Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
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water does not percolate into the soil and is wasted as runoff. Therefore,
the soil cannot maintain the required amount of soil moisture. As a result
of the depletion of soil moisture and soil nutrients, the soils do not sustain
plant growth. The Ethiopian Highland Reclamation Study (Constable and
Belshaw, 1989) estimated that more than half of the highlands (270,000
km 2 ) are already eroded significantly, of which about 100 tons/ha of soil
are eroded every year primarily because of the erosive cropping practices.
The annual soil loss due to erosion is estimated at 1.9-3.5 billion tons.
According to Hurni (1986), soil loss on cultivated land is estimated to be
4-10 times higher than on grazing land, and 80% of the recorded annual
soil loss occurs during the month of plowing and the following month.
The reclamation study further stressed that the condition of land before
sowing during the short rainy season or during the first month of growth
is important for averting soil erosion.
[231
D eforestation
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12.
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Long
PgEn
D eforestation is another important factor that contributes to drought in
Et hiopia. Historical sources indicate that dense forests that might have cov-
er ed about 35-40% of the total area of Ethiopia have now been reduced
to 2.7%. It is estimated that these resources are vanishing at an alarm-
in g rate—150,000-200,000 ha/year (IUCN, 1990; EFAP, 1994; EARO,
1999).
[231
Overgrazing
Et hiopia has one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, with 30
m illion cattle, 22 million sheep, 17 million goats, 7 million equines, and
1 million camels (CSA, 1999). Approximately 70-80% of these livestock
ar e found in the highlands (Alemneh, 1990). Ethiopian rangelands account
fo r almost 90% of desertified lands (Mabbutt, 1984). Overgrazing of these
ra ngelands by livestock has caused degradation of vegetation and the com-
pa ction and erosion of the soil by wind and water.
Po pulation Growth
Growing demand of land for crop production and fuel wood, due to popu-
lation growth, also contributes to land degradation and drought. Ethiopia
ha s a total area of 1.24 million km 2 with a population of about 60 million
people and an estimated 3-4% growth rate. Agriculture has always been
the backbone of the country (CSA, 1998). Without a major fertility de-
cline, Ethiopia will have to feed a population expected to double by 2030.
These are frightening figures to consider because the land cannot support
even the present population. Future farming practices will involve intensive
cultivation, which will further result in a loss of soil fertility and drought
resistance.
 
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