Sustainable Development in Ethiopia: Effects of Agriculture on Land and Social Sustainability

Abstract

Agriculture which is a key driver of Ethiopian economy is very much dependent on rain and land resources. If land resources are not utilized in a sustainable manner, no doubt that it is impossible to guarantee long term sustainable development. In consequence, ensuring a balance between natural resource utilization and socio-economic development is expected from every growth oriented efforts. In view of that this study has intended to assess sustainable development in Ethiopia in the context of agricultural development. More specifically it sought to review impacts of agricultural practices on land and social sustainability as well as to describe the effects of social variables on land resource.  The study was conducted by using secondary data obtained from Central Statistical Agency (CSA) from year 1995 to 2016. The collected data has been analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics such as average, ratio, table and charts.  The findings of the research shows that agriculture is expanding and making use of more marginal lands in the highland parts of the country at the cost of natural ecosystem. Agriculture is positively affecting rural poverty and unemployment situation relatively, but it is at the expense of environmental resources. High population pressure in rural areas is also putting pressure on land resources of the country.

Key words: agriculture, land, social sustainability and sustainable development