II.

Land and Resources

The heart of Ethiopia is a high tableland, known as the Ethiopian Plateau, covering more than half the total area of the country. The plateau is split diagonally from north-east to south-west by the Rift Valley. The average elevation of the plateau is about 1,675 m (5,500 ft). Its north-eastern edges are marked by steep escarpments, which drop some 1,220 m (4,000 ft) or more to the sunbaked coastal plain and the Danakil Desert. Along its western edge, the plateau descends more gently to the deserts of Sudan. Along its southern and south-western limits, the plateau drops towards Lake Turkana (or Lake Rudolf) in neighbouring Kenya. The secession of Eritrea in 1993 left Ethiopia without a coastline.

A.

Soils

The highlands of Ethiopia are made up of folded and fractured crystalline rocks capped by sedimentary limestone and sandstone, and by thick layers of volcanic lava. The torrential rains of the main rainy season cause severe erosion, especially in areas where all natural vegetation has been cleared. The rains also leach the highland soils of much fertility, particularly soils overlying crystalline rocks. The volcanic soils are less readily leached and are therefore more fertile.

B.

Rivers and Lakes

In the north the plateau is cut by many rivers and deep valleys, some of which are 610 m (2,000 ft) below the level of the plateau and capped by mountains, the highest of which is Ras Dashen (4,620 m/15,157 ft). Lake Tana, where the Blue Nile rises, also lies in the northern area.

C.

Climate

The climate of Ethiopia varies, mainly according to elevation. The tropical zone, below 1,830 m (6,000 ft), has an average annual temperature of about 27° C (80° F) and receives less than 510 mm (20 in) of rain annually. The subtropical zone, which includes most of the highland plateau and lies between 1,830 and 2,440 m (6,000 and 8,000 ft) above sea level, has an average temperature of about 22° C (72° F) with an annual rainfall ranging from 510 to 1,525 mm (20 to 60 in). Above 2,440 m (8,000 ft) is a temperate zone with an average temperature of about 16° C (61° F) and an annual rainfall between 1,270 and 1,780 mm (50 and 70 in). The main rainy season occurs between mid-June and September, followed by a dry season that may be interrupted in February or March by a short rainy season.

D.

Natural Resources

Ethiopia’s resources are primarily agricultural. The plateau area is fertile and still not fully developed. The diversity of soil, climate, and elevation allows production of a wide range of agricultural commodities. There is a variety of mineral deposits; iron, copper, zinc, lead, potash, gold, and platinum are the principal ones that have been commercially exploited.

E.

Plants and Animals

Vegetation also reflects the great variety in elevation. The lower areas of the tropical zone are sparsely covered with desert shrubs, thornbushes, and coarse savannah grasses. In the valleys and ravines, almost every form of African vegetation grows in luxurious profusion. The temperate zone is mainly grassland. Afro-alpine vegetation is found on the highest slopes.

The larger species of African wildlife are native to most parts of the country. These include the giraffe, leopard, hippopotamus, lion, elephant, antelope, and rhinoceros. The lynx, jackal, hyena, and various species of monkey are common. Birds of prey include the eagle, hawk, and vulture. The heron, parrot, and such game birds as the snipe, partridge, teal, pigeon, and bustard are found in abundance. Among the many varieties of insects are the locust and tsetse fly, which causes sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis).

F.

Environmental Concerns

Only 25 per cent (1990-1998) of Ethiopia's population has access to safe drinking water. Soil erosion is a major problem in the country; and deforestation, overgrazing, and poor land management accelerated the rate of erosion during the 1970s and 1980s. An extremely high percentage—89 per cent (1995)—of Ethiopia's workforce is involved in agriculture, mostly subsistence farming. Many farmers in Ethiopia's highlands cultivate sloped or hilly land, causing topsoil to wash away during flash floods. The presence of mosquitoes carrying malaria has kept many farmers from developing parts of Ethiopia's potentially productive lowlands. Deforestation and desertification are worsened by the widespread use of traditional fuels such as firewood, which represent 93 per cent of total energy consumption (1996).

Ethiopia's government began organizing conservation efforts in rural areas during the 1970s, encouraging farmers to combat erosion by building terraces and planting tree seedlings. The government also closed some hilly areas to agricultural development. About 5.5 per cent (1997) of Ethiopia's land is officially protected, although the country's system of national parks and reserves suffers from poaching and illegal logging. The country is home to 813 (1996) bird species, such as eagles, hawks, herons, and parrots. Of Ethiopia's animal species, 60 (1996) are threatened. Ethiopia has ratified international agreements intended to protect biodiversity, endangered species, and the ozone layer. The country has also signed treaties limiting nuclear testing and chemical and biological weapons. Ethiopia is party to the World Heritage Convention.