Review of rangelands biodiversity status, conservation and role in food security in Ethiopia
2005
Alemayehu Mengistu
With a current population of over 60 million people, Ethiopia is one of the largest African nations, yet remains one of poorest with an annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person of about US$ 110. Malnutrition is a problem in many parts of the country, heightened by periodic yet persistent droughts and crop failures. Over 85 percent of the population remains dependent on subsistence-based rain-fed agriculture and livestock rearing. Agriculture contributes more than 55 percent to the national economy. This paper reviews Ethiopia's problems, specifically in the pastoral areas where some of the worst ant most entrenched poverty, disadvantaged and vulnerable populations may be observed. Rangelands biodiversity conservation and research should be assigned high priority, as greater biodiversity would bring with its greater food security for pastoral communities dependent on the range. This paper details the rangelands biodiversity resources, the need for conservation and priorities for research; and the way forward for sustaining the food security of the pastoral communities.
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