Focus: Major natural resources of Ethiopia are emphasized, including soils, water, natural vegetation, and wildlife.
Significance: These resources are vital for economic development, food security, and fulfilling basic needs of the population.
Unit Outcomes: Understanding of natural resources, drainage systems, water resources, soil distribution, vegetation types, wildlife, and mineral resources distribution.
Unit Structure
Major Sections:
- 3.1 Meaning of Natural Resources
- 3.2 Drainage Systems of Ethiopia
- 3.3 Water Resources of Ethiopia
- 3.4 Major Soils Types of Ethiopia
- 3.5 Major Mineral Resources and their Distribution in Ethiopia
- 3.6 Biotic Resources of Ethiopia
3.1 MEANING OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Definition: Natural resources are assets in nature that can be utilized for economic production or consumption.
Classification:
- Renewable Resources: Can be replenished by nature (e.g., plants, animals, soil, water, geothermal, wind, solar).
- Non-renewable Resources: Limited and cannot be regenerated (e.g., minerals, coal, crude oil, natural gas).
Ethiopian Context: Population pressure, agricultural expansion, migration, urbanization, climate change, and pollution affect the sustainability of natural resources.
3.2 DRAINAGE SYSTEMS OF ETHIOPIA
Definition: Drainage systems denote the flow direction and destination of rivers.
Natural Influences: Various geological events during the Cenozoic era shaped the drainage patterns of Ethiopia.
Major Drainage Systems:
- Western (Mediterranean Sea) Drainage System:
- Largest system contributing 60% of annual water discharge. Rivers include:
- River Tekezze: Drains western Lasta and joins the Nile.
- River Abbay: Originates from Gojjam plateau, separating Gondar and Gojjam.
- River Baro-Akobo: Crosses to Sudan and joins Nile.
- Southeastern (Indian Ocean) Drainage System:
- Second largest, contributing 32% of water flow. Includes rivers like Wabe Shebelle (does not reach Indian Ocean) and Genale (joins Dawa River).
- Inland (Rift Valley) Drainage System:
- Smallest system. Major lakes like Lake Abbaya and Lake Ziway. Includes rivers Awash and Omo-Gibe. Awash River basin is most utilized.
3.3 WATER RESOURCES OF ETHIOPIA
Overview: Ethiopia termed the “Water Tower of Northeastern Africa.”
Water Potential: Rich in water resources due to rainfall patterns and several major rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
3.3.1 Major Rivers of Ethiopia and Their Characteristics
Ethiopian rivers exhibit seasonal fluctuation and consist of unique features:
- Table 3.1: Major Rivers, Catchment Areas, and Lengths.
3.3.2 Characteristics of Ethiopian Rivers
Important characteristics include:
- Seasonal volume fluctuations
- Steep profiles and presence of waterfalls
- Serve as national and international boundaries.
3.3.3 LAKES OF ETHIOPIA
Categories: Lakes classified as Highland lakes and Rift Valley lakes.
- Highland Lakes: Formed from crater or watershed formations (e.g., Lake Tana).
- Rift Valley Lakes: Clustered, formed in tectonic depressions (e.g., lakes in the Great Rift Valley).
3.3.4 Significance of Ethiopian Lakes and Rivers
Hydroelectric Power Generation: Major source of HEP in the country, such as the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Fishery Sources: Supports local economies (e.g., Lake Chamo).
Irrigation Schemes and Navigation: Rivers are crucial for groundwater and irrigation; some lakes support navigation.
Tourism and Recreation: Lakes and rivers provide scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
3.4 MAJOR SOILS TYPES OF ETHIOPIA
Formation: Soils are formed from parent materials, climate, vegetation, and topography.
Major Soil Types include:
- Nithosols (red basaltic)
- Vertisols (black basaltic)
- Luvisols, Cambisols, and more.
3.5 MAJOR MINERAL RESOURCES AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION
Types: Mineral resources in Ethiopia include metallic (gold, platinum) and non-metallic (salt, limestone).
Metallic Minerals include:
- Gold: Extracted from alluvial deposits; major regions include Adola and Tigray.
- Platinum and Tantalum: Important for electronics, found in specific areas.
Non-Metallic Minerals include potash, soda ash, clay, limestone, and coal deposits.
3.6 BIOTIC RESOURCES OF ETHIOPIA
Natural Vegetation Types: Include Afroalpine, forests, woodland savannas, and desert vegetation.
Wildlife Distribution: Ethiopia is rich in species diversity; includes common, game, aquatic, and arboreal animals.
UNIT SUMMARY
Ethiopia possesses a vast array of natural resources divided into biotic, mineral, and hydrological assets.
The country’s ecological diversity and rich water resources play a crucial role in its socio-economic landscape.