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Land evaluation on Metema Land evaluation on Metema Quara Study areaQuara Study area

Framework of the study documentFramework of the study document

-Introduction -Introduction

-Description of the project -Description of the project areaarea

-Objectives-Objectives

-Methods-Methods

-Major land uses-Major land uses

- Results of suitability - Results of suitability assessmentassessment

-Recommendations-Recommendations

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1.INTRODUCTION1.INTRODUCTION

LE-- process of assessing land performance LE-- process of assessing land performance under specified kinds of land useunder specified kinds of land use

It consists of comparison between land and land It consists of comparison between land and land use/ i.e. characteristics and requirements /use/ i.e. characteristics and requirements /

Comparison is a basic ground for predicting the Comparison is a basic ground for predicting the consequences of applying different land uses and consequences of applying different land uses and land units.land units.

Decisions on land use have always been part of Decisions on land use have always been part of the development of human society/knowingly or the development of human society/knowingly or unknowingly/unknowingly/

Clearing forest land and changing to agricultural Clearing forest land and changing to agricultural use was one of the earliest decisions on land use.use was one of the earliest decisions on land use.

Such decisions continued today hence, growing Such decisions continued today hence, growing populations require more land for food populations require more land for food production.production.

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ContinuedContinued

Increasing demands for various uses Increasing demands for various uses have led to land use changes/crop have led to land use changes/crop production, livestock grazing, forest production, livestock grazing, forest land, settlement/land, settlement/

Competition for land for different kinds Competition for land for different kinds of land use has led to the creation of a of land use has led to the creation of a new approach known as LEnew approach known as LE

LE brings together the right kinds of LE brings together the right kinds of land with the right kinds of land usesland with the right kinds of land uses

Therefore, this report deals with the land Therefore, this report deals with the land evaluation; methodology employed, the evaluation; methodology employed, the analysis applied, and the results analysis applied, and the results obtained.obtained.

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2.Description of the project2.Description of the project areaarea

2.1 Location2.1 Location The study area-Situated in Metema-Quara woreda, The study area-Situated in Metema-Quara woreda,

North Gonder administrative zoneNorth Gonder administrative zone -Geographically it extends from 12-Geographically it extends from 1200 15’ to12 15’ to1200 45’N 45’N

Latitude and from 35Latitude and from 35oo30’ to 3630’ to 36o o 15’E Longitude15’E Longitude -It covers a total area of about -It covers a total area of about 256056 ha256056 ha

-Its population is about -Its population is about 1871018710

2.2 Land resources2.2 Land resources -Suitability of land resources for agriculture is -Suitability of land resources for agriculture is

determined by terrain, soil and agro-climatic determined by terrain, soil and agro-climatic characteristicscharacteristics

-These characteristics in their turn determine the -These characteristics in their turn determine the growing condition of crops, ranges and trees.growing condition of crops, ranges and trees.

-Management and conservation measures are also -Management and conservation measures are also determined by terrain, soil and agro-climatic determined by terrain, soil and agro-climatic characteristics.characteristics.

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2.2.1 2.2.1 physiographyphysiography and soils and soils Physography -Physiographic units don’t Physography -Physiographic units don’t

show wide variations in physical featuresshow wide variations in physical features -Land forms encompassed are:-Land forms encompassed are:

-Plain land--Plain land-268901.94 ha(68.98%)268901.94 ha(68.98%) including undulating and rolling plainsincluding undulating and rolling plains

- Mountains,Hills-- Mountains,Hills-101444.4ha(39.62101444.4ha(39.62%) %) including valley side slopsincluding valley side slops

- Different degraded land forms-- Different degraded land forms-19494.68(7.6119494.68(7.61%)-plains, Hills and %)-plains, Hills and mountainsmountains

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SoilsSoils- Have strong interrelation with the topography of the - Have strong interrelation with the topography of the areaarea

The soil types identified in the study area are;The soil types identified in the study area are; VertisolsVertisols-occur dominantly in plain lands-occur dominantly in plain lands

- Highly productive under proper management- Highly productive under proper management

-It covers about -It covers about 149360.65ha (58.33 149360.65ha (58.33 %)%) RegosolsRegosols- Occur in all land forms of the study area- Occur in all land forms of the study area

-Shallow in depth-Shallow in depth

-IT covers about -IT covers about 40647.98ha(15.87%)40647.98ha(15.87%) LeptosolsLeptosols-found on hill and mountain land forms-found on hill and mountain land forms

-It covers about -It covers about 64388.25ha(25.15%)64388.25ha(25.15%) CambisolsCambisols-Occupy a small area, which is -Occupy a small area, which is

1403.90ha(0.15%)1403.90ha(0.15%)

--Particularly found in plateau lands Particularly found in plateau lands

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2.2.2 Climate2.2.2 Climate Rainfall and temperature are the considered Rainfall and temperature are the considered

climatic factorsclimatic factors Rainfall of the study area is unimodalRainfall of the study area is unimodal Mean annual rainfall is about Mean annual rainfall is about 700-1200mm700-1200mm Rainy months are June, July August and Rainy months are June, July August and

SeptemberSeptember Mean annual temperature is about Mean annual temperature is about 202000-30-3000cc It is favorable for most of the crops growing in It is favorable for most of the crops growing in

low landslow lands

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2.2.3 present land use and natural vegetation2.2.3 present land use and natural vegetation Present LU is characterized by low input and owned by Present LU is characterized by low input and owned by

small holderssmall holders It is also characterized by large holdersIt is also characterized by large holders Agricultural production is mostly based on rainfed Agricultural production is mostly based on rainfed

agricultureagriculture There are also localized irrigated crops/especially fruits/There are also localized irrigated crops/especially fruits/ The two major market oriented crops are sesame and The two major market oriented crops are sesame and

cottoncotton neither fertilizer nor manure is applied to farm fieldsneither fertilizer nor manure is applied to farm fields natural vegetation cover on farm lands is cleared out natural vegetation cover on farm lands is cleared out

mainly by fire burningmainly by fire burning structure of the soil is damaged and its fertility is structure of the soil is damaged and its fertility is

decliningdeclining natural forest destruction and fire burning damage are natural forest destruction and fire burning damage are

the observed phenomena in the study areathe observed phenomena in the study area

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2.2.4 Livestock2.2.4 Livestock 59.82% of the study area is used for 59.82% of the study area is used for

extensive grazing and browsingextensive grazing and browsing there is a considerable number of there is a considerable number of

livestock which is 23521.44TLU/kmlivestock which is 23521.44TLU/km22

the need for draught power and social the need for draught power and social prestige is the main reasons for having prestige is the main reasons for having high number of livestockhigh number of livestock

feed sources are adequate compared to feed sources are adequate compared to the number of livestockthe number of livestock

on the contrary poor management of feed on the contrary poor management of feed sources resulted in un palatable and sources resulted in un palatable and deficit of forage in dry seasonsdeficit of forage in dry seasons

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2.2.5 Infrastructure2.2.5 Infrastructure Some kebeles are connected by poorly Some kebeles are connected by poorly

maintained dry weather roadmaintained dry weather road The only all weather road is stretched from The only all weather road is stretched from

Azezo to Metema YohannesAzezo to Metema Yohannes Rural marketes are available within the study Rural marketes are available within the study

areaarea The price is not as such encouraging in these The price is not as such encouraging in these

rural marketsrural markets Gondar, which is the potential market which is Gondar, which is the potential market which is

found at a distance of found at a distance of 185km185km from Metema from Metema Human health clinics are found in Human health clinics are found in

shihedy,Gelego and in some other rural townsshihedy,Gelego and in some other rural towns

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A referral hospital is found in shihedy townA referral hospital is found in shihedy town Although there are different human diseases, Although there are different human diseases,

malaria is the most common onemalaria is the most common one Animal health clinics are very few in number Animal health clinics are very few in number

and mainly found in woredaand mainly found in woreda There are about There are about 8 8 elementary and elementary and 11 high high

schoolschool There is only one senior high school which is There is only one senior high school which is

found in shihedyfound in shihedy Some satellite schools are found in some Some satellite schools are found in some

villagesvillages Access to safe drinking water is very limitedAccess to safe drinking water is very limited

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3.Objectives of the 3.Objectives of the studystudy

Identifying suitable crops to the areaIdentifying suitable crops to the area Identifying land suitable for arable cropping,Identifying land suitable for arable cropping,

livestock grazing and forestrylivestock grazing and forestry Producing suitability maps for the land use Producing suitability maps for the land use

types consideredtypes considered Forward recommendations based on suitability Forward recommendations based on suitability

assessmentassessment

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4.Methods4.Methods

4.1 General4.1 General The study follows the methodology set out in The study follows the methodology set out in

FAO frame work for LEFAO frame work for LE The procedures are employed in land resources The procedures are employed in land resources

survey at field levelsurvey at field level Informant farmers were participated in Informant farmers were participated in

identifying present land uses, land use types and identifying present land uses, land use types and agronomic practicesagronomic practices

Systematic comparison of LUQ with the Systematic comparison of LUQ with the properties of land units is fundamental to land properties of land units is fundamental to land evaluation and arrive at land suitability evaluation and arrive at land suitability classificationclassification

The steps followed in carrying out matching The steps followed in carrying out matching were;were; Describe land use typesDescribe land use types Determine requirements for each LUTsDetermine requirements for each LUTs Map and describe the land resources baseMap and describe the land resources base

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4.2 Land use type selection4.2 Land use type selection Selection of major crops grown and newly Selection of major crops grown and newly

introduced crops through discussionintroduced crops through discussion The major crops are largely used as food and The major crops are largely used as food and

export earningsexport earnings The newly introduced crops are proved to be The newly introduced crops are proved to be

highly potential and suitable for the areahighly potential and suitable for the area While selecting crops the following While selecting crops the following

conditions were considered;conditions were considered;Its importance in the livelihood of the Its importance in the livelihood of the

populationpopulationRole of newly introduced crops in Role of newly introduced crops in

improving the farming technology or notimproving the farming technology or notIts role in creating marketing opportunity Its role in creating marketing opportunity

and food securityand food security

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4.3 Land use requirements4.3 Land use requirements LuLu requirements of MLU and LUTs consider requirements of MLU and LUTs consider

physical conditions of the study area (land physical conditions of the study area (land forms, soils ,climate)forms, soils ,climate)

MLU are rainfed crop production, forestry and MLU are rainfed crop production, forestry and livestock grazinglivestock grazing

They are identified and determined based on They are identified and determined based on primary and secondary data primary and secondary data

4.4 Land units4.4 Land units Defined in terms of land qualities and land Defined in terms of land qualities and land

characteristicscharacteristics It is assumed to be an area with homogeneous It is assumed to be an area with homogeneous

characteristicscharacteristics Physiographic units surveyed and mapped Physiographic units surveyed and mapped

have been used as land unitshave been used as land units

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4.5 Matching land use with land4.5 Matching land use with land A process of looking in to possible adaptation A process of looking in to possible adaptation

of LUTs and possible improvements of the of LUTs and possible improvements of the existing land qualitiesexisting land qualities

Land use requirements and land Land use requirements and land characteristics definedcharacteristics defined

They are competed to see whether the land They are competed to see whether the land is suitable for a specific use or notis suitable for a specific use or not

A suitability rating(s1, s2, s3, s, N) is A suitability rating(s1, s2, s3, s, N) is assignedassigned

The least suitability rating is taken as an The least suitability rating is taken as an overall rating overall rating

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5.Major Land Use types5.Major Land Use types The determination of MLU is directly related to The determination of MLU is directly related to

the physical suitability of the landthe physical suitability of the land The considered MLU are three (Rain fed, The considered MLU are three (Rain fed,

Forestry& Livestock grazing)Forestry& Livestock grazing) 5.1 Rainfed crop production5.1 Rainfed crop production

Characterized by medium to high capitalCharacterized by medium to high capital Characterized by medium to high laborCharacterized by medium to high labor Characterized by medium to high non-Characterized by medium to high non-

mechanizedmechanized The sizes of the farm field is not that much smallThe sizes of the farm field is not that much small Major traction power are oxenMajor traction power are oxen Better of farmers use tractors for plowing andBetter of farmers use tractors for plowing and Such land users largely focus on market- Such land users largely focus on market-

oriented farming with some food crops for home oriented farming with some food crops for home consumptionconsumption

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5.5.2 Natural vegetation2 Natural vegetation Formation and distribution of natural vegetation Formation and distribution of natural vegetation

largely influenced by different environmental largely influenced by different environmental factors( temp., RF, Land forms and soils)factors( temp., RF, Land forms and soils)

The major plant species abundantly found are The major plant species abundantly found are wood land forest, low land bamboowood land forest, low land bamboo

The Natural forests mostly serve as wild life The Natural forests mostly serve as wild life sanctuarysanctuary

Natural forests mainly provide fuel and Natural forests mainly provide fuel and Construction wood Construction wood

It is also a source of non wood It is also a source of non wood products(incense),butproducts(incense),but

Incense has reached at critical stages of Incense has reached at critical stages of destructiondestruction

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5.3 Livestock Grazing5.3 Livestock Grazing One of the major land use types in the study One of the major land use types in the study

areaarea It has a significant role in the economy of the It has a significant role in the economy of the

rural populationrural population It is the major feeding methodIt is the major feeding method Large parts of the study area are used for Large parts of the study area are used for

extensive grazing /browsingextensive grazing /browsing The feed sources comprise of natural The feed sources comprise of natural

pastures, crop residues and aftermathpastures, crop residues and aftermath The feed resources are mis- utilized(fragile The feed resources are mis- utilized(fragile

natural resources) natural resources)

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6.Results of Suitability 6.Results of Suitability assessmentassessment

6.1 General6.1 General Areas suitable for twelve LUTs under rainfed Areas suitable for twelve LUTs under rainfed

agriculture are discussedagriculture are discussed Low input level is the one considered for Low input level is the one considered for

rainfed agriculturerainfed agriculture The suitability assessment is carried out for: The suitability assessment is carried out for: Existing LUTs,and Existing LUTs,and Newly introduced to the areaNewly introduced to the area

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6.2 Climatic suitability6.2 Climatic suitability Parts of the land suitability assessmentParts of the land suitability assessment It reflects the climate to support plant It reflects the climate to support plant

growthgrowth Temperature and rainfall are the two land Temperature and rainfall are the two land

qualities consideredqualities considered The suitability assessment results don’t The suitability assessment results don’t

reflect considerable differences in growing reflect considerable differences in growing conditions for most of the selected cropsconditions for most of the selected crops

The major climatic limitations are high The major climatic limitations are high temperature and excess rainfalltemperature and excess rainfall

Suitability assessment of climate shows that Suitability assessment of climate shows that the area is highly suitable for livestock.the area is highly suitable for livestock.

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6.3 Soil Suitability6.3 Soil Suitability Soil suitability assessment shows that soil Soil suitability assessment shows that soil

parameters are matched with crop parameters are matched with crop requirementsrequirements

The assessment result shows that The assessment result shows that 28.15%28.15% of of the study area is suitable for rainfed cropsthe study area is suitable for rainfed crops

Nearly Nearly 6.87%6.87% of the study area is classified of the study area is classified as highly suitableas highly suitable

Nearly Nearly 8.53%8.53% of the study area is classified of the study area is classified as moderately suitableas moderately suitable

Almost Almost 12.75%12.75% of the study area is classified of the study area is classified as marginally suitableas marginally suitable

The limiting factors are soil depth, terrain, The limiting factors are soil depth, terrain, water logging and drainage problem, of water logging and drainage problem, of which water logging is the major one.which water logging is the major one.

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6.4.1. Rainfed crop production6.4.1. Rainfed crop production A land area of A land area of 88275.15 ha(34.47%)88275.15 ha(34.47%) is highly is highly

suitable(S1)suitable(S1) A land area of A land area of 23015.10 ha (9.0%)23015.10 ha (9.0%) is moderately is moderately

suitable(S2)suitable(S2) A land area of A land area of 51217.34 ha (20.0%)51217.34 ha (20.0%) is is

marginally suitable(S3)marginally suitable(S3) The remaining The remaining 93293.19ha (36.53%)93293.19ha (36.53%) is not is not

suitable for crop productionsuitable for crop production6.4.2. Livestock production6.4.2. Livestock production

Out of the total study area:Out of the total study area: 23428.46ha (9.15%)23428.46ha (9.15%) is highly suitable (S1) is highly suitable (S1) 64315.29ha (25.12%)64315.29ha (25.12%) is moderately suitable is moderately suitable

(S2)(S2) 83568.01ha (32.64%)83568.01ha (32.64%) is marginally suitable(S3) is marginally suitable(S3) The remaining The remaining 84233.31ha (32.90%)84233.31ha (32.90%) of the area of the area

is unsuitable for livestock grazingis unsuitable for livestock grazing

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6.4. Land suitability assessment6.4. Land suitability assessment Land suitability is the combination of Land suitability is the combination of

climatic and soil suitabilityclimatic and soil suitability It enables to estimate the potential of land It enables to estimate the potential of land

for a particular land use typefor a particular land use type Suitability classification indicates the Suitability classification indicates the

major limiting factors on major limiting factors on moderately ,marginally and not suitable moderately ,marginally and not suitable landslands

The remaining The remaining 71.85%71.85% of the area is un of the area is un suitable for rainfed crop productionsuitable for rainfed crop production

Land suitability maps represent the spatial Land suitability maps represent the spatial distributiondistribution of the suitability of the landof the suitability of the land

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6.4.3. Natural vegetation cover6.4.3. Natural vegetation cover 90277.68ha (35.26%)90277.68ha (35.26%) is suitable and, the is suitable and, the

remaining remaining 165778.63ha (64.74165778.63ha (64.74%) is non-suitable %) is non-suitable for natural vegetation coverfor natural vegetation cover

6.5.Crops Selected for the Suitability Assessment6.5.Crops Selected for the Suitability Assessment The LUTs considered in the suitability assessment The LUTs considered in the suitability assessment

are:are: CerealsCereals (sorghum, maize, rice) (sorghum, maize, rice) Oil cropsOil crops (sesame, soybean) (sesame, soybean) Fiber cropsFiber crops (cotton, kenaf) (cotton, kenaf) Horticultural crops Horticultural crops (chilli pepper, tomato)(chilli pepper, tomato) PulsePulse (cowpea) (cowpea) Root crops Root crops (sweet potato, cassava)(sweet potato, cassava)

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Spatial difference in land suitability is Spatial difference in land suitability is identified in the suitability assessment.identified in the suitability assessment.

The difference is due to the variations in soil The difference is due to the variations in soil conditions and landforms required by the cropsconditions and landforms required by the crops

Differences due to thermal conditions have less Differences due to thermal conditions have less influence on the variation of the land influence on the variation of the land suitability. suitability.

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6.6.Results of crop suitability assessment for 6.6.Results of crop suitability assessment for rainfed agriculture/MQ/rainfed agriculture/MQ/

Crop types

LUTsSuitability Rating

S1 S2 S3 N

Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha %

Cereals

sorghum 21089.81 8.24 51217.34 20 183493.64 71.66

Maize 7537.35 2.94 51217.34 20 183

Rice 88275.15 34.48 23015.1 8.44 183493.64 71.66

Oil crops

sesame 13552.45 5.29 7537.352.94

234910.49 91.08

soybean 1066.32 .42 33355.49 18.32 207826.51 81.16

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ContinuedContinuedCrop types LUTs Suitability Rating

S1 S2 S3 N

Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha %

Fiber crops cotton 6342.41 2.48 14701.47 5.74 36640.92 14.31 198115.98 77.37

kenaf 13552.45 5.29 1709.39 .67 204538.93 93.94

Horticultural crops

Chilli pepper

21089.81 8.24 234710.97

Tomato 56 .02 21033.8 8.22 51217.34 20 183493.64 71.66

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Crop types LUTs Suitability Rating

S1 S2 S3 N

Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha %

pulses cowpea 13552.45 5.29 7537.35 2.94 51217.34 20 183493.64 71.66

Root crops Sweet potato

13552.45 5.29 7537..35 2.94 49203.38 19.22 185502.6 72.45

Cassava 56.00 0.02 21033.80 8.22 - - 234710.94 91.00

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6.7 Land suitability for natural 6.7 Land suitability for natural VegetationVegetation Suitability classification is carried out at an Suitability classification is carried out at an

order level, i.e., suitable(S) and not order level, i.e., suitable(S) and not suitable(N)suitable(N)

The result will help to optimize forest The result will help to optimize forest resources utilizationresources utilization

Tree species considered are belonging to the Tree species considered are belonging to the area/for genetic conservation/area/for genetic conservation/

90277.68ha(35.29%)90277.68ha(35.29%) suitable and suitable and 165778.63ha(64.74%)165778.63ha(64.74%)

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6.8 Land suitability for Livestock grazing6.8 Land suitability for Livestock grazing Evaluated in terms of feed sourcesEvaluated in terms of feed sources Climatic, soil and Physical characteristics are Climatic, soil and Physical characteristics are

consideredconsidered Grazing areas and drinking water are reliableGrazing areas and drinking water are reliable Agro climatic environment is Agro climatic environment is

conductive(particularly for cattle)conductive(particularly for cattle) 153192.42ha(59.83%)153192.42ha(59.83%) suitable and suitable and

102863.89ha(40.17%)102863.89ha(40.17%) not suitable not suitable Land units suitable for rainfed agriculture are Land units suitable for rainfed agriculture are

also suitable for grazingalso suitable for grazing Although the area is located in lower” kola” Although the area is located in lower” kola”

agro-climatic zone “Testesfly” is not identified as agro-climatic zone “Testesfly” is not identified as a constraint in the areaa constraint in the area

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7.Summary of 7.Summary of RecommendationsRecommendations

Total study area covers about Total study area covers about 256056ha256056ha It comprises of plains hills and mountain It comprises of plains hills and mountain

land formsland forms Located in metema-Quara woredas(North Located in metema-Quara woredas(North

Gondar Adm. Zone)Gondar Adm. Zone) It is characterized by- Market oriented It is characterized by- Market oriented

farmingfarming high livestock population with extensive high livestock population with extensive

grazinggrazing It is also a high potential area for agriculture It is also a high potential area for agriculture

( crop production )( crop production )

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ContinuedContinued

The main objective of the study is;The main objective of the study is; Identifying the constraints for development, Identifying the constraints for development,

andand Proposing development optionsProposing development options

Suitability assessment shows that the area Suitability assessment shows that the area has a significant natural resources has a significant natural resources potentials for agricultural productionpotentials for agricultural production

It is more suitable for livestock productionIt is more suitable for livestock production In most cases the limitations identified are In most cases the limitations identified are

temporarytemporary Thus they can be alleviated by applying Thus they can be alleviated by applying

improved and appropriate technologiesimproved and appropriate technologies

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ContinuedContinued

(water logging problem is identified as a major(water logging problem is identified as a major problem on plain lands)problem on plain lands) Extending agriculture farming in to Extending agriculture farming in to

ecologically fragile areas will damage non ecologically fragile areas will damage non renewable natural resourcesrenewable natural resources

Sustainable development should provide a Sustainable development should provide a focus on protecting and managing the fragile focus on protecting and managing the fragile natural resourcesnatural resources

crop production should concentrate on those crop production should concentrate on those areas identified as highly and moderately areas identified as highly and moderately suitablesuitable

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ContinuedContinued

Concentrating development efforts on Concentrating development efforts on highly potential areas for agricultural highly potential areas for agricultural production would alleviate pressure on production would alleviate pressure on ecologically sensitive parts of the the study ecologically sensitive parts of the the study areasareas

Raising low input level to intermediate level will Raising low input level to intermediate level will result in high level of agricultural productionresult in high level of agricultural production

The community is mainly dependant only The community is mainly dependant only on two crops /sesame & cotton/on two crops /sesame & cotton/

This dependency may expose crop This dependency may expose crop production to natural disasterproduction to natural disaster

Adopting and practicing new and suitable Adopting and practicing new and suitable crops to the area will prevent crop crops to the area will prevent crop failure, and may increase crop productionfailure, and may increase crop production

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ContinuedContinued Livestock is the main component of the Livestock is the main component of the

farming systemfarming system The grazing area may produce more dry The grazing area may produce more dry

matter than requiredmatter than required The availability of high forage biomass The availability of high forage biomass

indicates the potential of the area to feed indicates the potential of the area to feed more livestock population and opportunity to more livestock population and opportunity to increase its productionincrease its production

Livestock development has to be supported Livestock development has to be supported by proper range management and by proper range management and utilization( hay making, rotational grazing)utilization( hay making, rotational grazing)

The other alternative for sustainable livestock The other alternative for sustainable livestock development is introducing exotic improved development is introducing exotic improved breeds and breeding with the native ones.breeds and breeding with the native ones.(will upgrade both quality and productivity)(will upgrade both quality and productivity)

Parasites and diseases challenging livestock Parasites and diseases challenging livestock production shall be controlledproduction shall be controlled

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And this will reduce the stocking number and And this will reduce the stocking number and thereby livestock pressure on fragile natural thereby livestock pressure on fragile natural resources will be managed (a considerable area resources will be managed (a considerable area is suitable for natural forest development)is suitable for natural forest development)

The expansion of farming to ecologically The expansion of farming to ecologically sensitive forest areas is a damaging human sensitive forest areas is a damaging human interventionintervention

Areas covered with incense tree and low land Areas covered with incense tree and low land bamboo must be closed from any human bamboo must be closed from any human interferencesinterferences

Proper utilization and management of fragile Proper utilization and management of fragile natural resources will ensure sustainable natural resources will ensure sustainable agricultural developmentagricultural development

Improving apiculture management and Improving apiculture management and marketing arrangement will alleviate the marketing arrangement will alleviate the problem and increase honey and wax problem and increase honey and wax productionproduction

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ContinuedContinued

Progressive destruction of natural Progressive destruction of natural vegetation will reduce nectar vegetation will reduce nectar sources(seriously affect honey and wax sources(seriously affect honey and wax production)production)

Gum and incense are collected from the Gum and incense are collected from the natural forestnatural forest

Degradation of natural forest has reduced Degradation of natural forest has reduced the production of gum and incensethe production of gum and incense

Low land bamboo is one of the resources Low land bamboo is one of the resources threatened by the expansion of rainfed threatened by the expansion of rainfed agriculture and fire burningagriculture and fire burning

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ContinuedContinued

forest resources development should focus forest resources development should focus on marginally suitable and not suitable lands on marginally suitable and not suitable lands for rain fed farmingfor rain fed farming

integrated forest development with crop integrated forest development with crop cultivation allows them to complement each cultivation allows them to complement each other, and results in ecological stability and other, and results in ecological stability and sustainability of productionsustainability of production

areas not suitable for forest development areas not suitable for forest development shall be designed for area closureshall be designed for area closure