Identifying Couse and Drivers of Wetland Degradation in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

Ethiopia is endowed with diverse ecosystems in which diverse flora and fauna as well as microbial resources are found. Ethiopia owns diverse types of wetlands, which deliver vast socio-economic and environmental values. However, this ecosystem is exposed to degradation due to adverse human activities. Therefore, the objective of this review was to assess the major threats and drivers of Wetland degradation and suggested conservation strategies in Ethiopia. The identified major threats are drainage for agriculture; overgrazing; invasion of alien species; degradation of catchment lands; over harvesting of their resources, settlement and urban expansion; population growth, water diversion, destructive tree plantation around the wetlands and pollution. While, policy related issue; institutional arrangement issues; issue of capacity shortage; On-site management problem; Off-site management problem and Ecological issue are driving factors those contribute to the threats to the wetlands. Regarding Wetland conservation strategies, real participatory wetland management, involving whole relevant stakeholders, understanding property right regime and institution are things to be considered in addition to offering alternative income generation for the local communities whose depends on the wetland resources. Furthermore, appropriate policy on conservation and management, rule and regulations needs to be established and the action should be taken to sustain the potential and life span of the existing wetlands.

Keywords: Conservation strategies; Wetlands degradation; threats; Ethiopia

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-2-01

Publication date: February 28^th 2021