming more severe in the highlands of Ethiopia due to soil erosion; land use and land cover change, and poor land management. The level of soil quality degradation was not well known and documented in the study area and the results of this study could provide new information to improve soil conditions. The present study was conducted to evaluate soil quality in terms of its physical and chemical fertility under different land use types in the Suha watershed, northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. A total of 27 composite surface soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from adjacently located land-uses in three replications from two elevation gradients. Standard procedures were followed to analyze selected soil physical and chemical quality indicators. The differences in the mean values of the parameters were tested using a two-way analysis of variance. In addition, Soil Quality Degradation Index was evaluated to see the direction and magnitude of change in soil quality indicators. The analysis of variance results revealed that soil quality indicators such as index of soil aggregate stability, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and C:N ratio were significantly decreased in the cultivated land use system compared to other land use systems. On the other hand, the content of available Phosphorus was significantly higher in the cultivated land. Soil quality deterioration index values were highly negative for SOC (− 71.3%) and TN (− 67.7%) in the cultivated land, followed by grazing land (SOM = − 35.5% and TN = − 27.7%). Aggregated Soil Quality Index values also indicated that the status of soil quality under cultivated fields is rated as low, grazing land as optimal, and forest land as high. Generally, results indicated that land use and cover changes had adverse effects on soil quality indicators. Hence, soil management strategies, mainly Integrated Soil Fertility Management which integrates soil and water conservation strategies, are required to alleviate the problem of soil quality deterioration and improve agricultural productivity.
... Unfortunately, despite substantial efforts and endeavours, the sustainability and success of these initiatives have been low [65,[117][118][119][120]. Notable exceptions to this include the establishment of exotic tree plantations during the Derg regime, resulting in approximately 200,000 hectares of industrial forest plantation-currently the only one in the country. ...
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the historical trajectory of deforestation in Ethiopia, spanning an extensive timeframe and exploring its major driving factors. Over the span of three millennia, Ethiopia has experienced persistent deforestation, resulting in a significant reduction of its once-large forest and woodland resources. Currently, small, degraded forests and woodlands exist in isolated patches, located in remote areas such as the southwest and southeast. Major deforestation in Ethiopia unfolded progressively, first along a north-south axis and more recently shifting from the highlands to the lowlands. The northern and central highlands lost most of their natural forests before the turn of the 20th century, while significant loss in the southern highlands occurred over the past 150 years, and in the lowlands over the past 50 years. This deforestation is primarily attributed to the expansion of ox-plow agriculture and population pressure resulting from natural birth and internal migration. Despite efforts to counter deforestation and promote restoration, mostly since the 1970s, successes remain limited. A noteworthy exception in this regard is the introduction of Eucalyptus during the turn of the 20th century and the subsequent expansion of it, mainly in the form of small-scale farmer-led farm forestry. Today, Eucalyptus become the most preferred, well-adapted, widely planted, and the major supplier of wood materials in Ethiopia. The limited success in restoration is attributed to the reliance on campaign-based strategy, lack of private sector involvement, the intertwining of restoration with political agenda, and poorly defined property rights on land, forests, and trees. The consequences of deforestation and resultant environmental degradation have profoundly influenced the socio-economic dynamics of Ethiopia, giving rise to issues such as food insecurity, poverty, migration, and political instability.
... Unfortunately, despite substantial efforts and endeavours, the sustainability and success of these initiatives have been low [65,117,118,119,120]. Notable exceptions to this include the establishment of exotic tree plantations during the Derg regime, resulting in approximately 200,000 hectares of industrial forest plantation-currently the only one in the country. ...
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the historical trajectory of deforestation in Ethiopia, spanning an extensive timeframe and exploring its major driving factors. Over the span of three millennia, Ethiopia has experienced persistent deforestation, resulting in a significant reduction of its once-large forest and woodland resources. Currently, small, degraded forests and woodlands exist in isolated patches, located in remote areas such as the southwest and southeast. Major deforestation in Ethiopia unfolded progressively, first along a north-south axis and more recently shifting from the highlands to the lowlands. The northern and central highlands lost most of their natural forests before the turn of the 20th century, while significant loss in the southern highlands occurred over the past 150 years, and in the lowlands over the past 50 years. This deforestation is primarily attributed to the expansion of ox-plow agriculture and population pressure resulting from natural birth and internal migration. Despite efforts to counter deforestation and promote restoration, mostly since the 1970s, successes remain limited. Noteworthy exception in this regard is the introduction of Eucalyptus during the turn of the 20th century and the subsequent expansion of it, mainly in the form of small-scale farmer-led led farm forestry. Today, Eucalyptus become the most preferred, well-adapted, widely planted, and the major supplier of wood materials in Ethiopia. The limited success in restoration is attributed to the reliance on campaign-based strategy, lack of private sector involvement, the intertwining of restoration with political agenda, and poorly defined property rights on land, forests, and trees. The consequences of deforestation and resultant environmental degradation have profoundly influenced the socio-economic dynamics of Ethiopia, giving rise to issues such as food insecurity, poverty, migration, and political instability.
... Unfortunately, despite substantial efforts and endeavours, the sustainability and success of these initiatives have been low [65,[117][118][119][120]. Notable exceptions to this include the establishment of exotic tree plantations during the Derg regime, resulting in approximately 200,000 hectares of industrial forest plantation-currently the only one in the country. ...
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the historical trajectory of deforestation in Ethiopia, spanning an extensive timeframe and exploring its major driving factors. Over the span of three millennia, Ethiopia has experienced persistent deforestation, resulting in a significant reduction of its once-large forest and woodland resources. Currently, small, degraded forests and woodlands exist in isolated patches, located in remote areas such as the southwest and southeast. Major deforestation in Ethiopia unfolded progressively, first along a north-south axis and more recently shifting from the highlands to the lowlands. The northern and central highlands lost most of their natural forests before the turn of the 20th century, while significant loss in the southern highlands occurred over the past 150 years, and in the lowlands over the past 50 years. This deforestation is primarily attributed to the expansion of ox-plow agriculture and population pressure resulting from natural birth and internal migration. Despite efforts to counter deforestation and promote restoration, mostly since the 1970s, successes remain limited. A noteworthy exception in this regard is the introduction of Eucalyptus during the turn of the 20th century and the subsequent expansion of it, mainly in the form of small-scale farmer-led farm forestry. Today, Eucalyptus become the most preferred, well-adapted, widely planted, and the major supplier of wood materials in Ethiopia. The limited success in restoration is attributed to the reliance on campaign-based strategy, lack of private sector involvement, the intertwining of restoration with political agenda, and poorly defined property rights on land, forests, and trees. The consequences of deforestation and resultant environmental degradation have profoundly influenced the socio-economic dynamics of Ethiopia, giving rise to issues such as food insecurity, poverty, migration, and political instability.
... A soil is said to be degraded if the loss of basic qualities which manifests in reduced yields, is permanent (Mbagwu, 2003). Soil degradation is one of this generation's most serious global environmental issues (Adnan et al., 2015;Antonio, 2016;Meseret, 2016). Even while the degree of degradation varies from location to location, it affects people all across the world (Pimentel and Burgess, 2013;Raiesi, 2017;Vanwalleghem et al., 2017;Ouyang et al., 2018). ...
The worldwide depletion of soil resources continues to be a serious hazard particularly in the least developing countries where agriculture is the main pillar of their economy. The knowledge of the physico-chemical conditions of any soil is crucial for proper implementation of management practices to achieve sustainability. The study area is located in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria and also been an agrarian community lacks an up to date data on the soil physico-chemical conditions needed to preserve the soil on a sustainable basis there by achieving maximum productivity. The physico-chemical properties of soils were assessed in three selected farmlands for rice, maize and tomato cultivation in Panhauya, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A reconnaissance survey was carried out, sample points were identified and coordinates of the farmlands were captured. Stratified Grid Sampling technique was adopted. For each of the three farmlands, an area (of 3 hectares) was identified and divided into 12-unit grids (of 0.25 hectares). In each of the grids, soil samples were collected at the top soil (0-15 cm), subsoil (15-30 cm), and center (core samples) making a total of 54 bulked samples with 12 core samples per farmland to achieve 162 samples, respectively. The means results of the physico-chemical analyses of the three farmlands were in the ranges of: pH (6.65-6.31), bulk density (1.32-1.30 Mgmˉ³), gravimetric moisture content (2.08-2.10%), ESP (3.90-3.78%), % OC(0.23-0.14 gkgˉ¹) OM (0.40-0.25 gkgˉ¹), % TN (0.03-0.02 gkgˉ¹), Available Phosphorus (7.78-3.57 mgkgˉ¹),Ca (3.78-2.79 cmolkgˉ¹), Mg (1.01-0.79 cmolkgˉ¹), Na (0.22-0.17 cmolkgˉ¹), K (0.20-0.14 cmolkgˉ¹),CEC (5.73-4.39 cmolkgˉ¹), BS (91.75-87.83%), % Sand (505.40-435.24 gkgˉ¹),% Silt (287.30-346.98 gkgˉ¹), % Clay (207.46-217.78 gkgˉ¹). The texture was predominantly sandy loam with a few areas of sandy clay loam. Bulk density was higher at the top soil than the subsoil due to decrease in OM with depth. The silt to clay ratio indicated that weathering was more vigorous in the top soil than the sub-soils. Chemical properties of the soils indicate a slightly acidic to neutral pH, medium exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, Na, K), low Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC-NH4OAc) and Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) with high base saturation respectively. The soils were medium to low in organic matter and total nitrogen content. Hence, it is concluded that the fertility of the soils cannot sustain crop production on a long-term basis under continuous cultivation since the soils are poorly drained and sandy loam in texture. Therefore, application of organic residues and mulches will help improve soil aeration, increase nutrient capacities, structural development, drainage and reduce leaching which will go a long way in aiding recovery of the degraded soils.
... It also bordered other regions of Ethiopia: Oromia to the south, Tigray to the north, Afar to the east, Benishangul-Gumuz to the west, and southwest. Based on the 2007 census conducted by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia, the Amhara region has a population of 17,221,976 with a GR of 1.7, of which 8,641,580 are males and 8,580,396 are females [22]. According to the Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration (EFDA), 422 registered THs have been found in the Amhara region. ...
Methods:
A cross-sectional study design was conducted on 70 traditional healers from June 1, 2022 to July 25, 2022. The data were collected through structured questionnaires. The data were checked for completeness and consistency and then entered into SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. The results were presented with frequencies and percentages. The association between sociodemographic factors and traditional healers' knowledge of dosage forms and route of administration was determined using the Pearson's chi-squares test. A statistically significant difference was declared if the p value was 0.05 or lower.
Results:
Most (58.1%) traditional healers had information on dosage forms, especially about solid, semisolid, and liquid dosage forms. In addition, 33 (53.2%) traditional healers had information about rectal, nasal, and oral route of administration. All traditional healers had practiced different dosage forms and route of administration both individually and in combination earlier to date. More than half of the participants agreed on the need for different dosage forms and route of administration. This study result also showed that most (72.6%) traditional healers had gaps in sharing experiences and information with other healers and health professionals.
Conclusions:
The current study revealed that solid, semisolid, and liquid were the most frequently formulated dosage forms with oral, rectal, and nasal route of administration by traditional healers. The practice of checking the status of the formulations was poor. Traditional healers had a good attitude towards the need for different dosage forms and route of administration. The stakeholders should provide continuous training and exchange of experiences between traditional healers and healthcare professionals to improve the knowledge of traditional healers for appropriate use of dosage forms and route of administration.
... However, the biodiversity of the forest is being reduced by the sharp decline in its resources (Crespin and Simonetti, 2016;Sutton et al., 2016). Large-scale species extinctions and excessive use of the planet's natural resources lead to ecological injustice (Barlow et al., 2007;Meseret, 2016;Chazdon, 2018). ...
For their livelihoods, many people rely on the services offered by forest ecosystems. Nevertheless, forests are being lost and degraded on a global scale, endangering the delivery of important services. This is the situation in Ethiopia, a nation where land degradation and deforestation pose a threat to the majority of forest ecosystems. Studies in North Wollo are very scarce and limited despite the present growth in evidence bases measuring environmental services and risks across the globe. The traditional knowledge and attitudes of the locals concerning trends in forest management, conservation, and ecosystem services were investigated in this study. We used many approaches for gathering data. The quantitative data were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, multiple linear regression, and general linear regression models. The main threats to forest ecosystems in North Wollo included deforestation for the production of firewood and charcoal, increased population growth and agricultural needs, environmental pollution, the allelopathic influence of exotic species, and loss of soil fertility. These dangers cause instability and a decline in the range of ecological services provided
by forests. Regarding this, the customary rules, social exclusion, and indigenous beliefs were utilized as a conservation technique to maintain and protect the remaining natural resources. In addition, the community uses terracing, gully prevention, and hillside planting with native trees to restore the ecology that has been damaged. As a result, efforts should be made to solve the current difficulties and dangers since local people, the government and non-governmental organizations have an interest in preserving forest ecosystems. In general, encouraging the direct involvement of locals in decision-making and equitable distribution of the benefits resulting from the ecosystems could aid in addressing the difficulties and risks to the ecosystems.
... However, the biodiversity of the forest is being reduced by the sharp decline in its resources (Crespin and Simonetti, 2016;Sutton et al., 2016). Large-scale species extinctions and excessive use of the planet's natural resources lead to ecological injustice (Barlow et al., 2007;Meseret, 2016;Chazdon, 2018). ...
... However, the biodiversity of the forest is being reduced by the sharp decline in its resources (Crespin and Simonetti, 2016;Sutton et al., 2016). Large-scale species extinctions and excessive use of the planet's natural resources lead to ecological injustice (Barlow et al., 2007;Meseret, 2016;Chazdon, 2018). ...
It is about exploring the local people's perception of forest ecosystem conservation and management trends in North Wollo, Ethiopia
... Geographically, the sub-Saharan African region recorded the fastest conversion of forest land to agriculture in the past 20 years (Nkonya et al. 2013). Although accurate records on forest cover and reliable data on the rate of deforestation are limited in Ethiopia, about 20 thousand hectares of forest are cleared annually in the Amhara region alone for the expansion of smallholder farmlands and biomass fuel (Meseret 2016). Today, remnants of the original vegetation are found mainly around churches, monasteries and very inaccessible mountainsides and gorges. ...
Rising atmospheric CO2 concentration is a major cause of climate change. Release of soil carbon is one of the major causes. In the Northern part of Ethiopia, church forests are major stocks of above- and below-ground carbon. However, the significance of church forest ecosystem in soil carbon storage is not well documented. Three church forests along a climatic gradient were selected to examine soil carbon storage of church forest in comparison with adjacent land use systems (eucalyptus plantation, grazing land and cropland). Inputs from above- and below-ground biomass were quantified. Litter trap and in-growth core methods were used. Results showed that conversion of church forest to cropland or grazing land reduced SOC stocks by 58–69% in <50 years. Restoring the area through reforestation with eucalyptus species led to an increase in SOC; however, the rate of increase (ca. 0.3 kg m−2 year−1) was lower than losses (ca. 0.4 kg m−2 year−1). The annual carbon input through litterfall is nearly the same as below-ground input in the church forest. On the other hand, the above-ground inputs in eucalyptus, cropland, and grazing land were absent/minor due to litter raking, complete crop residue harvest, and overgrazing. The annual fine root production in the church forest was 723 g m−2 whereas in grazing land and cropland it was in the range of 50–60 g m−2 illustrating a reduction of carbon input into the soil by >90% if church forests are converted to these land uses. This calls for urgent attention to restore essential ecosystem functions and soil carbon sequestration.
... The plantation forest of Eucalyptus globulus was established on an abandoned crop/grazing land in 1985. This pattern of land conversion is a common practice in the Ethiopian highlands when grazing land becomes degraded [33]. ...
The depletion of soil organic matter (SOM) reserve after deforestation and subsequent management practices are well documented, but the impacts of land-use change on the persistence and vulnerability of storage C and N remain uncertain. We investigated soil organic C (SOC) and N stocks in a landscape of chrono-sequence natural forest, grazing/crop lands and plantation forest in the highlands of North-West Ethiopia. We hypothesized that in addition to depleting total C and N pools, multiple conversions of natural forest significantly change the relative proportion of labile and recalcitrant C and N fractions in soils, and thus affect SOM quality. To examine this hypothesis, we estimated depletion of SOC and N stocks and labile (1 & 2) and recalcitrant (fraction 3) C and N pools in soil organic matter following the acid hydrolysis technique. Our studies showed the highest loss of C stock was in grazing land (58%) followed by cropland (50%) and eucalyptus plantation (47%), while on average ca. 57% N stock was depleted. Eucalyptus plantation exhibited potential for soil C recovery, although not for N, after 30 years. The fractionation of SOM revealed that depletions of labile 1 C stocks were similar in grazing and crop lands (36%), and loss of recalcitrant C was highest in grazing soil (56%). However, increases in relative concentrations of labile fraction 1 in grazing land and recalcitrant C and N in cropland suggest the quality of these pools might be influenced by management activities. Also, the C:N ratio of C fractions and recalcitrant indices (RIC and RIN) clearly demonstrated that land conversion from natural forest to managed systems changes the inherent quality of the fractions, which was obscured in whole soil analysis. These findings underscore the importance of considering the quality of SOM when evaluating disturbance impacts on SOC and N stocks.
... The high correlation in the drought-prone part of the basin indicates the concurrent nature of the agricultural and meteorological drought. The soil erosion led to land degradation and impacted the water holding capacity of the soil as a result of the loss of the fertile topsoil attributed to the expansion of the cultivated land and land-use change [46]. The central and southern parts of the basin showed low correlation for Kiremt season. ...
... Land degradation is the first ecosystem threat to sustainability and stability (Mulatie et al. 2015). It leads to overexploitation of the remaining natural resources (Meseret 2016) and a massive extinction of important plant species (Barlow et al. 2007, Chazdon 2018. Similarly, the potential resources of WEPs in the study area are threatened with anthropogenic causes(deforestation for firewood, charcoal, construction materials, agricultural land demand, etc.). ...
Rural communities in different parts of the world use WEPs as supplementary food to increase dietary diversity. The findings of this study showed that 40.7% of the participants were food insecure in the study area. They are significantly dependent on WEPs when sudden drought exists. There were no significant studies conducted about ethnobotany in the study area. Therefore, this study was the first attempt to survey the perception of local people towards the potential resources of WEPs for sustainable food security, and conservation and management trends in North Wollo. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews (135 participants), tour-guided field observation, and focus group discussion (45 participants) to get relevant and adequate data. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and preference ranking were used to analyze and interpret the quantitative data. A total of 66 locally available WEPs belong to 30 families found in the study area. Respondents' preference revealed that O. ficus-indica, Z.spina-christ, C. spinarum, F. sur, and U. sinesis were ranked first, second, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. Hence, this study will provide relevant information for policy-makers and managers to combat food insecurity in the study area.
... The high correlation in the drought-prone part of the basin indicates the concurrent nature of the agricultural and meteorological drought. The soil erosion led to land degradation and impacted the water holding capacity of the soil as a result of the loss of the fertile topsoil attributed to the expansion of the cultivated land and land-use change [46]. The central and southern parts of the basin showed low correlation for Kiremt season. ...
Drought is one of the least understood and complex natural hazards often characterized by a significant decrease in water availability for a prolonged period. It can be manifested in one or more forms as meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and/or socio-economic drought. The overarching objective of this study is to demonstrate and characterize the different forms of droughts and to assess the multidimensional nature of drought in the Abbay/ Upper Blue Nile River (UBN) basin and its national and regional scale implications. In this study, multiple drought indices derived from in situ and earth observation-based hydro-climatic variables were used. The meteorological drought was characterized using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) computed from the earth observation- based gridded CHIRPS (Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station) rainfall data. Agricultural and hydrological droughts were characterized by using the Soil Moisture Deficit Index (SMDI) and Standardized Runoff-discharge Index (SRI), respectively. The monthly time series of SMDI was derived from model-based gridded soil moisture and SRI from observed streamflow data from 1982 to 2019. The preliminary result illustrates the good performance of the drought indices in capturing the historic severe drought events (e.g., 1984 and 2002) and the spatial extents across the basin. The results further indicated that all forms of droughts (i.e., meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological) occurred concurrently in Abbay/Upper Blue Nile basin with a Pearson correlation coefficient ranges from 0.5 to 0.85 both Kiremt and annual aggregate periods. The concurrent nature of drought is leading to a multi-dimensional socio-economic crisis as indicated by rainfall, and soil moisture deficits, and drying of small streams. Multi-dimensional drought mitigation necessitates regional cooperation and watershed
management to protect both the common water sources of the Abbay/Upper Blue Nile basin and the socio-economic activities of the society in the basin. This study also underlines the need for multi-scale drought monitoring and management practices in the basin.
Keywords: meteorological drought; agricultural drought; hydrological drought; Abbay/Upper Blue
Nile; CHIRPS; soil moisture
... 5 The problem of soil erosion is more threatening in Amhara region; approximately 90% of its population lives in the highlands which constitutes 66% of its total land area, and of this land, 90% is regularly cultivated, exposing to soil erosion. 13 Areas severely worn away are found in Waghimra and North Wollo followed by North and South Gonder, South Wollo, East Gojjam and northern part of North Shewa zones. 14 To overcome the problems of land degradation and soil erosion, SWC and management is vital. ...
Soil erosion occurs throughout the world and is a very serious problem especially in dry land areas of Ethiopia. Rural inhabitants
try to develop some erosion control measures to reduce the negative impacts; however, the role of the women is not known and deserves to be
studied to understand how land degradation processes are mitigated. Hence, the main goal of this study is to identify the determinant variables
of women’s participation in soil and water conservation (SWC) practices in Shebel Berenta Woreda of Amhara Region in Ethiopia as a study case.
Mixed-research method with sequential explanatory research design was employed through survey questionnaire, interview, key informant inter-
view, focus group discussion, and field observation as data collection methods since 2019. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression
model were used to analyze the collected quantitative data. The result showed a significant number of respondents (86.4%) frequently partici-
pate in SWC, while 14.6% do not. Among those participated in SWC, 55.6%, 18.85 %, and 42.8% were highly involved in terracing, vegetation
cover, and compost preparation as a part of SWC practices, respectively. In addition, 50.4% has participated in decision making about SWC,
while 49.6% had not any involvement. The binary logistic regression model analysis shows widowed women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]
=
0.23,
95% confidence interval [CI]
=
0.001, 0.814, P
=
.038); are able to read and write (AOR
=
0.164, 95% CI
=
0.027, 0.995, P
=
.049); have second-
ary education and higher levels (AOR
=
0.139, 95% CI
=
0.022, 0.874, P
=
.035). Similarly, those who do not have farm land (AOR
=
0.263, 95%
CI
=
0.072, 0.964, P
=
.044); their lands do not show soil erosion (AOR
=
.043, 95% CI
=
0.006, 0.296, P
=
.001); have not discussions about SWC
(AOR
=
0.142, 95% CI
=
0.021, 0.952, P
=
.044); not receiving any advice to apply them (AOR
=
0.145, 95% CI
=
0.030, 0.694, P
=
.016) were
variables that determine women’s participation in SWC. Therefore, the local government should work on awareness transference, providing new
technologies, and building complete infrastructures to achieve better results of SWC.
... 5 The problem of soil erosion is more threatening in Amhara region; approximately 90% of its population lives in the highlands which constitutes 66% of its total land area, and of this land, 90% is regularly cultivated, exposing to soil erosion. 13 Areas severely worn away are found in Waghimra and North Wollo followed by North and South Gonder, South Wollo, East Gojjam and northern part of North Shewa zones. 14 To overcome the problems of land degradation and soil erosion, SWC and management is vital. ...
Soil erosion occurs throughout the world and is a very serious problem especially in dry land areas of Ethiopia. Rural inhabitants try to develop some erosion control measures to reduce the negative impacts; however, the role of the women is not known and deserves to be studied to understand how land degradation processes are mitigated. Hence, the main goal of this study is to identify the determinant variables of women’s participation in soil and water conservation practices in Shebel Berenta Woreda of Amhara Region in Ethiopia as a study case. Mixed research method with sequential explanatory research design was employed through utilizes survey questionnaire, interview, key informant interview,focus group discussion and field observation as data collection methods since 2019. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the collected quantitative data. The result showed a significant number of respondents (86.4 %) frequently participate in soil and water conservation, while 14.6% do not. Among those participated in SWC, 55.6%, 18.85 %, and 42.8% were highly involved in terracing,vegetation cover and compost preparation as a part of SWC practices respectively.Additionally,50.4% has participated in decision making about SWC, while 49.6% had not any involvement.The binary logistic regression model analysis shows widowed women (AOR= 0.23, 95% CI[0.001-0.814], p=0.038); are able to read and write (AOR=0.164, 95% CI [0.027-0.995],p=0.049);have secondary education and higher levels (AOR=0.139, 95% CI [0.022-0.874], p=0.035).Similarly, those have not farm land (AOR=0.263,95% CI[0.072-0.964], p=0.044); their lands do not show soil erosion (AOR=.043,95% CI[0.006-0.296], p=0.001); have not discussions about SWC (AOR=0.142,95% CI[0.021-0.952], p=0.044); not receiving any advice to apply them(AOR=0.145, 95% CI[ 0.030-0.694],p=0.016) were variables that determine women’s participation in SWC.Therefore, the local government should work on awareness transference, providing new technologies and building complete infrastructures to achieve better results of SWC.
... Land degradation is the first ecosystem threat to sustainability and stability (Mulatie et al. 2015). It leads to overexploitation of the remaining natural resources (Meseret 2016) and a massive extinction of important plant species (Barlow et al. 2007, Chazdon 2018. Similarly, the potential resources of WEPs in the study area are threatened with anthropogenic causes(deforestation for firewood, charcoal, construction materials, agricultural land demand, etc.). ...
... In Ethiopia, the degradation of CPRs is one of the principal components of 26% of the severely degraded lands from the total area of the country (UNEP 2016). Since the twentieth century, there has been a large incidence of CPRs degradation in the highlands of the country (Hurni et al. 2010;Lakew and Belayneh 2012;Nkonya et al. 2016;Meseret 2016). The degradation has been exacerbated by the encroachment of croplands and sparse settlements, increasing population pressures, overstocking, lack of proper land use planning, insecure land tenure, inappropriate land management practices, and weak institutional arrangements (Yitaferu 2007;Hurni et al. 2010;Bantider et al. 2011;Gashaw et al. 2014;Lanckriet et al. 2015). ...
Common pool resources, such as forests, shrubs, and grasslands, have been and continue to deliver a valuable contribution to the livelihood of millions of smallholder farmers in the mixed farming system areas. However, these resources are threatening by the overuse of the local community in the Ethiopian highlands. Studies accommodating sustainable management of ecological, economic, social, and institutional criteria on common pool resources are very limited over those highlands. The study is aimed at evaluating the performance of common pool resources management schemes in Goncha district, in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. It was developed as an alternative management scenario of common pool resources. Participatory key informant interviews were conducted with purposely selected twenty-four farmers, twelve practitioners, and three experts to generate the data. The data were analyzed by using a multi-criteria analysis (weighted score) method. The study indicated that complete enclosure management of forests and shrublands was highly contributed to enhancing biodiversity and curb gullies expansion, while poorly performed in harvesting and fair distribution of fodder and fuelwood. Alternatively, grasslands management in the periodic enclosure without rotation was largely emphasized on the fair distribution of fodder. Natural forests and shrublands in the semi-open-access management and grasslands in the open-access management were performed between very weak and poor performance to almost all criteria/indicators. Therefore, the management schemes of common pool resources should reformulate to the integrated premise of ecological, economic, institutional, and social criteria for sustainable management and productive crop-livestock mixed farming systems.
... Land degradation is the process of deprivation of quality of natural resources mainly land based resources from the natural condition [36]. Others defined land degradation as a long term, delicate and self-reinforcing and accelerating process with impacts consistently leading to declining the livelihood of rural community [37,38]. According to UNCCD [39] land degradation is any reduction or loss in the biological or economic productive capacity of the land caused by human activities, exacerbated by natural processes, and often magnified by the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. ...
Watershed management gives an opportunity for understanding and reconciling the interconnections among various land use systems. Watershed management has an old history that can be related to ancient mankind agricultural activities though the holistic way of conserving natural resources under watershed. There are various opportunities under watershed management such as jobs, getting benefits, conserving nature and reducing negative impacts together. However, there are challenges arises during implementing the watershed management in different watersheds. The challenges should be clearly identified and forwarding solution should be given for policy and decision makers in order to improve the successes and benefits of watershed management in Ethiopia. The aim of this review was to identify the constraints of watershed management measures in Ethiopia and provide ways forward in tackling the challenges. Watershed management was officially initiated and practiced in Ethiopia for five decades and some successes have been achieved and different degraded sites were changed to productive sites. However, the failure of different watershed management measures was observed across the country as a result of various constraints of watershed management in Ethiopia. Some of the major constraints of watershed management in Ethiopia are lack of awareness among policymakers, policy and strategy related constraints, socioeconomic and biophysical constraints, capacity constraints, financial and incentive constraints and lack of community awareness. Some of the recommendations were given as follow: policy and strategies should be applied at a watershed level as it presented in the document; compressive technical capacity building training should be given to the local experts and extensionists and information center should be created for sharing data between concerned institutions and stakeholders about the technologies in watershed management practices.
... In Ethiopia, deforestation, agricultural land expansion, and overgrazing of landscapes threaten the sustainable management of communal forests (Mekuria et al., 2015). For instance, about 70% of the region of northwestern Ethiopia experiences moderate to very high erosion and decline of forest resources (Meseret, 2016). This situation is unfortunate; in that, communities in rural areas rely on CPRs such as communal forests and grazing lands for income and livelihoods. ...
Understanding the different perceptions of the local community regarding the use and management of common pool resources, such as exclosures, could better support targeted interventions by government and development partners. Here, we report on a study conducted in the Gomit watershed, northwestern Ethiopia, using a survey and key informant interviews, to examine community perceptions on (a) the biophysical condition (i.e., challenge of land degradation and restoration), (b) the action situations (user's access to and control over resources and decision‐making processes involved in taking actions in managing the exclosure), (c) actors' interactions (formal and informal institutions involved in the management of exclosures), and (d) perceived outcomes (benefits and tradeoffs of managing exclosures). Many people in the Gomit watershed recognize land degradation as a serious problem and believe that exclosures support restoration of degraded landscapes and improve ecosystem services. Informal institutions play a key role in managing exclosures by improving benefit sharing and mobilizing the local community for collective action. However, some community members have concerns about recent expansion of exclosures because of (a) limited short‐term derived benefits, (b) reductions in fuelwood availability, (c) increased degradation of remaining communal grazing lands, and (d) poor participation of marginalized groups in decision making. Addressing such concerns through the promotion of short‐term benefits of exclosures and increasing community participation in decision‐making and benefit sharing is crucial. The study provides evidence to support government and development partners on the establishment and management of exclosures through identifying the benefits and drawbacks as perceived by different sectors of the community.
... For example, about 2.6 Mha of the Amhara region (15.3%) are considered as degraded, with about 200,000-300,000 ha of land covered by gullies (Desta and Adugna 2012). About 70% of the region experiences moderate (> 15 t ha -1 yr -1 ) to very high erosion rates (> 30 t ha -1 yr -1 ) (Meseret 2016). The afroalpine and sub-afroalpine vegetation, high and dry Afromontane forests, bamboo forests and the woodlands faced remarkable shrinkage in area, structure and species composition (Wassie 2017). ...
The publications in this series cover a wide range of subjects-from computer modeling to experience with water user associations-and vary in content from directly applicable research to more basic studies, on which applied work ultimately depends. Some research reports are narrowly focused, analytical and detailed empirical studies; others are wide-ranging and synthetic overviews of generic problems. Although most of the reports are published by IWMI staff and their collaborators, we welcome contributions from others. Each report is reviewed internally by IWMI staff, and by external reviewers. The reports are published and distributed both in hard copy and electronically (www.iwmi.org) and where possible all data and analyses will be available as separate downloadable files. Reports may be copied freely and cited with due acknowledgment. About IWMI The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a non-profit, research-for-development organization that works with governments, civil society and the private sector to solve water problems in developing countries and scale up solutions. Through partnership, IWMI combines research on the sustainable use of water and land resources, knowledge services and products with capacity strengthening, dialogue and policy analysis to support implementation of water management solutions for agriculture, ecosystems, climate change and inclusive economic growth. Headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, IWMI is a CGIAR Research Center and leads the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE).
Biological SWC practices of chomo grass, vetiver grass are the most productive, easy to accept and effective at reducing soil erosion and increasing soil organic matter. The objective of this research was to evaluate their effect on some selected soil physicochemical properties in Mana Sibu area. The land treated with chomo grass, vetiver grass, and adjacent untreated lands, as well as the three age groups of these grasses, young (0-10), middle (10-20), and old (20-30) years were considered. A total of 27 soil samples were collected from the subsurface of 0–20 cm soil depth in a 'zigzag' design because of vetiver strips impractical for means. The gathered soil samples were evaluated using laboratory procedures, and the general linear model included a total of 8 variables. The dry sieving analysis was carried out to separate the soil aggregate stability. Chomo and vetiver grasses effect on soil physicochemical properties, the clay soil texture was statistically highly significant at p < 0.001 following the treatments and at p < 0.01 along with age categories, while silt was not significant. The highest mean value of clay (72.67%) in the chomo grass treatment and age category (73%). The soil aggregate stability was shown to have statistical significance at p< 0.01 in the soil dry aggregate stable size fractions of > 2 mm, 0.075-0.425 mm, and 0.075 mm. Results for SOC were statistically significant at p< 0.05, while TN was at p < 0.05, soil PH at P < 0.01, and CEC at p <0.01.
Recent studies on human interaction with the natural environment are striving to show the long-term environmental changes and the challenges faced by people in these areas. One of the major issues in the course of the eco- environmental theme of Ethiopia in the sub-region of Amhara, Gondar, is the study of forest and forestry. Although there is limited study of different government policies and gradual historical variation of forest and its management in Gondar, from the Italian occupation to the fall of the socialist government in Ethiopia in 1991, the forest passed several ups and downs, just like human political history. Reforestation and deforestation were the interchangeable fates of forests in Gondar. The objectives of this paper are to review the forest and forestry from a historical perspective from 1938 to the 1990s, to compare and contrast different government decrees on the forest, and to examine the socio-economic and environmental opportunities and constraints faced by the people in the study area. This study adopts a qualitative approach to data collection. Both primary and secondary data sources were used. It tried to unearth the neglected course of the city’s environmental history. Therefore, it is believed that the study adds knowledge and understanding about forests and forestry in Gondar and can be a source for future researchers on the topic under study. The findings show that forest and forestry in Gondar passed through three government policies: the Fascist Italian, the Imperial rule, and the Derg. In all these periods, although the number of forests gradually decreased, it played a dominant role for the people of the area.
Recent investigations on man’s interaction with the natural environment try to show the long-term environmental shift and the challenges faced by people in the respective areas. One of the big issues in the course of the environmental theme of Ethiopia in the sub region of Amhara, Gondär, is the study of forest and forestry. Although there is no study of the different government policies and gradual historical variation of forest and its management in Gondär, from the Italian occupation to the downfall of the socialist government in Ethiopia in 1991, the forest passed several ups and downs, just like human political history. Reforestation and deforestation were the fates of forests interchangeable in Gondär. This essay’s objectives are to review forest and forestry from a historical perspective from 1938 to the 1990s, to equate and counterpoint different governmental decrees on the forest, and to examine socio-economic and environmental opportunities and the constraints they faced for the people of the study area. This study implies a qualitative approach to data gathering. In this regard, both primary and secondary data sources were utilized. It tried to dig out the neglected course of the town’s environmental history. Therefore, it’s believed that the study adds knowledge and understanding about forests and forestry in Gondär and can be a source for future researchers on the topic under study.
This study investigated the current trends and root causes of protracted poverty in Northeast Amhara. The study applied a political ecology perspective that viewed such a problem from a structural and power relation lens unlike the conventional apolitical existing narratives. The data sources were survey questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observation. The sample size was 404 households, and the analysis was e based on 381 valid responses. This study found that 59% of the households are below the poverty line, and 46.4% of the households’ livelihood standard has deteriorated from time to time. Around 47% of respondents reported that the root cause for prolonged poverty in their locality is low government attention though population pressure, conflicts, lack of fertile land, corrupted land redistribution systems, drought, and hilly topography are also contributing factors. The study showed that level of education, gender, land ownership, land fertility, land use type and topography, and family members’ age group are significant to the poverty level at p
Environmental sustainability has become a serious problem in the world. Similarly, mining and its environmental impacts in the Shekiso district have become a severe issue at present. Such events have fueled an often contentious debate about how to identify areas that should be declared off-limits to mining because of too-rapid social and environmental sensitivity. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effects of gold mining on the environment at a selected kebele in the case of Shekiso District, Guji Zone, Ethiopia. The primary data used in this study was obtained from 283 randomly selected sample households. The data was collected using a structured interview; focus group discussions, observation, and key informant interviews, then analyzed using descriptive statistics. Besides, a semi-structured interview was used to collect data from the mining and energy office in Shekiso District. The key informant was selected specifically to infer the effects of gold mining on the environment in the study area. The survey results indicate that mining serves as a key source of income (53%), a source of raw materials (30%), and employment (17%). On the other hand, gold mining is a root cause of environmental problems such as water shortages (8.8%), dehydration of the brook (10.6%), soil erosion (20.8%), damage to the street (17.6%), and destruction of the ecosystem (7.0%). Besides that, about 8.8%, 8.8%, and 6.3% of households stated that mining operations cause deforestation, air pollution, and destruction of aquatic life, respectively. Generally, due to a lack of environmental awareness programs through education in many gold mining communities, safeguarding sustainable use of the natural environment poses several challenges in study area. As a result, local governments should raise awareness, facilitate registration, and address rules and enforcement in an effort to enhance ecologically friendly mining.
In Ethiopia, indigenous soil and water conservation practices are poorly recorded and not considered by soil and water conservation experts and policymakers. Conservation practices have mainly been undertaken in a form of a campaign (top–down approach) and quite often farmers have not been involved in the planning process. For this purpose, the method of Contingent valuation was used to conduct an econometric analysis of willingness to pay using both Double Bounded Dichotomous Choice and open-ended elicitation format question. Both primary and secondary data were collected for analysis using a structured questionnaire. Perception of soil and water conservation and perception of erosion hazard have a positive effect on the households’ willingness to pay for soil and water conservation activities. The result indicates that the value of mean willingness to pay from both Double Bounded Dichotomous Choice and open-ended question were found to be 44.133 and 43.426 Labour Day per household per year, respectively. The paper used the average individual value of willingness-to-pay to calculate the aggregate willingness-to-pay and estimated the aggregate labour day of 6,189,119.07 and 6,090,026.90 labour days per year for the sample districts, respectively. From the result, the laissez-faire approach to communal land soil and water conservation is recommended, since the approach is primarily demand driven, dependable on market forces and voluntary choices of the local communities, and is very likely to induce sufficient investment in soil and water conservation of communal lands.
Soil erosion occurs throughout the world and is a very serious problem especially in dry land areas of Ethiopia. Rural inhabitants try to develop some erosion control measures to reduce the negative impacts; however, the role of the women is not known and deserves to be studied to understand how land degradation processes are mitigated. Hence, the main goal of this study is to identify the determinant variables of women’s participation in soil and water conservation (SWC) practices in Shebel Berenta Woreda of Amhara Region in Ethiopia as a study case. Mixed-research method with sequential explanatory research design was employed through survey questionnaire, interview, key informant interview, focus group discussion, and field observation as data collection methods since 2019. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the collected quantitative data. The result showed a significant number of respondents (86.4%) frequently participate in SWC, while 14.6% do not. Among those participated in SWC, 55.6%, 18.85 %, and 42.8% were highly involved in terracing, vegetation cover, and compost preparation as a part of SWC practices, respectively. In addition, 50.4% has participated in decision making about SWC, while 49.6% had not any involvement. The binary logistic regression model analysis shows widowed women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.001, 0.814, P = .038); are able to read and write (AOR = 0.164, 95% CI = 0.027, 0.995, P = .049); have secondary education and higher levels (AOR = 0.139, 95% CI = 0.022, 0.874, P = .035). Similarly, those who do not have farm land (AOR = 0.263, 95% CI = 0.072, 0.964, P = .044); their lands do not show soil erosion (AOR = .043, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.296, P = .001); have not discussions about SWC (AOR = 0.142, 95% CI = 0.021, 0.952, P = .044); not receiving any advice to apply them (AOR = 0.145, 95% CI = 0.030, 0.694, P = .016) were variables that determine women’s participation in SWC. Therefore, the local government should work on awareness transference, providing new technologies, and building complete infrastructures to achieve better results of SWC.
Land degradation is a matter of serious concern. Vast area of land all over the world has been converted into unproductive and degraded lands. Ecosystem restoration through plantation forest is the most effective technique to reclaim the degraded landscape. Measurement of slopes angles and correspondent rates of soil erosion were taken at different spots of cultivated slopes which have been occupied for particular period of time. This paper explores the impact of human activities as the main cause of land degradation and loss of biodiversity. The result indicated that cultivation on steeper slopes is more harmful and degradation is faster. Restoration of this area is possible when farmers receive environmental education through the planting of exotic tree species of Tectona grandis and G melina that grows faster in this region. The DPSIR (Driving force, Pressure, State, Impacts, Response) conceptual framework model is used to illustrate how degradation control could be more effective, tackling not only the drivers of change but also major developmental issues such as poverty and food insecurity.
DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n7p146
The study was conducted in two districts of Ethiopia. The major objective of this study is to understand the biophysical, socioeconomic and institutional factors that are responsible for accelerated land degradation at plot level in the study area.
The Ethiopian Highlands cover over 50% of the country and are home to more than 90% of Ethiopia’s population of over 80 million people (estimate for 2010); 60% of the livestock and 90% of the area suited for agriculture are also located here. Although more than 90% of the Highlands was once forested, today a mere 20% of this area is covered by trees, and the percentage of forest cover is less than 4%. This is evidence of a high incidence of degradation of vegetation in the past, which has continued to the present. Land-use and land-cover changes have been particularly dynamic in the 20th century, during which climate change also began to have effects; wildlife in natural habitats have been restricted to those few areas that were preserved naturally due to rugged topography or natural aridity. Soil erosion has been severe throughout the Highlands, but mainly on agricultural land; the current severity and extent of soil degradation seriously threaten food security. In response, a number of soil and water conservation measures have been successfully implemented over the past 35 years in some parts of the Highlands. This is highly encouraging, but greater emphasis must be given to conservation in the coming decades.
The livestock subsector has an enormous contribution to Ethiopia's national economy and livelihoods of many Ethiopians. The subsector contributes about 16.5% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 35.6% of the agricultural GDP. It also contributes 15% of export earnings and 30% of agricultural employment. The livestock subsector currently support and sustain livelihoods for 80% of all rural population. The GDP of livestock related activities valued at 59 billion birr. Ethiopian livestock population trends, distribution and marketing vary considerably across space and time due to a variety of reasons. This study was aimed to assess cattle and shoat population growth trend, distribution and their access to market. Regression analysis was used to assess the cattle and shoat population growth trend and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques were used to determine the spatial distribution of cattle and shoats, and their relative access to market. The data sets used are agricultural census (2001/02) and annual CSA agricultural sample survey (1995/96 to 2012/13). In the past eighteen years, the livestock population namely cattle, sheep and goat grew from 54.5 million to over 103.5 million with average annual increment of 3.4 million. The current average national cattle, sheep and goat population per km 2 are estimated to be 71, 33 and 29 respectively (excluding Addis Ababa, Afar and Somali regions). From the total livestock population the country owns about 46% cattle, 43% sheep and 40% goats are reared within 10 km radius from major livestock market centres and all-weather roads. On the other hand, three fourth of the country's land mass which comprises 15% of the cattle, 20% of the sheep and 21% of goat population is not accessible to market (greater than 30 km from major livestock market centres). It is found that the central highland regions account for the largest share of livestock population and also more accessible to market. Defining the spatial and temporal variations of livestock population is crucial in order to develop a sound and geographically targeted livestock development policy.
Climate change is described as the most uni-versal and irreversible environmental problem facing the planet Earth. Whilst climate change is already manifesting in Ethiopia through changes in temperature and rainfall, its magnitude is poorly studied at regional levels. The objective of this study was to assess and quantify the magnitude of future changes of climate pa-rameters using Statistical Downscaling Mode (SDSM) version 4.2 in Amhara Regional State which is located between 8°45′N and 13°45′N lati-tude and 35°46′E and 40°25′E longitude. Daily climate data (1979-2008) of rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures were collected from 10 meteorological stations (predictand). The sta-tions were grouped and compared using clus-tering method and Markov chain model, whereas the degree of climate change in the study area was estimated using the coupled HadCM3 gen-eral circulation model (GCM) with A2a emission scenario (Predictor). Both maximum and mini-mum temperatures showed increasing trend; and the increase in mean maximum and minimum temperature ranges from 1.55°C-6.07°C and from 0.11°C-2.81°C, respectively in the 2080s com-pared to the base period considered (1979-2008). The amount of annual rainfall and number of rainy days also decreased in the study Regions in the 2080s. The negative changes in rainfall and temperature obtained from the HadCM3 model in the current study are alarming and suggest the need for further study with several GCM models to confirm the current results and develop adaptation options.
Keywords: Amhara Regional State; Climate Change; Ethiopia; HadCM3; Statistical Downscaling
We highlight the complexity of land-use/cover change and propose a framework for a more general understanding of the issue, with emphasis on tropical regions. The review summarizes recent estimates on changes in cropland, agricul-tural intensification, tropical deforestation, pasture expansion, and urbanization and identifies the still unmeasured land-cover changes. Climate-driven land-cover mod-ifications interact with land-use changes. Land-use change is driven by synergetic factor combinations of resource scarcity leading to an increase in the pressure of production on resources, changing opportunities created by markets, outside policy intervention, loss of adaptive capacity, and changes in social organization and atti-tudes. The changes in ecosystem goods and services that result from land-use change feed back on the drivers of land-use change. A restricted set of dominant pathways of land-use change is identified. Land-use change can be understood using the con-cepts of complex adaptive systems and transitions. Integrated, place-based research on land-use/land-cover change requires a combination of the agent-based systems and nar-rative perspectives of understanding. We argue in this paper that a systematic analysis of local-scale land-use change studies, conducted over a range of timescales, helps to uncover general principles that provide an explanation and prediction of new land-use changes.
Land degradation is not uniform, even in the same landscape, but nevertheless an overall consensus seems to grow on the fact that many areas are under way of rehabilitation. It is a debateable question whether the improving areas are improving because of interventions—or whether this has more to do with processes of innovation and adaptation. The international symposium ‘HighLand2006’ on land degradation and land rehabilitation, held in Mekelle (Ethiopia), from 21 to 25 September 2006, created a forum for those conducting research in East African Highlands as well as in similar regions around the globe to discuss findings. Tropical highlands (>1000 m a.s.l.) cover 4.5 million km2 with an average population density of 33 inhabitants km−2. Nearly all tropical highlands suffer from land degradation, especially medium to very high water erosion. Exchange of experiences during in-door sessions and excursions led to results which are condensed in this special issue. Studies presented tend to invalidate hypotheses on irreversibility of land degradation in tropical mountain areas. Circumstances are that in highly degraded environments, with high pressure on the land, no other alternatives are left open but to improve land husbandry; and that this is particularly successful in places where decision making processes at different levels in society give the highest priority to the implementation of soil and water conservation and other land rehabilitation, in situ and at catchment level.
Depletion of soil organic matter (SOM) is a major component of soil degradation that threatens the sustainability of smallholder farming systems in Ethiopia. In this study, soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (N) dynamics following deforestation and subsequent cultivation were evaluated using natural abundance of 13C and 15N along a farm field chronosequence cleared from tropical dry Afromontane forest in south central Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from five closely located farm fields cultivated for 7, 10, 26, 34 and 53 years after clearance and from an adjacent natural forest soil. All the soils in the study were Mollic Andosols/Humic Haplustands. The δ13C values of the SOC of the farm fields in the 0–10 and 10–20 cm layers were significantly elevated compared to the natural forest soil. In the 0–10 cm layer, the lowest δ13C value of −23.17‰±0.36 was recorded from the natural forest soil and the highest value of −15.7‰±1.50 from the 53-year-old farm field. Fractionation of the SOC of the bulk soil based on the δ13C values showed that in the 0–10 cm layer the SOC of the forest origin declined by 74.6%, which is equivalent to 54.1 Mg C ha−1 or 740 kg ha−1 year−1, where as SOC input from the agricultural crops was low (240 kg ha−1 year−1). However, part of the SOC of the forest origin lost from the surface 0–10 cm soil layer was translocated to the 10–20 cm layer. The SOC derived natural forest approached steady state around 30 years after cultivation while the SOC derived from agricultural crops reached steady state already after 10 years. The results show that the remaining forest derived SOC is recalcitrant while the SOC derived from agricultural crops has a relatively short mean residence time. The soils of the farm fields also showed increasing δ15N values indicating a loss of N from the system. The increasing δ15N values were consistent with the loss of total N along the chronosequence. A continued loss of N combined with insufficient input of fertilizer will result in a decreased productivity of the studied farming systems.
In rural Burkina Faso, intensification has been an uneven process that has resulted in social costs, particularly in the form of uneven distribution of assets and disparate environmental trade-offs. This study examines the effects of wealth status on agricultural practice and soil fertility, arguing that differences in the practices of wealthier and poorer farmers lead to differential social and environmental outcomes. Two concerns are highlighted. First is the role of poverty in environmental degradation. Much of the debate about the role of wealth and poverty in environmental outcomes in developing countries has pinpointed poverty as the main causal explanation. Using studies of agricultural practices and soil fertility from several villages in southwestern Burkina Faso, this paper will counter this dominant view by showing that wealthier farmers farm much larger areas, have fewer trees in their fields, and use higher levels of animal traction which, in turn, has led to lower levels of soil fertility. A second concern is that while poorer farmers may have agricultural practices that minimize environmental degradation, their exclusion from key institutions that provide access to resources has serious livelihood consequences and potentials for increasing socioeconomic differentiation. The agricultural practices of wealthier farmers, while not optimal environmentally, result in higher levels of household wealth. A paradox emerges that while poorer farmers are conserving environmental resources, they are doing so at the expense of economic development and well-being.
Soil erosion is one of the most serious environmental problems in Ethiopia. Coupled with growing populations, falling per capita food production and worsening poverty, loss of productive land due to land degradation undermines rural livelihoods and national food security. Despite their awareness of the erosion problem, peasants' investments in land have been limited. We use an applied nonseparable model to simulate conservation decisions. Pervasive market imperfections, poverty and high rates of time preference seem to undermine erosion-control investments. Lack of technologies which provide quick returns to subsistence-constrained peasants also seem to deter such investments. Lower private incentives to internalize the intertemporal land degradation externality may require public intervention.
A Political Ecology Perspective of Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper)
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Journal of Environment and Earth Science
www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol.6, No.1, 2016
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