ABSTRACT The climate resources of Ethiopia were analyzed to help determine food production potential. Monthly precipitation and potential evapotranspiration normals were compared to identify growing seasons. These two variables were analyzed in a simple monthly time step soil moisture computer model to objectively interpret their combined effects on water supply and moisture stress and to incorporate soil factors. The soil moisture analysis accounted for both perennial and annual crops. The geographic basis of the study was 13 uniform productivity areas (UPAs) defined from topographic and soil type homogeneity A composite barchart diagram showing precipitation and potential evapotranspiration normals displays the range of moisture regimes within Ethiopia. The results suggest a wide range in food production potential throughout Ethiopia. Given the variation in climatic conditions and soil resources, it is not surprising that agricultural systems in Ethiopia are also highly diverse. Regions such as Keffa and Nyala have very rich land resources, capable of year-round production of food and cash crops. Ogaden and Dallol, on the other hand, can be very precarious even for pastoralism because rainfall is very low and highly seasonal. A software package for climate analysis, which can operate on a desk top computer generated the climatic statistics used in this analysis. These results have been used in an interdisciplinary assessment of land degradation risks in Ethiopia. The methodology is applicable elsewhere in Africa.