Abstract

The main objective of this review paper is to give an overview on the causes and impact of land degradation in Ethiopia through the DPSIR scheme for land degradation assessment. Land degradation is a process of the reduction of land resources production potential and is the deterioration in quality of the environment for humans, vegetations, animals and aquatic life. It is a complex phenomenon triggered by the interplay of environmental, social, economical factors. It happens all over the world but its severity is more in parts of Africa particularly in sub-Saharan Countries. The problem of land degradation in rural areas is highly interlinked to food security and quality of environment. Despite the nonstop ongoing degradation, land users and policy makers have responded in many instances with innovative practices and policies to protect degraded lands and degradation process at all. DPSIR approach is among the appropriate environmental assessment tools contributing in the formulation of environmental policies. It is a significant model and simplifies the monitoring system of land degradation.

Keywords: Land; Degradation; DPSIR; Ethiopia

Abbreviations: EHRS: Ethiopian Highland Reclamation Study; UNCCD: United Nation Convention to Combat Desertification; DPSIR: Driving force,Pressure, State, Impact and Response; CCD: Combat Desertification