Geospatial Analysis of Wetland Dynamics on Lake Abaya-Chamo, The Main Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Zekarias, Tariku; Govindu, Vanum; Kebede, Yechale; Gelaw, Abren

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07943

Cited by 12 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 31 publications

(46 reference statements)

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“…The vegetation cover management in this region is also optimal, and therefore, soil loss and land degradation are low in these zones. Agroforestry activities, already in practice in the study area, need to be intensified and expanded to reduce soil loss (Zekarias et al, 2021 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of forest landscape restoration in combating soil erosion in the Lake Abaya catchment, Southern Ethiopia

Eshetu,

Kipkulei,

Koepke

et al. 2024

Environ Monit Assess

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As an effect of forest degradation, soil erosion is among Ethiopia’s most pressing environmental challenges and a major threat to food security where it could potentially compromise the ecosystem functions and services. As the effects of soil erosion intensify, the landscape’s capacity to support ecosystem functions and services is compromised. Exploring the ecological implications of soil erosion is crucial. This study investigated the soil loss and land degradation in the Lake Abaya catchment to explore forest landscape restoration (FLR) implementation as a possible countermeasure to the effects. The study used a geographic information system (GIS)-based approach of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to determine the potential annual soil loss and develop an erosion risk map. Results show that 13% of the catchment, which accounts for approximately 110,000 ha, is under high erosion risk of exceeding the average annual tolerable soil loss of 10 t/ha/year. Allocation of land on steep slopes to crop production is the major reason for the calculated high erosion risk in the catchment. A scenario-based analysis was implemented following the slope-based land-use allocation proposal indicated in the Rural Land Use Proclamation 456/2005 of Ethiopia. The scenario analysis resulted in a reversal erosion effect whereby an estimated 3000 t/ha/year of soil loss in the catchment. Thus, FLR activities hold great potential for minimizing soil loss and contributing to supporting functioning and providing ecosystem services. Tree-based agroforestry systems are among the key FLR measures championed in highly degraded landscapes in Ethiopia. This study helps policymakers and FLR implementors identify erosion risk areas for future FLR activities. Thereby, it contributes to achieving the country’s restoration commitment.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of forest landscape restoration in combating soil erosion in the Lake Abaya catchment, Southern Ethiopia

Eshetu,

Kipkulei,

Koepke

et al. 2024

Environ Monit Assess

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“…[ 25 ] reported that data generated through in-situ measurements and laboratory analyses of physico-chemical parameters and the plankton communities, when compared with results from the literature, turbidity, salinity, nitrates and soluble reactive phosphorous showed an increasing trend in Lake Abaya. Quantification of the magnitude and rate of LULC dynamics of Lake Abaya-Chamo wetland within 1990–2019 showed that wetland area has continuously declined throughout 1990–2000, 2000–2010 and 2010–2019 where its magnitude of shrinkage in the respective periods was 11.4% (700ha), 16% (867 ha) and 31.3% (1,424 ha) [ 20 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…High population densities within the catchments of the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes and in the highlands have been associated with a series of deleterious trends, in particular those arising from the clearance of vegetation for agriculture and overgrazing. Quantification of the magnitude and rate of LULC dynamics of Lake Abaya-Chamo wetland within 1990–2019 showed that wetland area has continuously declined throughout 1990–2000, 2000–2010 and 2010–2019 where its magnitude of shrinkage in the respective periods was 11.4% (700ha), 16% (867 ha) and 31.3% (1,424 ha) [ 20 ]. Some of the key challenges to the wetlands of lake Abaya are intensive use of land in the buffer zones for crop production, land loss due to deforestation in the watershed, and eutrophication by nutrients from agricultural fields [ 21 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wetland vegetation composition and ecology of Lake Abaya in southern Ethiopia

Gojamme

2024

PLoS ONE

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Wetland vegetation and ecology of Lake Abaya in the southern Ethiopia was studied to determine floristic composition, plant community type and vegetation ecology. A total of 102 plots were laid along transects that were set up preferentially across areas where there were rapid changes in vegetation or marked environmental gradients to collect data on estimate of percentage aerial cover of plant species and environmental variables. Vegetation data was analyzed by agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis using similarity ratio as a resemblance index and Ward’s linkage method. Multivariate data analysis was performed using appropriate packages in R version 2.14.0. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to explore the relationship between the species composition and environmental variables. The environmental data included in the CCA were determined using stepwise backward and forward selection of variables by ANOVA test. Statistical measurement regarding species diversity, richness and evenness of the plant community types was carried out by using Shannon-Wiener diversity indices. A total of 92 plant species belonging to 66 genera and 34 families were identified. Families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Cyperaceae, Solanaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Amaranthaceae account for about 56.99% of the total proportion. Based on the cluster analysis, five plant community types were identified. The most important factors influencing the plant species composition and pattern of wetland plant communities were water drainage, water depth, land use, slope, altitude, and hydrogeomorphology. Therefore, these factors should be considered in future management and protection under the circumstance of climate change and human activities.

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“…These unceasing expansion and trends will also be expected by 2035 and 2050 at the expense of forest, shrub and grasslands loss (Table S2). Moreover, the expansion of waterbodies (Figure 4), particularly along the shore side of Lake Abaya might be attributed to the displacement and lateral expansion of the lake's water due to the increase in sediment load, resulting from soil erosion [65][66][67]. Rapid population growth, social instability, land policy, unproductive land and climate change were identified as the key driving forces of LULC changes in the area [33,68].…”

Section: Land Use Land Cover Dynamicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated Modeling of Land Degradation Dynamics and Insights on the Possible Future Management Alternatives in the Gidabo River Basin, Ethiopian Rift Valley

Girma,

Moges,

Fürst

2023

Land

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Land degradation is a pivotal environmental concern, bearing substantial impacts in the Gidabo river basin (GRB) in Ethiopia, prompting a critical need for effective mitigation strategies. In this study, we aimed to assess the dynamics of land degradation pathways in the context of change in climate and land use. The identification of potential erosion hotspots and the appraisal of management strategies was also carried out. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the Good Practice Guidance (GPG) framework was employed. The results revealed a compelling synergy between land use dynamics and climate changes, asserting joint and individual prevalence in influencing surface runoff and sediment yield. The past simulation revealed 4–5.9% and 24–43% increments in mean annual runoff and sediment yield, respectively. While the near (2021–2040) and mid (2041–2060) future scenarios displayed varying trends under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Furthermore, sub-basins prone to soil erosion risk were identified, thereby enabling targeted conservation efforts. The assessment of trends in land degradation neutrality (LDN) unveiled the expansion of land degradation trajectories (by 26%) from 1985–2003 to 2003–2021. This might be attributed to the dynamic interplay between climate and land use land cover (LULC) change, with croplands and bare land emerging as high-risk degraded areas. Addressing these concerns, soil/stone bund, terracing, contour farming, and reforestation practice can significantly reduce the annual sediment yield in the future. The integration of soil erosion indicators with LDN sub-indicators can provide a more comprehensive approach that can lead to more effective land management and restoration strategies to achieve the LDN goal. The findings of this study could contribute crucial insights and substantial implications for policymakers, land managers, and conservationists. Moreover, future efforts should be directed to expand investigations into diverse land degradation pathways and mitigation measures.

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Geospatial Analysis of Wetland Dynamics on Lake Abaya-Chamo, The Main Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Cited by 12 publications

References 31 publications

Impact of forest landscape restoration in combating soil erosion in the Lake Abaya catchment, Southern Ethiopia

Impact of forest landscape restoration in combating soil erosion in the Lake Abaya catchment, Southern Ethiopia

Wetland vegetation composition and ecology of Lake Abaya in southern Ethiopia

Integrated Modeling of Land Degradation Dynamics and Insights on the Possible Future Management Alternatives in the Gidabo River Basin, Ethiopian Rift Valley

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