Untitled

NATURAL RESOURCE BASE OF ETHIOPIA

UNIT THREE

INTRODUCTION
  • 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.