HANPP trajectories for Ethiopia reveal recent agricultural efficiency gains but high grazing intensity

Abstract

This study presents long-term trajectories of biomass flows and dynamics of land use change of Ethiopia between 1961 and 2013. The data from FAO sources are analysed using the Human Appropriation Net Primary Production (HANPP) methodology. By 2015, the population of Ethiopia reached the 100 million mark, with about 80 million Ethiopians subsisting on agricultural production. The average farm size was less than 1 ha. Cereal production yields have remained comparatively low. Productivity of the country’s livestock population continues to be low and about half of the cattle is held for traction. 90% of the total energy demand of Ethiopia is covered from biomass. Study findings show that the total share of potential Net Primary Productivity appropriated for human activities (or HANPP) stands at 63% by 2013. Per hectare biomass extraction from cropland triples in the study timeframe and cropland production increases hint at strong efficiency gains in the last two decades. On grazing land, total HANPP increases from 37 to 68%, mainly due to degradation modelling. Grazing amounts to one-fifth of the total biomass extracted. Ethiopia’s grazing intensity is among the highest observed globally. Forest and woodland HANPP stands at 53% in 2013. By 2005, Ethiopian HANPP levels are more than three times the average for Africa. The demonstrated levels of biomass appropriation from cropland, grazing land and forests may increase negative impacts, such soil degradation and erosion. Promoting sustainable farming practices, improving livestock productivity while reducing herd size, as well as increasing energy efficiency will be vital to reduce impacts on natural resources.