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Location:
Ethiopia is located in the northeastern part of
Africa, popularly known as the Horn. Ethiopia is bounded on the east by Djibouti
and Somalia, on the north and northeast by Eritrea, on the south by Kenya and on
the west by The Sudan.
Physical features:
Ethiopia is a country of great geographical diversity.
It has high and rugged mountains, flat-topped plateau called “Ambas”, deep gorges,
incised river valleys and vast rolling plains. Its altitude ranges from the highest
peak at Ras Dashen (4620 meters above sea level) down to the Dalol depression, which
is about 148 meters below sea level. A large part of the country comprises of high
plateau and mountain ranges with precipitous edges dissected by rushing streams
that are tributaries of famous rivers like the Abay (The Blue Nile), Tekeze, Awash,
Omo, the Wabe Shebelie and the Baro-Akobo.
As the country is located within the tropics, its
physical conditions and variations in altitude have resulted in great diversity
of terrain, climate, soil, flora and fauna.
Ethiopia’s major physical features are the result
of extensive and spectacular faulting that cracked the old crystalline block of
the African continent along the eastern side, producing the Great Rift Valley that
stretches from Africa’s juncture with the eastern end of the Mediterranean Basin
down to Mozambique in the south-eastern part of our continent. Therefore, the major
features of Ethiopia’s landscape are lines of great escarpments overlooking the
Afar plains. Besides, these fault structures have produced escarpments along its
western borderlands. Ethiopia is also characterized by great massifs.
The Great Rift Valley system separates the western
highlands and the southeastern highlands. These highlands on each side of the Rift
Valley system give way to vast semi-arid lowland areas in the east and west, but
especially in the southern part of the country.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the rock-bed of Ethiopian’s economy. It plays a key role both in
the development of the nation as well as in the well being of its people. Agriculture
employs about 85% of the total population. It generates 45-50% of the total GDP.
It is also true that 90% of the country’s foreign currency comes from the export
merchandise trade of agricultural products. It also supplies 70% of the raw material
required by both heavy and medium scale industries.
Some 55 million of the Ethiopian people live in the rural areas as subsistence agriculture
is the basis of their lives. Nevertheless, the rural areas are poor in infrastructure
and agriculture is dependent on rain water and traditional methods of farming. Agriculture
is also in the hands of small –scale individual farmers who make use of little agricultural
inputs. As a result, the production rate is low.
Be that as it may, 95% of crop production comes from these small-scale farmlands,
which supply 90% of the gross agricultural products; and over 94% of food as well
as 98% of the coffee and other crops produced in the country.
Ethiopia is land endowed with various natural resources suitable for agriculture.
Its climate, topography, rivers as well as other natural and bio-diversified resources
make the country favorable for agricultural investment.
In fact Ethiopia is one of the very few countries that are rich in bio-Diversity.
The fact offers great opportunity for agricultural development.
Farming can play decisive role as a source of wealth for agro-business in Ethiopia.
While the total area of the country is 111.5 million hectares (1.115 million square
kilometers), 66% of Ethiopia is estimated to be suitable for agriculture. Never
the less, only 16.5 million hectares (%) of the total arable land is so far utilized
in the production of crops.
Ethiopia is believed to be the water tower of Africa. Despite the abundance of water
in the country, Ethiopia’s agricultural production is basically rain-fed. For instance,
the total surface area of natural and artificial lakes in Ethiopia as about 7500km
squared. The amount of annual surface water flow over the country amounts 123 billion
cubic meters, whereas underground water is estimated to be 2.6 billion cubic meters.
It is also important to note that six billion cubic meters of water flows to the
neighboring countries through the Blue Nile River alone. On the other hand, land
suitable for irrigation is about 3.7 million hectares. So far irrigated land is
just 4.4 percent. Annual crop production of only three percent is obtained from
irrigated farmlands. Out of the total farmlands currently irrigated, 96,000(%) hectares
is on large-scale farmlands; the remaining is owned by individual farmers and irrigated
through traditional means.
Ethiopia is rich in livestock. Actually it is one of the very few leading countries
in Africa and indeed the whole world. Nevertheless, the productivity of livestock
is lower compared to other countries. For example, milk obtained from a local cow
is just between one and two liters a day. The average weight of an ox is 250 kg.
The causes for the lower productivity rate are mainly lack of balanced food and
veterinary service.
The use of livestock differs from place to place. Farmers residing in the highlands
extensively make use of animals as a major component of their agricultural inputs.
Since the livelihood of the people in these areas depends on farming and animal
husbandry, the people use animals for tilling, harvesting and transport. Dung is
also used for fuel. Besides, the people feed on animal products such as milk, meat
and eggs. They also utilize skins and hides etc., for various purposes such as,
bedding, water containers etc. Livestock in the lowlands, on the other hand, is
by far the basis of livelihood. Apart from using milk and meat, the lowlanders employ
animals for transportation. At times, these people trade in hides and skin. At the
same time, they supply the highlanders with about 20 percent of animals they need.
From this we can deduce that livestock plays and indispensable role in sustaining
society both in the highlands and low lands.
Another area, which is potentially rich, is the aquatic life, abundantly found in
the rivers and lakes of the country. For example, six of the major rivers alone
have been estimated to have the capacity of yielding 23,500 tons of fish per year.
In addition to that, major lakes have the potential to produce 30,000-40,000 tons
of fish annually. However, what is produced currently is only 15% (6000 tons) of
that capacity.
Bee keeping is another source of income to the Ethiopian farmers. It is estimated
that some 10 million- bee colonies were utilized by individual farmers in 2002.
Farmers with traditional bee keeping techniques produce only 7 to 8 kilograms of
honey per beehive at the production season while those that have modern beehives
collect 15 to 20 kilograms from each unit.
The other resources that Ethiopia is endowed with are forests and wild life. The
forest resource however has fast dropped from 40 percent at the beginning of the
last century to the current coverage of 2.7 percent of the total area of the country.
Nevertheless, still the country has 6500-7000 types of plants, 12 percent of which
are entirely endemic.
Ethiopia is also home to 277 mammal and 862 bird species. One needs to note that
31 species of the mammals and 16 species if the birds are endemic to Ethiopia.
Ethiopia has nine national parks, eight wildlife sanctuaries and three wildlife
reserves. On top of that, 12 restricted big game areas as well as crocodile and
ostrich farms are found in various parts of the country.
Following the abolishment of the command economic system and its replacement with
the market economy in 1992, various strategies and programs have been implemented.
Those strategies are instrumental in improving the agricultural development sector,
ensuring national food security. The latest is the Rural Development Policy and
Strategy introduced in 2002.
This Policy underlines that agriculture-centered development will bring about fast
economic growth, to enable the Ethiopian people to be the beneficiary of economic
development, to break the aid dependency syndrome and to lay the foundation for
industrial development. Thus, the new policy and strategy has set basic directions
that extensively use human labor, effectively utilize farmlands and the local know
how. It is envisaged to accomplish carious agricultural tasks suitable for the various
types of ecology and specialization as well as undertake coordinated development
efforts.
The policy and strategy also stresses on building and highly utilized human resource
capacity, ensuring commitment and readiness for the job, enabling farmers to have
access to education, training and health services, improving the supply, duplication
and distribution of appropriate technologies.
The policy also aims at improving the utilization of water, designing and putting
in place of various development packages suitable for various types of environments.
The other policy directions are creating market oriented agricultural development
and improving the rural financial system. In fact, both local and foreign investors
are encouraged to widely participate in the agricultural sector and to have their
business tailored in a way that would make them utilized the agricultural products
of the farmers.
Tourism
Tourism is a recent industry in Ethiopia. It managed to gain official acknowledgement
through the establishment of the Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO) in 1957 E.C.
During the period of the military rule, the infant tourism industry came to a virtual
and still. The country curtailed the establishment of better hotels and restaurants
that could meet the needs of international tourists. It also hindered the growth
of the industry’s operational environment.
After the change of government in 1991, situations started to change for the better.
Many old houses with important architectural quality, remnants of old Addis Ababa
have been renovated to offer services. In addition, a number of modern hotels, restaurants,
resort and entertainment centers, tour-operating offices and guides have started
too established. These may help meet the demands of tourists in the future.
Unusually varied endemic fauna and flora unsurpassed in variety and diversity provides
tourist a rich kaleidoscopic view of nature and wildlife. Besides, the country’s
rich and unique historical as 120 painstakingly hewed magnificent churches and monasteries
of Tigrai (such as Gheralta, Tembien and Atsbidera), the famous rock-hewn churches
of Lalibela, the castles of Gonder, the mystic and mysterious ancient churches and
monasteries of Lake Tana and its environs, are among the few breathtaking religious
and historic edifices to mention.
The historically significant paleoanthroplogical discoveries of Hadar, in the Afar
region and that of the Omo valley, the Tiya stelae in the southern region are among
the few Ethiopia’s most cherished gifts to the world cultural heritage.
As an abode of several nations, nationalities and people, Ethiopia’s southern region
has a naturally blessed scenic beauty. Its rich diversity of material culture is
remarkable immense. The stylistic houses of the Dorze and the Gurage, the region’s
cultural attires, the ‘waka’ burial monuments of the Konso people and the complexities
exhibited in the life styles of the people are most attractive scenes that demand
attentions of visitors. By and large, the uninhabited (untouched) natural wilderness,
immensely rich in biodiversity exhibits their nature’s rarest endowments particularly
in the Mago, Nech Sar and the Omo National parks.
In the east of the country, the scenic setting of Jallo Mukhtar forest, the naturally
decorated caves of Achare and Aynage, the unique rock valley of Dakata, the
Babbile elephant sanctuary in Haragie and the famed Sof Omar cave in Bale are among
the most impressive places of interest for tourists.
Moreover, the splendid, walled city of Harar, its most ancient mosques, impressively
unique cultural heritage, reminants of its gold and silver cions and the amazing
practical performances of the “Hyena man” (feeding hyena) are most amusing assets.
In the far east of the country, the warm natural spa, the ruins of the ancient town
of Derbiga and its mosques, the ancient mosque of Shariff Omar Jidda, the palace
ruins of Errer and its natural hot spa are among the historic and panoramic natural
endowments in the Somali National Regional State.
In the southwest of the country, Bensihangual-Gumuz National regional State is truly
blessed natural setting that calls for the attention of tourists and investors alike.
The material culture of the Berta Gumuz, Shinasha, Mao and Komo nationalities in
the region are breathtakingly beautiful and amazing. Their musical instruments,
precious ornaments, and costumes as well as the stelae and the early place of Sheik
Hojelle at Asosa, the Signor natural caves, the dense ever-green forest of Dinder
river, the Dabus valley controlled hunting area along with its wildlife that includes
lion, tiger, hippo, wolves, colobus monkeys, crocodiles and the warthogs make the
region immensely rich and beautiful.
Moreover, the famous Rift valley lakes are also known for their wealth of bird and
aquatic life. Lakes, Abyata and Shala in particular, are on the migration route
of birds from the northern hemisphere during the winter there and together form
a sanctuary for about 300 bird species!
On the other hand, to the east of these lakes lie the Bale Mountain sparking mountain
streams and alpine climate. This area so far remains an untouched source of beauty
and grace with towering mountains f more than 4,000 meters with ranging borders
that extend to the southern highlands of Ethiopia. This tranquil, natural region
is noted for the variety of its wild mammals including the Manelik bushbuck, the
Semien (Red) Fox and the Mountain Nyala. The Red Fox, which is one of the most fascinating
members of the dog family, is by far in greater number in the Bale Mountains National
Park than anywhere else in the country.
Further more, the Semien Mountains National Park in the northwestern part of Ethiopia,
harbors some of the most celebrated endemic species including the Walia Ibex, the
Semien Red Fox and the wonderful Gelada Baboon.
By and large, after the long rains that last from June to September, Ethiopia’s
diverse topographic features are clad with fresh and breathtaking yellow maskal
daisies and countless other beautiful flowers including wild roses.
With due regard to all these natural, historical and cultural wealth and heritage,
the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is about to rectify a decree that mandates
the Ethiopian Tourism Commission to facilitate, promote and safeguard the growth
and development of the country’s tourism industry.
Music and Dance
Ethiopia’s scenic beauty, its rich cultural and historical background inspires song
and melody among its peoples. As agriculture is the main occupation of the peoples,
their folk culture is interwoven with and influenced by the land. Rains, thunder,
the sun, the stars, domestic animals and the harvest in the fields have all traces
of their stamps on the folk songs. In the ‘Zaffan’, fold music and dance is reflected
at every aspect of the people’s life. Many of these songs are work songs associated
with sowing, harvesting or mowing of the various crops. Others are songs about daily
household chores. Many of these songs are humorous. Youngsters sing songs of love,
joy and sorrow. Some describe warrior’s deeds of valor of long ago while some sing
about the foibles and weaknesses of local noblemen or the incompetents. These folk
music of tribal and agricultural origin has been digested through the centuries
and where absorbed in to the totality of Ethiopian culture.
Rhyme and rhythm are important in Ethiopian folk songs because they reflect the
characteristics of the various nations, nationalities and peoples of the country.
These songs are composed by peoples of all walks of life in the country. In short,
folk music in Ethiopia is as old as the land itself. The chief characteristics of
Ethiopian folk music is spontaneity, and the concept of the audience is absent for
both the performers and the listeners intermingled when the music is on.
At festivals, holidays and wedding ceremonies, both in cities and villages, the
moment the people gather, they sing, spirited dancing begins. Such occasions are
especially associated with ‘Zaffan’ or folk-song.
Vigorous jumping, thumping of the feet and swaying of body from side to side are
some of the common characteristics of Ethiopian folk dancing. It is, however, the
head, the neck and the facial expressions that are brought into play. The most important
and graceful dance performance is the ‘Eskeesta’ or shoulder dance. Both shoulders
are moved in a series of motions forwards and backwarkds although it remains in
its vertical position, the head apparently moves from one shoulder to another melodiously
and rhythmically. Occassionaly, the dancer slowly flexes the kness almost to the
ground. All the while, as the music beats its rhythm, clapping of the hands of the
groups of people forming the audience becomes more and more vigerious. While dancing,
they (men and women) face each other and their footwork becomes very brick. The
overall effect is a picture of graceful body movement, facial expression, captivating
and enthralling to the extreme.
The Wallaita people of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional
State are famous for their rhythmic and exciting dances. The women dress in skirts
and tunics of carious colors while dancing. They dance in graceful manner. While
singing, they sing sharp and loud songs. The men, on the other hand, wielding their
spears, make serious facial expressions. As the music becomes brisker the tempo
of the dance raises abruptly.
Even though the different traditional musical instruments such as the Massinqo (one
stringed), the kerrar(six stringed), the begenna(ten stringed) harps the washint
(flute) and the imbilta had separately been in use for centuries.
The songs have played important roles in developing the traditions of the country.
It is also the folk musicians that are the transmitters of epics of the past along
with other storytellers. Thus, from an artistic point of view, the folk musicians
deserve great attention while studying and appreciating the Ethiopian music and
dance.
The people
Ethiopia’s geographical and historical factors have had a great influence on the
distribution of its peoples and languages. The country is situated at the cross
roads between the Middle East and Africa. Through its long history, Ethiopia has
become a melting pot of diverse customs and varied cultures, some of which are extremely
ancient.
Ethiopia embraces a complex variety of nations, nationalities and peoples and linguistic
groups. Its peoples altogether speak over 80 different languages constituting 12
Semitic, 22 Cushitic, 18 Omotic and 18 Nilo-Saharan languages.
Ethiopians are generally considered as courteous and hospitable. They are also regarded
as trustworthy, sincere, friendly and hard working. Homer in his book The Iliad
wrote that Ethiopians are blameless race with whom the gods have dined. The
Italian Historian Conti Rossini, in his book mentioned that Ethiopians are “people
of never failing good will and kindness and exceedingly polite.” To the English
historian Dr. Richard Greenfield Ethiopians are “people of great patience that wait
in the hope that betterment would come from day to day.” To some others, Ethiopians
are a patriotic people who selflessly stand for love of freedom, sovereignty and
territorial integrity of their motherland.
As regards Ethiopian culture and tradition, Christianity, Islam and animism have
exerted much influence in the development of complex and diverse cultural traits.
While the lives and day-to-day activities of the people are influenced by their
respective religion, topographic and climatic variations also had impacts on the
natural, historical and cultural heritage of the Ethiopian peoples.
Climate
There are three principal climate groups in Ethiopia: tropical rainy climate, dry
climate and warm temperate rainy climate.
Ethiopia’s climatic conditions are termed in the traditional fashion as follows:
In Ethiopia, mean maximum and mean minimum temperature vary spatially and temporally.
Generally, mean maximum temperature is higher from March to May and mean minimum
temperature is lower from November to December.
The single maximum rainfall regime is found predominantly over the western half
of the country. This rainfall regime is characterized with a single rainfall season.
The length of the rainfall season varies from an extended rainy period of eight
to ten months over the northwest.
As a whole, for the most of the year, different parts of the country experience
wet rainy season or dry season at a given moment. The climatic spectrum of the country
ranges from hot arid to hot and cool steppe types; from tropical Savannah to rain
forest; and from temperate to cool highlands.
VI. History
History
Ethiopia is a very ancient country. Paleontological studies identify
Ethiopia as one of the cradles of human kind. “Dinknesh” or “Lucy”, one of the earliest
and most complete hominoids discovered through archeological excavations, dates
back to 3.5 million years.
Ethiopia is also a country that cherishes its untinterrupted national integrity
and independence. Throughout its history, it has remained to be the focus of outside
invaders lured by its attractive (to colonialists) geopolitical position, climatic
conditions and natural resources. All the time and particularly the 16th century,
it has repulsed time and again the aspirations of expansionists and colonial powers.
Most of the history of Ethiopia is a history of feudalism. Its various nations,
nationalities and peoples have lived together for centuries intermingling and interacting
with each other. As of the last 100 years, they stood together during peace and
adversity as one country.
Through this unity, the heroism and sacrifice of its peoples, Ethiopia has remained
to be the only non-colonized state in Africa; becoming the beacon of independence
and freedom for Africa and for many other colonized peoples in the world.
On the other hand, Ethiopia’s history is characterized by internal rivalries among
regional warlords. The country for a long period of time had been under the iron
grip of feudal dynastic rules. At about 1793, this feudal dynastic rule gave way
to the era of anarchy and rivalry that arose among various regional warlords and
local chiefs. This period is known as period of “Zemene Mesafint” meaning
the “era of the princes.”
The “era of the princes”, which was dominated by internal rivalry among the regional
powers and warlords was finally weakned as a result of the coming to power of Emperor
Tewodros II, who established a semblance of unification. Later, his sucessors emperors
Yohannes IV and Menelik II took the initiatives of Emperor Tewodros in even further
unifying Ethiopia. The establishment of modern schools and hospitals, the introduction
of tap water and electricity are some of the modern establishments introduced by
Emperor Menilik II.
After Emperor Menilik II, his daughter Empress Zewditu and Emperor Haile Selassie
I have successively ruled Ethiopia. Their officials were selected on the basis of
birth and their loyalty to the ruling elite.
The feudal system was overthrown when the fascistic military regime took power in
1974. This regime was so oppressive that the country become a land where even “thinking”
was forbidden for 17 years. Right after the demise of the military regime, Ethiopia
embarked on the path of democratic rule. The constitution, which came in the year
1995, has fully guaranteed the respect of democratic and human rights of the people.
The country is now on the path of peace, democracy and development. The country
has already introduced free market economy, encouraging privatization and development
through sustainable peace.
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