FORUM: Land Degradation Problems and Their Implications for Food Shortage in South Wello, Ethiopia

Abstract

/ Understanding the problems of land degradation and seeking long-lasting solutions to these problems should be one of the central concerns of countries such as Ethiopia where agriculture is the mainstay of no less than 85% of the population. To this end, the collaboration of policy makers, researchers, donor agencies, and the local people is indispensable. In this paper an attempt is made to discuss the causes of land degradation and the reasons for the failure in the endeavors made to solve the problems. Possible solutions, which may help to ameliorate the situation, are also suggested. The study deals with South Wello (a region in northern Ethiopia), but the assessment is, by and large, a reflection of most of the highlands in the country. KEY WORDS: Agroforestry; Donor agencies; Food for work; Hillside closures; Land rehabilitation; Local participation; Population growth; Reforestation

Impact of Altitude and Land Use Type on Some Physical and Chemical Properties of Acidic Soils in Tsegede Highlands, Northern Ethiopia

“…The change in altitudinal gradients influences soil organic matter by controlling soil water balance, soil erosion, geologic deposition processes, species and biomass production of the native vegetation and cultivated plants [21]. Moreover, there are reports that indicate the change in land use particularly from forest land to agriculturally managed (grazing and cultivated) lands in the different highland zones of the country are among the major causes of the removal of fertile surface soils and deterioration of the physical, chemical and biological fertility and productivity levels of the soils [22][23][24][25]. Thus, assessing the influences of altitude variability and land use dynamics induced changes in soil physical and chemical characteristics is essential for addressing the issue of agroecosystem transformation and the low fertility and productivity levels of the acidic soils in the country at large and at the study areas in particular.…”

Performance of in situ rainwater conservation tillage techniques on dry spell mitigation and erosion control in the drought-prone North Wello zone of the Ethiopian highlands

“…In eastern Africa droughts occur about once to twice every decade often resulting in crop failure while intra-seasonal dry spells of over 2 weeks are an almost seasonal occurrence reducing yields 75% when they occur during flowering or grain-filling crop development stages (Barron et al, 2003;Yilma Seleshi and Zanke, 2004). Widespread rapid cropland degradation in the Ethiopian highlands mostly caused by water erosion and soil nutrient mining practices reduce soil nutrient availability, water holding capacity, and infiltration rate which all exacerbate the effects of meteorological dry spells on crop yields (Kebrom Tekle, 1999;Sonneveld and Keyzer, 2003;Nyssen et al, 2004;Haileslassie et al, 2005).…”

Restoration of native forest flora in the degraded highlands of Ethiopia: Constraints and opportunities

“…Site quality as affected by length of agricultural occupation, for instance, negatively affected native forest recovery in Belgium (Honnay et al, 1999). Land degradation, due to soil erosion and loss of soil fertility, is one of the most visible phenomena on agricultural or deforested sites in Ethiopia (FAO, 1986;Hurni, 1988Hurni, , 1993Anonymous, 1994;Kebrom Tekle, 1999). It involves physical, chemical and biological degradation, i.e.…”