Natural Resources Base and extension Natural Resources Base and extension activities in Oromia activities in Oromia

Part I The natural resource base Part I The natural resource base

By Asefa TaaBy Asefa Taa

Oromia Agricultural Research InstituteOromia Agricultural Research Institute

Natural Resources cont.Natural Resources cont.

Water resources Water resources

Forest resourcesForest resources Farming systems Farming systems The mixed crop–livestock farming The mixed crop–livestock farming system system The pastoralist farming system The pastoralist farming system

Part IIPart II Extension activities Extension activities

Physiographic Description of OromiaPhysiographic Description of Oromia

IIntroductionntroduction

Oromia is the largest and populous region in Ethiopia. It Oromia is the largest and populous region in Ethiopia. It extends from 3extends from 30020’ N to 1020’ N to 100035’N and from 3435’N and from 340005’E to 05’E to 43430011’E11’E

Constituting about 30% of the county’s populationConstituting about 30% of the county’s population

According to the population projection by CSA (1997/98) According to the population projection by CSA (1997/98) the regional population is 21.7 million.the regional population is 21.7 million.

The rural population comprises about 89%.The rural population comprises about 89%.

Economically active population estimated at 81% 15 to 64 Economically active population estimated at 81% 15 to 64 age group.age group.

Introduction Cont Introduction Cont

The land area of Oromia is estimated at 367.000 square The land area of Oromia is estimated at 367.000 square kilometer kilometer

The region occupies nearly 31.17% of county’s total areaThe region occupies nearly 31.17% of county’s total area The region can be divided into three distinct geographical The region can be divided into three distinct geographical

areas.areas. The western highlands and associated lowlandsThe western highlands and associated lowlands The eastern highlands and associated lowlands The eastern highlands and associated lowlands The Rift Valley system The Rift Valley system

Generally the elevation varies from less than 500 meters to Generally the elevation varies from less than 500 meters to 4,400 masl. 4,400 masl.

Introduction ContIntroduction Cont

Large parts of Oromia have a climate and soil which are Large parts of Oromia have a climate and soil which are suitable for agricultural production suitable for agricultural production

Rainfall distribution varies across the region Rainfall distribution varies across the region

Much of the lands suffering from erosion Much of the lands suffering from erosion

In large measure, to the high concentration of livestock In large measure, to the high concentration of livestock population and over grazing coupled with the denudation of population and over grazing coupled with the denudation of forest population cover resulting from centuries cultivation forest population cover resulting from centuries cultivation and high water run-offand high water run-off

Introduction contIntroduction cont

Oromia possesses considerable potential for economic Oromia possesses considerable potential for economic development development

The region’s varied agro-ecological zone permit the The region’s varied agro-ecological zone permit the cultivation of an equally varied range of crops cultivation of an equally varied range of crops

The highlands are characterized by sedentary agriculture The highlands are characterized by sedentary agriculture with a mixed of crop-livestock system with a mixed of crop-livestock system

Introduction contIntroduction cont

The lowlands are inhabited mainly by pastoralists and The lowlands are inhabited mainly by pastoralists and support a large livestock population support a large livestock population

In addition to agriculture resources , Oromia has In addition to agriculture resources , Oromia has considerable potential for the development of mineral considerable potential for the development of mineral resources, and also possesses an abundance of both resources, and also possesses an abundance of both surface and underground water resources surface and underground water resources

Natural Resources potentialNatural Resources potential Natural resources constitute the foundation for the Natural resources constitute the foundation for the

development of the region development of the region

The natural resources (Land resources) of Oromia are itsThe natural resources (Land resources) of Oromia are its Soil resourcesSoil resources Forest resourcesForest resources Water resourcesWater resources Diverse climatic conditionsDiverse climatic conditions

Land utilizationLand utilization

Extensive plains, mountain and plateau constitute the land Extensive plains, mountain and plateau constitute the land mass of the region which about 5 million ha of cultivated mass of the region which about 5 million ha of cultivated land comprising 4.9 million ha rain fed agriculture and land comprising 4.9 million ha rain fed agriculture and about 92.00 ha of irrigated about 92.00 ha of irrigated

1.7million ha of land are used for settlement and 1.7million ha of land are used for settlement and infrastructure infrastructure

Mountains, water bodies, waste land and land used for Mountains, water bodies, waste land and land used for other unspecified purposes covers about 5.9 million ha other unspecified purposes covers about 5.9 million ha

Peasant holdings the total land area under different uses Peasant holdings the total land area under different uses was estimated at 4.3 millionwas estimated at 4.3 million

Out of this total 3.1 million ha was under annual crops Out of this total 3.1 million ha was under annual crops 272,000 ha under perennial crops 272,000 ha under perennial crops 415,000 ha grazing land 415,000 ha grazing land 288,000 ha was fallow 288,000 ha was fallow 10,000 ha was woodland10,000 ha was woodland

Soil resources Soil resources

There are nine soil orders including such young soil with There are nine soil orders including such young soil with potential fertility as Entisols, Inceptisols and Aridisols.potential fertility as Entisols, Inceptisols and Aridisols.

Soils with relatively high fertility due to moderate Soils with relatively high fertility due to moderate weathering are represented by Vertisols, Mollisols and weathering are represented by Vertisols, Mollisols and Alfisols Alfisols

Those with poor inherent fertility from high degree of Those with poor inherent fertility from high degree of weathering consist of Oxisols, Ultisols, and Histosols.weathering consist of Oxisols, Ultisols, and Histosols.• EntisolsEntisols: Occur on flat or nearly flat topography and are prone : Occur on flat or nearly flat topography and are prone

to excessive erosionto excessive erosion Given their natural fertility and topography, Given their natural fertility and topography, They have high potential for large scale agricultural They have high potential for large scale agricultural

development though prone to salinity and alkalinity development though prone to salinity and alkalinity as in the Awash valley. as in the Awash valley.

Therefore proper management of irrigation system Therefore proper management of irrigation system including sub-surface drainage is essential including sub-surface drainage is essential

Soil cont.Soil cont.

Inceptisoils:Inceptisoils: Are common in Oromia and in the Are common in Oromia and in the Rift Valley which encompasses a large chunk of Rift Valley which encompasses a large chunk of oromia oromia

They also occur in areas where geological and man-made They also occur in areas where geological and man-made erosion is severe such as along the northeastern erosion is severe such as along the northeastern escarpment and the eastern end of the Chercher highlands escarpment and the eastern end of the Chercher highlands of Eastern Oromiaof Eastern Oromia

Their sustainable utilization requires proper management Their sustainable utilization requires proper management as well as policies and strategies relating to pastoralist and as well as policies and strategies relating to pastoralist and sedentary agriculture sedentary agriculture

Soil contSoil cont..

AridisolsAridisols:: are found in the vast semi-arid areas in the are found in the vast semi-arid areas in the lowlands of Oromia where vegetation is particularly sparse lowlands of Oromia where vegetation is particularly sparse due to low rainfall regimes due to low rainfall regimes • Together with other soils in semi-arid areas, they probably are Together with other soils in semi-arid areas, they probably are

more extensive than some of the so-called fertile but more extensive than some of the so-called fertile but agricultural old soils in the highlands of Oromia.agricultural old soils in the highlands of Oromia.

Vertisols: occupy millions of hectares in Oromia and occur Vertisols: occupy millions of hectares in Oromia and occur mainly in agro-ecological zones that are suitable for both mainly in agro-ecological zones that are suitable for both crops and livestock production.crops and livestock production.• The sound management of these soils is an important factor The sound management of these soils is an important factor

towards their sustainable use towards their sustainable use • Their clay texture, clay with shrink-swell properties, and their Their clay texture, clay with shrink-swell properties, and their

occurrence on flat topography leads to water loggingoccurrence on flat topography leads to water logging

Soil cont.Soil cont.

Mollisols: Are soils rich with organic matter and are found in Mollisols: Are soils rich with organic matter and are found in a variety of climate and a wide range of landscapesa variety of climate and a wide range of landscapes• These are productive soils provided organic matter is These are productive soils provided organic matter is

maintained maintained • They occur in association with grasslands or similar vegetation They occur in association with grasslands or similar vegetation

and are found mostly on gentle to moderate slopes.and are found mostly on gentle to moderate slopes.• Others such as those in the Rift valley (around middle Awash)Others such as those in the Rift valley (around middle Awash)

Alfisols: Are widespread and intensively cultivation as they Alfisols: Are widespread and intensively cultivation as they occur in high to moderate precipitation areas.occur in high to moderate precipitation areas.• Cereal, root and fibre crops are grown on these soils.Cereal, root and fibre crops are grown on these soils.• They are one of the strategic soil of Oromia where cash crops They are one of the strategic soil of Oromia where cash crops

such as coffee, tea, spices etc are grown.such as coffee, tea, spices etc are grown.• A judicious use of both macro and micro nutrient is essential to A judicious use of both macro and micro nutrient is essential to

maintain their productivity. maintain their productivity.

Soil cont.Soil cont. Oxisols and Ultisols: Are two soils with similar characteristics.Oxisols and Ultisols: Are two soils with similar characteristics.

• They are highly weathered fragile soilsThey are highly weathered fragile soils• They are found extensively in the region and occur under a They are found extensively in the region and occur under a

variety of natural vegetation including savannah as in western variety of natural vegetation including savannah as in western and southern Oromia and southern Oromia

• The natural vegetation is mainly broad-leaved tropical woodland The natural vegetation is mainly broad-leaved tropical woodland that merges into deciduous woodland savannah.that merges into deciduous woodland savannah.

• On the whole forest are their characteristic natural landscape.On the whole forest are their characteristic natural landscape.

Histosols: occur in areas which are constantly saturated with water Histosols: occur in areas which are constantly saturated with water for prolonged periods.for prolonged periods.

• They are found in some river banks and lake shores.They are found in some river banks and lake shores.• To a limited extent they occur in the Baro-Akobo Basin, and the To a limited extent they occur in the Baro-Akobo Basin, and the

Dabbus and Fincha’a swamps Dabbus and Fincha’a swamps • Small bogs occur on the alpine plateaux on the Batu Mountain . Small bogs occur on the alpine plateaux on the Batu Mountain .

Soil contSoil cont

Soils in the highlands of Oromia have been subjected to Soils in the highlands of Oromia have been subjected to erosion due to destruction, exploitation, Over-grazing erosion due to destruction, exploitation, Over-grazing deforestation, use of inappropriate farm management deforestation, use of inappropriate farm management techniques including the use of wrong tools and techniques including the use of wrong tools and implements have contributed to erosion.implements have contributed to erosion.

These caused flood and siltation of rivers with detrimental These caused flood and siltation of rivers with detrimental consequences to dams and reservoirs consequences to dams and reservoirs

Although the gravity of the problem and the need for soil Although the gravity of the problem and the need for soil conservation has long since been realised no serious steps conservation has long since been realised no serious steps have been taken to mitigate the problemhave been taken to mitigate the problem

The nature of mosaic soils in Oromia and their variability is The nature of mosaic soils in Oromia and their variability is essential for a sustained use, it would be essential to map essential for a sustained use, it would be essential to map the region’s soil resourcesthe region’s soil resources

There is a need to carry out soil survey to assess their There is a need to carry out soil survey to assess their distribution with appropriate scale for determining crop distribution with appropriate scale for determining crop suitability suitability

TopographyTopography

Oromia has variable topography consisting of Oromia has variable topography consisting of high and rugged central plateau, that is divided high and rugged central plateau, that is divided into two by Great Rift valley and the peripheral into two by Great Rift valley and the peripheral lowlandslowlands

The high plateau includes mountain such asThe high plateau includes mountain such asBatu in Bale (4373 m)Batu in Bale (4373 m)Kaka in Arsi (4245 m)Kaka in Arsi (4245 m)Chilalo in Arsi (4170 m)Chilalo in Arsi (4170 m)Arba Gugu in Arsi (3625 m)Arba Gugu in Arsi (3625 m)Mul’ata in Hararge (3405 m)Mul’ata in Hararge (3405 m)Selalle in North Shewa (3544 m)Selalle in North Shewa (3544 m)Wenchi in West shewa (3387 m)Wenchi in West shewa (3387 m)

Topography cont.Topography cont.

TThe high mountain concentrated in Eastern part of the he high mountain concentrated in Eastern part of the RegionRegion• It has elevation of about 500 m to 4300 m It has elevation of about 500 m to 4300 m • Within this 88% of the land is within 500 m to 2500 m Within this 88% of the land is within 500 m to 2500 m • 11.5% above 2500 m and 1% below 500 m elevation11.5% above 2500 m and 1% below 500 m elevation

Eastern plateauEastern plateauIt includes Hararge, Bale, Arsi and Borena zones of It includes Hararge, Bale, Arsi and Borena zones of

the the RegionRegion

Topography cont.Topography cont.

Rift ValleyRift Valley This is part of the Great Rift Valley extending from Jardan This is part of the Great Rift Valley extending from Jardan

in the North through Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania to in the North through Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania to Mozambique in the SouthMozambique in the South

This part of the Region is rich in Geothermal energy also This part of the Region is rich in Geothermal energy also hydro-electric energy hydro-electric energy

Irrigation from Awash River and its tributaries and also Irrigation from Awash River and its tributaries and also from some of the naturally accoring lakes increases the from some of the naturally accoring lakes increases the agricultural potential of this part of the Regionagricultural potential of this part of the Region

Its potential for eco-truismIts potential for eco-truism• Due to the presence of wildlifeDue to the presence of wildlife• Its vegetation Its vegetation • Land scope Land scope • Geological setupGeological setup

Topography cont.Topography cont.

Western PlateauWestern Plateau Western plateau includes Northern Shewa, Wollega, Western plateau includes Northern Shewa, Wollega,

Illubabor and Jimma zones. These areas known by its Illubabor and Jimma zones. These areas known by its • Water resourcesWater resources• Vegetation Vegetation • WildlifeWildlife• Minerals Minerals • Forest coffee and main sources for eco-truismForest coffee and main sources for eco-truism• Land scope Land scope

Climate Climate

Most part of Oromia enjoy divers and excellent climate Most part of Oromia enjoy divers and excellent climate condition in terms of both temperature and precipitationcondition in terms of both temperature and precipitation• Cool highlandsCool highlands• Warm lowlandsWarm lowlands

The most prevalent agro-climatic condition varies from The most prevalent agro-climatic condition varies from locality to locality is tepid to cool in temperature and moist locality to locality is tepid to cool in temperature and moist to sub-humid in moisture to sub-humid in moisture

The climate of the Region is governed by the global air The climate of the Region is governed by the global air circulation system which is locally conditioned by the circulation system which is locally conditioned by the topographic condition and latitude of the location. topographic condition and latitude of the location.

Table 1. Area Coverage of the Different Agro-climatic Table 1. Area Coverage of the Different Agro-climatic Condition in OromiaCondition in Oromia

NoNo SymbolSymbol DescriptionDescription AreaArea

KmKm %%

11 A1A1 Hot to warm arid landHot to warm arid land 47,90447,904 13.0613.06

22 SA1SA1 Hot to warm semi-arid lowlands and tepid highlandsHot to warm semi-arid lowlands and tepid highlands 330330 0.090.09

33 SA2SA2 Tepid semi-arid mid altitudeTepid semi-arid mid altitude 4,9154,915 1.341.34

44 SM1SM1 Hot to warm sub-moist lowlands and plateau remnantsHot to warm sub-moist lowlands and plateau remnants 45,30045,300 12.3512.35

55 SM2SM2 Tepid to cool sub-moist low to high altitude Tepid to cool sub-moist low to high altitude 16,76316,763 4.574.57

66 SM3SM3 Cold to very cold sub-moist sub-afro alpine to afro alpine Cold to very cold sub-moist sub-afro alpine to afro alpine 147147 0.040.04

77 M1M1 Hot to warm moist lowlandsHot to warm moist lowlands 68,51868,518 18.6718.67

88 M2M2 Tapid to cool moist mid to high altitude Tapid to cool moist mid to high altitude 61,65961,659 16.8016.80

99 M3M3 Cold to very cold moist sub-afro alpine to afro alpine Cold to very cold moist sub-afro alpine to afro alpine 2,0172,017 0.550.55

1010 SH1SH1 Hot to warm sub-humid lowlands to mid-altitude Hot to warm sub-humid lowlands to mid-altitude 36,75336,753 10.0210.02

1111 SH2SH2 Tapid to cool sub-humid low to high altitudeTapid to cool sub-humid low to high altitude 60,81560,815 16.3616.36

1212 SH3SH3 Cold to very cold sub-humid low to high altitude Cold to very cold sub-humid low to high altitude 2,9342,934 0.800.80

1313 H2H2 Tepid to cool humid mid altitudeTepid to cool humid mid altitude 18,85318,853 5.145.14

TotalTotal 366,908366,908 100.00100.00

Temperature Temperature

The major controlling factor for TThe major controlling factor for T00 distribution in Oromia are distribution in Oromia are altitude and latitude altitude and latitude

In Oromia the sun is nearly over head through out the year In Oromia the sun is nearly over head through out the year As a result the variation of day length from one season to As a result the variation of day length from one season to

the other is very small the other is very small The annual average TThe annual average T00 is also generally high is also generally high The annual range of TThe annual range of T00 are low , being less than 4 are low , being less than 400C-8C-800C in C in

the lowlands the lowlands Overall observation of the Region reveals that TOverall observation of the Region reveals that T00 is is

inversely related to elevation inversely related to elevation In the highlands 14In the highlands 1400C-20C-2000CC Lowlands 20Lowlands 2000C-25C-2500CC The TThe T00 required by most of the food crops b/n 18 required by most of the food crops b/n 1800C and C and

252500CC

RainfallRainfall

Depending on seasonal shift of the wind and pressure system Depending on seasonal shift of the wind and pressure system in East Africa, moisture bearing winds bring rain to Oromia in East Africa, moisture bearing winds bring rain to Oromia either from the Atlantic or Indian oceaneither from the Atlantic or Indian ocean

In summer when the intertropical convergence zone (low In summer when the intertropical convergence zone (low pressure belt shifts to the north of the country) pressure belt shifts to the north of the country)

The moisture loaded equatorial westerly winds below from The moisture loaded equatorial westerly winds below from Atlantic ocean over the humid Congo basin to the low Atlantic ocean over the humid Congo basin to the low pressure centers which are then located over the Sudan or pressure centers which are then located over the Sudan or ArabiaArabia

The moist winds as they pass over thought lands of Oromia The moist winds as they pass over thought lands of Oromia and other parts of Ethiopia cool due to topographic effect and other parts of Ethiopia cool due to topographic effect and yield rain and yield rain

The major rain season extends from June to September and The major rain season extends from June to September and covers most parts of the Regioncovers most parts of the Region

The small rainy season which starts from February –April The small rainy season which starts from February –April which covers Bale, part of Arsi, and Shewa and Borena which covers Bale, part of Arsi, and Shewa and Borena

The annual average amount of rainfall decreases west to eastThe annual average amount of rainfall decreases west to east

Rainfall cont.Rainfall cont.

Rainfall in Oromia variousRainfall in Oromia various AmountAmount Distribution Distribution On set of the main rainy seasonOn set of the main rainy season Off-set of the main rainy season Off-set of the main rainy season Interruption of the growing period Interruption of the growing period Therefore, for successful agricultural planning the Therefore, for successful agricultural planning the

rainfall trained of the region should be studied for rainfall trained of the region should be studied for important agro-ecology important agro-ecology

Water Resources Water Resources

There are three major drainage systems or river basins in There are three major drainage systems or river basins in the region the region • Those draining to the West (to the Nile) including Abay Those draining to the West (to the Nile) including Abay

and Baroand Baro• Those drainage to East (to the Indian ocean) including Those drainage to East (to the Indian ocean) including

Wabi-Shebele and Genale Wabi-Shebele and Genale • Those with closed drainage (Rift valley lakes, Awash, Those with closed drainage (Rift valley lakes, Awash,

Gibe etc)Gibe etc)

The rivers carry tremendous quantities of water and soil The rivers carry tremendous quantities of water and soil across the border to the neighboring countries such as across the border to the neighboring countries such as Sudan, Egypt and Somalia Sudan, Egypt and Somalia

Most of the Hydro-electric power of the country is being Most of the Hydro-electric power of the country is being generated from the rivers in the Region Qooqa, Melka –generated from the rivers in the Region Qooqa, Melka –wakena, Gilgel-gibe and Finchala’awakena, Gilgel-gibe and Finchala’a

The total annual flow of these rivers amount to 73.20 Billion The total annual flow of these rivers amount to 73.20 Billion cubic meter cubic meter

Table 2.Drainage area and annual runoff of the drainage basins in Table 2.Drainage area and annual runoff of the drainage basins in OromiaOromia

Name of the Name of the River River

Catchment area Catchment area in Oromia (Kmin Oromia (Km22))3 3

Annual Annual runoff runoff x10x1066 m m33

Major Tributaries Major Tributaries

Abay (Blue Abay (Blue Nile)Nile)

69,27269,272 40.340.3 Guder, Muger, Dhidhesa, DabusGuder, Muger, Dhidhesa, Dabus

Wabi Wabi ShebeleShebele

70,77770,777 2.392.39 Ramis, futen, Yere, Duketa, Ramis, futen, Yere, Duketa, Gobele, Mojor Gobele, Mojor

GenaleGenale 106,550106,550 3.223.22 Weyib, Mena, Welmel Weyib, Mena, Welmel

AwashAwash 37,90237,902 3.23.2 Akaki, MojoAkaki, Mojo

GhibeGhibe 19,55619,556 12.0112.01 Gojeb, DinchGojeb, Dinch

BaroBaro 30,52730,527 8.48.4 Sor, Gaba, Birbir Sor, Gaba, Birbir

Rift valley Rift valley lakeslakes

32,32532,325 3.713.71

TotalTotal 336,908336,908 73.2173.21

Water Reso Cont.Water Reso Cont.

There are irrigation possibilities along mainly the tributaries There are irrigation possibilities along mainly the tributaries of these riversof these rivers

The water quality of all of them is good to excellent for The water quality of all of them is good to excellent for irrigation purpose irrigation purpose

In Oromia there are a number of naturally occurring lakes and In Oromia there are a number of naturally occurring lakes and damsdams

Some of the naturally occurring lakes such as Some of the naturally occurring lakes such as • Wonchi, Bishotu, Ziqualas are creator lakes occurring on Wonchi, Bishotu, Ziqualas are creator lakes occurring on

the top of the mountain the top of the mountain • The other naturally occurring lakes such as Ziway, The other naturally occurring lakes such as Ziway,

langano, Abyata, and Shala are of the tectonic orgin langano, Abyata, and Shala are of the tectonic orgin created at the time of the Rift Valley formation.created at the time of the Rift Valley formation.

• The major dams constructed for hydro-electric power The major dams constructed for hydro-electric power generated includes Fincha’a Qooqa, Melka-Wakena and generated includes Fincha’a Qooqa, Melka-Wakena and Gilgel GibeGilgel Gibe

• Among the lakes irrigation possibility exists only around Among the lakes irrigation possibility exists only around lake Ziway which as a potential for about 1000 ha lake Ziway which as a potential for about 1000 ha

Water resources cont.Water resources cont. Water resources master plan study conducted on various Water resources master plan study conducted on various

basins in Ethiopia estimate the ground water sources at 2.9 basins in Ethiopia estimate the ground water sources at 2.9 billion cubic meter and 2.0 billion cubic meter of this is billion cubic meter and 2.0 billion cubic meter of this is found within oromiafound within oromia• A large part of this resources is not utilized yetA large part of this resources is not utilized yet• The largest scale irrigation potential of Oromia is The largest scale irrigation potential of Oromia is

estimated to be about 800,000 ha estimated to be about 800,000 ha • From this only very small percentage is developed and From this only very small percentage is developed and

even that mainly along the Awash and around lake even that mainly along the Awash and around lake Ziway Ziway

Table 3. Distribution of Irrigation potential in OromiaTable 3. Distribution of Irrigation potential in Oromia

Basin Basin Potential gross irrigable Potential gross irrigable area haarea ha

Abay Abay 280,950280,950

Rift valley lakesRift valley lakes 32,00032,000

AwashAwash 52,50052,500

Ghibe Ghibe >60,000>60,000

Genale Genale 365,800365,800

Wabi shebeleWabi shebele 12,00012,000

BaroBaro 27,50027,500

TotalTotal 770,750770,750

Forest resources Forest resources

Oromia is endowed with a natural high forest of Oromia is endowed with a natural high forest of about 2.8 million ha and bush and woodlands of about 2.8 million ha and bush and woodlands of 12 million ha12 million ha• Many claim that the forest resources of the Region was Many claim that the forest resources of the Region was

much wider than this in recent pastmuch wider than this in recent past• According to recent estimated abut 50,000 to 100,000 According to recent estimated abut 50,000 to 100,000

ha of natural forest are lost annually due to:ha of natural forest are lost annually due to:• Shifting cultivationShifting cultivation• Commercial agriculture Commercial agriculture • Fuel wood collectionFuel wood collection• UrbanizationUrbanization• Forest fire Forest fire • Poor utilization and loggingPoor utilization and logging

Forest Resources Cont.Forest Resources Cont.Even with that it can be stated confidently that Even with that it can be stated confidently that

more than 75% of all the high forest of the more than 75% of all the high forest of the country occur in Oromiacountry occur in Oromia

Besides high forests and woodland and bush Besides high forests and woodland and bush land, also exists:land, also exists:

Plantation forest (industrial peri-urban, Plantation forest (industrial peri-urban, community, woodlot and conservation community, woodlot and conservation

plantation and) farm forestry. plantation and) farm forestry.

Table 4. Forest areas in OromiaTable 4. Forest areas in Oromia

ZoneZone Area in (ha)Area in (ha)

East WollegaEast Wollega 284,937284,937

IllubbaborIllubbabor 675,000675,000

JimmaJimma 343,000343,000

West ShewaWest Shewa 162,000162,000

East ShewaEast Shewa 9,6299,629

ArsiArsi 167,725167,725

BorenaBorena 404,348404,348

BaleBale 573,444573,444

West HarargeWest Hararge 40,34040,340

East HarargeEast Hararge 112,937112,937

TotalTotal 2,743,3602,743,360

Farming systems cont.Farming systems cont.

The region is generally divided into three main zones The region is generally divided into three main zones according to agricultural production which is based on agro-according to agricultural production which is based on agro-climate, soil and production system.climate, soil and production system.

High potential cereal zoneHigh potential cereal zone Low potential cereal zone Low potential cereal zone perennial zoneperennial zone

Within each zone there are various subsystems of Within each zone there are various subsystems of production but there are two broad categories production but there are two broad categories • The mixed crop-livestock farming systemThe mixed crop-livestock farming system• The pastoralist system The pastoralist system

Farming systemsFarming systems

Oromia region has predominantly an agrarian economy.Oromia region has predominantly an agrarian economy. Agriculture, services and industry account for about 70%, Agriculture, services and industry account for about 70%,

24%and 6% of the regional GDP.24%and 6% of the regional GDP. These sectors account for 92.2%, 6.5%and 1.3% of These sectors account for 92.2%, 6.5%and 1.3% of

employment employment The region accounts for about 51% of the total major crop The region accounts for about 51% of the total major crop

production in Ethiopia and considered the sources of the production in Ethiopia and considered the sources of the country’s agricultural surplus.country’s agricultural surplus.

It is also the major sources of food supply for the country’s It is also the major sources of food supply for the country’s major urban centers and deficit areas.major urban centers and deficit areas.

Oromia also produces 63% of the national exports and major Oromia also produces 63% of the national exports and major sources of raw materials for domestic industries.sources of raw materials for domestic industries.

Farming systems contFarming systems cont

Oromia has the largest livestock resources base in Ethiopia Oromia has the largest livestock resources base in Ethiopia Cattle, sheep, goats, donkey, and camels are the major Cattle, sheep, goats, donkey, and camels are the major

types of animals reared and there are about 18.8 million types of animals reared and there are about 18.8 million tropical livestock unit (TLU) in the region.tropical livestock unit (TLU) in the region.

The mixed crop-livestock farming system of the highlands The mixed crop-livestock farming system of the highlands carries 70% of the total livestock resources base carries 70% of the total livestock resources base

The remaining 30% is owned by pastoralists in the arid and The remaining 30% is owned by pastoralists in the arid and semi arid lowlandssemi arid lowlands

The pastoralists of the lowlands almost total depend on The pastoralists of the lowlands almost total depend on livestock. livestock.

Farming systems cont.Farming systems cont.

The mixed crop-livestock farming system can further The mixed crop-livestock farming system can further divided into four sub production systems divided into four sub production systems • The enset-coffee-cereal-livestock production The enset-coffee-cereal-livestock production

systemsystem

• This system occurs along the Wolliso to Jima zone. This system occurs along the Wolliso to Jima zone. Coffee and enset are grown in home gardens at altitude Coffee and enset are grown in home gardens at altitude below 2200 masl while on the main fields are planted below 2200 masl while on the main fields are planted cereals.cereals.

• Enset is main food crop in the system.Enset is main food crop in the system.

• Maize and sorghum are the main cereals followed by Maize and sorghum are the main cereals followed by teff, wheat and barley.teff, wheat and barley.

Farming system contFarming system cont..

• Pulses (haricot and lima beans) are grown as garden Pulses (haricot and lima beans) are grown as garden crops crops

• Prominent root crops are taro, yam and sweet potato Prominent root crops are taro, yam and sweet potato

• Crop rotation (alternating cereals with pulses ) is Crop rotation (alternating cereals with pulses ) is practiced, legumes cover about 11%of crop areapracticed, legumes cover about 11%of crop area

• Fertilizer use also low Fertilizer use also low

• Fallowing is practiced on hilly and extensively cultivated Fallowing is practiced on hilly and extensively cultivated parts where population pressure is lower .parts where population pressure is lower .

•

Farming systems contFarming systems cont.. The forest coffee–enset-cereal-livestock production The forest coffee–enset-cereal-livestock production

systemsystem• This production system is practiced in parts of Jamma This production system is practiced in parts of Jamma

zone and in the highlands of Borena.zone and in the highlands of Borena.• Enset is grown home gardens and cereals on fields Enset is grown home gardens and cereals on fields • Coffee is normally grown under shade trees in the forest.Coffee is normally grown under shade trees in the forest.• The most important cereal crops are maize, sorghum, The most important cereal crops are maize, sorghum,

teff and millet.teff and millet.

Farming systemFarming system

• The importance of cereals is less compared to that The importance of cereals is less compared to that under the enset-coffee-cereal-livestock production under the enset-coffee-cereal-livestock production system.system.

• Pulses including haricot and faba beans, chickpeas, Pulses including haricot and faba beans, chickpeas, lentils, and pigeon peaslentils, and pigeon peas

• Oil crops including noug, linseed, rape seed and caster Oil crops including noug, linseed, rape seed and caster beans beans

• Vegetables root and tuber crops and spices are also Vegetables root and tuber crops and spices are also growngrown

• Fallowing and crop rotation are practiced Fallowing and crop rotation are practiced • Cultivation is mainly with hoes and ox ploughing is Cultivation is mainly with hoes and ox ploughing is

limited limited

Farming systems contFarming systems cont

The mixed cereal-livestock production systemThe mixed cereal-livestock production system This is the prevalent production system in almost all zones This is the prevalent production system in almost all zones

in the region.in the region.• Among the crops, teff covers the largest area (31%)Among the crops, teff covers the largest area (31%)• Followed by wheat (18%) Followed by wheat (18%) • Maize and sorghum (11%)Maize and sorghum (11%)• Barley (8%)Barley (8%)• Oat and finger millet (5%)Oat and finger millet (5%)• Pulses (10%)Pulses (10%)• Oil crops (6.5%)Oil crops (6.5%)• Other crops (10.5%)Other crops (10.5%)

Farming systems contFarming systems cont

• In Haraghe in areas such as Garamuleta and Chercher, In Haraghe in areas such as Garamuleta and Chercher, inter-croppings widely practiced inter-croppings widely practiced

• Beans are usually mixed with maize and sorghum and Beans are usually mixed with maize and sorghum and chat inter cropped with sweet potatochat inter cropped with sweet potato

• Fallowing is not practiced under this production system Fallowing is not practiced under this production system and soil fertilizer is traditionally maintained through and soil fertilizer is traditionally maintained through crop rotation crop rotation

• Chemical fertilizer application is common in Shewa and Chemical fertilizer application is common in Shewa and Arsi zones Arsi zones

• Ox ploughing is prevalent Ox ploughing is prevalent

Farming systems cont.Farming systems cont.

The barley-wheat-livestock production system The barley-wheat-livestock production system • Arsi, Bale, East Wollega and North Shewa zones practice this Arsi, Bale, East Wollega and North Shewa zones practice this

production system,.production system,. Compared to the mixed cereals-livestock production Compared to the mixed cereals-livestock production

systemsystem This one is generally practiced at slightly higher altitudesThis one is generally practiced at slightly higher altitudes

• The crops grown includes barley, wheat, oats, faba bean , The crops grown includes barley, wheat, oats, faba bean , field peas, lentils and oil crops with barley covering about field peas, lentils and oil crops with barley covering about 54% of the total production area.54% of the total production area.

• Home gardening is not common except for rape seed and Home gardening is not common except for rape seed and maizemaize

• Fallowing is practiced Fallowing is practiced • Soil fertility is maintained by crop rotation and chemical Soil fertility is maintained by crop rotation and chemical

fertilizer. fertilizer.

Farming system cont.Farming system cont.

Pastoralist Pastoralist • Pastoral livestock rearing is practiced in the in the Pastoral livestock rearing is practiced in the in the

lowland areas of region.lowland areas of region.• Livestock production is based on traditional survival Livestock production is based on traditional survival

strategy .strategy .• Unfortunately for various political economic and social Unfortunately for various political economic and social

reasons, the system has been constrained by exogenous reasons, the system has been constrained by exogenous factors which have adversely affected the pastoralist factors which have adversely affected the pastoralist way of life way of life

• Pastoralists have become the victims of natural and Pastoralists have become the victims of natural and man-made disasters man-made disasters

• Soil in the lowlands are fragile and susceptible to Soil in the lowlands are fragile and susceptible to erosion, these is a tendency to move towards mixed erosion, these is a tendency to move towards mixed farming farming

• Any development policy and strategy should have to Any development policy and strategy should have to consider the well being of pastoralists. consider the well being of pastoralists.

GalatoomaaGalatoomaa

Thank youThank you