Deforestation in Ethiopia

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Deforestation in Ethiopia
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Introduction
Deforestation is the clearing or cutting of trees, and other plantations for commercial,
agricultural, or housing use without replanting. In Ethiopia, forests have several benefits to
citizens such as income generation, food, and wood. Ethiopians are experiencing rapid
degradation and deforestation. Deforestation has contributed to food insecurity and other benefits
which include fuelwood and fodder in the country. Due to the rapid population growth in
Ethiopia, there have been extreme forest clearing for fuelwood, construction material, and
agricultural use. The activities has led to extensive environmental degradation which has become
a threat to sustainable forestry and agriculture.
Deforestation has also changed the rain pattern in Ethiopia rendering other parts of the
country semi-arid. Rural afforestation and other conservation programs on community land have
been practiced in Ethiopia in the past years. Agroforestry and community tree planting have been
introduced by the ministry of environment in partnership with international and national
organizations to ensure that the forests are protected. This has helped reduce soil erosion and
land degradation. Therefore, to restore a green and productive land, agricultural and forestry
practices should be practiced on the Ethiopian highland.
Background summary
Ethiopia is located in the eastern part of Africa occupying 472,000 sq. mi. Ethiopia is the
most populated country with a population of 62.5 million and a yearly growth rate of 2.9%. The
whole of Ethiopia lies within the tropical attitudes but the climate is warm in the lowlands and
cool in the highlands (Teklewold, Kassie and Shiferaw, 2013, pp.598). The Ethiopian climate is
majorly dictated by the altitude, which dominates all sides of land use. Besides, the nation has a