Reclamation of Salt-affected Soils in the Drylands of Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

The need to feed the growing population of Ethiopia could be addressed by changing salt-affected soils into productive land. This review begins by establishing why and how salt-affected soils, mainly saline soils, are created in the drylands of Ethiopia. The review presents experiences in reclaiming salt-affected dryland soils of Ethiopia and shows future research priorities to augment and sustain the agricultural productivity of these soils. It also considers knowledge on the benefits that woody plants provide in sustainable remedies for salt-affected soils by their use in agroforestry systems/practices. Finally, the review discusses the considerable practical work that remains to be done, as well as the importance of collaboration of multidisciplinary teams of workers to properly reclaim and manage soils, which are affecting farmers most severely in the drylands of Ethiopia. Salt-affected soils in Ethiopia are predominantly found in the Great Rift Valley plain, including the Awash River Basin and Omo River Basin, Lakes Turkana and Chew Bahir, the southern Rift Valley, areas near Ziway and Shala, and around the Abaya lakes.